Page 51

She snorted. “That’s rather hard to imagine.”

“Think of it as a chance to show off your acting skills. I know I am.”

“Just show me where we should do this.”

“Come on. It’s just down this way.”

He took her hand, and Amber’s face felt hot. Words lodged in her throat as she let herself be led along the path.

Finally, they came to a small gap in the tree line.

“This spot should be perfect,” Christopher decided.

“Are you sure?” she glanced around. “It’s pretty far down the path.”

“Of course, it is. It wouldn’t be believable if we were too close to the house.”

“I supposed that makes sense.” She glanced around, rubbing her arms to stave off the cold. “What now?”

“Now, we wait.”

“Just standing here like this?”

“Go put your back against that tree,” he pointed.

“What? Why?”

“Just do it.”

Amber wanted to argue more but knew a losing battle when she saw on. Instead, she did as he asked, leaning back against the tree.

“Now what?” she grumbled, suppressing a shiver at the feeling of the ice-cold bark on her back.

“Perfect, now, stay just like that.”

Her breath caught in her throat as Christopher moved in close. His hands came to rest on the three beside her, their closeness accentuating the difference in their heights.

She could feel the heat coming off his chest. She couldn’t help but think about leaning in, closer.

But of course, that was just the cold talking.

Silence blanketed them as she looked deep into his eyes. Her breath caught in her throat, heart pounding.

Why did it feel so right to be so close to him?

He was too good at this game. Amber could feel herself starting to fall for the act.

Christopher noticed something in her expression and frowned. “Are you all right?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

He frowned. “You’re shaking.”

“It’s a little bit colder out here than I was expecting.”

She expected him to mock her or to tell her she needed to grow up and get over it, but he didn’t.

Instead, his frown deepened, and he started rubbing at her arms.