Frozen: A Winter Romance Anthology

by Melange Books, LLC

  “Are you sure? Big and puffy can keep you warm, and besides...” Chad stopped talking and grinned.

  “Besides what?” Tiffany raised her eyebrows.

  “Well, it did sort of insulated you from the spill you took. One could argue that it may have helped you bounce.” Chad hoped his comment would make her smile, in spite of what just happened to her.

  “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard!” Danielle shook her head. “Of course she doesn’t want it. I mean, look at that old thing! Who wears that kind of crap?”

  “No one, but he might be onto something. It definitely was buoyant enough to double as a life raft.” Tiffany gave Chad a small grin. “Thanks for getting me back here so quickly. I’ll see you tomorrow, I guess. Maybe I won’t be such a klutz in the morning.”

  “It could happen to anyone. You weren’t expecting it, that’s all.” Chad gave her shoulder a reassuring pat.

  Tiffany immediately felt another shiver run through her body, only this time it was from his touch, and not the cold. And it was very pleasant indeed.

  “Well, goodnight everyone.” She turned and headed down the hall toward her room.

  After she was out of sight, Chad spoke up. “She’s not even upset about what just happened. She even laughed about it, sort of.”

  Brian turned to his friend. “I’ll give you that. Good looking and a sense of humor. Right up your alley, don’t you think?”

  Danielle gave Chad a thoughtful look. “You like her, don’t you?”

  Chad shrugged nonchalantly. “I barely know her, but what’s not to like?”

  Danielle put her hands on her hips. “I’ve known you for years, and I know what I just saw. The way you looked at her, you can’t fool me. You really like her.”

  Brian let out a low whistle. “How long’s she here for?”

  “Just the weekend. They leave on Monday.”

  “Then you better move fast, my friend. You better move fast.”

  * * * *

  A knock on the door startled Tiffany out of a wonderful dream. She slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes. Soft morning sunshine filled the room. She looked over at her grandmother’s bed, but it was neatly made, and Judith was nowhere to be seen.

  “Oh, Grandma. How come you’re already up, and where did you go?” she mumbled, still in a groggy fog of sleep.

  There was a second knock on the door, this time louder than the first.

  “Hold on. I’m coming.” She swung her feet off the bed and wrapped one of the lodge’s plush bathrobes around her.

  “Who’s there?” she called out as she leaned her ear against the door.

  “Room service,” came the loud reply.

  “I...I didn’t order anything,” she hollered through the door.

  “Your grandmother sent it.” A familiar voice called back. She peered through the peephole in the door. Chad was standing next to a man in a white uniform. Draped across his arm was the coat she had worn to the resort yesterday, She had completely forgotten about it.

  “Oh, crap!” she said aloud as she frantically ran her fingers through her messed up hair.

  “Nope. We’re fresh out of crap this morning!”

  Tiffany gasped. He heard me through the door?

  “I’m afraid you’ll have to settle for eggs and toast,” Chad continued.

  She detected the amusement in his voice. Good one. First the escapade last night, and now this blunder. You sure know how to reel them in!

  Reluctantly, she opened the door, and both men stepped in. A waiter in a uniform carried a large tray to a table near the window and set it down. The scent of food wafted up as he began removing lids from the many food dishes.

  “Good morning!” Chad gave her a once-over as he greeted her.

  “Uhm...hi.” She rubbed a hand across her eyes.

  “Will there be anything else you need, sir?” The waiter waited for further instructions.

  “We’ll let you know. Thanks, Robert.” The man gave a single nod and quickly left the room.

  Chad laid her coat on the bed. “You left this out on the deck last night. You’ll probably need it outside today. It’s a thin coat for this time of year by Minnesota standards, but it’s better than nothing.”

  “Yes. Thanks...” was all she could think to say for the moment. She needed to get her brain in gear quickly. “I guess with all the commotion I caused, I forgot about it.”

  He picked up the coffee pot from the tray and poured them each a cup. “You do drink coffee, don’t you?”

