A Winter Wonderland

by Fern Michaels

  Grinning, she shifted the SUV into low gear. She could get used to this, but if anything, despite her chosen career, Angelica was a realist. Being an adult in and of itself was a responsibility. A couple of weeks of snow and fun was her due. She’d worked hard. At thirty-two, she wasn’t about to shuck all responsibilities and give up completely. Give up her career? She might not have a choice. Youth was everything in her business, but there were other areas in her profession to explore.

  She adjusted her rearview mirror and focused her attention on the road. It wasn’t the time to mull over her professional life. The satellite radio station she’d been listening to since she’d left the airport turned to static. “You’d think the reception would be better at this elevation,” she observed out loud. Adjusting the dial to another station, she turned up the volume, singing along as Bing Crosby crooned “White Christmas.” It was her all-time favorite Christmas song.

  A flash of light coming from behind made her take a glance in her rearview mirror. Whoever was behind her had the bright lights on. “Idiot,” she muttered before tapping on her brakes several times in a row, hoping the driver would notice and realize that the lights were blinding her. Careful to watch the road ahead but aware of the vehicle trailing her, she slowed down. Then she realized the car was stopping when she saw the driver pull to the side of the road. Whoever it was flashed the bright lights several times.

  Not wanting to, but fearing the passenger or passengers in the vehicle might be a mother with children, or someone with a health issue, Angelica did what anyone else in her position would do. She stopped, made a three-point turn, then pulled alongside the other vehicle but kept her cell phone in her hand and did not put the SUV into park. If she had to hightail it back to the registration office, at least she would be heading in the right direction. She hit the button to lower the window.

  When she realized that this was the same old beat-up pickup truck she’d encountered in the parking lot, she wasn’t sure if she should be happy that at least the man wasn’t a total stranger to her. He had prevented her from smacking the asphalt and injuring herself after being startled by that noisy cat of his.

  Angelica watched as he struggled to lower the driver’s window. What she knew about trucks could fill a thimble, but it was enough to judge that this one was probably close to her age. Poor guy, she thought, it must be all he can afford.

  “Hi,” was all she could come up with when she saw his face. She was glad for the darkness.

  “Yeah, hi. I’m thinking this old gal just decided to take a rest. Could you give me a lift to the office?” He smiled at her, and Angelica’s heart rate quickened.

  I’ll take you anywhere, she thought, then mentally smacked herself.

  “Sure, I’d be happy to, but I don’t know if it will do you any good. That old guy in the office wasn’t too thrilled when I took him away from his social networking.” She smiled, hoping she’d licked all the chocolate from her teeth. She had a sweet tooth and rarely went anywhere without a few chocolate bites. Lucky for her, it didn’t take much to satisfy her craving.

  “I think he enjoys every minute of his job; he’s just slightly embarrassed by his name,” Parker informed her.

  Angelica realized the old guy had never told her his name. “And what would that be?” she asked, still allowing the blistering cold air inside.

  “Nicholas Star.”

  Laughing, she understood. “He does look somewhat like the man in red, with that white beard and big belly,” she said. “Do you work here?” she asked brazenly. What else would he be doing out this early in this kind of weather?

  “No, I’m here to ski for a couple of weeks,” he said. “It’s not getting any warmer inside this old gal, so how about I lock up, and you can drive me down the mountain? I’m sure they have one of those all-night towing services in a place like this.”

  Angelica was surprised that he was a guest but didn’t say so to him. He’d probably scrimped and saved all year for this trip. “If you’re sure that’s what you want. I could drive you to wherever you’re staying and bring you back in the morning.” Before the words were out of her mouth, she regretted saying them. She didn’t know this guy, didn’t know if he was a weirdo or what, though she had to admit he appeared normal and was certainly easy on the eyes.

  “That’s probably a good idea. I’ll just leave a note on the windshield and call Max first thing in the morning. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

  She wanted to ask who Max was, but by that time she was so cold, her teeth were chattering, and she really didn’t need to know. “Okay, let me turn this vehicle around while you lock up and write your note, but hey,” she called out before rolling up her window, “you didn’t tell me your name.”

  “Oh, sure. Parker North.” He nodded, gave a brief, sexy smile, then removed his personal items from his truck, along with the whiny cat inside its carrier. “Mind taking him? He hates the cold.”

  “Angelica Shepard, nice to meet you, Mr. North,” she said, as he walked around to the driver’s side of the SUV, opened the rear door and placed the carrier on the seat. As an extra precaution, he adjusted the seat belt so that the carrier wouldn’t fall off the seat. One never knew in this kind of weather.

  She settled back in her seat before turning the heat to the highest setting. It was bitterly cold that night.

  Angelica suddenly remembered how snippy and rude she’d been to him after he’d referred to her as rough, but it wasn’t the most flattering comment she’d ever received. It wasn’t a compliment at all, she reminded herself.

