Ivy

S now is silently falling outside my window when my alarm goes off. There’s something gentle about it, it makes my limbs feel warm and weightless. Looking out the big window in my bedroom, I can see the sun just peeking up over the distant mountain tops. Always having been an early riser, I catch the first glimpse of the morning often. It’s something that I thought would come in handy years ago. I flinch, shutting my eyes tight. Flinging the blankets off my body to sit up, I plant my feet on the floor. For years, I’ve tried to outrun or outsmart memories, but they always catch up to me. Whether at the bottom of a bottle or in a stranger's bed in the middle of the night, sharp and painful reminders that I’m not living the life I thought I would be seem to find me in these quiet moments.

I mentally do a rundown of my day after pushing the button on the coffee maker. Sending emails and making calls is what most of my day consists of, so I don’t need to be too bundled up. Jeans and a T-shirt it is. I dress and pull a beanie over my hair. A shower last night would have been ideal, but I was too tired after my phone call with Sienna. I didn’t even get around to calling my father. He didn’t exactly get around to calling me either, I remind myself. It shouldn’t sting after years of the same thing. It shouldn’t.

I think back to a couple of mornings ago after being stranded on the side of the road, and the voicemail I woke up to.

“Hey, Ms. Rutherford. This is Silverthorne Towing. We got your note and wanted to let you know that your vehicle will be at The Edgemont in the morning. So sorry it took us so long to get up there last night. The snow really delayed us. We won’t be billing you. This one is on us and don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need help again. Thank you. Goodbye.”

And it was. Parked in front of the Edgemont when I went into the office, just as the message said. That’s one thing I’ll have to get used to. Small towns. People doing things out of the kindness of their hearts. I’m not familiar with that.

Walking out the front door of my cabin, I turn in the direction of the main lodge. I now know where my office is inside the building, and I’m grateful I don't have to worry about finding myself in one that doesn't belong to me with a colleague who I don’t need to be spending any extra time with. That man conjures a visceral reaction from me. I’m on edge when he’s near, and I snap at him before thinking better of it. He makes it hard to think straight at all. The problem with this is that I wouldn't even give my snapping a second thought if it were anyone but him. Most people would view me as a spoiled brat. They wouldn’t be completely wrong to assume that. I am and have always been spoiled. I guess that’s what happens when you grow up without a mother and with a father who didn’t want a daughter.

The Edgemont is a beautiful sight this morning. The sun is starting to paint the rest of the world in a golden glow. It makes me feel closer to something. I’m not sure what yet. I spot my SUV as I take the steps and enter the warm cabin. My office is down the same hallway I was in yesterday. Walking in, I sit at my new desk and look out the window. The ski lift has started running, but no one is out there yet. The gondola starts up as I’m watching. I really want to ride that. Maybe tomorrow morning, I’ll be able to ride it to the top of the mountain at sunrise.

I sink back into the leather chair behind the desk and sigh. I need two ways to bring in a crowd in the next three months. Something to show an increase in revenue and prove that I have good ideas and can be trusted. The gift shop is the first. I’ll start making calls to vendors and local boutiques today. I want it filled with artisanal items. I’ll also need to scout a place to start renovations or maybe a new cabin altogether.

Before I know it, it’s lunchtime. You have to be better about eating. I scold myself. I’m not going to be doing anything on my list if I faint again. I pull out my jar of citrus peels and pop a couple into my mouth. There are only a few left in here. I really do need to make it into town so I can make some more. I’ve always loved these. I can’t really remember, but I think I made them with a nanny one Christmas.

“Hey, !” Jack calls from my doorway.

I smile. “Hey, Jack. How are you today?”

“It’s a beautiful day out there and things are running smoothly, so I can’t complain.” He smiles at me. “I was heading over to the restaurant to get some lunch. Are you hungry?” The invitation is surprising, but not unwelcome .

“Starving.”

“Would you like to come with?” he offers.

“I’d love to,” I say, closing my laptop.

“Perfect.” He leans onto the door frame. His chestnut-brown hair slides onto his forehead, and his chocolate eyes assess me, making me feel unexpectedly warm. I grab my corduroy jacket and stand.

“Thanks for the invite, I was going to have to go in search of something soon,” I say, and he laughs.

“I noticed you hadn’t left your office all day and figured that was the case. Are you getting some work done?”

“I am. I have a couple of ideas that I’m excited to bring up in our next management meeting,” I answer, a little shocked at the excitement in my voice. Jack grins back at me.

