She’d often wondered why she’d told him so much that day. What it was about him that had allowed her to lower her guard so completely. But now she understood it. There was something about the way he looked at her, the way he listened. The way he was.

And now here she was, sitting next to him while he told her that his one unforgettable night had been with her. And she felt the same way, so why couldn’t she tell him that? Why couldn’t she admit that, yes, he was right, and the reason she’d avoided him wasn’t because she hadn’t felt anything, but because she’d felt too much?

“That night... I told you more than I’ve ever told anyone except Christy. I don’t know why I did.” She did know why. She knew why. “You’re a good listener. You don’t interrupt. You manage to act as if you actually care.”

“I did care. I do care.”

She leaned against his shoulder. She should probably pull away, but why would she pull away from something that felt so good? Being held by him made the world feel right.

But if she didn’t pull away, then it was obvious where this would end up. She didn’t so much as dip her toe into emotional entanglements, and yet she was moments away from being ready to dive headfirst.

She drew back. “This isn’t a good idea.”

“Why not?”

So many reasons, not least the fact that they were cocooned together in this cozy, snowbound cabin. Whatever they did, there would be no walking away from it.

She never slept the whole night with a man. She liked her dates to have a defined end, one which she usually controlled. No awkward morning-after encounters where nighttime familiarity gave way to daylight unfamiliarity. Tea or coffee? Where do you keep your mugs? Do you eat breakfast?

She left at whatever hour she chose, but it was always dark when she slid into the cab and went back to her own space.

And it wasn’t necessarily that she wanted to be that way, but it was how she was, and she accepted it. She lived her life in a way that made her feel comfortable.

So what were the rules here? This wasn’t her space, but it wasn’t his, either.

They were both guests in this winter wonderland. If they slept together, what would happen afterward? If she was going to boot him anywhere, it would be to the sofa. But was she really going to do that?

“Take a look at that.” He spoke softly. “The northern lights. Right outside our window. That’s a hell of a show, just for us.”

She stared through the glass. The trees were thickly coated in white, and above their glistening tips, shimmering ribbons of greeny-purple light danced in the sky.

“It’s unbelievable. I never imagined anywhere could be so beautiful. This is more Christmassy than all the store decorations I’ve ever seen.”

He pulled her closer. “You’re not missing civilization?”