  She watched as he pulled the old rattletrap as far off the narrow mountain road as possible, grabbed an outdated suitcase, an ancient pair of skis and ski boots, and what must have been a litter box. He waited next to the old truck. She hit the electric button to open the hatch. He tossed his things in the back before coming around to the passenger side. Angelica hit the automatic lock, praying she wasn’t making a mistake by allowing a complete stranger to accompany her on a deserted mountain road in the wee hours of the morning. If her mother were still alive, she could just imagine what she would say to her. But she had lived in New York City for most of her life and was a fairly good judge of character. Though he appeared to be a bit unrefined, that didn’t make him a bad person.

  He slid into the passenger seat and held his hands against the heater vents. “It’s much colder at this high elevation,” he said before turning around to check on Leon. His accent remained neutral, giving no indication about what part of the country he was from. And she wasn’t going to ask either.

  Angelica put the SUV in low gear and slowly retraced the short distance she’d made before turning around. “I’m staying at Gracie’s Way—that’s what they’re calling my cabin. How about you? Does your place have a name?”

  Parker North seemed to be contemplating her question. “No, I don’t believe there was a name. It’s the penthouse apartment at the main condos mid-mountain.”

  Penthouse apartment? I have totally misjudged this man. Of course, he might’ve won the trip. Given his mode of dress and transportation, he does not look as though he is financially equipped to foot the bill for an extravagant penthouse condo at a luxury ski resort.

  Her surprise must’ve been obvious because Mr. North apparently felt the need to explain. “I went to college with Max Jorgensen. He owns Maximum Glide. He won several gold medals in the Olympics several years ago. He invited me for a complimentary stay, and I decided to take him up on his offer.”

  College? With the owner of the resort? Wow. Of course she’d heard of Max Jorgensen. Who hadn’t? She had to admit, she was a wee bit impressed.

  He produced the same map Mr. Nicholas Star had given her. Removing a penlight from his pocket, he shined it across the map. “According to the map, we’re about four miles from our turnoff.”

  “Okay, I’ll watch for the turn, but I don’t want to drive too fast. I’m not used to driving.” She felt the need to explain her reas
on for barely going thirty miles per hour.

  “Would you feel more comfortable if I were to drive?” he asked. “I’ve lived in the area most of my life, and I’m used to driving in snow and ice. Actually, I can drive in just about any condition.”

  Wondering why he was so experienced, it occurred to her that he probably worked on one of Colorado’s road crews. He said he’d gone to college with the owner, but it didn’t appear that he was as successful as his friend.

  “No, but thanks, I’m fine as long as I focus my attention on my driving,” she explained.

  “Well, if you’re sure,” he said.

  This insignificant conversation could go on and on. Angelica just wanted to make it to her cabin, take a long, hot bath, and spend the day on the slopes.

  “Thanks, but I can handle it. I need the practice. Just relax. You look like you could use a nap.”

  He didn’t really, but she had to say something to his remark that she looked rough.

  “Thanks, I think I will do just that.” He closed his eyes and leaned back against the headrest.

  Angelica was more curious about her passenger now than ever. He seemed to be capable of relaxing at a moment’s notice.

  Fifteen minutes later, she made the turn as indicated on the map. She saw the lights from the high-rise and knew it was her passenger’s destination. Not bothering to wake him just yet, she drove through the parking lot to an underground garage. She’d give him a few more minutes to rest. He certainly appeared to be sound asleep.

  When she found a parking spot, she turned off the engine, which immediately awakened her passenger.

  “That was fast,” he said. “Thanks for the lift.”

  She hit the electronic switch to open the hatch. A burst of frigid air filled the vehicle.

  He removed his skis and suitcase, then came around to her side of the SUV for Leon. “Again, Leon and I appreciate the ride. I really am tired and want to call it a night.”

  Angelica gave him her best smile. “Anytime. Maybe we’ll bump into one another on the slopes.”

  “Just so you know, I didn’t come here to make friends.” A sudden chill hung on the edge of his words.

  Glad of the semidarkness that hid the flush in her cheeks, she punched the electronic window, raising it as fast as she could. With nothing but glass and harsh words between them, not to mention her humiliation at his total rebuff when she mentioned meeting on the slopes, Angelica had nothing more to say. This guy was an ass. Before she changed her mind, she lowered the window once again. “For the record, I didn’t either. I felt sorry for you and was just trying to be polite. I wouldn’t ski with you if my life depended on it.”

  Before he had another chance to humiliate her, she tromped down on the accelerator, hoping the ice and snow that blew in her wake smacked him right upside the head.

  Chapter 8

  Angelica found the turnoff to Gracie’s Way without any trouble. Just as Mr. Star had said, the lights were on, both inside and out. A warm greeting, but this only reminded her of the cold send-off she’d received from her . . . travel partner, for lack of better words. She pulled the Navigator into the long drive, still somewhat miffed over the remarks made by Mr. North.

  As she unloaded the SUV, she thought about the two men she’d met in the past hour. Mr. Star and Mr. North. Made her think of the North Star. Was there any significance between the two names, some kind of divine message that someone was trying to give her? She didn’t think so, but one could never be too sure.

