Page 86 of Snowed Inn

“Oh, and the midnight drinks, of course,” Jesse adds.

“I already told Ellie about the midnight drinks,” I inform Jesse.

“And they sound amazing,” Ellie agrees. She grins and hefts her mug. “It all sounds amazing. Even better than what I’d originally planned. You really outdid yourself, Maria.”

“Thank you,” I say, taking a small bow.

“Will there be a countdown to midnight?” Aiden asks.

“Of course,” I say, already visualizing the scene. “In each space, the perfect song will play. Afterward, there’ll be sparklers and fireworks outside near the bonfires.”

Ellie places the back of her hand against her forehead like she’s a princess in a fairy tale. “It’s everything I dreamed of. I can’t wait. I’m dressing up. I’m taking pics. I’m drinking sparkly things. I’m kissing this guy”—she jabs a thumb at Aiden—“plus, I’m emotionally ready for whatever nonsense the new year brings.”

Jesse laughs and pushes off the counter. “Speaking of nonsense, I’ve got to head to the food barn and help unload the catering boxes. They specifically had to hide them from the goats.”

I nod, privately relieved I’m not volunteering myself. One tangle with Miss Guin was enough. “Good luck. Text if you need help.”

Jesse heads toward the door.

“See you tonight!” Aiden calls after him.

“Don’t forget to wear something that makes you extra kissable!” Ellie chirps.

Jesse pauses just a beat too long. Then he shakes his head, laughs under his breath, and makes a quick exit.

I plant my hands on my hips and glare at Ellie. “Seriously?”

“What?” She bats her eyelashes with exaggerated innocence.

“You are so transparent.”

“Transparently delightful.” Ellie raises her tea like a crystal flute. “To the new year. And to midnight kisses.”

I groan. Pumpkin barks . . . clearly Team Midnight Kiss.

Later, as I stare out my frosty bedroom window, I can’t help thinking about what it might feel like—Jesse’s hands on my waist, his mouth on mine, the world tilting just a little as the clock strikes midnight.

Here’s to the new year.

And to another unforgettable kiss.

Chapter 31

New Year’s Eve (evening)

The food barn is unrecognizable, transformed into something straight out of a dream. Twinkling lights drape from the exposed wooden beams, casting a warm golden glow over the space. Chandeliers, fashioned from old wagon wheels and wrapped in soft Edison bulbs, sway gently above the dance floor, illuminating the polished wood beneath them. Evergreen garlands, speckled with tiny white lights and dotted with bursts of crimson berries, twine along the rustic railings and wrap around the wooden columns, filling the air with the crisp, fresh scent of pine and winter.

I’m supposed to be at an industry party at the Chateau Marmont, but here I am, in a barn on eastern Long Island. In the corner, the orchestra is playing. The soft melody of a string quartet drifts through the air, weaving seamlessly with the laughter and chatter of the crowd. The bandleader, in a midnight-blue suit, gives a subtle nod to the two-person brass section, and the music shifts, swelling into something grand and sweeping. The kind of song that makes people forget their drinks and rush to the dance floor. The kind of song that makes me want to close my eyes, let it pull me under, and just move.

I don’t, though. I only stand there for a second, taking it all in—the music, the warmth, the way the candlelight flickers over white table linens and centerpieces of holly and real pine cones. The entire place is alive with anticipation, buzzing with the kind of energy only New Year’s Eve can bring.

Then I feel it. The unmistakable heat of someone watching me. I glance across the space and find Jesse’s eyes locked onto mine, his expression unreadable but intent. And just like that, my heart stumbles in my chest.

It’s nearly midnight, and the party has been a smashing success. Every vendor showed up and absolutely crushed it. Pumpkin looks particularly dashing in a glittery gold collar that matches his PJs. Argos has on a bow tie. Ellie looks relieved, Aiden looks pleased, Charlotte looks torn—like there’s still something on her mind—but Jesse?

Jesse looks hot.

The kind of hot that should be illegal.