Pawliday Love

Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

GIA

T he wind howls like a hungry wolf as I stumble toward the bed and breakfast, my fingers frozen around Bella's leash. Snowflakes cling to my eyelashes, transforming the world into a blur of white. Just a few more steps...

"Come on, Bella," I urge, my voice muffled by my scarf. "We're almost there."

Bella whimpers, pressing close to my leg as we reach the porch. I can barely feel my toes as I raise a gloved hand to knock, praying someone will answer.

The door swings open, releasing a gust of warmth that makes my cheeks tingle. An older woman with steel-gray curls peers out, her eyes widening at the sight of us.

"Oh, you poor dears! Come in, come in!" she exclaims, ushering us inside.

I stumbled over the threshold, snow cascading from my coat. The scent of cinnamon and pine envelops me as I blink, taking in the cozy interior. Bella shakes herself, sending up a flurry of white.

"I'm Martha," the woman says, helping me out of my coat. "You picked quite a night to be out and about!"

"I'm Gia," I manage through chattering teeth. "And this is Bella. We got caught in the storm. I was hoping…” My voice trails off as I notice Martha's expression shift from welcoming to apologetic. My stomach sinks.

"Oh honey, I'm so sorry," she says, wringing her hands. "We're completely booked up. The blizzard's got everyone seeking shelter."

I swallow hard, trying to quell the panic rising in my chest. What now? We can't go back out there. I glanced down at Bella, her big brown eyes full of trust. I have to figure something out.

"Is there anywhere else nearby?" I ask, hating how desperate I sound. "We don't need much, just a corner to wait out the storm."

Martha's brow furrows in thought. "Well, there's?—"

A deep voice cuts through the room, sending a shiver down my spine that has nothing to do with the cold.

"I might have a solution."

I turn to see a tall, dark-haired man stepping out of the shadows. His eyes, familiar and intense, meet mine for a fleeting moment before darting away.

"I have a room," he says, his voice low and measured. "It's... spacious enough. You and your dog are welcome to share, if you'd like."

My heart skips a beat. Is this handsome stranger offering to help? I bite my lip, weighing my options. The howling wind outside decides for me.

"That's incredibly kind of you," I say, mustering a smile. "I'm Gia, and this is Bella. We promise not to be a bother."

He nods, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "Lucian. And it's no bother at all."

As we follow Lucian up the stairs, I can't help but wonder what twist of fate brought us here. My fingers absently stroke Bella's fur, seeking comfort in her familiar presence.

The old floorboards creak beneath our feet as we walk down the dim hallway, our shadows shifting on the walls. Bella's nails click softly against the hardwood. Lucian moves with quiet grace, his tall frame striking against the warm glow of the sconces. Wait…is this the same man from the gas station?

"I hope you don't mind dogs," I say, suddenly worried about imposing. "Bella's well-behaved, but she can be a bit of a cuddle monster."

Lucian glances back, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I have a dog too. Cooper. He's probably wondering where I've disappeared to."

My heart lightens at this revelation. "Oh, that's perfect! Bella loves making new friends."

As we round a corner, I am struck by the charming details of the bed and breakfast, the intricate wallpaper, the old-fashioned portraits, the scent of pine and cinnamon hanging in the air. It's like stepping into a holiday postcard.

"This place is magical," I murmur, more to myself than to Lucian.

He pauses at a door, key in hand. "It is, isn't it? I think that's why the storm brought me here."

As he unlocks the door, I'm struck by the poetry in his words. There's more to this reserved man than meets the eye, and I find myself oddly eager to discover what lies beneath that calm exterior.

"Well," I say, summoning my most charming smile, "I'm certainly glad the storm brought us both here."

I step into the room, my eyes darting around nervously as I take in the cozy space. A single queen-sized bed dominates one wall, and I feel my cheeks flush at the realization we'll be sharing such close quarters.

"I, uh, really appreciate this," I stammered, fidgeting with the strap of my bag. "You're a lifesaver."

Lucian nods, his movements stiff as he places his laptop bag on a nearby desk. "It's no trouble. I couldn't leave you stranded in that storm."

An awkward silence stretches between us, filled only by the howling wind outside. I bite my lip, searching for something—anything—to say. "So, um, what brings you to Evergreen?" I ask, cringing inwardly at how forced it sounds.

