‘Summer!’
I hear his feet crunch swiftly through the snow, feel his presence at my back, but don’t turn. ‘What?’
‘I really am sorry.’
‘I heard you.’
‘I shouldn’t have snapped at you.’
‘No, you shouldn’t have.’
‘I’m sorry for snapping at James too.’
‘Good.’ I pause to pick up a stick poking out of the snow and throw it for Rufus, who bounds after it. ‘Anything else you care to apologise for while you’re at it?’
He blows out a breath and Rufus sprints up to me, drops the stick. But I’m too attuned to Edward behind me, waiting for his answer.
Rufus is jumping up and down, barking with impatience. This is important, buddy, I tell him mentally. It’s time for the big bad wolf to play nice.
‘I’m sorry for shutting you out these past two weeks.’
A small smile touches my lips. ‘And...?’
I can sense his frown as he racks his brain for more. ‘For keeping you out of the estate business and not helping with the preparations for the Halloween ball.’
I take up the stick, give it a good throw. ‘I’m glad you finally—’
‘And I’m also sorry for this...’
‘Huh—?’ I start to turn, but too late. He has the collar of my coat in one hand and a ball of snow in the other and...
‘Edward!’I gasp as the ice-cold snow breaks through my clothing, and arch against the icy trickle as it runs down my back. ‘Why, you...!’
He jumps back. ‘Hey, all’s fair in love and war.’
I have no idea if he knows what he’s saying, but now isn’t the time to think about it—not when there’s a fight to be had...a physical one full of play.
I’m already bending forward. ‘You’re going to regret that.’
‘Is that a threat?’
‘It’s a promise.’ He’s jogging backwards and I’m balling up snow. ‘Have you forgotten how good my aim is?’
He laughs, his eyes so alive, his cheeks so pink. And I’m high on it—high on him.
I take aim and fire, catching his shoulder as he ducks and scoops up his own ball. I turn and run with a squeal, Rufus leaping alongside me. I feel it rather than see it, the dusting to my right as the snowball misses me and disturbs the hedge. Another one comes, quick-fire, and this time Rufus leaps for it, his great big body rolling into me as he catches it. And then we’re both tumbling to the ground, the soft snow breaking our fall.
‘Summer!’
I can hear Edward’s panic, hear his feet pounding through the snow, and I bide my time. Rufus licks my face with a whimper, but I’m concentrating on keeping my eyes closed and my hands full of snow.
Wait. Just wait.
Cold air sweeps over me as he drops to his knees. His breath is hot on my cheek as he leans in, his hands soft on my body.
‘Summer! Summer! Are you okay?’
Now!