Enemy Down

by Cathryn Fox

  He shakes his head and bites into a sausage. “No, what?”

  “Those vertical venetian blinds,” I say with a laugh, and when he narrows his eyes and cocks his head, I explain it to him. “You know those long blinds that you open and close with a cord.”

  He grins and nods. “We had those. I just called them curtains.”

  “I thought if you owned venetian blinds, you were rich. Remember when Chelsea Haverstock invited me to her party that night…” I pause, although he probably doesn’t need a minute to remember the night he pulled his pants down.

  “I remember.”

  “She had venetian blinds and wall-to-wall carpet. I was like, this is posh. I thought someday, when I grow up and become a success, I was going to have blinds and all that carpeting.”

  “That’s funny. Wealth to me was a trip to Disney.”

  “You must have done that.”

  “Actually, no. I’ve never been there.”

  His eyes open at the shock on my face. I’m surprised for sure, but why would he lie about that? “You’re kidding me?”

  “No, why? Have you?” he asks.

  “No, but why did that represent wealth to you?” I wave my hands around the place. “You had this resort, and I’m sure you’ve been all over the world.”

  “Most trips were business, and we’d tag along. Maybe Disney didn’t represent wealth, maybe it represented family. Now that I think about it, that’s it I guess.” He cuts into his egg, takes a bite, and looks thoughtful. “My friends would go with their families. I was so envious. Even though I had everything I could want, what I really wanted was just time with my parents. I wanted us to do things as a family, like I’d see all the other kids around me doing.”

  “I get it, Christian. I really do.” I used to envy the rich people who could have whatever they wanted whenever they wanted. I was clearly looking through rose-colored glasses. Christian has given me a much clearer vision, and truth be told, I wouldn’t trade what my mom and I had for all the money or trips in the world.

  “Maybe someday you’ll have that family, and you can all go to Disney.”

  He snorts. “Like I said last night, what do I know about being there for someone?”

  “Christian, you’ve been there for me through my whole injury, and don’t forget you had your grandmother. She taught you what family was all about.” He takes a sip of coffee and glances at me over the rim, his eyes unfocused, like he’s a million miles away.

  Finally, instead of agreeing or disagreeing with my comment, he says, “I’m going to hit the slopes for a bit. Afterward, do you want to explore the town, and hit up the art museum?”

  “I would love that. I’m going to sit in the lobby, and if it warms up enough, I’ll grab one of the outdoor Adirondack chairs overlooking the hill so I can watch.”

  “You’re sure you don’t mind me leaving you here?”

  “I like alone time, remember, and I want you to enjoy yourself, Christian.” I give a wave of my hand. “Go, have fun. I’ll be here waiting for you when you get back.”

  “I like the sound of that, Maize.”

  “Now finish eating, or you’ll miss all that fresh snow.”

  He nods and once we finish eating, he jumps in the shower, and I head out to the patio to breathe in the clean morning air. A girl could really get used to vacationing in a place like this.

  I stay there for a long time, enjoying the scenery and basking in the fresh air when a set of hands wrap around my waist and warm lips find my neck.

  I lean back. “I love it here so much. I might never go back.”

  “We can come again, another time.”

  I nod, even though that will never happen and it’s so sweet of Christian to make the offer. I tap his hands. “You better get out there. Show Cynthia what you’ve got.”

  He chuckles at that and the sound reverberates through me, wraps around my heart and gives a loving squeeze. “Okay, and then later, by the fire, I’ll show you what I’ve got.”

  “I know what you’ve got.” I turn in his arms. “And I like it.”

  We stand there and exchange a low slow kiss, like neither of us are in a hurry to go. I finally break it and give him a little shove. He groans, and I follow him inside, locking the door behind me. Twenty minutes later, I’m kissing him at the lobby door before he disappears and I stand there and watch, my arms wrapped around myself for warmth as he puts on his skis and heads to the lift. That might be fun, going up on a lift, seeing the town from way up high. Only problem is, I’d have to drop to my rear end and slide all the way down, because I am not risking another ankle injury. I didn’t say anything to Christian, but it’s sort of aching in this cold weather.

  I hike my backpack up higher on my shoulder and find a comfy chair by the big window. I order a big mug of hot chocolate and marshmallows—calories don’t count on vacation, remember—and settle in to do some studying. Minutes turn into hours and every now and then I peek at the hill. When I see two people coming down together, I stand to get a better look. I can make out Christian because I know what he’s wearing, and I can only assume the girl with him is Cynthia. I drop back into my seat and try not to feel a measure of worry. It’s silly, he said they were never together, and we’re not really together, so I have no reason to be jealous. Was it her he called and whispered to earlier this morning?

  Ugh, stop.

  I push those thoughts from my brain and drop back into my chair. I turn my focus to my books and work to concentrate. Over the next half hour, the lobby fills up a little more, a tour bus drops off a few skiers, and the chatter and commotion make it a bit hard to concentrate. I stretch and check the time, and consider going back to the room for a quick nap, when someone moves my hair and presses their lips to my neck.

  I gasp and jump from my chair, and nearly twist my damn ankle.