Lucian's eyes meet mine briefly before flicking away. "Just... needed a change of scenery. You?"

"Oh, you know, starving artist on a quest for inspiration," I reply with a self-deprecating laugh. "Though I didn't exactly plan on getting snowed in."

He offers a small smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Life rarely goes according to plan, does it?"

The weight of unspoken stories hangs in the air, and I find myself wondering what circumstances led this enigmatic man to seek solitude in a mountain town.

Bella, sensing my unease, pads over and presses against my legs. I reach down to scratch behind her ears, grateful for her comforting presence.

"Hey, sweet girl," I murmur. "It's okay. We're safe now."

As Bella curls up at my feet, I catch Lucian watching us with an unreadable expression. For a moment, I see a flicker of something—longing? —in his eyes before his usual reserved mask slips back into place.

I take a deep breath, determined to bridge the awkward gap between us. "So, tell me about your dog, Cooper. What's he like?"

As if on cue, an apricot blur bounds across the room, tail wagging like a metronome on overdrive. Cooper, Lucian's exuberant retriever, drops a well-loved tennis ball at Bella's paws, his brown eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Speak of the devil," I chuckle, watching as Bella lifts her head, curiosity warring with caution in her gaze.

Cooper lets out a playful yip, nudging the ball closer. "Go on," I encourage Bella softly. "It's okay to make a new friend."

Lucian clears his throat. "Cooper's never met a stranger," he explains, a hint of fondness creeping into his voice. "He thinks everyone's put on this earth to play fetch with him."

I can't help but grin as Bella tentatively sniffs the ball. "Well, he's not entirely wrong, is he?"

A gust of wind rattles the window, drawing our attention. Without thinking, I drifted closer, mesmerized by the swirling snow beyond the glass. Lucian follows, his presence warm at my side.

"I've never seen anything like this," I breathe, watching fat flakes dance in the yellow glow of the streetlights. "It's like being inside a snow globe."

"Beautiful," Lucian murmurs, and when I glance up, I'm not entirely sure he's talking about the storm. My heart does a funny little flip, and I quickly look away, thankful for the darkness to hide my flushed cheeks.

Behind us, I hear the soft thump of the tennis ball hitting the floor, followed by Cooper's excited panting. The tension in the room seems to ebb away with each playful exchange between our dogs.

"So," I say, desperate to keep the conversation flowing, "is this your first time getting snowed in at a B curiosity softens his features. "Oh, yeah. You did say you're an artist."

I nodded, suddenly self-conscious. "Well, I try to be. It's... not exactly the most stable career path."

"Tell me about it," he says, his voice encouraging.

Taking a deep breath, I start to open up. "It's my passion, you know? Seeing beauty in unexpected places, translating emotions onto canvas. But it's also terrifying. Some months I can barely scrape together rent."

Lucian listens intently, and I find myself spilling more than I intended. "This trip was supposed to be my big break chance to showcase my work at a gallery in Denver. But now..." I trail off, gesturing helplessly at the storm.

"Now you're stuck here.”

I nodded, blinking back unexpected tears. "With a dwindling bank account and a very hungry dog."

To my surprise, Lucian reaches out, his hand hovering near mine before he seems to think better of it. "I understand feeling stuck," he says, his voice low. "I came here... well, to escape, I suppose."

I look up at him, intrigued by this glimpse beneath his calm exterior. "Escape from what?"

He's quiet for a long moment, and I worry I've pushed too far. But then he speaks, his words careful and measured. "A relationship that ended badly. I thought I had it all figured out—the perfect job, the perfect partner. And then suddenly, I didn't.”

"So, you came to hide out in a snow globe?" I ask gently, trying to lighten the mood.

"Something like that. I needed... solitude. Space to think."

"And instead, you got me and Bella crashing your pity party," I tease.

His smile grows, reaching his eyes. "Somehow, I don't think I mind as much as I should."

I can't help but grin back at Lucian, a warm flutter in my chest. "Well, I'm glad we're not ruining your brooding mountain man vibe."

He chuckles, the sound rich and unexpectedly melodic. "I think 'brooding mountain man' might be a bit of a stretch. I'm an engineer. More 'anxious spreadsheet guy' than rugged outdoorsman."

