Snowed Into Love

Homebound

Chapter 1: Homebound

Maya Kensington’s designer boots clicked against the polished marble floors of the airport terminal, a sharp contrast to the scuffed work boots and snow-dusted jackets surrounding her. She clutched her oversized coffee cup like a lifeline, muttering under her breath as she scrolled through her phone for the rental car confirmation email.

“This can’t be happening,” she whispered, her manicured nail tapping the screen. “I can’t believe I let Aunt Grace talk me into this

the festival, make Grace happy, and be back in New York before the snow ruins my hair.”

Now, standing in a sea of tourists bundled up like marshmallows, Maya regretted every decision that had led her to this freezing, snow-covered corner of the world.

Maya finally spotted the rental car desk and hurried over, her heels sliding slightly on the wet floor. The clerk, a cheerful woman with a Santa hat perched on her head, greeted her with an enthusiastic smile.

“Welcome to Pine Hollow! Are you here for the festival?”

“Something like that,” Maya muttered, handing over her ID. She didn’t have the heart—or the patience—to explain that she wasn’t here for holiday cheer but to rescue a festival on the brink of collapse.

The clerk typed on her computer and glanced up. “Oh dear. It looks like your reserved SUV isn’t available. The storm delayed the return.”

Maya’s stomach sank. “What do you mean, ‘not available’? I specifically requested an all-wheel-drive vehicle.”

“We’ve got a cozy sedan ready for you!” the clerk chirped.

“A sedan? In this snow?!” Maya’s voice rose, drawing curious glances from nearby travelers.

“I promise it’ll get you where you need to go,” the clerk assured her. “Pine Hollow’s roads are well-maintained.”

Maya pinched the bridge of her nose. “Fine. I’ll take it.”

---

Outside, the wind whipped icy flakes into her face as she approached the tiny sedan, its tires barely visible beneath a fresh coat of snow. She struggled with her luggage, finally shoving it into the trunk before sliding into the driver’s seat.

“Just a week,” she reminded herself, cranking up the heater.

The drive to Pine Hollow was both breathtaking and terrifying. Towering evergreens lined the snow-covered road, their branches heavy with white. Maya gripped the steering wheel tightly, her heart racing every time the car skidded slightly on the icy surface.

When she finally pulled into the resort’s parking lot, she let out a sigh of relief. The Pine Hollow Lodge stood like a picture-perfect postcard, its wooden exterior adorned with twinkling lights and garlands. Smoke curled from the chimney, and laughter drifted from a group of kids building a snowman nearby.

“Charming,” she muttered, stepping out of the car and immediately sinking ankle-deep into the snow. “Great start.”

---

Inside the lodge, warmth enveloped her, along with the comforting scent of pine and cinnamon. Aunt Grace bustled over, her cheeks rosy and her silver hair escaping from a knitted hat.

“Maya, you made it!” Grace enveloped her in a hug before pulling back to study her. “You look… cold.”

“Gee, I wonder why,” Maya said, brushing snow off her coat.

Grace laughed. “You’ll get used to it. Come on, I’ll show you to your room.”

---

As they walked through the lodge, Grace chattered about the festival’s preparations—or lack thereof. “The decorations are delayed, the catering canceled last minute, and the snowstorm stranded half the volunteers. But I know you’ll fix it all. You’re my miracle worker!”

Maya forced a smile. “No pressure, right?”

They rounded a corner, and Maya froze. There, leaning casually against the reception desk, was a tall, broad-shouldered man in a flannel shirt and jeans. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers.

Ethan.

Maya’s stomach did a little flip, and not the good kind. She hadn’t seen him in nearly a decade, but the familiar mixture of guilt and longing hit her like a snowball to the chest.

“Well, well,” Ethan drawled, his voice as smooth and deep as she remembered. “Look who decided to grace us with her presence.”

Maya forced herself to smile. “Hello, Ethan. Long time no see.”

His gaze was unreadable, but there was a flicker of something—hurt, maybe, or anger—before he smirked. “Welcome back, city girl.”