Escaping Christmas

by Lisa DeVore

  She grabbed the dashboard in a panic.

  “It’s okay,” he soothed, touching her shoulder. “Just hit a bump.”

  Alex remained silent, attempting to focus on her surroundings. Anything, but the fact he just touched her. Darkness had fallen and seeing much of anything was hopeless.

  “Your place is around this bend.”

  She waited for her escape to come into view. She took in a sharp breath.

  “You okay?” He glanced over at her.

  “It’s…beautiful.” Alex couldn’t believe her eyes. The view was like something off a Christmas card. The small cabin, with its lights from inside shimmering on the snow in front of them, held her happiness. She was sure of it. And just as the advertisement promised the backdrop was nothing, but woods. Seclusion.

  “I’m glad you approve, because there’s no refunds,” he joked, cutting into her thoughts.

  She glanced in his direction. “I don’t want a refund. I can’t wait for the solitude.” Alex wanted to make sure he understood.

  He nodded and cut off the engine. “You didn’t put the boots on. You’re going to be sorry,” he warned. He didn’t wait for an answer, but hopped out and grabbed her bags from the back.

  Alex opened the door to more wind, but this time bone-chilling. She stepped down into the snow and her eyes widened as she sank into the ice cold powder mid-calf. He wasn’t kidding. She tucked inside her coat and made her way to the front porch…to begin her story.

  Chapter Three

  Zach grabbed the key from his pants pocket after placing the suitcases on the wooden boards of the front porch. He avoided looking her way and that was no easy feat. His mind wandered back to the airport when her big green eyes met his and his heart skipped a beat. He attempted to make small talk, but he got the message. She wanted nothing to do with anyone. What was she running from? Curiosity was getting the better of him and he knew where that would lead—nowhere, but trouble. His life was simple and he liked it that way.

  He opened the door as a gust of wind blew by them. She ran in first and he shut the door behind him. He watched her look around the small living room. “What do you think?”

  She turned to him with a smile that had him forgetting his own name and said, “I think this is going to be a great month.”

  He exhaled. Had he been holding his breath? “Follow me,” he directed. Zach couldn’t believe his teenage reaction…like the homecoming queen had just spoken to him. He needed to be all business with this one. Her standoffish ways were enough to convince him she was carrying some emotional baggage. Or maybe she left someone behind at home. Either way, he was to keep to his life plan…keep it simple.

  “Right through here is the kitchen.” He stood by silently as she stopped short and surveyed the bookcase, gingerly running her finger down the spine of one that caught her eye. He cleared his throat, attempting to avoid thoughts he shouldn’t be having.

  She apologized. “I can’t pass by books without touching them. I suppose it’s the reason I love to write.”

  He didn’t trust himself to comment, pushing aside the swinging door to the kitchen and allowing her to enter first.

  She moved to the refrigerator and peered in.

  “It’s fully stocked. If there’s something else you would like let me know.”

  Her eyes shot to his. “I’m sure there’s plenty here.”

  Zach forced himself to look away and walk to the back door, unlocking it and dreading the blast of cold air that was to follow when he opened it. “Out here is the wood for the fireplace. It’s a closed-in porch, so it stays dry. Use whatever you like.” She nodded and he slammed the door against the cold and motioned her to follow.

  “Right through here is the master bedroom.” He walked in, but she stayed at the door watching him. God, she was stunning. He glanced at her hand, no ring. Did she really plan on staying here alone? None of your business, Camden.

  “There’s a small bathroom off the master,” he said, professional voice in use. “Across the hall is the second bedroom. It might make a nice office for you. There’s a desk.”

  She nodded and hugged herself closely. “Do you want me to light a fire for you?” he offered assuming she was cold, even though self-combustion was only seconds away for him. Alexandra Storm had barely said two words to him, but the fire she was lighting in him had him considering running head first into the snow.

  “No, thanks. I’m good. I think I’ll unpack a few things and head to bed.”

