by Zoe Chant
They hadn’t even done more than explore the grounds a little together. She had no idea if Raul even thought of her that way.
Well, there was the way his eyes had darkened with heat whenever he looked at her, and that strange, electric sizzle when their hands had touched... But Raul looked like a model, and judging by his car and clothes, had more than enough money to attract women more suited to him. Slim super models who never had to get up at 4 in the morning for their job, and who’d never have to leave their boyfriend for half a year at a time.
He’s too good to be true, she told herself firmly. Also, he’s your colleague. Knock it off.
If only he wasn’t so damn attractive. She didn’t think she’d ever seen hair of that color before—it was no ordinary blond. In the sunlight, it had glistened like real gold with red shimmers, almost as if it was reflecting distant flames.
And his eyes... His eyes had been filled by light. Light that seemed to heat her skin with its power. It was the strangest sensation.
Perhaps this was what happened when someone went without dating in years. Or perhaps this was finally her biological clock switching to the highest alert. Either way, she couldn’t afford to pay attention to it.
***
They were a few minutes late, thanks to Dylan’s dawdling, but Claire was already happy that he’d come along without further complaints. He was probably hungry by now. She’d take it, if it meant no arguments for once.
The restaurant was just as cozy and beautiful as the rest of the castle. Walls painted white were hung with paintings showing snowy landscapes and happy winter scenes. Fake icicles hung from the ceiling, and the walls were decorated with chains of tiny lights in the form of stars and snowflakes. No matter where she looked, there was the warm glow of candles lighting every table. And in large vases in the corners, freshly-cut branches of fir trees stood, decorated with sparkling baubles and releasing the comforting, woody scent of Christmas.
The restaurant was busy. Now that she saw it, Claire could see why it was popular. It was beautiful, warm and inviting without the sterility of the top-notch restaurant of her last hotel. This was a place where you could take the whole family after an exciting day out in the snow.
Or take a date...
A deep yearning twisted in Claire’s stomach as they walked past a table in a nook where the couple she recognized from the sleigh ride were sitting. They were holding hands, and in the light of the candles, a small diamond gleamed on the woman’s finger.
A larger table had been reserved for them at the back of the restaurant. Raul was seated there as well. Claire’s stomach gave another flip at the sight. The candle light did incredible things to his hair. And for a moment, when he turned his head, it looked like his eyes were filled by the same fire that lit the candles.
By Raul’s side, Mrs. Henderson was sitting. For a moment, Claire felt a jolt of disappointment at not being alone with Raul. On the other hand, it would be less awkward this way. Especially with Dylan here as well. He’d probably love nothing better than getting to tease her about her crush on Raul...
“I’ve ordered for all of you, I hope you don’t mind,” Mrs. Henderson said brightly when they took their seats. “A tasting menu, so you get to try all of our dishes. I find it really helps if you actually know what you’re talking about when someone asks you for recommendations.”
Claire gave her a pleased look. This was exactly why she’d always gone to dine in every hotel restaurant she’d worked at. She liked knowing the menu. But more than that, she liked knowing the atmosphere of a place, and the people who worked at it. Not just the chef complaining to her about an emergency with the butcher not delivering the right meat. She liked knowing the waiters. And seeing first-hand how a place was run helped handling the many emergencies that invariably cropped up sooner or later.
“Take a look at the menu,” Raul said and handed her a booklet of heavy, white paper embossed with little snowflakes. “I’m already feeling better about having to spend six weeks cooped up with all this ice and snow.”
Claire laughed and shook her head at him. “Don’t say that too loudly in this place. No matter where I go, I feel like I’ve got Santa watching over my shoulder here. It’s like we’ve traveled straight to the North Pole.”
Dylan rolled his eyes at her, but Claire was pleased to see that he reached for a menu instead of his phone.
“Maybe Mrs. Henderson here is one of his little helpers,” Raul said, grinning. “I’m quite sure that she reports right back to him.”