  “Uhm...yes, and I desperately need a caffeine fix...but, well, normally I’m by myself in the mornings.”

  “What? No special someone in your life to wake up with?” He gave her a sideways glance.

  “No. Not for a long time. Unless, of course, my grandmother counts.”

  He smiled as though he was pleased with her answer.

  “And you? Are you spoken for?” She knew it was dumb to ask, but how else was she going to find out?

  “It’s been a long time since I was committed to anyone ...or anything really... besides this resort. I bury myself with work, I guess. At least that’s what my friends tell me.” He gave her a weak smile before continuing, “How did you sleep last night? Are you sore from the tumble you took?”

  “Well now that you mention it, you woke me up from a wonderful dream.”

  “My apologies.” He gave her a nod as he offered her the cup.

  No, don’t apologize. I was dreaming about you. She marveled at how any man could look as good as he did right now, especially this early in the morning. She couldn’t even imagine what she looked like right now, standing there in a robe.

  “What time is it anyway?” She took the cup from him and scanned the room for a clock. She definitely needed something else to look at for a moment.

  Chad pulled out his phone and looked at it. “It’s 8:00. Your grandmother had breakfast in our dining room earlier. She’s planning to attend a yoga class this morning. She told me to tell you that she wants you to be ready to go when the class is over. She said something about shopping.”

  Tiffany groaned. “It’s only 6 o’clock in the morning in San Francisco! What is wrong with her?”

  “My grandparents are early risers, too.” He nodded sympathetically.

  “I’m sorry. That was rude of me to say since obviously you’re already up as well.” She took a sip of the coffee.

  “Oh, I do my fair share of sleeping in, too, but I got up early since I wanted to make sure you were alright.” He gave her a genuine look of concern as he took a step closer.

  Tiffany looked up into his dark eyes. “Umm, thanks. I am a little sore, but other than that, I’m fine.”

  “Well then, I’ll leave you to enjoy your breakfast and get ready for your day of shopping...oh, and moose hunting.”

  Just as he was about to turn away, she stopped him. “Chad! Wait!” She placed her hand on his arm. “I was a little shook up last night. I’ve never experienced anything so cold in my life.”

  “Then I take it you wouldn’t be a candidate for participating in one of those Polar Plunges for charity?”

  “Uh, definitely not!”

  “You get a t-shirt to take home to prove you did it,” he coaxed teasingly.

  “I’ll keep that in mind if I’m ever homeless and need a t-shirt.”

  She looked down for a moment. Be bold. You can do this. So what if you were voted ‘Shyest’ in your senior year of high school. That was eight years ago. Time to move on. What have you got to lose? That’s what Grandma always says.

  She raised her head up and looked directly into his eyes. “At any rate, in case I didn’t thank you properly last night, I just want you to know how great it was that you were right there to help me...so uh...thanks.” And then she did it. She took the chance she’d convinced herself to take. She stood up on her toes and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before closing the door.

  * * * *

  “Thank you so mu
ch for offering to drive us. I can’t believe the lodge’s shuttle service was already booked up for the day,” Judith leaned forward in the seat as she spoke to Danielle whom she met in the yoga class that morning.

  “Yeah, it fills up fast. But seriously, it’s no problem. My favorite sports are shopping and dining, plus I was off today and heading into town anyways. My husband doesn’t usually work on weekends, but the resort is at capacity due to the holidays, so he wanted to help Chad.” Danielle continued to talk as she drove. “Plus, lunch was great! I had a really good time listening to your stories of how things used to be around here. I can’t wait to tell Brian some of this stuff. I mean, who knew there used to be a covered bridge over Bear Creek? It’s hard to imagine.”

  “I’m sure it is.” Tiffany noticed that her grandmother’s voice had a far-away quality to it. She wondered what kind of feelings re-visiting her childhood town had stirred up for her.

  “But we still didn’t find a coat for you, Tiffany.” Danielle sighed. “There’s one last place I want us to go to though before we admit defeat and head back to the resort. It’s one of my favorite places to shop, although it can be a little pricey.”

