Chapter Twenty
Liam
Maggie’s hand rests securely in mine as we ascend the dark stairwell. Each step echoes softly in the quiet, but it’s her touch that drowns out the cold and shadows surrounding us. My grin is impossible to suppress, and when we reach the second-floor door, I hold it open for her.
She brushes past me, her arm grazing mine, and whispers a soft, “Thanks.” Her hand slips away, leaving behind a void that feels far too noticeable.
But then, just as I step through the doorway, she turns and reaches for me again, her fingers lacing effortlessly through mine. That simple gesture makes my heart skip a beat, and I swear my smile could rival the glow of the flashlight.
“You’re really good at this whole leading-the-way thing,” Maggie teases as she glances at me.
“Well, I do like the company,” I reply, squeezing her hand lightly.
She rolls her eyes, but there’s a small, soft smile tugging at her lips that tells me she doesn’t mind my comment one bit.
“Come on,” I say, tugging her gently down the hallway. “Let’s get back before the chocolate freezes.”
“Priorities,” she chuckles, falling into step beside me.
Maggie enters first, kicking off her boots and dropping the bag of snacks onto the bed.
I follow behind her and lock the door with a soft click.
The fire still burns warm and steady in the corner, casting a soft golden glow across the room.
It’s inviting, enticing—and way too tempting for two people who just shared a kiss in the lodge kitchen.
“You’re hogging all the good spots,” I tease, nodding toward the bed where she’s already perched, cross-legged, rummaging through the bag.
Maggie tosses a mischievous glance my way, holding up a bag of sour gummy worms. “What can I say? I’m a firm believer in claiming territory early.”
“Oh, so that’s how we’re playing this?” I counter. “Because if we’re being honest, I’m not sure you’ve earned the right to call dibs just yet.”
She narrows her eyes at me, a spark of amusement lighting them. “Excuse me? Who was the one risking life and limb just to find chocolate?”
I cross my arms and lean casually against the wall. “You mean the chocolate you insisted on, despite knowing the snowstorm was borderline apocalyptic? Yeah, you’re welcome for saving your snack stash.”
She shakes her head, fighting a smile. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re lucky I have a soft spot for stubborn journalists who can’t handle the cold,” I fire back, grabbing a blanket from the foot of the bed and draping it around my shoulders like a superhero cape.
She laughs, and the sound fills the room. But then her expression shifts, turning playfully serious as she eyes me with mock suspicion. “Speaking of soft spots… where exactly are you planning to sleep tonight?”
I raise a brow. “Why? You worried I’ll steal all the blankets?”
“More like I’m worried you’ll think the bed is big enough for two,” she retorts, though her cheeks flush slightly, giving her away.
I smirk. “It’s a king. Pretty sure it’s designed for at least two.”
Maggie huffs, standing and crossing her arms. “Fine. Then I guess you can sleep on the couch.”
I glance over at the plush couch by the fireplace. It’s comfortable-looking, sure, but nowhere near big enough for my six-foot-four frame. “Really? You’re relegating me to the couch? After everything I’ve done for you tonight?”
She tilts her head, lips twitching. “You mean like stealing snacks and making me run through a blizzard?”
“Exactly.” I gesture dramatically. “I’m practically a hero.”
“A hero who can sleep on the couch,” she deadpans, though her eyes gleam with humor.
I step closer, closing the distance between us. Her breath catches slightly, and I swear the temperature in the room shifts. “Tell you what,” I say, lowering my voice just enough to make her shiver. “I’ll take the couch—on one condition.”
“Oh, this should be good,” she says, lifting her chin defiantly.
“I get to eat the sour gummy worms.”
She laughs again, shaking her head. “No.”
“Then,” I add, stepping even closer, “You have to give me your phone number.”
Maggie rolls her eyes but doesn’t move away. “You really think highly of yourself, don’t you?”
I grin, leaning in just a fraction. “Only when I’m around you.”
Her cheeks deepen to a richer shade of pink, and I have no idea how I’m supposed to survive being locked in a room with her tonight without kissing her again.