Mrs. Henderson laughed, her entire body shaking as she wagged a finger at Raul. “I’m keeping an eye on you. Better be good, or it’ll be coal for you this Christmas.”
Raul smirked and turned his eyes on Claire. “And what’ll it be for you? Do you think you’ve been good this year?”
“Oh, very good,” Claire said and grinned right back. “Unfortunately, I’ve been working so much there was no time for anything else.”
“No time for being naughty? We’ll have to fix that.” Raul raised his glass of champagne. “Here’s to six weeks of ice and snow, and enough downtime that all of us can be a little naughty every now and then.”
The heat of his gaze made Claire’s stomach flip again. Breathlessly, she took hold of her own glass and clinked it against his to hide her reaction.
Did he know what he did to her? But how could a man who looked like Raul not know?
“Charmer,” Mrs. Henderson said with a deep belly laugh, holding up her own glass. “It’s always that way with your kind, isn’t it?”
Again there was a flash of heat in his eyes, the red-gold hue of the flames shimmering all around them gathering to fill his eyes. Claire hastily sipped her champagne as her cheeks flushed.
She’d never imagined that she might fall for a shifter one day. Her dad’s new wife was a lovely woman, strong and gentle at once, and Claire had liked her right from their first meeting. But she'd never felt anything like what she felt whenever she was around Raul.
Perhaps it was because her dad’s new wife was a deer shifter—and Raul definitely wasn’t.
She realized all of a sudden that he hadn’t answered when Dylan had asked him earlier.
He had to be an animal of prey, something large and strong. A tiger perhaps, or a lion—or maybe a wolf.
Perhaps that was it. From what little she’d heard about the shifter world from her step-mother, it sounded like she distrusted werewolves a lot. Perhaps people who could turn into dangerous animals were distrusted in general. Could Raul be ashamed of what he was?
With sudden surprise, she realized that she’d finished the slender flute of champagne.
Despite her line of work, she was still no expert when it came to these things. But then, her job was organizing, not giving wine-tasting seminars. She usually stuck to what was recommended to her, and privately just sorted wine into the categories of tastes good and too sour.
This champagne was very good though. It filled her stomach with heat, and she could taste the sweetness of grapes on her tongue. Coupled with the heat of Raul’s gaze on her and the sparkling lights and candles all around them, she felt strangely relaxed and excited at once.
Was this what it was like to simply be happy? She’d been so busy she hadn’t let down her guard in a long, long time.
Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to just relax and enjoy the experience for once. Even if nothing came of it, this might be her only chance to have a charming and incredibly hot man flirt with her.
“This looks incredibly,” Raul said when their tasting menu was served at last.
There was roasted boar with pears poached in red wine and mashed potatoes with chestnuts and mushrooms. Another plate held duck breasts with a plum sauce that tasted deliciously of cinnamon. There was salmon that had been brined with pepper, cinnamon, aniseed and allspice, and goose legs with crispy, golden-brown skin that melted in her mouth.
“This might just be the best Christmas dinner I’ve ever tasted,” Claire s
aid with a sigh when she at last leaned back, finishing off the last of the red wine Raul had ordered to go with it.
“We only just opened the restaurant this summer,” Mrs. Henderson said proudly. “It’s my niece, really—I stay out of her kitchen, except for the desserts. She went to culinary school in Paris, you know, but she told me we just couldn’t do without my famous pies.”
“You must be very proud of her,” Claire said, a warm glow of contentment as she looked around the restaurant.
It was busy, every table taken, but even so there was no hectic rush. The waiters had a smile and recommendations for everyone who asked. All around them, people were eating, laughing and conversing. The soft sound of an orchestra playing carols could be heard from speakers that had to be hidden in the ceilings, but it wasn’t loud enough to make it difficult to talk.
It was a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere, and Claire suddenly realized that she hadn’t felt as happy as this in a long time.
