STORMY STARED THROUGH the frosted glass of the window until Gray’s shape was engulfed by the white void.
He’d stopped once as if he thought about changing his mind about leaving, but then he continued on.
Stepping away, she turned and looked around the empty cabin. Her heart dropped into her toes. The one person, outside of Tiffany, who knew she was here had just walked away…and possibly out of her life for good. Sure, he’d said he’d return, but logic warned her that many people had made promises and they didn’t keep them, and those were people she was close to so how could she believe a stranger? How easy it would be for him to continue walking.
She could chalk up her worry to the fact that she didn’t like the idea of being alone in the middle of a snowstorm, but it wasn’t that simple. They’d kissed and although it wasn’t rational, she wanted more from him. If he hadn’t pulled away, put responsibility first, would things have gone to the next level? Yes.
Going to the refrigerator, she took out a water, uncapped it and drank thirstily. More to cool off the heat in her body and not because she was dehydrated.
Taking the bottle to the couch, she dropped down, staring into the orangish flames of the fire.
She thrummed her fingers on the arm of the couch.
Was Colette looking for her? Worried?
Pulling the blanket up around her body, she snuggled deeper into the cushion of the couch. She wouldn’t blame Gray if he didn’t come back. Maybe he’d get sidetracked by his assignment.
Her heart fluttered.
Maybe that was the real reason why he braved the weather!
She dropped her shoulders. No reason to get upset. He had a job to do.
Sensibly, the best thing would be for them to part ways. Her life was in turmoil. Why did she care so much if he came back? Of course, she wanted him to be safe, but she shouldn’t worry that she might not see him again. He was a stranger. One who’d saved her life. Blown into her life like a blizzard, literally.
Stormy did believe she was pathetic.
Goosebumps scattered her skin and she hauled the blanket up to her chin. Her head throbbed. She closed her eyes and an image of Gray danced with her brain cells. There was a pull between them that she didn’t understand. What if she just allowed herself to feel without inhibition?
When they’d kissed, she’d been overcome with a desire so profound that it had wiped away all doubt for those few moments. She’d been aroused, and by the bulge behind his zipper, he’d been just as turned on. Thinking about what could have happened warmed her beyond what a fire could do.
This wasn’t right. She had jumped out of a relationship. Why did these emotions come at the most inopportune time?
Because in all truth, she wanted to be in a relationship. Wanted to love someone and be loved. To have strong arms wrapped around her when times were tough, and in times of celebration.
What if Gray was her person?
What if fate had planned their meeting, tossing them together?
She must have hit her head harder than she first thought.
Incapable of sitting still, Stormy got up and went into the kitchen, starting to make coffee. She didn’t need another cup, but she had to do something. Anything to get her mind off Special Agent Gray Carlisle. It would take a lot more than caffeine to rid her mind of his image. Washing the two plates, two pans, drying them and putting them away, she poured a cup of coffee and sipped at the black brew while examining the cabin through the steam.
It was a nice place. It looked like it had been recently remodeled with new wood flooring and painted walls. Although the owner had kept the rustic feel. Maybe she could buy a place like this?
Her mind wandered to Tiffany. How strangely that she had the cabin to offer at the spur of the moment. Was the place hers? Stormy didn’t know much about the planner because Duncan had found her and hired her. What Stormy did know was the woman seemed more like a condo in the city and less a cabin in the mountains.
Well, in appreciation for Tiffany’s kindness, Stormy could at least dust, maybe mop a floor or two. What else did she have to do?
Going from cabinet to cabinet, she finally found a broom, mop, and other cleaning supplies. Taking the broom, she stepped into the living room and began sweeping, but her mind wandered to the kiss she and Gray had shared. His mouth was amazing. She’d never been kissed with such power and amazement that infused her blood with an intoxicating wine.
Good thing one of them had the logic to end the act, otherwise they would have found themselves in a sticky mess. Although, she could think of far worse situations than spending her time in a secluded cabin in the strong arms of a man like Gray. She should be petrified of how much she wanted him, but at the same time she was titillated with an erotic desire that she’d never experienced. Of course, she wasn’t skilled in lovemaking except for what she and Duncan had shared. At twenty-eight, she’d waited later than most to be intimate and her few encounters had been disappointing. While other girls were going to parties, Stormy had been taking care of her sister. Colette once called her “Cinderella”.
Would she satisfy a man? Over the last year, Duncan seemed less interested in making love. She’d often wondered if he didn’t find her attractive any longer, or she wasn’t what he’d wanted in a woman. She’d bought lingerie to help with the dry spell, but he’d shunned her with a distant chill.
But Gray…he’d kissed her in a way that made her forget Duncan’s rejection.
