Troping Through the Snow by Alexa Riley

“Something strong,” I say, and when he comes back, he sets down a whiskey with a tray of snacks. “Cheers,” I offer in thanks.

“We’re looking at about four hours total. Would you like to sleep?”

“Not this time.” Reaching in my bag, I take out my tablet and swipe the screen to turn it on. “I’ve got a book to read.”

“Enjoy, Mr. Snow,” Adam says before beginning the preflight checklist.

After I download the newest romance Noel recommended to me, I send her a quick text.

Me: Will this one be as good as your own writing?

Noel: Way better!

Me: I doubt that.

It was almost easy finding her once I made the right calls. Then with a little more effort, I made contact anonymously. I pretended to have a few things in common, and before I knew it, we were texting every day. I haven’t found the right way out of this situation I’ve put myself in, but one thing is for sure—I’ve got to meet her. After scheduling my flight and making the arrangements, I considered canceling about a hundred times. Or just deleting my number altogether and disappearing. But curiosity has been nagging at the back of my mind, and I know I have to see this through. I have to meet Noel and see for myself if she’s truly who she says she is.

Did I pretend to be someone else so that I could find out more information on Kate’s long-lost daughter? Yes. Have I gotten caught up in all of this and started reading romances even when Noel doesn’t recommend them to me? Also yes.

But the real question I’m afraid to ask is have I somehow fallen in love?





CHAPTER 3





NOEL





The day goes quickly with the schools being out for winter break. On top of that, the town is full of people coming to Troping to spend their day, and I stay fairly busy. The tourists usually pop in to take a glance around at the historic buildings and decorations. Everything in Troping is decorated inside and out. That includes the library, which I’ve done myself. I put little Christmas trees next to certain sections and decorated them accordingly to match the theme of the books.

I’ve learned to keep a printed list of holiday romance book recommendations for those who ask when some of the books catch their eye. Since they’re only visiting, they can’t check them out, but I’ll scribble down whatever the title of the book is for them on the pre-made list unless it’s already on there.

To no one’s surprise, my mom shows up late in the afternoon. “How is your day going?” She gives me a kiss on the cheek and hugs me like I’ve been away for days.

“Candy didn’t report back to you already?” I tease my her. Her best friend was here two hours ago.

“She might have mentioned she was in here,” my mom says as she picks an imaginary piece of lint off my sweater. “Did she tell you her son is in town? He got in last night.”

“She did.” My mom and her best friend Candy have this dream that Mark and I will get married. We kind of grew up together, and he's four years older than me. Since his mom and mine are best friends, I saw him often until he left for college.

“You know he’s thinking of moving back to Troping when he graduates in the fall.”

“Candy informed me.” I’m always filled in on what Mark is up to. At least what he lets his mom know he’s up to. He got around a lot even in high school. I’m sure college really opened up the field for him.

I don’t think Mark is one that would want to settle down—not that I’m remotely interested. He’s too handsome—if that’s even a thing. Or maybe I’m used to people saying he’s handsome and I've gone along with it in my head. Everything about him is too perfect, and to me that’s dull. There’s nothing interesting or eye-catching, and he’s definitely not a grumpy bear shifter. The thought makes Snow pop into my mind. I haven’t heard from her in a while, and normally we text throughout the day.

“They’re coming over for dinner tonight.”

“Mom,” I groan.

“What? It will be nice to catch up.”

“You and Candy really need to see that Mark and I aren’t going to be a thing. He was like the cool kid and I was on the dork side.”

My mom rolls her eyes at me. “You weren't a dork.”

“I have no problem with being a dork, but you’re right. There were no groups per se in school, I just mean we’re really different.”

“That’s a good thing. Did you see Frostie? She’s with that man who grunts all the time. Opposites attract.” Okay, that’s true, but they were the kind of opposites that attract, and it’s adorable. The second I realized they were together. I knew it was a perfect match. “Besides, you haven’t seen Mark in a few years. You’ve grown up.”

I think he might have been the one that needed to grow up, but I keep that to myself.

“You mean I got boobs, lost my braces, and figured out how to control my hair?” My mom's lips purse because that’s not what she means at all. “I’m teasing you, Mom.”

“I’m only saying you’re a woman now. There could be a spark now that you’re older.”

“How is he even contemplating moving to Troping? He’s a lawyer, and we just got one of those, and she’s a real—”