“What’s that?” I amuse her.
“Lots and lots of sex.”
“Not. happening.”
“Never say never, Fallon. Especially now that you’re practically living with this sexy lumberjack.”
“Hopefully not for long. He’s supposed to be calling around for a hotel for me.”
“And what if there are no vacancies?”
I blow out a breath because I’ve wondered the same thing. “I haven’t figured that out yet.”
“I wouldn’t sweat it. Doesn’t sound like he’s actively trying to get rid of you if you’re dog-sitting,” she says. “But anyway, I bet you have a lot to work to catch up on so I’ll let you get back to it.”
“Thanks. Love you. I’ll let you know what happens.”
“Sounds great. Love you too.”
I end the call, then go open the door for Dasher. He rushes in, drops the ball, then shakes. Cold water splashes all over me, and that’s when I realize just how soaked and filthy he is. Before I can stop him, he runs through the house, paw prints and droplets trailing him.
“Dasher!” I shout, panicking when he shakes again and jumps on the couch. “God. Now it smells like a wet dog in here.”
Shaking my head, I go to the bathroom and grab a towel to clean up the mess and another to dry him.
“You’re gonna get us both in trouble,” I murmur, though I doubt he gives a shit.
Once the floor is clean, I throw the towel over his back and soak up as much water as I can. “You’re a stinky boy.”
He leans forward and tries to lick me, but I dodge him. “Eww, no. Keep that to yourself.”
When I pet his head, I realize his fur is cold to the touch. I throw another log on the fire, then grab a blanket and cover him. He rests his head and kicks out his legs.
“You’re spoiled as fuck,” I say, and I think he knows it, too.
“Also, I’m not bathing you. Your owner can do that when he gets home,” I tell him. “Plus, I’m sure you’ll need to go out again before then.”
I return to my small corner on the couch since Dasher hogs most of it, then I pick up my laptop. Maybe he’ll take a nap and give me a few hours of peace and quiet.
There’s an email from Peggy stating that she took care of canceling my company card, and the unknown charges were reversed. It’s a small silver lining in this shitty situation.
My mind races knowing that time is ticking. I didn’t expect to be snowed in for days and had planned specific things to do. My schedule is now off-kilter, and it’s stressing me out. Thankfully, Levi’s already volunteered to be my tour guide, so hopefully, I can get back on track.
However, that means spending more time with Levi White and his overenthusiastic Christmas self.
CHAPTEREIGHT
LEVI
It feelslike it’s negative fifty with the windchill, and the harsh winds burn my skin. As I plow my driveway, I call Finn to touch base and make sure they’re okay.
Although I know he survived just fine with his girlfriend, Oakley. When he answers, I give an update on my current situation. He nearly dies of laughter, as does Oakley. Their teasing is exactly what I expected.
Once I clear my road, I make my way to the Christmas tree farm. The amount of snow that fell in such a short time slows me down. It’s been years since we’ve seen a storm of this magnitude. Any time there’s a blizzard, I’m responsible for clearing the roads, especially since my dad is getting older.
After I clear the parking lot, I grab my shovel from the back of the truck and work on the sidewalks. Once I’m done, I take a quick picture and send it to my mom, who replies with a thumbs-up emoji. Tomorrow, the place will be thriving again, like we weren’t just hit with over twenty inches of snow.
Levi: Heading to your house now.