It was weird. It felt a bit like coming home, even though this place was completely unfamiliar. But it was an atmosphere that reminded her of the holidays of her childhood, with friends and family all around her and the table covered with a feast her mother and aunt had worked on all week.
She’d take this over the Michelin rated restaurant of her last job any day.
“You should have a look at the balcony before you leave,” Ms. Henderson said, once they’d finished off an enormous slice of apple pie served with homemade cinnamon ice cream.
Dylan yawned in an exaggerated way. “I’ll just go to bed. It’s pretty late.”
Which was probably teenager for I’ll stay up past midnight playing World of Warcraft with my friends, but Claire just nodded at him.
She’d made sure that he spent some time outside during the day, but she wasn’t his mother, and this was his vacation. She could just pretend to overlook some things every now and then.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at nine,” Claire said and shook Mrs. Henderson’s hand. “Thank you so much for this lovely first evening. I’m really looking forward to getting to know the Snow Castle and everyone who works here.”
“We’re glad to have you.” Mrs. Henderson chuckled. “I’m too old to learn about all the things Dara does on her computer to keep everything running. You’re truly a lifesaver. Both of you are.”
Raul looked uncomfortable at the praise. “It’s not like I’m doing much. I doubt that I’ll be needed. But I’m happy to help out family.”
Again Claire gave him a curious look, but before she could ask just how exactly he was related to the shifter who owned Snow Castle, the doors to the balcony opened, releasing a string of music and a gust of surprisingly warm air.
Raul took her hand and led her outside, following behind another couple. To her astonishment, Claire found that she wasn’t freezing immediately, even though she hadn’t brought a jacket. She was wearing a simple, black dress that went well with most occasions, which covered her shoulders but left her arms bare.
Above them, the sky was black, stars twinkling brightly. It had stopped snowing, and the air was cold and clear.
But all around the large balcony, outdoor heaters were installed. They glowed and filled the balcony with enough warmth that couples were swirling merrily all around the balcony, waltzing to the sound of a three man orchestra that sat on a small podium.
The balcony was decorated with small trees that looked like they’d been carved from ice. They gleamed like crystal, and were hung with tiny lights.
Women in beautiful dresses twirled past the ice trees, and to their left, a small bar served champagne and mulled wine, which filled the air with the scent of cinnamon.
“Now that is a winter wonderland,” Claire breathed, overwhelmed as she tried to take it all in.
Had she seen pictures of this balcony? She must have. The owners of the castle had sent her pictures before she’d accepted the job.
But whatever she’d seen had been nothing like this. This was like falling asleep and waking up in a dream that had taken her right to the North Pole, to a land ruled by Santa Claus where dreams came true, where Christmas didn’t mean stressed shoppers, but the joy of spending time with your loved ones.
Another couple twirled past them, the woman’s face flushed with happiness as the man laughed.
Claire took a step back, afraid that she was in the way—only to bump right into Raul’s body.
Even now, with the heaters shining gentle warmth down on them, he was deliciously hot through the layer of clothes between them.
“Careful,” he murmured, his voice throaty.
When Claire turned around, he took hold of her hand. They were still so close that she found herself staring at his mouth.
Close enough to kiss, she thought faintly, heat rushing right up into her face again. Is he just flirting for the fun of it, or would he really...
“May I ask for this dance?” he asked with a gallant bow over her hand.
Speechless and overwhelmed, Claire could only nod. Her heart was racing in her chest.
She knew how to waltz. Her parents had loved dancing, and her dad had taught her when she was a child. Every now and then, she had to attend a function for her job where it was expected that she’d dance. And there were usually a handful of colleagues who took pity on her and asked eternally single Claire to dance. She’d never found it difficult to make friends, after all.
But now, with her hand held securely in Raul’s strong grasp, it felt completely different. For a moment, it was as if her mind had gone blank, like she’d forgotten how to dance.
But then the music started again. Raul’s hand tightened around hers. His other hand settled on her waist, firm and confident—and then they were moving.
