by Kristen Echo
Mountain Man and Mistletoe
A Small Town Christmas
Kristen Echo
Mountain Man and Mistletoe: A Small Town Christmas
Copyright © 2019 by Kristen Echo and Kristen Publishing
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written permission of the above copyright owner of this book or publisher.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
Website: http://www.echoromance.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorkristenecho/
Cover Design: Rebecacovers
Editing: Michael Pilgrim: Helping Authors Succeed
ISBN:978-1-9992777-2-7
eBook ISBN:978-1-9992777-1-0
For my girls.
May the joy of Christmas and the magic of the season live inside you forever.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Epilogue
Author Note
Sneak Peek
Other Books By Kristen Echo
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
If I heard them say mountain man one more time, I was leaving. I didn’t care that it was freezing outside, or that I had absolutely nowhere else to go. For the past hour while seated in a tiny mechanic shop waiting area, I’d listened to an elderly couple rant about the man who recently moved into the house on the top of a nearby mountain. Apparently, the mysterious loner bought the most highly coveted property in town sight unseen. The brooding psychopath was most likely hiding from the authorities. He weighed over four hundred pounds, had ugly scars and only animals could stand the sight of him. Their speculations were endless. They had a lot to say about a stranger they had never met. They had a lot to say about everything.
“Not all the men around here are deranged, mountain men but we’ve got more than our share,” the woman seated next to me said as she bumped my shoulder. “You’re not from around here are you? Your face isn’t familiar.”
“Just passing through. I won’t be here long,” I answered.
At least, I hoped not. I hadn’t planned to stop in Golden, but my car died on the outskirts of town. After waiting over two hours for a tow, I was now at the mercy of a small town repair shop. I glanced at my watch and sighed. If they fixed the problem in the next fifteen minutes, I’d still be able to surprise my baby sister before she went to bed.
“You might change your mind. The Rocky Mountains have a way of capturing your heart. Happened to me over forty years ago.” She squeezed her husband’s hand and smiled. “My Harold had a little to do with my decision too.”
The small town nestled at the base of the mountains had a decent amount of shops and restaurants. I could see why people stayed. It reminded me of the setting in my novels. A small mountain town with just the right blend of allure and mystery.
“And you picked the perfect time of year to visit. There is a lot going on with the holidays approaching,” she added.
My lips curved into a fake smile as I avoided eye contact and stared at the ceiling. The Christmas decorations draped from the rafters added an extra layer of charm that wasn’t required in my opinion. I didn’t care for the red and green, oversized balls or the sparkly décor adorned to every streetlamp and store window. Overkill everywhere.
“I can think of one Grinch who’s trying to steal Christmas,” Harold grumbled.
The couple continued bashing the mysterious mountain man. I tried to tune out the busybodies. With my head down, I typed on my phone. Added a few setting details to my novel, but nothing of substance. My fictitious world was a place I needed to keep in the forefront of my mind. Especially, since it was now my only source of income.
“Leah Monroe?”
As the mechanic called my name, I stood quickly and dropped my phone. It slipped from my grasp. The device clattered against the concrete floor. When I picked it up, I noticed the screen was cracked. A large diagonal slice though the center. I grunted and shoved it into the front pocket of my jeans as I walked towards the counter.
“I’m Leah. Is my car ready?”
The mechanic had grease stained coveralls, and a red beanie covering his most likely bald head. He tugged on his long white beard as he slapped a piece of paper in front of me. “Afraid not.”
“What’s this?”
I glanced at the handwritten note but couldn’t decipher the words. A bunch of scribbles and dollar signs. The number of zero’s seemed far more than the original quote. Way more than I could afford.
“Invoice for the parts we need to order. We don’t carry import parts and your car needs a few before we can get her running.” His eyes traveled over my curves like a predator analyzing its prey. “We can discuss options.”
My stomach roiled at the options he had in mind. “Order whatever it needs. I can’t stay here. How long will this take?” I dug into my purse and retrieved my wallet. “A few more hours.”
He tossed his head back and laughed. The sound bounced off the walls and slapped my ears. I was far from amused.
“More like a week. With Christmas slowing things down, I’d say minimum five days. Your generation thinks everything is instantaneous. This is a small town.”
“I’m well aware of my surroundings,” I replied through clenched teeth.
“We have to place the order and they’ll add it to the next shipment. It’s late in the day, so it most likely won’t get filled till tomorrow and then—”
“You mentioned options. I’d like to hear them.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “I can express the parts for double the cost. Even then it will still take days, but you’ll be back on the road in time for Christmas.”
The guy probably saw a young woman and figured he could milk me for double the cost. I’d been around men like him far too often. People assumed because I was blonde that I was dumb. After my parents died, I’d raised my baby sister and kept a roof over our heads. I was resourceful.