  Dragging her carry-on up the wooden steps, she found the key just where Mr. Star said it would be. Unlocking the door, she stepped inside, surprised at the cabin’s luxuriousness.

  A giant fireplace, an exact replica of the fireplace in the registration office, dominated the great room. A cherry red plush sofa and two forest green chairs were strategically placed. A fire crackled in the fireplace, popping embers filling the large room with inviting sounds and the enticing scent of wood burning.

  As she dropped her luggage next to the fireplace, a log fell, sending blazing orange, red, and yellow embers upward. Deciding that she had better add another log so as not to lose the warmth from the fire, she found a fully stocked supply next to the hearth. She placed two large logs on top of the others, found the fire poker, and nudged the logs until she was satisfied they were positioned properly in order to continue to burn. Satisfied that the fire would burn for another hour or two, she located the kitchen around the corner from the great room.

  She was shocked at its size—she could have placed her entire apartment inside and had room to spare. It had a full-size range, two ovens, and more counter space than she’d ever seen in one kitchen. She continued to explore, finding a Sub-Zero refrigerator that could hold enough food for an entire winter. Maybe that’s what it was used for, she thought, as she opened it to look inside. Mr. Star, of course, was right—it was as empty as her stomach was beginning to feel. She should have prepared a bit better. She’d have to make a trip tomorrow down the mountain for supplies. She found the makings for coffee exactly where he said they would be and decided to make a small pot for herself. She wasn’t ready for bed yet. Her New York habits were not going to be as easy to put aside as she’d thought.

  Walking through the cabin, she saw that the walls were made from honey-colored logs, as was the staircase that led upstairs to the two bedrooms and a loft. Why she’d felt the need for so much space, she didn’t know. After spending fourteen years in New York City, she had gotten used to living in minimal space. But she was not going to focus on what brought her to Colorado, at least not that first night. She was there to ski, think about her life, and decide if it was time for a career change. But her first night was for her to do nothing but explore her new digs for the next two weeks. Later, there would be plenty of time for deep thoughts, but not immediately.

  Inside the master bedroom was a king-sized bed, also made of giant honey-colored logs. A navy and red quilt covered it. Several pillows were scattered about, making the bed as inviting as the rest of the cabin. She had a sudden flash of what Parker North would look like sprawled across the bed but quickly focused her attention on anything but him. He was a rude, overbearing jerk as far as she was concerned.

  Angelica realized she’d come to that conclusion very quickly, which wasn’t her usual style. She was the least judgmental person in the world, but this man had gotten under her skin, and she did not like that at all. Clearing his handsome face from her mind, she found the second bedroom. It was much smaller than the master but just as warm and inviting. It also had a bed made out of logs, with a hunter green quilt and several matching pillows. It would be a shame not to use the room, but hey, she could if she wanted. This was her place for two weeks, and she would sleep in each room. Between the two bedrooms was yet another surprise. A bathroom the size of her apartment had a giant glassed-in shower that looked as though it could hold at least a dozen people, and in the center of the room was a giant Jacuzzi tub that would hold at least half that many people. Plush towels hung from a warmer, bars of scented soaps and creams were artfully arranged on a dark green marble countertop flanked by two long mirrors, their frames made from branches. The outdoorsy theme dominated the cabin, and she thought it perfect.

  It was exactly what she needed. Space, time, and a bit of fun on the slopes.

  The smell of coffee lured her back downstairs. She searched through the cabinets, finding a bright red mug. Pouring herself a cup, she walked back into the great room, where she spied a giant box marked clearly with the words “Christmas Tree and Decorations.”

  She hadn’t really thought of trimming a tree, figuring there would be trees all over the resort for her to enjoy, but instantly decided that setting it up and decorating it might be a fun way to spend the next couple of hours since she was wide awake.

  Placing her coffee on the hearth to keep it warm, she dragged the artificial tree from the box. It was at least six feet high if her judgment was correct. It onl
y took her a few minutes to put the tree together, as there was just a bottom, a middle, and the top, and all she had to do was insert one on top of the other. Once she had the tree together, she placed it next to the fireplace, careful that it was far enough away that there would be no fear of its catching fire. With that out of the way, she strung colorful bright twinkle lights from top to bottom, then began opening the boxes of decorations. The first box held several glass angels. She hoped that what she was doing was okay, and that the owner of the cabin didn’t mind her taking the liberty of using their decorations, but they were there, and she assumed they were hers to use as well. They were delicate, and Angelica made sure to handle each carefully. The second box held more angels, but those were department-store varieties. After an hour, she had a beautifully decorated angel tree. She went to the kitchen for one last cup of coffee, bringing it to the great room, where she sat on the sofa, admiring her handiwork.

  As the fireplace warmed the room, combined with the comfort of the sofa, and her general contentment with how her vacation was turning out to be much more than she’d hoped for—minus Parker North—she relaxed and fell into a deep sleep.

  Chapter 9