Claire was overwhelmed. She couldn’t think—but she didn’t have to. Twirling across the balcony, securely held in Raul’s arms, felt completely natural. Where he led, she followed, joining the other dancers as they whirled past ice trees and sparkling fairy lights.
Raul was warm. She could feel it, even with the warmth of the heaters. It was as if his body was a furnace, keeping her safe from the cold of the night. His eyes gleamed with the warmth of candlelight.
She’d never felt so safe before.
At last, the orchestra stopped playing. Claire couldn’t even say how long they had twirled across the balcony. The lights were still on, but the crowd had begun to thin.
The musicians bowed and left their little stage, and together with the other dancers, Claire applauded, flushed with excitement and something that felt like overwhelming happiness.
When was the last time she’d felt like this?
Four new musicians climbed the stage and began to softly play jazz. Many of the remaining couples moved closer, swaying together, and when Claire turned, she found Raul looking at her, his eyes dark and intense.
Did he feel the same stunning sense of rightness that she felt?
“One last dance?” he asked softly, holding out his hand to her.
Claire could only nod silently. She couldn't even think of how to express in words what she was feeling—and any words would destroy this thing that had so unexpectedly blossomed between them.
Maybe in the morning sun, she’d laugh it off. But right now, the mood was too magical to destroy it with her worries.
Raul’s eyes darkened further as he moved closer against her. His arms settled around her waist, and Claire took a deep, startled breath. Where he touched her, heat seemed to spring up, even with their clothes between them.
What would his touch feel like on bare skin...?
With a flush, she turned her head. She rested it against his shoulder, which was invitingly broad, with hard muscles shifting beneath her cheek every time he moved.
Raul moved with a strange grace. He couldn’t be a wolf—but he felt like a large cat. Something strong and dangerous—but at the same time deadly beautiful and elegant. A lion, perhaps, or a tiger...
With the slow, mou
rnful notes of a saxophone weaving through the air they swayed together. Raul smelled spicy and hot, as if someone had thrown spices onto a bonfire of fragrant wood. A little smoky—and incredibly, overwhelmingly masculine.
Claire was glad that he couldn’t see her face. Her cheeks were hot. She had to be flushed all over. She knew that having a crush on the man who’d be working by her side for the next few weeks was a terrible idea—but she just couldn’t help it.
She’d never met a man with such natural charisma before. It was impossible to look away from him, even if she’d wanted to. Even here on the balcony, with so many men dressed in their finest suits, he stood out like a lion among tame cats. He was all confidence and pure, masculine virility.
And this evening, he was all hers.
When the song came to an end, Claire sighed softly. Reluctantly, she moved back half a step, smiling up at Raul.
“That was a lovely evening. Thank you,” she heard herself say.
His eyes were dilated. Something inside Claire was pleased to note that he looked flushed as well.
“I’d ask for your permission to kiss you—” he began, his voice rough.
Claire smiled, regret aching deep inside her chest. “But we’ll have to work with all these people for the next six weeks. So we can’t.”
“I suppose it would be unprofessional,” Raul murmured. He hadn’t moved back, and Claire still found herself staring at his mouth. His lips were very full and red, and she yearned all of a sudden for the sensation of his hard body pressing against hers.
But it’s not the first time I have to do the sensible thing for my job, she told herself firmly. And it won’t be the last time.
Regretfully, she took another step back.
“And I should check in on Dylan. He’d stay up all night killing orcs, if you’d let him.”
Raul nodded. She noted that his eyes still gleamed, even though the fire in them seemed to have dimmed.
“Then I’ll walk you up to the guest wing,” he said gallantly. “My rooms are in the family tower. It’s not far.”
“The family tower,” Claire murmured with a faint smile. “I really envy the person who built all this. What an incredible project. How amazing it must be to see all your dreams come into reality, stone by stone—and tower by tower, I suppose.”