  “Whoa, easy,” Christian says, his lips twisted. “I didn’t mean to frighten you. Sorry about that.”

  I laugh it off. “It’s okay. I have no idea why I was so jumpy.”

  He pulls me to him, and I smell the fresh air on his clothes and skin as he presses his lips to mine for a soft kiss.

  “Did you have fun?” I ask.

  “Yeah, I love the slopes, but I kept thinking about you back here by yourself.”

  “I told you I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

  He gives me a playful grin. “But isn’t it more fun when I take care of you?”

  I put my hands on his chest, and his coat is cold against my fingers. “Do you have something in mind?”

  He checks his watch and I try not to give into the disappointment in my gut. Does he have somewhere else to be, something more important pressing at him?

  “Yes, but it will have to wait.”

  “Okay,” I say and go to sit down again when he stops me.

  “What are you doing?”

  “You have somewhere to be, so I’ll get some more studying done.”

  “Where I’m going, you’re coming,” he says, and scoops up my backpack. He shoves my books inside and I stand there frowning at him, having no idea what he’s talking about.

  “Are we getting something to eat?” I ask, noting it’s well past lunch time and he’s probably starving from all the exercise.

  “Eventually.” He takes my hand and leads me to the lodge ski shop that carries every expensive brand of winter clothing known to mankind. “You need a better coat, hat, and mitts for what I have in mind.”

  I pull my hand from his, and back up an inch. “Christian, no. I don’t need anything.”

  He puts his hands on my shoulders. “Right now, you’re still mine, remember? So I’m taking care of you, whether you like it or not.” I’m about to shake my head when he cups my face to stop me. “If it makes you feel better, you can pay me back.”

  “Like my medical bills, and all you put out for my tuition and lodging?”

  “We can just add this to the list. Now say yes, so I can show you s
omething spectacular, something you’re not going to want to miss.”

  “As long as I can pay you back.”

  “Uh huh,” he says, so noncommittal I almost argue, but there is a part of me that really just wants to escape with him, so I agree.

  “Fine.”

  He grins, like he just won the battle of the century, but I think he already won that ages ago when he set money down to have me as his. The retail clerk steps up to us, and after ten minutes, I’m all decked out in new clothing, and ready to melt to the floor because we’re still inside and I’m sweating to death.

  After he pays, we drop my backpack at the front counter, and Christian takes my hand, leading me out. “Where are we going?” I ask as the brisk air washes over me and I feel nothing but heat. He leads me down a path, going slow because of my ankle, and we come upon a shop.

  “Your chariot awaits, my lady.”

  I stop in my tracks when I see the long row of snowmobiles, all lined up and ready to be rented.

  “Are you serious?”

  “You said you wanted to see the top of the mountain.” He pulls me close and kisses me.

  “You didn’t know that. I never said that to you.” At least I don’t think I did. I’d only thought it in my head, I’m sure.

  “I saw the way you were looking at the ski hills when we first arrived. You wanted to go up, but had no way to get there. Now we have a way.”

  Wow, he doesn’t miss a thing, and I really like that about him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I wanted it to be a surprise.”

  “This is…this morning…the phone.”

  “Yeah, sorry for not answering. I wanted it to be a surprise.” I shake my head, astounded by his sweetness. “You want to go, don’t you? It shouldn’t hurt your ankle, and this is a great way to get to the top. Wait until you see what’s up there.”

  I laugh, hard, like a load has been lifted off my shoulders, and he looks at me like I might have just escaped an asylum.

  “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  “Yes.” I throw my arms around him and give him a kiss. “This is a great surprise.”

  “Remind me to surprise you more often,” he says as I go back down on my feet. He puts his arm around my waist, and we head inside the warm building. Less than ten minutes later, Christian is latching my helmet and helping me onto the beast of a snowmobile. I slide my hands around him and hang on.

  “You know what you’re doing, right?”

  “I’d never put you in danger, sweetness.”

  He pats my hand, and the next thing I know, we’re on the snow-beaten trail, the wind in my face. I might have been frightened by this new adventure, going through the woods and up a mountain, but I feel completely secure as I hold on to the guy I’m really, really starting to like.

  Starting?

  That’s possibly a lie. I might have hated him in the past, but so much has changed since I started sharing his room. He slows and points, and I catch a bunny hopping into the snowy underbrush. A wide smile splits my lips.

  “A bunny,” I squeal and steal a glance at the gorgeous, white-tipped trees. It’s quite breathtaking out here, and I really wish I could walk without fear of injuring my ankle. I wrap my hands around him tighter, and press my body to his, needing the contact as my emotions rev faster than the beast we’re on. I can’t quite remember the last time I was this happy.

  We go a little further up the hill and we wave to a couple coming down on another machine. Christian slows, and points again, but I don’t see any wildlife.

  “Deer tracks.”

  “Amazing. Wait, are there bears here?”

  “Probably hibernating right now, so we’re good.”

  I relax a little and he revs the gas, and we take off again. I watch the scenery, a sense of peace washing over me, all worries about school, my future with Christian, and life slipping away as I breathe in the refreshing mountain air and let it soothe my soul. We finally reach the top and a quaint little log building comes into view.

