She's running from her controlling brother. He's a protective stranger who offers her a ride. A snowstorm forces them to share a room at a small-town inn...and changes everything. I've planned my escape down to the minute—cash saved, bus schedule researched, backpack hidden in my closet. Living under my brother's control has taught me how to be invisible. But I never planned for the snowstorm. Or for the rugged stranger who offers me a ride. Ryder is everything my brother warned me about: intimidatingly handsome, quietly watchful, and radiating the kind of raw strength that makes my heart race. But there's a gentleness in his eyes that makes me see not all strength is meant to cage. When a snowstorm traps us together at a small-town inn just before Christmas, I discover what real safety feels like. His calloused hands are tender when they touch me. His broad shoulders make me feel protected instead of trapped. For the first time in my life, I want something more than just escape. By the time the roads have cleared, Ryder has stolen my heart—but my freedom lies in a town hundreds of miles away and my only option is to leave him behind. If only I could convince my heart to let him go. Curl up with this short, steamy, swoon-worthy holiday romance featuring a protective hero, age gap, forced proximity, a first kiss, love letters, and Christmas coziness.