"I don't know," I muse, tilting my head. "I could see you rocking a plaid shirt and an impressive beard."

As we laugh, I notice Bella perked up from her spot by the fireplace. Cooper, sensing an opportunity to play, bounds over with a well-loved tennis ball in his mouth.

"Looks like someone's feeling social," Lucian observes.

I watch Cooper drop the ball at Bella's feet, tail wagging hopefully. To my delight, Bella cautiously sniffs it before giving it a tentative nudge with her nose.

"She's usually so shy; this is huge progress."

Lucian's eyes soften as he watches the dogs. "Cooper has that effect on people—and other dogs.”

"Unlike his owner?" I tease gently.

He meets my gaze, a mix of amusement and something deeper in his eyes. "I'm working on it."

As the dogs start a playful game of chase around the room, their energy infectious, I find myself asking, "So, anxious spreadsheet guy, what made you choose engineering?"

Lucian leans back, his posture relaxing. "I've always loved puzzles, figuring out how things work. There's satisfaction in solving problems, creating something tangible.”

I nod, understanding. "That's how I feel about my art. Taking something abstract and making it real on canvas."

"I'd love to see your work sometime," he says, and the sincerity in his voice makes my heart skip.

As Cooper and Bella's playful barks fill the room, I feel a lightness I haven't experienced in months. Snowbound with a handsome stranger and two adorable dogs, this storm may be just what I needed.

When our dogs finally tire, curling up by the warm fireplace, I’m captivated by the swirling snowflakes illuminated by the streetlamps. I turn to meet his gaze, the warmth in his eyes taking my breath away. “You know," I say, my voice a little shaky, "I came here looking for inspiration, but I never expected... this."

Lucian's lips quirk into a small smile. "Life has a way of surprising us, doesn't it?"

I nodded, suddenly aware of how close we're standing. "I'm usually the one full of surprises. It's nice to be on the receiving end for once."

He chuckles softly, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "Well, I'm glad I could shake things up for you, Gia."

I laugh, the tension easing. "Oh, you have no idea."

As we settle onto opposite ends of the couch, I can't help but think how different this feels from every other encounter I've had. There's comfort here, a sense of possibility that both thrills and terrifies me.

"So," Lucian says, his voice low and soothing, "tell me about your next big art project."

I describe the mural I've been dreaming of, my hands animatedly painting the picture with words. As the night deepens, I find that for the first time in a long while, I'm not worried about tomorrow. In this cozy room with the storm raging outside, I feel safe, understood, and at home.

The next morning…

I blinked awake, not realizing I had fallen asleep. My eyes adjust to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Something's different. The world outside seems... muffled. Quieter. I bolt upright, my heart racing with sudden realization.

"Lucian!" I whisper-shout, not wanting to startle him too badly. "Wake up! Look outside!"

He stirs beside me, his brow furrowing adorably as he emerges from sleep. "Mmm? What's wrong, Gia?"

I can't contain my excitement. "Nothing's wrong! Everything's perfect!"

Lucian's eyes fly open as he joins me at the window. We stand side by side, staring at Evergreen, now a winter wonderland blanketed in pristine white, with snow-laden trees resembling frosted cake decorations.

"It's beautiful," Lucian breathes, and I feel a little thrill at the wonder in his voice.

I turned to him, grinning. "We have to go explore! Come on, let's get dressed."

We rush to put on our warmest clothes, laughing and bumping elbows. I choose my bright sweater of purples and blues, reminiscent of my favorite painting palette, while Lucian picks a subtle gray that highlights the warmth in his eyes.

"Ready for an adventure?" I ask, twirling dramatically in my mismatched socks.

Lucian chuckles a sound that warms me from the inside out. "Lead the way, oh intrepid explorer."

As we step outside, the cold air nips at our cheeks. I breathe deeply, savoring the clean scent of snow and pine. "Where to first?" Lucian asks, his breath visible in little puffs.

I consider for a moment, then declare, "Coffee! There's this adorable little shop I spotted yesterday. We can fuel up there before conquering the winter wilds of Evergreen."

"Sounds perfect," Lucian agrees, offering his arm with a playful bow. "Shall we, Milady?"