  Christian kills the engine. “You must be starving?” he asks as he removes his helmet. I fuss with mine, unable to get the clip to snap open and he shoos my hands away and easily removes it, much the same skill with which he always removes my bra. It comes with experience, I guess, and I am not going to think about that for one more second.

  The scent of fresh coffee reaches me and my stomach growls. “They have a coffee shop here?”

  “Amazing food too.”

  We head inside, and customers and staff alike greet us like we’re all a part of one big family. We take a seat by the window and order the soup and biscuits, and coffee. I peel my heavy clothes off, the fire in the hearth washing over me, creating a warm glow inside my body. I glance at Christian, and I can’t seem to keep the ridiculous smile from my face.

  “I really love it here.”

  “I’m so glad.” The server comes with our coffee, and I pour a bit of milk into mine. “I’m not sure if you were watching or not, but I ran into Cynthia on the hill.”

  “Yeah, I thought I saw you with someone,” I say casually. “Did you finally beat her?”

  He laughs. “Hell no, she’s too good, and like I said, I think she cheats.” He reaches across the table. “I forgot to tell you, she invited us to have dinner with her and her family tonight.”

  “Oh, how nice,” I say a bit disappointed because I really just wanted a quiet night with Christian. We don’t have too many of those left. He angles his head and arches a brow like he’s waiting for some light bulb to go off. “What?”

  “Did you forget her father is the dean of the law department at Harvard?”

  I gasp. “Ohmigod, I can’t believe I forgot that.” Then again, I’m so wrapped up in Christian, I can’t seem to concentrate on much else.

  Maize, you’re having dinner with the dean of the law department!

  My nerves jump as I think about sitting down with him and his family. While this might be a dream come true for most, I’m not one to schmooze, and don’t even know what I’m supposed to say in a situation like that. God, I really am out of my realm here. “I can’t…I’m not prepared.”

  He gives a small wave of his hand, like it’s nothing, but it’s not nothing. It’s something big and he knows it too. “You don’t have anything to prepare for, this is just dinner, and a networking opportunity.”

  “Christian, did you do this? Did you set this up for me?”

  “I wanted you to meet him, but Cynthia is the one who put the invite on the table.” He gives me an apologetic look and adds, “I might have mentioned something about eating at the restaurant tonight. But Cynthia liked you. She wants to get to know you.”

  “That’s nice,” I say absently as I swallow, hard. Opportunities like this don’t normally present themselves to a girl like me. I’m so used to doing everything on my own, the hard way, but Christian here is changing all that, putting me in situations I wouldn’t normally find myself in and making it easy for me to forget I come from the wrong side of the tracks. None of that seems to matter to him. I wouldn’t be here and he wouldn’t be introducing me to his friends if it did matter, right? Unless of course, somewhere deep inside him, he needs the girl he’s been spending time with to be a Harvard student, because only then would she be good enough.

  But Christian isn’t like that. We only go to restaurants far outside of Kingston because they’re his favorite, and taking the back door to Wolf House was all about my injured ankle.

  Right?

  19

  Christian

  I glance at a very tired Maize as we take the late flight back to Kingston. She’s trying so hard to stay awake, but she keeps drifting off, a cute, contented smile on her face. It makes me happy to see her like this. She damn well deserves to be worshipped, and treated to a relaxing weekend. I’d love to take her back here. I really wasn’t kidding when I put that offer on the table and once again, she reminded me we were done this weekend.

 
I take her blanket and tuck it around her, and she moans something to me. I settle in myself, my mind going back to our dinner with the Saunders family. Maize was so nervous, but once she got talking about her love of law, she calmed down and we all had a terrific night—one that ended with Dean Saunders talking about some summer internships he thought she might be perfect for, giving her his card and asking her to call to set up a meeting.

  It couldn’t have gone better and we all had a laugh when Cynthia leaned in to remind Maize her father was an ogre, which of course he’s not, but it’s clearly a private joke between them. He’s a great and fair man and I think he was very impressed with my girl here.

  My girl.

  I want to make her my girl. I want to keep her at my place longer—at least until Christmas. Maybe I’ll go over to her place and break a pipe or something. That thought makes me laugh as I adjust my pillow and doze a bit.

  The next thing I know, the plane is landing and Maize is waking me. I take in her tired eyes, her mess of hair and the smile still tugging at the corners of her mouth. Once we get our luggage and hop into my vehicle, I begin the drive home. My hand creeps across the seat, and I capture hers. Her head turns my way and she takes me in as I drive in silence, a little lost in my thoughts.

  She perks up a bit as I take the turn to my place, and not hers. “I should…probably head back to my place.”

  “Tomorrow,” I say. “It’s too late now, and I don’t want you to wake anyone.” She falls silent and I’m about to open my mouth, determined to convince her, when she nods. Her phone pings, and she takes it from her purse and smiles.

  “It’s Kaitlyn,” she tells me. “She just got back from being with her family and is asking how my weekend is going.” She sends her a text back and relaxes against the seat. “I told her I’d be moving back home tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” is all I say. The house is dark, very quiet as I pull up and park in my spot. The guys are all probably tired from travel or not even back yet.

  “The place is pretty dark,” she says.