  “There’s no one coming to join you?” Okay, so he had to know. She hadn’t really answered his question in the truck. He only knew there was no one with her now. He couldn’t explain it, but he didn’t want to leave her here alone. Admittedly, there was a part of him that hoped she wasn’t with anyone.

  “No. I’m here to get work done. Do you question all your tenants in this way, Mr. Camden?”

  He didn’t miss the irritated look on her face. “I didn’t mean to be too personal, Miss Storm. I apologize.” Zach figured he crossed a line and imagined a quick exit would be the best. “I’ll be getting out of your hair then. If you don’t mind I’ll come around and check on you tomorrow. It can be a scary place if you’re not used to it.”

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

  “It would make me feel better. As I said, I wouldn’t have rented to you if I knew you were alone.” He handed her the key.

  “Isn’t that a bit sexist?” She glared at him with those big eyes.

  “I would imagine it is, but that’s just my way…to take care of a woman. I don’t mean to offend you.”

  He noticed the deep breath. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

  That was his cue to leave. “Don’t mention it. Part of the package.” He dreaded going back out in the cold, but it was exactly what he needed.

  ****

  Alex followed him to the door, bid him a “goodnight” and locked it behind him. She walked to one of the two small front windows and peered out. The snow was blowing all over. She hugged herself watching the taillights of his truck disappear into the night. She was on her own. She closed the shutters and turned to survey the room. The walls were of logs. She smiled inwardly at the observation. There was so much to take in—like the splashes of color that contrasted the neutral color theme, the stone fireplace, comfy, overstuffed-furniture with ample pillows, and the book shelf…she sighed with appreciation. If she wasn’t writing she would be grabbing her first of many novels to read during her stay. A small desk by the window captured her attention. She pictured herself gazing out the window at the falling snow. Her imagination would run wild there. The well-used quilt draped over the back of the couch called to her. She would take a shower, put on some sweat pants and her favorite ratty sweatshirt, and settle in with a cup of tea.

  Looking in the direction of the bedroom, she shivered with a chill not associated with the cold. The quiet was unnerving and the dark room beyond sent a follow-up shiver down her spine. Alex forced her feet to move in the direction of the master bedroom. She ran her hand up the inside wall and flipped on the switch. This was going to take some getting used to. She rummaged through the luggage Zach had left on the bed. Zach…why couldn’t she have fallen for someone like him? Someone who worried about if she was cold. Someone who worried about her being alone and safe. And even though she could take care of herself, it would be nice to know someone was there to catch her if she needed it. She sighed heavily. Alex, don’t make him out to be someone he’s not. The happily-ever-afters she wrote about didn’t exist in her world. Instead she had fallen for a man, now that she thought back, who hadn’t even told her he loved her. She was so stupid. He was using her to get ahead in the business, while he was proclaiming his love to another woman.

  The bathroom was small with only a shower, but she didn’t care. Lounging in a tub in the wilderness wasn’t on the top of her list. She attempted to keep visions of wild animals and crazy people from her imagination as she quickly scrubbed th
e day’s travels from her body. Somehow, thoughts of her landlord kept filling her mind. Frustrated with her line of thinking, she toweled off and climbed in her comfy clothes.

  Sleeping wasn’t an option at this point, so she returned to the living room and the flat screen TV. Alex opened the cupboard beneath it and found a wide assortment of movies. She scanned the titles, choosing a comedy. Drowning out the howling wind with laughter sounded like a great idea. Glancing toward the fireplace, her lips pulled to a frown. She regretted not letting Zach start a fire. Alex had grown up having servants do those things.

  She pulled the quilt around her, grabbed the remote off the end table, and settled in. Her eyelids grew heavy as her busy day took its toll. The next thing she knew she was awakening with new energy. Everything seemed brighter in the daylight and today was no different. The scary shadows of the night were replaced with morning sunshine shimmering across the snow, reflecting like diamonds. A smile broke across her face. This was exactly what she needed, a change of scenery that didn’t remind her of the past. Today was about new beginnings.