Tilting her chin, she dropped the broom and went into the bedroom. The one closet she hadn’t looked in was this one. Sliding the door open, the floor was empty. Looking at the ceiling, she realized there was a pull-down door, but she was too short to reach it. Grabbing a chair from the kitchen, with a little effort she finally managed to pull the door loose and her eyes widened. It was like Christmas. She dragged out the snow shoes and goggles. How in the world didn’t either one of them think to look for a hidden storage? And why were the things hidden in the first place?
As she was trying on the shoes, she heard a noise. It sounded like it had come from the living room. She stepped into the hallway and listened.
It was a scratching sound at the door, so faint, but she knew it was real.
Her heart pounded. Could it be a wild animal? A bear?
At the window she looked out through the ice, not seeing anything but snow. The only footprints were the ones left by Gray. So then, what had she heard?
Stepping over to the door, she unlocked it and slowly opened it a crack. The porch was empty. Hearing a whimper, she opened the door wider. She hadn’t been imagining the scratching after all. Standing just off the corner of the porch, wagging its tail, was a dog. Switching on the outside light, she got a better look at the German Shepherd mix that was a little on the skinny side.
“Hi there,” she said in a soft voice, not wanting to scare it away.
He stayed back, shifting paws, watching her as if he wasn’t sure she was a friend or enemy.
Squatting, Stormy held out her hand in a friendly gesture. The dog’s ears perked and stared with saucer-sized eyes. His tail had stopped twitching.
“It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.”
Still no movement from the dog.
“What are you doing out in the cold? This is not the weather for you.”
He stared.
She had an idea.
“Don’t leave.”
In the kitchen she took out a bag of crackers. Probably not the best treat for a dog, but better than nothing. Taking out one of the crackers, she took her position in the doorway, holding out the offering. This definitely got his attention. This time, he shifted from paw to paw, his tongue now wagging.
Stormy waited patiently and finally he took a short step closer, sniffed the air, then took a step back. He did this several more times until finally he was within inches of the cracker. The loud popping of the fire inside made him jump and he darted away from the house, disappearing around the corner.
“It’s okay, girl. You must be hungry,” Stormy said in a soothing tone.
After several patient minutes, the dog finally came back and gave in, taking the cracker in one gulp.
When she had the animal’s trust, four crackers later, she stepped through the doorway. The dog followed, licking his chops.
Bending on her knees, she scratched him behind the ears and then sighed. “Well, I was wrong. You’re not a he, but instead a she. Please forgive me.”
The fire cracked and the dog’s tail stuck straight up in the air inquisitively.
“It’s okay. It’s warm in here.”
Giving her another cracker, and while she chomped, Stormy examined the collar but found no dog tag.
“I bet you’re hungrier for more than just crackers.”
After giving the shepherd more scratches behind her ears some of her tepidness had vanished. Stormy slowly moved toward the kitchen, no sudden movements to scare her new friend. The dog followed and stood staring from a few feet away. Her tail was back to wagging and there was a new shine to her eyes.
“How about some water?”
The dog’s head tilted and her ears perked.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
Finding a plastic bowl, Stormy filled it with water and placed it on the floor. The dog lapped up the offering, and when the bowl was empty, she refilled the container, then went to searching for something more she could feed the hungry girl. Settling on a can of chicken chunks, Stormy removed the lid and placed the food on the floor. Within seconds, it was gone.
“Who do you belong to, girl?” Stormy rubbed her head. “Who would let you out in this weather?”
Tossing the can into the trash, Stormy stepped into the living room, her new friend right on her heels.
Unexpectantly, she’d made two new friends since the accident.
*
To say it was cold was an understatement.
Gray’s ears and nose were frozen by the time he made it to the scene of the accident, but at least he’d made it to his destination.
Both cars were covered in at least six inches of snow and from what he could see there were no new tracks. And, unfortunately, so far he didn’t have any reception on his cell. Climbing into Stormy’s car, he prayed the battery wasn’t dead and he could get some heat to warm up.
Turning the key, the engine sputtered and he thought it’d be a loss cause until finally the motor kicked in. Turning the heat to high, he pulled off his gloves and rubbed his hands together, blowing on them to hasten the effect. Once he could feel his fingers and toes again, he reached across the space and opened the glove compartment. He’d checked once, right after the accident, but he thought he’d give it another try, but came up empty. After a few more minutes, he popped the button that opened the trunk and reluctantly climbed back out into the cold. He found the purse and suitcase. It had rows of duct tape holding the leather together. He smiled and dragged it out, hurrying to climb back into the car where it was warm.
Looking at the suitcase now sitting on the passenger seat, the problem was, he didn’t want to have to carry the heavy thing all the way back to the cabin. Plus, there was a possibility it would fall apart.