  Tiffany shrugged. “It doesn’t cost anything to look, so why not?”

  “It’s too bad there’s not a thrift store around,” Judith added wistfully.

  Tiffany turned to look back at her grandmother sitting in the back seat, “Grandma, you’re aging yourself.”

  “No, I’m not! I started going to thrift stores when I was young like you. That was the acceptable thing to do back then.”

  “That’s where my grandmother bought all her beads and bell bottom jeans from. Thrift stores in San Francisco.” Tiffany sounded amused as she spoke.

  “That must have been fun.” Danielle smiled in the rearview mirror at Judith.

  “Oh, it was, dear! It was. In many ways, the people of my generation popularized the idea of nonconforming, and to most of us that meant living with less. We sought to free ourselves by not shopping at the typical department stores, the way our parents did.”

  Danielle pulled the car into the parking lot of a trendy looking boutique just as Tiffany piped up, “But my grandmother doesn’t have to worry about that anymore, because now she can get her tie-dye t-shirts at Wal-Mart, and nobody notices!”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. I haven’t worn tie-dye shirts for years! I—”

  “I’m just messing with you, Grandma. C’mon, let’s go inside.”

  After only a few minutes of looking, Tiffany found the perfect winter parka. It fit beautifully and the fur-lined hood complimented her green eyes. I wonder what Chad would say if he saw me in this? Would he like it? After glancing at the price tag though, she let out a small groan and hung it back up.

  “I thought that one looked great on you.” Danielle glanced over from where she was standing.

  “I agree. Tiffany, that coat was made for you,” Judith encouraged.

  “The price was a little out of my range. I’d have to work almost a week to pay for it.” Tiffany sighed and walked over to see what Danielle and Judith were looking at.

  “Some things are worth working a week for. When I first moved to San Francisco, I bought this long, flowing gauze dress. It had the coolest beadwork sewn into the front. I don’t remember what I paid for it, but it was way more than I should have. As it turned out, I got my money’s worth out of it. I wore it everywhere. In fact, I wore that dress when I married your grandfather,” Judith reminisced.

  “Yes, but everyone needed a hippie dress in the sixties. I can make do for a few days without a coat.” Tiffany knew the cost didn’t justify the limited use she’d get out of a parka.

  “But how will you do anything? I thought Chad said he was going to try to get you both outside to enjoy our winter weather.” Danielle seemed unaware that what she was saying was news to Tiffany.

  “He did? Like what?” Tiffany tipped her head.

  “I don’t know. He didn’t say exactly. But he loves the outdoors, although I’m sure he wouldn’t mind cozying up to a fire with you either.”

  “I’m sure she’d like that.” Judith nudged her granddaughter with her elbow.

  “Grandma!”

  “Danielle is right about that coat though. It is quite becoming on you. I can always give you some cash,” Judith offered.

  “No. After Monday, I wouldn’t have much use for it. Until then I’ll just have to—”

  “Borrow one of mine.” Danielle shrugged before continuing, “I’ve got a few older coats. None of them are that special to look at, but one will surely do. Hopefully you packed a swimsuit though. You can’t wear a coat in a hot tub, you know.”

  “Yeah, my grandmother insisted on it, but after last night, I can’t say I’m too keen about wearing a suit outside, even if a good looking guy is with me.” Tiffany shuddered at the thought of any type of water hitting her body again while she was outside.

  “The hot tub at the resort is remarkable. For one thing, it’s huge, so it holds lots of people. Second, they keep it super warm, so no worries there. Lastly, the view of the lake is to die for. It’s definitely something you don’t want to miss.”

  “We won’t. I thought I might even join her for a dip after dinner. That young man, Chad, has invited us to join him tonight in the restaurant.” Judith picked up the parka that Tiffany had returned to the rack and examined it carefully.

  “He did?” This got Tiffany’s attention.

  “He invited all of us this morning before we left.” Judith glanced at the price tag.

  “What if they don’t have any vegetarian options?” Tiffany didn’t want her grandmother to go without eating.

