Noelle's Holiday Rebound: A BWWM Christmas Romance (A Glacier Hollow Christmas Romance Book 1)

by Cassie Verano

  “Ugh!” I moaned, feeling horrible for being mean to the man. It wasn’t his fault I’d drunk myself stupid. Nor that I’d had to remain at his home overnight.

  Looking around, I spotted a roll of paper towels and grabbed several. Wetting the towels, I grabbed a bar of soap and rubbed it on my hands. I scrubbed my face free of makeup and then washed it off with the paper towels.

  By the time I finished, I found my shoes and made my way into the living room. Mr. Easton stood there, holding a teacup in his hand.

  Eying it suspiciously, I asked, “What’s that?”

  “Tea with honey, lemon, and ginger. It’ll help with your hangover, and this ibuprofen will help with your headache and body aches,” he said, handing me two Motrin.

  I accepted them warily, keeping my eye on him.

  “Here,” he said, taking the teacup back from me. He walked into the kitchen, and I followed him.

  I watched closely as he poured some of the tea into a fresh cup. Turning it up, he drunk it quickly and handed my original cup back to me.

  “See...it’s not poisoned and it’s good for you. You can trust me,” he grunted, wiping his lips with the back of his hand.

  Eyeing the concoction in the cup, I replied, “Maybe not poisoned, but I don’t know about it being good for me.”

  “Drink it,” he growled.

  I tossed the pills to the back of my throat and took the tea out.

  “Thanks,” I said, handing the cup back to him.

  “Think you’re up to following me?”

  “Depends. Where are we going?”

  “To my house,” he said, pointing out the door.

  “Sure, I just need to locate my coat first.”

  “It’s on the coat rack by the door. Come on,” he grumbled, turning away from me and heading for the living room once more.

  Marc Easton was a big, muscular guy. And his demeanor was dark and brooding. I was sure that I was encroaching on his private space, and he was ready to get rid of me. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised by his gentle nature when dealing with me.

  Probably because he wanted me to get well enough to leave his property.

  “Here, let me help you with that,” he said, coming to my side as I struggled with my coat.

  The warm scents of cedar, hot musk, and the zest of lemon tickled my nose. I closed my eyes to make myself stable when I felt a little shaky.

  “Are you sure you’re okay to make the walk up the pathway?” he asked.

  “Yes,” I said, trying to keep the edge out of my voice.

  I followed him and stopped briefly. “When did all this happen?” I asked, looking around at his property.

  We stood amid a wintry wonderland. Blankets of snow hung from the tall sugar maple and red maple trees, and thick piles of snow lay all on the ground. I could tell he’d shoveled the path from the house to the cottage, but it was still snowing.

  “Overnight. We didn’t expect this much snow, but...” he shrugged.

  When we stepped into the house, I smelled the fresh, sweet scent of maple and spicy sausages.

  “What’s that I smell?” I asked as we stepped into his kitchen.

  “Breakfast. You need some food in your body to help fight off the hangover before you head home,” he explained while he washed his hands.

  The thought of going home brought back sorrowful memories. I didn’t want to go there, but it’s not like I had any other options. My girls weren’t available and my parents...well, yeah, no.

  Thoughts of my place brought back memories of Tucker. He had spent the night with me the night before the Christmas party. He’d had Anya under the impression he was out of town. And he’d promised he’d return to me after the Christmas party.

  “You didn’t have to do this,” I said, eyeing the plate that he was preparing for me.

  Pancakes, eggs, potatoes, and sausages were piled on the plate. I accepted it from his hands and sat down at the table.

  I wasn’t really hungry, but if he’d gone through all this to prepare it, who was I to turn it down?

  “Aren’t you going to eat?” I asked, looking up at him after I’d started eating.

  “No.”

  “Why?”

  “Already ate.”

  “This is delicious,” I said after I’d swallowed some of the pancakes.

  “Thanks.”

  “Did you cook this? Or do you have a cook?”

  “You ask too many questions,” he grunted.