The lid came open and he was immediately met with Stormy’s delectable scent…the one that he’d never forget. He stared down at her neatly folded clothing which seemed at odds with the terrible condition of the suitcase.
He’d have to find only what she needed.
Touching the soft material of her clothing, he felt like he was invading her privacy, but reminded himself that she asked for clothing.
First, he searched and found a scarf that he could use as a sling to carry the necessary items. It was flowered and quite feminine, but then again, he didn’t much care. He tied the material around his neck and situated it to make a pouch.
The next thing he found was a bikini.
As cold and as exhausted as he was, parts of his body were never too tired. He envisioned Stormy wearing the two piece, standing at a water’s edge somewhere exotic. Her long blonde hair caught in a warm breeze and a seductive smile beckoning him…
He stirred in the seat, dragging his thoughts back on track.
He threw the find into the backseat.
Stuffing several shirts in the sling, he thought he could manage this task without his mind working overtime, and then he came to a red lace and satin corset that could be described as nothing short of hot. A gamut of emotions raced through him. Ranging from excitement to something he couldn’t quite understand. Jealousy. He’d only felt the emotion once or twice in his lifetime, both for fleeting seconds, but this was strong and it made breathing difficult. What had he expected? She was packed for her honeymoon. He didn’t know a lot about those things, but he did know a newly married couple would spend hours, maybe days, in bed. At least that was his idea of a good honeymoon.
Something ripped through him that left him even colder. Something that had been foreign to him up until now. He was starting to care for Stormy. He rubbed his forehead and dropped the lingerie into the back with the two piece. There was no place in this mess for the outfit or for such awkward emotion.
Relax, Gray.
He had no claim to her. Just because he saved her from the snow and kissed her—and what an amazing kiss it had been—didn’t give him any right.
Hurrying to finish, he shut off the engine, slipped out of the warm car, and made sure the door was locked and the key was secure in his pocket with her medication.
Walking through the deep snow and hearing his own thoughts because everything was so quiet, he was almost to his Jeep when he heard the low purr of an engine in the distance.
Was he imagining it?
As the sound drew closer he could make out the rise and fall of the engine and realized it was a snow mobile. It was about the only thing that would make it in this weather. Hanging back out of view, he watched ahead where the road met a dog-leg curve. Sure, this was great. Someone with transportation. Yet he couldn’t forget that Phantom was likely somewhere on this mountain too.
Gray scanned the area, listening where he thought the sound was coming from. Then he saw the one headlight.
Taking cover behind his Jeep, he watched as the vehicle slowed and approached the accident with caution. Staying hidden, he waited to see what the driver would do. Would he pass or stop?
Gray squinted to make out the driver’s silhouette dressed in all black snow gear. Feeling a sliver of envy, what Gray wouldn’t give for the warm apparel, and of course the vehicle.
The snowmobile stopped, the engine shut off and the driver slid off the seat less than twenty feet from where Gray was still squatted down. The driver would have to see Gray’s tracks soon, unless he wasn’t sharp-eyed.
The driver approached the side and the top of his black helmet could be seen bobbing as the stranger made their way through the snow. Ice crunched under snow boots. The sound of the door handle being pulled on the Jeep made the hair on Gray’s neck rise. What the hell was he doing trying to get in the vehicle?
Staying low, Gray made his way around and like a cat, he came up behind the driver, grabbed his shoulder, which wasn’t difficult considering the man was at least five inches shorter, and swung him around, pressing him against the side of the door.
“Who are you?” Gray growled. “Answer me.”
Several long seconds passed and when he didn’t get an answer, Gray grabbed the front of the man’s jacket and twisted.
The driver reached up and dragged off the helmet. Long hair streamed down narrow shoulders and dark eyes widened. Her mouth was set at an awkward ankle.
“Shit!” Gray dropped his hands from her clothing and shoulder.
“I thought at first I was seeing things, but you’re a flesh and blood living person. What in the hell are you doing out here in a blizzard, my friend?” she said in a surprisingly calm voice.
“Maybe I should be asking you the same question.”
“The name’s Dory Shewalter. I live a few miles that direction. You caught me off guard. I didn’t think I’d find anyone out here.” She held out her gloved hand for him to shake.
He stared until finally accepting the offer. “I’m Gray.”
“Is this yours?” She slapped the side of the Jeep.
“There was an accident.” Although she looked harmless, he didn’t trust anyone, and yet he didn’t have the luxury of denying that she could be a big help to him.
“Obviously.” She smiled wider. “Never know what, or who, you’re going to run into and why I make sure I check the roads for accidents in bad weather. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to rescue people. Now I know you weren’t driving both vehicles.” She nudged her chin toward the sportscar. “Looks like it started for you.”
Maybe she was a bit more observant than he first gave her credit for.