He steps in front of me to open the door, “I’m excited to hear all about it.”

“Thank you,” I say as I pass by him into the restaurant. “It smells amazing in here.”

“Yeah, that’s partially the chef we have, he’s amazing and for some reason, he likes working here when he could work anywhere he wants. It’s also the baked goods. We get those from the town bakery, Thistle and Sage.”

“That may be a place I need to visit.” Today, actually. I need to run into town anyway. I’ll leave after our lunch, so I can make it back before dark. I don’t need a repeat of last week’s events. Even though I have thought about mine and Alder’s verbal sparring match more than once today. I need to get a grip on my wandering thoughts. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Two hours later I’m loading up the few groceries I bought in downtown Silverthorne. There are Christmas trees and lights in every direction. I’m not big on the holidays. Mostly because Sullivan Rutherford isn’t. He prefers to spend holidays alone or working. But I find myself smiling at the town's holiday charm. Walking the sidewalk, I notice the various window displays in all the shops. They range from snowmen skiing to Big Foot snowboarding.

I see the sign for Thistle and Sage, and cross the empty street. Opening the door with a chime, I’m immediately enveloped by the smell of coffee and freshly baked bread.

“Hi, welcome in!” a woman calls from the corner of the shop. I would have missed her if it wasn’t for her beautiful curly hair. When she stands, I see that she’s covered in flour. The petite brunette smiles kindly at me and then moves to step behind the pastry case. She trips on—well, nothing, and I instinctively reach out toward her, wanting to protect this small woman. She’s at least a good six inches shorter than my five foot nine. Thankfully, she catches herself on the counter.

“What can I get for you?” she asks, a little out of breath. I smile, her caramel-colored eyes drawing me in.

“Hi, well, I just came from The Edgemont.” I point with my hand in what I hope is the direction of the mountain and resort. “I had lunch there today and was told that the pastries and breads came from here.”

“They do! I make all the pastries, breads, and desserts. My boyfriend’s— no, my fiancé’s, that’s new.” She giggles before continuing. “Sorry, my fiancé’s brother works there, so he comes in to pick up orders for the restaurant. He should be by today actually. Soon, come to think of it. Were they out of something?” she rambles, and it’s— endearing.

“You’re the owner then? I had one of your cinnamon rolls and just wanted to see what else you had here.”

“Yes, I’m Winnie Parker.” She wipes her flour-coated hand on her apron and reaches over the counter to me, and I take it in mine.

“ Rutherford. Nice to meet you.”

“You as well.” She beams. “Are you visiting then?”

“I am—er well kind of.” I struggle to explain the situation.

“Would you like a latte while you look around? We have a seasonal caramel pecan right now. Or a spicy mocha?”

“The caramel pecan sounds amazing. Thank you.”

“You got it,” she replies and gets started on it. I glance around the shop. It’s so cute. The industrial meets with the natural wood perfectly, and all the holiday decorations make me feel like I’m on a movie set. The door chimes, and in walks a man who can only be described as one of the most handsome men I have ever had the pleasure of seeing.

“Hey, honeybee,” he says with a smile.

“Hey, Coach,” she calls back with a grin. Winnie steps out from behind the counter again, and no sooner does she clear the edge of it that this man sweeps her up and is kissing her like he’s been starved for her. My mouth may be hanging open while I just stare at them. I should look away, but I can’t bring myself to do that. This couple is H.O.T. hot. He sets her down, breaking their kiss and pushes a curl from her heart-shaped face .

“How was your day?” he asks her, and she looks dazed as she answers, and damn, I don’t blame her.

“Good. I got my list made for the lighting ceremony, and I’m just making some final updates to my recipes,” she tells him. I decide I’ve been staring long enough and turn to look out the window to give them some privacy when Winnie says my name.

“, this is the fiancé. Rhett, this is . She’s staying up at The Edgemont,” she explains and then goes to grab the steamed milk to pour into my latte.

“Hi, . It’s nice to meet you. Are you enjoying your stay? The lodge is always a little magical at this time of year.” I have to remind myself not to get lost in his eyes, seeing as Winnie probably wouldn’t be okay with me ogling her fiancé.

“It’s nice to meet you too. Honestly, this is only my third day here, and yesterday wasn’t the best day I’ve ever had,” I confide. “It’s really beautiful here though,” I add, and oh my gosh, am I blushing? How embarrassing.

“Here’s your latte,” Winnie says, and I walk over to grab it from her.

“Did you say he had a brother?” I whisper conspiratorially, and we both giggle.