  Turning, he left the kitchen, and I stared after him. I felt horrible for my rude behavior.

  Although I couldn’t recall everything, I knew enough about my bad behavior last night to know that I’d acted an ass. And I hadn’t been very nice to him in the process, especially when he’d banished me from his home.

  No matter how upset I’d been with him over that action, I couldn’t take it out on him. What happened last night was personal between Tucker and me. I’d chosen to pull everyone else into our mess by acting like a ghetto hood chick.

  I owed Mr. Easton an apology for my behaviors and a thank you for his hospitality. He didn’t have to allow me to stay here and recover from my drunken state, but he’d done it anyway. For that, I was thankful. Not to mention, he’d cooked me breakfast and prepared that tea for me.

  Pushing the plate of food away, I stood from the table. I couldn’t eat another bite. While I wasn’t hungry, I’d eaten enough to make sure that my stomach had food on it. It was so delicious that I’d eaten more than I thought I could.

  “Finished?”

  I turned around and shook my head. “Do you always creep up on folks like that?”

  “I don’t usually have anyone in my home. So, no.”

  “Touché. I guess I deserved that. Look, Mr. Easton—”

  “Easton. Just Easton.”

  “Okay, Easton. I want to apologize to you...for everything. I’ve been rude, presumptuous, and nasty. And you haven’t deserved any of that. I was a guest in your home, and all last night I was so into my feelings that I never considered yours or anyone else’s.”

  I took a deep breath fighting back the tears.

  “I’m sorry that I made that scene with Tucker. I’m sorry that I got drunk last night to the point that I came back to make a scene. But I’m even more sorry that I don’t recall much after my return.”

  The way he leaned against the doorframe watching me disarmed me. Something so sexy about his posture and his icy blue gaze resting on me sent shockwaves of awareness throughout my body.

  I shook my head because I realized my senses were raw after last night’s episode.

  “Umm...I’m sorry about everything that’s happened this morning. My attitude, the edginess of my tone, and the fact that I’m still here invading your space.”

  “Vomiting on my shoes and suit.”

  “What?”

  “You said you didn’t recall much after your return last night. You came in, and we ran into one another, and you threw up on me, and then passed out.”

  “I couldn’t have! I didn’t...did I?” I asked, horrified.

  Pressing his lips together, he nodded his head slowly.

  “Oh, my goodness! Damn! I’m so sorry. Can I pay your dry cleaning bill?” I offered.

  Shaking his head, he said, “Don’t worry about it.”

  “No! Really, I want to. Please let me cover that. It’s the least that I can do for the kindness you’ve shown.”

  Sighing, he said, “I’d love to afford you the opportunity, but they’re ruined.”

  I felt bad now. Never had I allowed my behaviors to get out of control like this. And I would never do it again. I’d lost myself in Tucker.

  I dropped my head into my hands and tried to think of a dozen ways I could make it up to him.

  “Hey, I’m good,” he said in a gruff voice that belied his words.

  “Okay. Well, is there a Mrs. Easton or someone else here that I should apologize to, as well?”

  �
�Nope. Just me and Sabre.”

  “Sabre? Is that your girlfriend?”

  For the first time, something resembling a smile broke out on his face. “No, though she’s possessive enough to think she is.”

  I lifted an eyebrow, wondering who or what Sabre was. “Do you have a girlfriend?” I tried a different tactic since he seemed to only answer questions straight on.

  “No.”

  “Oookay. Then who is Sabre?”

  “Sabre is my two-year-old Siberian Husky,” he said, relieving me of my curiosity.

  Nodding my head, I said, “Ohhh. Where is she?” I asked with a curious smile on my face.

  “She’s upstairs in her room right now.”

  “I have a three-year-old Yorkie,” I said. “His name’s PJ, and he’s so aloof, he doesn’t care if someone picks me up and carries me off.”

  Laughing with his arms crossed over his chest, he’d said, “I doubt that’s true. I’m sure if anyone tried to harm you, he’d come to your rescue and show his true colors.”