“The woman who was driving the other vehicle, she and I are staying up the mountain at a cabin.” As of right now, she was a savior on a snowmobile, even if she was a complete stranger. “We don’t have cell service and we haven’t been able to reach out to anyone. Would you happen to have a phone I could use? One that has service.”
“Not on me. If you need to make a call, you’ll have to go down the mountain.”
“That’s more than five miles away.” No way did he want to hike in the snow with a hurt knee for another five miles.
“It wouldn’t matter anyway. I’m afraid everything is shut down. Business owners tend to do that around these parts. Not like they’d miss any business. Bad weather’s coming again soon and you should be back at your cabin hunkering down.” She must have sensed his disappointment. “Consider this a friendly act of neighborly kindness. I have a landline. When I left, it was working, and it’d be the Godly thing for me to offer it.”
He looked up the incline toward the cabin where Stormy waited. “You say your place is a few miles that way?” In the opposite direction, of course.
She dragged on her helmet and flicked up the face guard. “Now or never. Time’s a ticking and Mother Nature has a mind of her own.” She started toward the snowmobile, and stopped, looking back at him. “Do you have a problem with taking the rear?”
What choice did he have? He needed to contact his team. Climbing onto the back of the snowmobile, he hoped the snow held off for a few more hours.
Although her cabin wasn’t large, it was comfortable and warm. There weren’t any personal effects that told him anything about the woman, except that she had an open suitcase sitting on the floor with a pair of handcuffs and dark wig sitting on top. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d met a woman who liked a bit of kink.
“Is your husband here?” He didn’t need to know everything because he was only there to use her phone, but because it was embedded in him to suspect everyone, he had questions.
“Are you worried…it’s Gray, right?”
He nodded. “Not worried. Just curious.” He swiped a hand down his whiskered jaw.
“Knock that snow off your boots and come on in.”
He stomped the snow off his boots on the knubby welcome mat as she placed her helmet on the table and shook out her long, tangled hair. “Nice place you have here.”
“Yeah, real nice.” She smiled. “I hope you don’t mind if I climb out of this wet snow gear.”
“Sure, go right ahead.” He turned just as she unzipped the thick coat and dragged it off. She wore only a red bra underneath. When her fingers landed on the waist of her pants, he removed his gaze and looked for that phone he was promised. “I won’t come in and get your floor wet, ma’am. Will your phone reach?”
“A gentleman, huh?” She winked. There was something different about her here in her own element. “Don’t see very many of those around these parts. Most men are asking how they can get me—well, my floors wet. I tell you what, stud. I’ll forgive a wet trail of snow tracks across my wood if I can ask you an itty-bitty favor.” She stepped across to the mini bar, wearing only her matching bra and panties and a grin.
“Uhh…” Although he couldn’t miss how blatantly sexual she was, he had a timeline.
“Relax.” She strolled over to him and held out one tumbler filled with ice and Scotch.
Although his body begged to kick back the alcohol, he denied the offering. Even one drink could lessen his instincts. “I’ll pass.”
With a pucker of her plump bottom lip, she placed the glass on the table and emptied her own. “I have a leaky faucet. Know anything about plumbing?” She rolled a tendril of her hair around her finger. “I had a man here and he was worthless. Didn’t know a thing about pipes…or the ones under the sink.” She smiled and gave one hip a seductive tilt.
“Not a lot.” He started to look at his watch but remembered he wasn’t wearing one.
“You won’t take an itty-bitty teeny-weeny peek at the pipe?”
He scratched his temple. “Sure. I’ll check under the sink after I make a call, but I can’t promise anything.”
“The phone is over there.” She pointed to the small table in the living room. “While you’re taking care of business, I’ll grab some rags for the sink.” She shifted her eyes down him and smiled. “I tag you as a coffee man. I’ll brew us some.”
“You don’t have to go to the trouble, ma’am.”
“No trouble whatsoever. Black is it?”
“That’ll work.”
“I’m pretty good at guessing a man’s coffee preference. Five years as a barista will do that to a person.” He heard a slight southern twang to her voice. “Believe it or not, it’s helpful when it comes to dating.”
He looked at the phone and hooked his thumbs in his front pockets. He was obligated to enquire, although he wanted some privacy so he could make that call. “How’s that?”
She measured out coffee granules and smiled. “A man who likes his coffee black is strong and determined. Now, if a man asks for extra sweet, he will cheat.”
Gray blinked. “You get that all from a man’s choice in coffee?”
Her laughter echoed off the walls. “I’m just kidding you.”
As she flitted around the kitchen, Gray went to the phone and looked over his shoulder to make sure she wasn’t listening in. Although he wanted to call the office, this wasn’t a secure line. So, instead he called the private number and left an encrypted message on the machine. They would get the update soon. That took some weight off his shoulders.