  Alex folded the quilt and made a beeline for the kitchen. Her stomach was growling in protest of a missed supper. She opened the refrigerator and found some eggs, cheese, and milk. A simple egg sandwich sounded delicious…and fast. Placing everything on the counter, she fired up the coffee maker. Soon, she was inhaling the comforting smells of a fresh brew. Alex flipped on the radio. She needed some background noise to fill the spaces in her mind.

  After building the perfect egg sandwich, she sat at the small kitchen table and thought about what to do with her day. She would write, naturally, but what? She wasn’t happy with the direction her outline had taken while at home and trashed it. She lifted the steaming mug to her lips and sipped the strong coffee and sighed with satisfaction. The first thing on her list would be a new outline. Her thoughts went to conversation the night before. Zach said he would stop by and check on her. She would get dressed first. She didn’t want to get caught looking like a bag lady.

  Her cell phone rang and she groaned in protest. She wouldn’t answer it. But what if it’s important? She groaned again and grabbed the phone angrily from the charger.

  “Hello,” she grumbled.

  “Hey, baby. I heard you were in Colorado,” he slurred. The blood drained from her face. He’d been drinking.

  “Owen?” Her heart raced, the adrenaline flowing full steam ahead. Her mind whirled with confusion. Why was he calling her? How dare he? She pushed back the urge to throw the phone at the wall. He was invading her space, weaseling his way into this new experience. “How do you know where I am?”

  “I talked to your mom and she told me you were in Colorado. And then a little research through some connections and voila! I found you.”

  Silence.

  “Alex?”

  “I’m here. What do you want, Owen?” The shock was wearing off, but not the anger.

  “I want to see you. I made a mistake and I need to talk to you.” His voice was like silk and goose bumps ran across her skin. He knew how to work an audience, even in a drunken state. She hadn’t known him to be much of a drinker, but then, it was obvious she hadn’t known him as well as she believed.

  She fought against the urge to listen to what he had to say. “I made a mistake too and I got over it. Go sleep it off.” She could almost smell the alcohol through the phone. “Oh, and give my regards to your wife.” She hung up on him. The trembling started in her hands and moved throughout her body like lightning. Damn him!

  Chapter Four

  Tears pooled in Alex’s eyes. Her attempt to hold them back failed and she was soon overcome by sobs. She quit fighting. This is what she was here for, to cleanse him from her thoughts and banish him from her heart.

  She stopped, swiping at the moisture on her face. What was that noise? Whatever it was, the sound was getting closer until it was outside her door. Zach? OH NO! She ran for the bathroom. Her face must be red as a fire engine. She only had to look into the mirror for confirmation. Alex knew she would have to answer the door. He was already leery of her staying by herself. Turning the spigot, she splashed her face with cold water. Her head lifted when the loud knock echoed through the cabin.

  She gazed at the reflection in the mirror and let out a sigh. Maybe, he would be polite enough not to ask. Another knock indicated his impatience. Alex turned the latch and opened the door.

  “Hey, shouldn’t you ask ‘who is it?’ first,” he chastised.

  “Hi, Zach.” She attempted a smile and gazed down, avoiding eye contact.

  He stepped forward, closing the distance between them. His warm fingers, freshly removed from his gloves, lifted her eyes to his. “You okay?”

  His face was full of concern and question. The tears spilled over again and he pulled her to him, not saying a word. The smell of exhaust, aftershave, and the outdoors distracted her. She wiped away the tears as she rested her head against his chest. The freezing temperatures of his trip transferred to her cheek. She pulled away.

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  She shook her head. “I had an unwanted phone call, that’s all.”

  “Boyfriend decided to back out on you?”

  Her eyes shot to his. “About two years ago.”

  She waited for him to say something, anything. Embarrassment creeped up to her face again.

  “I’m sorry. I assumed you had a husband or boyfriend joining you. I really stuck my foot in my mouth, didn’t I?”