  “Yes, all twelve pounds of him. I’m sure he’d be a terror,” I laughed.

  “You’d be surprised.”

  “Well, I owe you and Miss Sabre an apology. I won’t infringe on your privacy much longer. Um, do you think it’d be possible to get a washcloth and towel? I’d just like to spruce up a bit before I hit the road,” I explained.

  “Uh, yes, sure. There are several fresh sets in the linen cabinet in the bathroom in the cottage house, or you can use the bathroom here,” he said.

  “I’ll use the one over there. That’s fine.”

  “Uh,” he eyed me up and down and scratched the back of his neck. “If you’d like, you can use the bathroom here. Toss your things into the washer, and I’ll give you something to change into while you wait for your clothes to get cleansed,” he offered.

  That random act of kindness brightened my spirits. “That would be great!”

  “All right, you can go into the bathroom up here in the guest bedroom, and I’ll bring you something to change into. There’s a linen cabinet in that bathroom, too, with the towels and washcloths.”

  “Thanks,” I said, following him up the stairs and into the guest bedroom.

  This room was much like the bedroom in the cottage but much larger. Decorated in the same Native American prints and designs, it gave off a comfortable, homely feel.

  I stepped into the bathroom and thought I’d found paradise. A large claw-footed tub stood center stage in the bathroom. Skylights above and large floor to ceiling windows gave a beautiful view of the sky and the mountains' treetops all around the area.

  Walking close to one of the windows, I could see just a little to the property below. The windows were tinted, and on the second floor, so I found comfort in the fact no one could see into the bathroom.

  A large rock glassed-in shower held two large shower heads and was positioned across from his and her sinks surrounded by marble countertops.

  “Noelle?” Easton’s voice called out.

  I stepped out of the bathroom to find him standing in the bedroom doorway. It was almost as if he didn’t want to step into the bedroom because my standing there gave off some sacred feeling or something.

  Smiling, I took a step towards him.

  “This was all I could find. I hope they work,” he said, handing me a t-shirt and a really large flannel shirt.

  “Thanks,” I said, accepting them.

  “When you’re ready to put your clothes in the washer, just let me know, and I can assist with that.”

  Having Easton washing my panties and bra was out of the question.

  Smiling at him, I said, “Thanks so much, Easton. Umm, but if you’d just show me, I can take care of that myself.”

  He gave a brief nod, said, “Follow me,” and backed away from the doorway, heading downstairs.

  After a mini-tutorial on his washer and dryer, as if I couldn’t figure it out on my own, I headed back upstairs for my shower.

  It would be odd walking around in his home with no panties on while I waited for my clothes to wash. The best I could do was run downstairs, wash my clothes, and run back to this bedroom.

  The quicker I got myself together, the sooner I could get home and get into some comfortable clothing that worked for me. Removing my clothes once I was in the bathroom again, I turned on the nozzle and looked longingly at the claw-footed tub. What I wouldn’t give to have a bath in that.

  But I’d just told the man that I would freshen up and be out of his way as soon as possible. There was no need to infringe any further on his privacy. After all, I should’ve been in the guest house, taking a shower, not his home.

  Once I’d finished with the hot shower and the massaging showerheads, I felt like a million bucks. Pulling my hair out of the bun I’d fashioned from my locs, I pulled them away from my face. Using a few of the locs, I created a way to tie my hair back while allowing the rest to fall over my shoulders.

  I uncertainly eyed the clothing he’d brought to me but knew I needed to do something fast.

  I couldn’t hide out in the guest bedroom forever. Picking up the t-shirt, I fingered the soft cotton material in my hands. It was worn but comfortable and soft to the touch. Slipping it over my head, I smiled at my reflection in the mirror.

  The t-shirt hit mid-thigh. Grabbing the flannel shirt, I put it on and buttoned it with nimble fingers. I glanced in the mirror at my reflection once more and was thankful that it came down to my knees. This was longer than the dress I’d worn to the party the night before. It just wasn’t fitted.