“Tell me the parts and I’ll go online and source them. My generation is great at finding deals like fast and free shipping.” I smirked.
“If you think you can do better, by all means give it a whirl.” The smug bastard leaned his elbows on the counter and stared at my chest. “I’ll happily wait and enjoy the mountain view.”
Wishing I’d kept my coat on or worn something less clingy, I pulled my phone from my pocket and unlocked it. He prattled off the required items like he was talking to a toddler. The internet provided a slew of alternatives. As I expected, I found cheaper parts with a free shipping option which would take two days to arrive. I could have paid extra to get it the next day, but I didn’t have the funds.
“Got it,” I announced.
“Let’s see,” he said, returning to the counter.
I leaned my elbows next to his, getting right in his face. He scowled and backed away. I showed him the deal, and he reluctantly ordered the parts. Pissing off the mechanic responsible for fixing my ride wasn’t wise, but no one ever called me prudent.
“I’d like a discount off my bill. An apology would be nice too.”
“Why?”
The older woman I’d been sitting next to earlier stepped next to me and placed her hand on my shoulder. “Because it’s the right thing to do, and shame on you for trying to take advantage of a little girl. I’d suggest you fix her car free of charge unless you want me to tell your wife how you’re treating the female tourists who come through our town.”
“Dorothy be reasonable.” He held his hands up as if he were under arrest.
“This is me showing you my Christmas spirit. Act like that any other time of year and so help me—”
“It’s free.” He grabbed the paper off the counter and ripped it in half. “I’m sorry for being a jerk. Leah, I’ll call you as soon as it’s ready.”
“Sounds good to me.” I provided my number and grinned as he entered my information into his system. As he stomped away like a chastised puppy, I turned to face Dorothy. “Thank you. Any chance you can recommend a cheap place to stay while I wait?”
She smiled and removed her hand from my shoulder. Her big toothy grin reminded me of my grandmother. Friendly and inviting.
“Given it’s days before Christmas, every hotel and cabin rental for miles is most likely booked.”
I couldn’t catch a break. “Great,” I huffed. “Guess I’ll be sleeping in my car.”
Harold cleared his throat. “There’s a bed-and-breakfast up the mountain that often has last minute cancelations. People prefer being closer to town when storms are coming. It’s a little run-down, but the price reflects the fact it hasn’t been updated in years.”
“A storm,” I repeated.
I glanced out the window and saw nothing but blue skies. Maybe the forecast was wrong. As I stared outside, a young couple walked by holding hands with a young child between them and my heart constricted. A seed of jealousy bloomed, but I stamped it away.
“Yes.” Dorothy adjusted the candy cane print silk scarf around her neck. Her short, silver hair matched her eyes. “A blizzard is expected to hit hard tonight. The snow probably won’t stop until after Christmas. It’s best to stay off the mountain. Cheap isn’t worth risking your life.”
“I’ll take my chances. By Christmas eve, I’ll be back on my way.”
“Like I said before, you might change your mind. This town is a great place to fall in love, or rekindle your love.” She winked at her husband.
I dismissed her comment, added my phone to the side pocket of my overstuffed backpack and grabbed my coat from the chair. All my possessions fit into this one bag. The rest of my stuff would have to stay in the car.
“If I wanted to check out that B&B, what’s the fastest way up without a car? I don’t assume your town has a bus service.”
She chuckled. “No bus. You could hike the trail, but it would take hours. I’d suggest renting a snowmobile. Sun won’t be out much longer, and you’d better hurry cause the shop closes soon.”
“Thanks for the tip. Which way to the rental shop?”
Harold provided the directions. I thanked them as I zipped my pink down-filled jacket and pulled on my leather gloves. I hadn’t dressed for a long trek through the mountains. My knee-high brown boots were more stylish than warm.
“It was nice meeting you, Leah. Be safe. If you go too far, you’ll end up on private property. I dread what might happen if that man gets his hands on you.” Dorothy wrapped me in her arms and hugged me tight. “But don’t fret, I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
Her warning sent a shiver down my spine. The prospect of trespassing on some alpha male’s territory didn’t seem like a great idea. She released me and waved.
“Keep warm and merry Christmas.”
“Happy holiday.” I provided the required response and left without looking back.
As I stepped outside, the bite from the wind greeted me. The subzero temperatures in the Canadian Rockies cut through my layers like a knife through butter. I trembled from head to toe. I shoved my hands in my pockets and looked past the shops towards the mountains. They were majestic and beautiful.
I hurried across the street and ran three blocks to find a closed sign hanging on the door. The parking lot was full of recreation machines. Inhaling a deep breath of cold air, I coughed and shivered. I tried the door just to be sure. Locked. Escaping the cold was impossible. It clung to my jeans and wiggled up my torso. I leaned against the building and cursed.