  Alex swiped a stray tear. “It’s okay. You had no way of knowing. Every time I try to put it behind me something else happens.”

  “I could kick his ass.” He released a small, teasing smile.

  “I would enjoy that too much.”

  “I know what you need…a ride on my snowmobile. Go get in some warm clothes,” he ordered, shutting the cabin door behind him.

  “I really shouldn’t. I have work to do.” Spending time with him was dangerous. She shivered, and it wasn’t from the cold in the room. Her heart raced whenever he was near. She couldn’t deny the attraction and the last thing she needed was another man to cry over when she returned home.

  “You should. I came up here to tell you there’s a storm coming in tonight. I’m riding out to tell my other tenants and you’re coming with me. No arguments. Get ready.”

  Why did she like the way he took charge? She exhaled and considered the offer. “Okay, but I can’t be gone long. I really have to get to my manuscript.”

  “Honey, you’ll have plenty of time. You’ll be snowed in, and it could be a week or more with the sound of this one.”

  Her legs went to jelly at the endearment. Stop it! He probably uses it on every woman he knows.

  “Have you ever been on a snowmobile?”

  “No. You won’t drive too fast, will you?”

  “All you have to do is hold on and I’ll do the rest.”

  Alex blushed at his wink. Did he know her thoughts didn’t go to a snowmobile? If her heart raced any faster it would explode.

  Obviously, he didn’t realize the power he had with that face. The last thing she wanted to do was ride on a motorized monster in the middle of a snowstorm, but to her amazement she was agreeing. “I’ll be right back.” She concentrated on walking out of the room, opposed to the full out run she was fighting. Distance, she needed distance.

  Alex escaped to the privacy of her bedroom. Covering her face with her hands, she attempted to gain some control over her embarrassment. Had he noticed the heat in her face? The deep breathing wasn’t calming her nerves either. She was still shaking and it wasn’t with fear. She yanked her dresser open and pulled out her long johns, slamming it shut with frustration. She was acting as if she had never been around a good-looking man. Okay, so he was a little more than good-looking—and that was only his face. She barely knew the color of his hair under his stocking cap. But that didn’t matter. She wasn’t here for that, or so she kept trying to tell herself.

>   She emerged in a heavy sweater, jeans, and snow boots and glanced his way. “I’m ready. I just need to grab my coat and gloves.” The way his eyes followed her as she passed by left her skin tingling. She didn’t dare look at him again. He was at her side, taking the coat from her hands and holding it open for her. Her attempt to ignore him was lost. She stared at him in awe. His good manners were incredibly sexy. Alex knew someone else who had impeccable manners and that didn’t end well. Stop! He feels sorry for you, that’s all.

  Zach interrupted her thoughts. “Do you have a hat?”

  “Yeah,” she said softly. Where was her voice? “It’s over there.”

  He moved first. Alex reached for it, but he held it firmly, slowly pushing her hair behind her ears. She forgot to breathe while he gently placed the hat on and smoothed her hair. The unexpected contact sent goose bumps across her flesh.

  “Umm, thanks.” She finally exhaled. “I guess I’m ready.”

  He grinned and made a sweeping motion toward the door. “Your chariot awaits, my lady.”

  Dear God. She moved quickly past him and out the door. The cold wind took her breath and she was thankful. It was what she needed to get her control back. Alex glanced warily at the huge machine.

  He must have noticed her apprehension. “It’ll be fun. You’ll see.” Zach grabbed a helmet from the seat and turned to her. “Here, let’s get this on.”

  “How dangerous is this thing that I have to wear a helmet? And what will you wear?”

  “It’s a precaution, like riding a motorcycle. I’m good. You’re the one with the beautiful face.” He slid it gently over her ears and went to work buckling it. She stopped breathing again. “Now, the goggles.”

  When he finished placing the goggles on her, he grabbed an extra pair out of a compartment for himself.