“Looks like Uncle Zac has driven Aunty Alix to drink already.” The laughter in his tone was more unsettling than anything that had gone before.

“This is why I don’t have kids. Well, one of the reasons.” She poured wine into the two glasses. “So many awkward questions. From now on, you are officially in charge of answering all awkward questions.”

“It’s pretty simple.” He took the glass from her. “You answer honestly. Kids come with a built-in lie detector.”

“I should have told her that you and I can’t stand the sight of each other?”

“You could have told her that—” he tapped his glass against hers “—but we both know it would have been a lie. And she would have known that.”

“You’re delusional.”

“Tell yourself that if you must. I understand that you’re scared.” He put the glass down and opened the fridge. “Mm. Cured salmon. Loganberries. Forgotten how much I love Sweden. I wish someone would do this for me at home. Stock my fridge full of delicious food, and all I have to do is follow the instructions.”

“You think I’m scared?”

“I know you’re scared.” He pulled out a couple of dishes. “Ready for your reindeer stew?”

She glanced toward the bedroom. “Keep your voice down. I don’t want Holly asking if we’re eating Rudolph.”

“Smart thinking.” He checked the cooking instructions and put the food on to heat. “I can guarantee this wasn’t Rudolph. This one was probably the rebel reindeer.”

“I’ve always had sympathy with rebels, so if you want me to eat it you’d better stop talking. This wine is good.”

“It is. And so is the food.” He found plates and took them to the small table that was positioned to take advantage of the lake and the forest. “And this is surely the best view you could ever have.”

“It’s beautiful. The only thing lacking is the company.”

“Come on. Admit it, you find me charming and irresistible. That’s why you’re worried.” He opened drawers until he found napkins.

“I’m worried because we’re stuck here together. Why didn’t you tell Robyn the truth?”

“Because she’d already told us they are fully booked.” He put mats and napkins on the table. “As there was no alternative option available, there seemed little point in embarrassing and stressing her.”

Alix was exasperated. “What did Christy say to make her think we’re a couple?”

He shrugged. “Maybe it was Erik’s interpretation. We men are simple folk. The nuances of relationships often evade us. If Christy said we were coming together, then assuming that means together is not an unreasonable assumption.”

It seemed unreasonable to Alix.

She watched him move around the room. “Tomorrow I’m going to tell Robyn the truth and ask if you can stay in the main lodge if a vacancy happens to arise.”

He frowned. “I don’t want to stay in the main lodge.”

“All right, then I’ll stay there.” She squashed down the disappointment. This cabin was idyllic. She happily could have moved in here forever.