“Right? God, he’s beautiful.” She outright eye fucks him while he checks his phone and sighs. “He does though. Two.” She winks.

“Yeah? Single?” I ask, playfully.

“Both.” She laughs and looks out the window. “Oh, here comes one now,” she tells me quietly. Another chime, and then I hear a voice that I can’t seem to escape.

“Winnie Parker, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Please forget my brother and marry me instead,” he declares and Winnie dissolves into a fit of laughter. I turn to look at where he’s speaking from. Alder’s arms are crossed over his heart, and he’s covered in a small dusting of snow. It’s snowing again? He looks good. Too good. I’m surprised I didn’t see the similarities before. It’s obvious these men are brothers.

His smile falters slightly when he sees me.

“?” he asks, confused.

“Hi, Alder,” I reply.

“I didn’t expect to see you here. I’m picking up the bakery order for the resort,” he explains.

I nod at him “Yeah, I hear you have an in with the owner you’re trying to tempt into an affair,” I say, hitching a thumb back at Winnie. “Though in the five minutes I’ve been here, it's been made fairly clear that she’s already spoken for. At least that’s what I gathered from the smokin’ hot kiss they shared in front of me a couple of minutes ago.” I grin, and he grins back at me. Damn, there’s that fucking dimple.

“Oh that ? She’s just trying to make me jealous.” Then he winks at her. “It’s working by the way,” he adds, and Rhett growls at him. Growls. I can’t help it, I start laughing. Winnie joins me. I take a sip of my latte.

“Holy shit. This is amazing.” I turn toward her. “Could I get a cinnamon roll and two of those molasses cookies for the road,” I ask.

“Of course.” She’s still chuckling when she answers. “So how do you two know each other?”

“I didn't get a chance to tell you earlier, but I’m the new hospitality manager at The Edgemont, so we’ll be working together,” I answer.

“I also gave her a ride home last night after her car slid off the road,” Alder cuts in .

“He also ran me over in the snow yesterday morning, so maybe don’t try to sound like such a hero?” I’m looking at him now as I say this. I reach for my wallet, but he stops me. His hand on mine, causing that familiar shot of heat to run through me.

“Allow me to start making amends then.” He doesn’t break eye contact with me as he sets his card down on the counter in front of me, assuming to pay for my baked goods and coffee.

“Okay, Casanova. It’s on the house tonight,” Winnie says with an eye roll and I laugh. He smiles, and Rhett laughs from behind us.

“We’re going to AJ’s Tuesday night for drinks, and there will be live music. It should be a good time. Do you want to come, ?” Rhett asks me. Alder is looking at me like he knows my answer will be no before I say it. And it would have been if he wasn’t looking at me like that.

I turn to Rhett before speaking “I’d love to. Thank you so much for the invite.” Then I look at Winnie “Thank you for the coffee and treats, Winnie. It was so nice to meet you,” I tell her honestly. I don’t have a lot of girlfriends…or friends really.

“Anytime, . Please come back and visit me. I’m glad I’ll be seeing you around.” She smiles.

“I will absolutely be back for more coffee. I’ll see you all Tuesday night then.” I walk to the door and turn around so my back is pressed against it. When I turn, Alder and I end up face-to face. I gasp.

“I thought I’d walk you to your car,” he says.

“I think I can manage.” My voice betrays me, I don’t sound very sure.

“All the same. I’ll feel better if I know you make it there without sliding into a ditch.” He winks and now I’m pissed off backing out the door with him following me.

“First of all, I was in an SUV that slid into a ditch, I’m told there was very hard-to-detect black ice on the road. Secondly, I would have been fine without you stopping.” I poke him with the hand that’s carrying my coffee as I end my little rant. He chuckles and then sighs.

“Be that as it may, . You couldn’t have made me leave you there alone. I’m finding it hard to leave you alone at all.” It sounds almost like a warning in his deep voice.

“I think I could have made you do whatever I wanted,” I say in a low voice as we make it to my SUV. Why am I flirting? He grins.

“That,”—he pauses opening my door when I click the unlock on my fob—“is probably true,” he agrees, and I snort, surprised. I was expecting an argument.

“Goodnight, Alder. Thank you for the pastries and coffee, or at least the offer to pay for them.”

“Anytime. Goodnight, . I’ll see you at work.” He shuts my door with a mischievous look, and I watch him jog back over to Thistle and Sage. I shake my head. The electricity ebbs in my body again when he isn’t near. This is going to be a thing.