I loop my arm through his, savoring his warmth despite our layers. As we crunch through fresh snow, I wonder: is this the feeling of falling in love? This giddy excitement, this sense of endless possibility?

I push the thought aside, focusing on the moment. There's a whole day of winter magic ahead, and I intend to savor every second of it with Lucian by my side.

As we turn the corner, laughter fills the air. The town square has become a winter wonderland, with people rolling snowballs and carving designs.

"Oh my gosh, Lucian! Look!" I tug on his sleeve, practically bouncing with excitement. "It's a snowman-building contest!"

His eyes light up, matching my enthusiasm. "Want to give it a shot?"

"Are you kidding? We're doing this!" I grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the registration table. My mind's already racing with ideas. "We could make the most epic snowman ever. I'm thinking... a snow mermaid!"

Lucian raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "A snow mermaid? In the mountains?"

"Exactly! It's unexpected, whimsical, perfect!"

As we start gathering snow, I can't help but sneak glances at Lucian. His face is flushed from the cold, his hair dusted with snowflakes. He catches me looking and winks, sending a flutter through my chest.

"So, what's your artistic vision for our masterpiece?" he asks, patting down the base of our snow mermaid.

I pause, tilting my head. "Well, I'm thinking we give her a pine branch tail, maybe some icicle jewelry. Ooh, and pinecone scales!"

We work together, laughing and teasing as our creation takes shape. Lucian's surprisingly good at sculpting the delicate features of her face, while I focus on adding whimsical details.

"You know," I say, carefully placing a berry for her nose, "I haven't had this much fun in ages."

Lucian's hand brushes mine as he adjusts a pinecone. "Me neither. There's something magical about today, isn't there?"

I meet his gaze, warmth blooming in my chest despite the cold. "Yeah," I murmur. "There is."

After our snow mermaid wins "Most Creative," we stroll through town, and I spot a charming boutique with twinkling lights. "Oh, Lucian, can we go in?" I asked, tugging him toward the door. Inside, the warmth and scent of cinnamon greet us, and I marvel at the handcrafted decorations, gently touching a delicate glass snowflake.

"Hey," Lucian says softly, "why don't we each pick out an ornament? To remember today?"

I turned to him, touched by the suggestion. “That's perfect.” Browsing the shelves, I realize I'm not just collecting a memento, I'm creating a memory with someone special.

I run my fingers over a hand-painted wooden reindeer and grin. “This little guy reminds me of ornaments my grandma and I used to make. What about you? Any holiday traditions?”

Lucian picks up a miniature silver sleigh, smiling warmly. “My dad and I always built a model train set under the tree. It got more elaborate each year—even a tiny ski resort by high school.”

I laugh, picturing it. “Did you ever get coal instead of presents for derailing the train?”

“Only once,” he quips, his eyes twinkling. As we continue browsing, our hands occasionally brush, sending little sparks through me.

“Oh, this is the one,” I say, holding up a delicate glass orb with a miniature snowy scene inside, reminding me of this magical day we're sharing.

Lucian nods approvingly. "It's perfect for you," he says softly. "I think I'll go with this." He shows me a rustic wooden ornament shaped like a dog bone. "For Cooper, of course."

After making our purchases, we step back onto the snowy street and a thought comes to me. "You know what we should do next? Ice skating!"

His eyes widen slightly. "I'm not sure that's a good idea. I haven't skated since I was a kid."

"Come on, it'll be fun!" I tug at his sleeve playfully. "I'll teach you."

He hesitates, then nods. "Alright but promise you won't laugh when I fall on my face."

"I promise nothing," I tease, already pulling him towards the nearby rink.

Soon we're lacing up our skates, and I can't help but notice how endearingly nervous Lucian looks. As we step onto the ice, I take his hand. "Just hold onto me," I say softly.

His grip tightens as we start to glide. "This is terrifying," he mutters, but there's a hint of excitement in his voice.

"You're doing great!" I say, slowly guiding him around the rink. "Just relax and feel the rhythm."

Gradually, Lucian starts to loosen up. His movements become more fluid, and soon we're skating side by side, our laughter echoing across the ice.

"I can't believe I'm enjoying this," he admits, a broad smile lighting up his face.