The no vacancy sign from the hotel next door left me limited options. Minutes passed as I debated hiking the trail. I pushed off the brick wall as a snowmobile raced into the lot and parked in front of me. A young couple turned off the machine and dismounted with smiles on their windblown faces. After removing their helmets, they embraced like I wasn’t there. Their long passionate kiss brought envy bubbling to the surface.
Deep down, I wanted to love like nothing else around mattered. I wanted to believe in happily ever after, Santa Claus, and love, but my heart was as frozen as the icicles hanging from the rooftops. Those things weren’t real.
I coughed, and the couple broke apart. The woman covered her mouth and giggled while the man approached me. He stopped inches from my boots with a sheepish smile on his face.
“Sorry we’re a few minutes late.” He handed me their helmets and a key.
I stood in stunned silence and nodded. He returned the gesture and took off. Looking around the empty lot, I expected someone to come take the items from me, but no one came. A nice person would have placed the gear in the drop box, but I didn’t. I had to at least try the bed-and-breakfast.
“Screw it. You only live once.” I pulled a helmet over my head and left the other.
The supercharged sled roared like a lion, speeding along the side of the mountain. I’d never been on a snowmobile. I laughed as the machine floated over the snow. It was invigorating. The higher I climbed, the more I fell in love with the scenery. Although my extremities had turned into blocks of ice, I hadn’t had this much fun in ages. I reached what seemed like the top in time to watch day turn to night.
The sun dipped behind the mountain range, leaving a glorious orange and gold hue to the sky. I stopped and hiked towards a clearing a few steps away from the broken and dingy bed-and-breakfast sign. If I plummeted to my death on this mountain, no one would know for weeks. A sobering thought as I peered over the side of a steep cliff.
“Be careful.” I placed my hand over my heart and inched backwards.
Away from the edge, I admired the view from different angles. It was breathtaking. The lush sea of coniferous trees with their tips covered in white. From this spot, I had a great view of the town. The twinkling lights and tiny houses looked surreal. Too perfect. I turned away from the views and plodded towards the two-story log house. The winds shifted, bringing in clouds and the snow.
Every window was illuminated, and a gaudy wreath hung on the door. I knocked before letting myself in. It was too cold to wait outside.
“Hello.” The woman seated on the outdated couch regarded me. “Are you a guest?”
“I hope so.” I walked towards the fire, removed my gloves and held my hands as close as I could get without burning my skin. “Do you have any rooms?”
She chuckled. “We’re fully booked.”
“I was hoping there might have been a cancelation,” I said, turning towards her. “I’m stranded and could really use your help. Please.”
“This is a business. We don’t offer handouts.”
“I can pay. Double,” I offered.
“No.” Her overly plucked eyebrow lifted. “We’re full.”
The heat barely had time to nick the surface before I was shown to the door. I mumbled and kicked the freshly fallen snow. The scene outside had changed drastically. Giant crystals tumbled to the ground, covering everything in a sparkly layer of white.
By the time I jumped back on the snowmobile, the visibility was poor. It was dark as the clouds blocked any remaining light. An uneasy feeling settled in my gut. The entire journey had been a mistake. Tears blurred my vision and I could hardly make out
the trails.
A few miles down, I knew I’d ventured the wrong way when I passed a no trespassing sign. I had accidentally climbed higher up the mountain. In the distance, I spotted a building. Smoke billowed from the chimney. Without thinking, I steered towards it and roamed deeper onto the private property. Dorothy’s warning rang like bells, reminding me not to seek shelter here. I stopped and removed my helmet to wipe away the tears.
My ears perked up at the sounds, trying to decipher what ominous creatures awaited in the darkness. Noises came from every direction. I overheard rustling in the bushes and the loud screech of piercing metal. It could have been a door opening, but I wasn’t sticking around to find out. My survival instinct forced me into action. With my helmet and bag on the seat between my legs, I turned the sled away from the building and pushed forward. It accelerated quickly. An elk jumped from the trees directly in my path. I screamed, veered left to avoid the animal and slammed into a tree or into the elk. I screamed even louder as I flew off.
It happened so fast, but I thought I saw a man running towards me. The large figure vanished from my field of vision as my body hit the ground and rolled into something hard. My head ached and pain sliced across my side.
I blinked away the snow. Everything seemed blurry. I groaned as the trees swayed. It was difficult to focus. My pulse raced, and it hurt to breathe.
“Should have gone right,” I muttered and rolled onto my side.
Another mistake. The pain intensified. Panic swept through me when I spotted the blood splattered across the blanket of white.
“Don’t move,” a deep male voice whooshed through the air like it was floating on the wind. “Stay very still.”