  Flopping my arms around, I shook my head at the sleeves that were a bit too long. Once I’d folded those up to my elbows, I grabbed my clothing and padded to the door. Hesitating there, I inhaled deeply, reminding myself that he’d seen me in a much worse state than this.

  4 – TRAITOR

  I couldn’t figure out why I was so fidgety, maybe because you’ve got a stranger in your house, buddy. I was tempted to do a background check on her but knew that was pointless.

  When my firm was contracted to work with Timbers Pharmaceutical, I’d done a background check on all the employees. I wanted to know who we were dealing with, who we were protecting, and everything I could about their backgrounds. The last thing I or any of my men or women needed was to be caught off-guard by some sliver of detail that escaped our attention.

  But that had been three years ago. Noelle Riley had nothing in her background at the time to arouse our suspicions. Not even a traffic ticket. As the senior director of accounting, it was important for her to have a squeaky clean background.

  After showing Noelle where she could wash her clothes once she finished with her shower, I needed an escape. So, I headed upstairs to Sabre’s room.

  There was no way in hell I could remain in my house knowing what Noelle was doing.

  My mind ran rampant with images of her in that shower and what she’d look like all soaped up. Thoughts about her scent filled my head, and I knew I was going down the wrong path.

  Sabre lifted her head looking bored when she saw me and turned it to stare out the window again.

  Kneeling, I patted my knees. “C’mere, girl,” I said.

  She stood and lazily walked to me, sniffing me and then giving me a curious glance. I knew that she could smell Noelle’s scent on me. Just because I’d showered this morning after carrying her last night and being vomited on didn’t mean my dog didn’t sense a foreign scent.

  I stood and turned to walk out of the room. Sabre pushed past me and bounded down the stairs and straight to the back door. She knew I needed to run because I always ran when I was stressed. And I was certain Sabre could sense my stress. But then again, maybe she needed it as much as I did.

  Noelle was forbidden territory, and my life didn’t need that type of chaos. So rather than sit in the house, being tempted by someone off-limits, I ran.

  I ran through the snow, through the woods, and beyond. Sabre ran by my side, not bothere
d by the mounds of snow everywhere nor the snow that continued to fall.

  I pushed through the burn that came into my chest as I ran up the hills of my acreage and beyond. My years as an FBI agent trained my body and prepared me for rigorous activity, dangerous challenges, and anticipating the unexpected.

  But it hadn’t prepared me for the devastating impact of the attraction I had for this woman.

  And now I had an even bigger problem on my hands. The weather. I was determined to see her safely out of my house back into the city. I’d decided if she weren’t comfortable driving back into Glacier Hollow, I’d drive her in my Range Rover.

  The problem with that was no one would be driving anywhere anytime soon. It was bad enough that we’d gotten the snowstorm from hell overnight, but it kept falling throughout the morning.

  And just before I’d left home, the weather station reported that the falling snow and subsequent wind gusts were of blizzard proportions. Travel was too risky, and while I was trained for situations like this, I didn’t want to put her safety in jeopardy.

  I was certain she couldn’t drive in this, but I also wondered if she would trust me to force her in the weather. Throughout my run, I could see that the roads were covered, and it would be a while before the snow plows made it up here. It always took them longer to get into the mountainous terrain and the backroads I lived on.

  I was accustomed to it, and it hadn’t been a problem in the past, but today I needed those roads cleared. How the hell was I going to tell her that we were stuck with each other when I was having a hard time accepting it myself?

  When I returned home, I stopped in the laundry room to see if she’d finished. Her clothes were in the dryer, and she was on the bottom landing of the stairwell, preparing to head upstairs.

  Sabre bounded into the room, fiercely barking as she ran up on Noelle.

  That was the reason I’d put her away last night. Not just because I was hosting a party but also because she wasn’t accustomed to strangers in our place. Only Foster and Richardson.

  “Sabre!” I barked out a command. “Sit!”

  She obeyed as expected but what I didn’t expect was what happened next.