"See? Sometimes you just need to let go and trust," I reply, squeezing his hand.

As we leave the rink, breathless and exhilarated, we stumble upon a park lit with twinkling lights. In the center stands a stunning Christmas tree, its ornaments sparkling in the fading daylight.

"Wow," Lucian breathes, mirroring my awe. Our hands brush, sending a jolt of electricity through me. I glance at him, and his warm gaze holds mine, making me acutely aware of our closeness.

"It's beautiful," I whisper, meaning more than just the park.

"Yeah," he replies softly, his attention fixed on me.

I spot a nearby bench and tug on his sleeve. "Let's sit for a bit?" I suggest wanting to catch my breath for more reasons than skating.

We settle onto the cold bench, our breath forming little clouds in the frosty air. The twinkling lights cast a soft glow on Lucian's face, highlighting the sharp angles of his jawline. I find myself wanting to capture this moment on canvas, to freeze it in time.

"You know," I begin, surprising myself, "sometimes I wonder if I’m crazy for chasing this dream of being an artist."

Lucian turns to me, curious. "What makes you say that?"

I sigh, watching my breath in the night air. "It's just... it’s not the most stable career path. Some days, I create pieces that make my soul sing. Other days, I can barely afford new paints."

"That sounds challenging," Lucian says softly, processing my words.

"It is. But living any other way feels suffocating. Art isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am."

"I admire that about you, Gia. Your passion is inspiring," he says, warming me more than any hot chocolate could.

"Really? I thought you might find it impractical."

"Maybe a part of me does. But there's beauty in following your heart. The world needs more of that."

I tuck a curl behind my ear. "How about we head back to the B&B? I’m craving hot cocoa by the fireplace."

"Sounds perfect," he agrees.

As we walk, I steal glances at Lucian, amazed at how quickly he’s become part of my Evergreen adventure.

Back at the bed and breakfast, I kick off my snow-covered boots and wiggle my toes in relief.

"I'll get the fire going," Lucian offers, already moving towards the hearth.

"And I'll whip up some cocoa," I reply, heading to the kitchenette. As I warm the milk and stir in the chocolate, I can hear Lucian coaxing the flames to life. It feels oddly domestic like we've done this a hundred times before.

Mugs in hand, I settle onto the plush rug in front of the fireplace. Lucian joins me, accepting his cocoa with a grateful smile. The fire crackles, casting a warm glow across the room.

"So," I begin, cupping my mug, "tell me about little Lucian. What were your dreams growing up?"

He chuckles, running a hand through his hair. "Believe it or not, I wanted to be an astronaut. I was obsessed with space, the stars, the idea of exploring the unknown."

"Really?" I lean in, intrigued. "What changed?"

Lucian's expression grows thoughtful. "Life, I suppose. My dad got sick when I was in high school. I started helping out more at the station, and... well, sometimes dreams shift."

I nod, understanding all too well how life can redirect our paths. "Do you ever regret it? Not chasing that dream?"

"Sometimes. But I've found other ways to explore. Through books, through meeting people like you who see the world differently." His gaze meets mine, warm and sincere. "What about you, Gia? What drives your art?"

I take a sip of cocoa, considering. "It's... it's like there's this whole universe inside me, you know? Swirling colors and shapes and emotions. Painting is how I make sense of it all, how I share it with the world."

As we share our hopes and fears, the walls between us melt away. We lean closer, drawn together by the fire and our intimate conversation. With Lucian's eyes locked on mine, I feel truly seen for the first time in a long while.

Almost unconsciously, our hands have inched closer on the rug between us. As I speak, our fingers brush, sending a jolt of electricity up my arm. Neither of us pulls away.

"Gia," Lucian says softly, his thumb tracing a feather-light pattern on my skin. "I... I'm really glad we met."

The tenderness in his voice makes my breath catch. “Me too.”

We don't need more words. The crackling fire, the gentle touch of our hands, and a shared look say it all. As we sit together, I feel a warmth that goes beyond the flames—it's the spark of something new and exciting, yet a bit scary. Seeing the same mix of hope and nervousness in Lucian's eyes, I know I'm not alone. Whatever this is between us, we’re in it together. Is this how it feels to fall in love?