  “I’m sure something will pique my interest.” She put the coat down. “Don’t worry so much about me. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time, and I plan on doing so for many more years.”

  Tiffany smiled. This was true, of course. She hadn’t come here to care for her grandmother, only to keep her company.

  “I’m so glad my husband will get to meet you, Judith. You must promise to tell us more about your life in San Francisco back in the sixties.” Danielle fumbled in her purse for her keys.

  Judith smiled. “I’ll warn you, the conversation might not be that interesting.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t bet on that,” Tiffany whispered into Danielle’s ear as they followed her out of the shop.

  * * * *

  “You’ve been in there forever! We’re going to be late for dinner! Are you about ready?” Her grandmother mindlessly flipped through the channels on the TV as Tiffany darted from the bathroom over to the vanity.

  “I should have brought my blue dress. This one makes me look washed out.” Tiffany quickly put her earrings on as she spoke.

  Judith rose from where she was sitting and handed Tiffany her purse. “Whatever are you talking about? You look perfectly fine. I’m sure Chad won’t be able to take his eyes off of you.”

  “Grandma! That’s not the point! I mean, I hardly know him, and I live so far away, so what difference does it make?”

  “Of course it’s the point. Otherwise, you wouldn’t dress up at all. You’d wear your jeans to dinner.”

  “In case you haven’t noticed, that restaurant looks pretty snazzy. Plus, isn’t it you who always says that it’s better to be over-dressed than under-dressed?”

  “Don’t think for one moment I can’t tell that you’ve got an eye on that young man. And don’t think for one moment that I blame you. He’s quite easy on the eyes, even old ones like mine.” Judith stood up. “Plus, he seems like someone who actually has his crap together, and you don’t see too much of that anymore.”

  Tiffany smiled at her grandmother’s choice of words. “So I have your permission to play seductress then?” She teased as she opened the door for them to leave.

  Judith began to laugh. “Oh, my dear, that would be something to witness, unless of course, you’ve been taking acting lessons!”

&
nbsp; Tiffany let out a reluctant sigh. “I’m not very bold usually...I’m trying harder, Grandma, really I am. You’d be proud of how un-shy I can be at times.”

  “Don’t worry, my dear. The right one will come along sooner or later. One day you’ll discover that all of your waiting was worth it.” She hooked her arm through her granddaughter’s as they started down the hall. “Until then, know this...you are special...you are loved...and you look wonderful tonight. And that’s all a grandmother can hope for.”

  * * * *

  “How do I look?” Chad nervously asked Danielle as they waited for Tiffany and Judith to arrive in the restaurant.

  She rolled her eyes. “Oh, for God’s sake, you’ve got it bad! Don’t worry, you look great. Besides, Tiffany doesn’t remind me of the type of woman who would scrutinize what you’re wearing down to the very last detail. Give yourself a break, and have fun!”

  “You need to chill, dude, or this is going to be a seriously long evening,” Brian said and grinned.

  “I’ll give you twenty bucks to just sit there, and stay quiet...” Chad nervously drummed his fingers on the table.

  “Make it forty, and I’ll consider it.” Brian leaned back and put his hands behind his head.

  “Done! But if you make me look like a fool—”

  “I’ll make you look like a demi-god. Now give me my forty bucks!” Brian held out his hand just as Tiffany and Judith entered the room.

  Chad and Brian quickly stood.

  “Wow, you both look very nice tonight,” Chad offered cordially as he pulled out Tiffany’s chair for her to sit down. She was wearing the perfect black dress. It had long sleeves, and the neckline was just low enough to hold any man’s attention.

  “How about a compliment from you, Brian?” Danielle’s eyes widened as she looked at her husband.

  “Oh, you know me. I always dig a woman in a little black dress. But now that I’m married to you, my love, I’m guessing it would be prudent to keep my opinions about Tiffany’s dress to myself.”

  “I didn’t mean her! I meant me! What am I wearing? A burlap sack?” Danielle pointed to her own cocktail dress.