The Parking Lot

She didn't make it to the car before the tears started.

She was hyperventilating by the time she reached her SUV. She fumbled with her keys, dropping them in the snow.

"Elena!"

Ben was running across the parking lot. He wasn't wearing a coat. He was sliding in his boots.

He caught up to her, breathless.

"You tore up the contract," Ben said, staring at her. "That was... a billion dollars."

"I don't care," Elena sobbed, wiping her eyes. "He was a jerk. And I... I was a jerk to you."

"You defended me," Ben said, stepping closer. "You told him off."

"I pushed you away," Elena confessed. "Last night. I pushed you away because I was scared, Ben. I was scared because that kiss wasn't fake for me. And if I admit that, and if this goes wrong, I lose you. And I can't lose you. You're my home."

Ben went still. "Say that again."

"You're my home," Elena whispered. "I don't want a fake fiancé. I want my best friend. But... I think I want more, too."

Ben let out a laugh—a sound of pure, unadulterated relief.

He kicked the keys aside. He grabbed her face in his hands.

"I have been in love with you since you organized the chocolate milk protest," Ben said. "I didn't defend you to Lars because I was about to punch him in the throat and I didn't want you to get sued. I love you, El. You are the most intense, terrifying, beautiful person I know."

"I ruined the deal," Elena sniffled.

"Screw the deal," Ben grinned. "We'll find another wool supplier. Or we'll shear the sheep ourselves. We're a good team."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

He kissed her.

It was better than the ice kiss. It was warm, and safe, and full of twenty years of history. It was a promise.

When they pulled apart, snow was falling on their eyelashes.

"So," Ben said, brushing a snowflake from her nose. "Since you technically cost me a weekend of bakery revenue, I think you owe me."

"Oh really?" Elena smiled, leaning into him. "What are your terms?"

"Free pastries for life," Ben negotiated.

"Steep," Elena countered. "How about I just marry you for the employee discount?"

Ben laughed, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her into the warmth of his chest.

"Deal," he said. "Now let's get out of here. I think the Hygge Suite is still ours until checkout."

"One bed?" Elena asked.

"One bed," Ben confirmed. "And this time, no pillow wall."