Page 43 of Trapped for Christmas

Zeb looked at him, and they stared at each other for a few seconds before carrying on toward the end of the drive. Once they were on the sidewalk, the snow had mostly been cleared, and it was less slippery than the drive. Mason still didn’t let go, and neither did Zeb.

Everywhere was covered in snow. It looked beautiful, and it was nice to be away from the chaos of the city. They would be back there tomorrow, and the busyness of the restaurant. It was strange; Mason hadn’t thought about Epicure at all in the last twenty-four hours. He wasn’t sure if it was because he knew it was in safe hands with Hunter and the rest of the team, or if being with Zeb was helping him relax. Probably both. He needed to make more time to get away like this. What was the point of having this cabin if he never visited?

They arrived at the bed and breakfast and walked inside. It was all decorated beautifully for the holidays, and the warmth felt like a hug. He still had hold of Zeb’s hand, and he loved how it felt.

“Mason!” screeched Alison.

For a small woman in her fifties, she had one hell of a volume on her. She pulled him into a hug, whether he wanted it or not, which meant he had to break the connection with Zeb—who was grinning, probably because he knew Mason wasn’t usually a hugger, although having Zeb in his arms on the sofa last night was something he’d happily have more of.

“And who is this handsome young man?” she asked. “Where have you been hiding him?”

Mason wasn’t sure how to introduce Zeb. He didn’t want to say he was his assistant, even if that was true, or his friend, which felt like not enough.

“This is Zeb,” he said. That would do.

“Sorry, I’m a hugger,” she said, squeezing him tightly.

Zeb was a lot more tactile that Mason, so he didn’t seem to mind.

“And how do you two know each other?” she asked with a knowing grin.

Mason prickled. He was definitely getting Ryder back for this. What had he said to Alison?

“We work together,” said Zeb.

Yeah, although true, Mason didn’t like that description.

“Ooh, you met at work, and now you’re here for a romantic trip in the snow.”

Zeb spluttered and looked at the floor, clearly embarrassed.

“I brought baked goods,” said Mason, holding up the container.

“Ooh,” said Alison, reaching for them.

“Are you going to stop with all your questions and mind your own business?” said Mason.

“No,” she replied, snatching the container. “But if I eat one of these, I won’t be able to talk.”

She opened the container and pulled out a raspberry Danish and practically inhaled it with a moan. Mason chuckled. Zeb’s eyes widened.

“Can I use the bathroom, please?”

He’d gone before they left, so Mason knew he just wanted a moment to himself. Alison gestured toward the bathrooms, and Zeb scurried off. That was handy, as he could talk to her about Ryder.

“I appreciate you getting the cabin ready, Alison, but please don’t follow any of Ryder’s instructions in the future.”

She looked at him. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“All the essentials you left in my bedside drawer.”

“That wasn’t Ryder.”

“Who the hell was it?”

“My lips are sealed,” she said, making a zipping motion over her mouth.

“Well, you won’t be able to eat any more of these,” he said, picking up the container of pastries.