He met up with Sheila in the hall’s kitchen area, away from the retreating crowd. “Enjoy the time with your family. Will I see you later?”
She shrugged, but the smile on her face encouraged him. “I might have some extra egg nog if you don’t mind it without rum.”
He reached into his back pocket. “I’ll take it any way I can get it, but I want to leave you with something before I go.” He held up the sprig of mistletoe he’d saved for this moment, then held it over her head. “Merry Christmas, Sheila.”
The kiss they shared proved sweeter than previous ones, but Jonah intended to make up for it soon. For now, he savored the hot cocoa flavor that lingered on his lover’s lips, even as Sheila pulled away with a smile.
“Merry Christmas,” she echoed and patted his cheek. “Everybody should be in bed by midnight. Come by for a run on the beach…and maybe more.”
He watched her sway out the swinging door into the hall, grinning at the coy glance she tossed over her shoulder. He looked forward to their date tonight, and the future.
A night in Sheila’s arms. He couldn’t think of a better gift.
❄ The End ❄
Meet Leigh Ellwood
I am Leigh Ellwood. I write smutty stories about people who like getting naked and having sex. Some have more sex than others, some have sex with people of the same gender, some have sex with more than one person, and still others have sex with toys and things that require the use of batteries. My stories range from a few thousand words to well past 70k.
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Other Titles by Leigh Ellwood
Love is Bliss
A Different Class
One Sweet Ride
Bittersweet
Sinful Surprises
Truth or Dare
Dare Me
Daring Young Man
Dare to Dream
TO CAPTURE A YETI
❄
Eva Lefoy
Ambitious reporter Kaylee Vonn rents a mountainside cabin for the holidays with only one goal in mind: finding a Yeti. Despite the ridicule of her friends and co-workers, she’s convinced they exist and will stop at nothing to prove it. In her zeal for the big story she’s caught in an avalanche and rescued by the hunky shopkeeper who’s kissing her one second and vanishing the next. Determined to capture her Yeti, she risks her life one last time, but has she finally gone too far?
Remote storekeeper Pete “Roshan” Cooper lives a double life. In his human form he sells dry goods and ammo, but when the alarm is sounded, he transforms and joins his brethren to perform the lifesaving duties of the ancient Yeti race. Tired of being alone, Pete desperately desires a mate and thinks he’s found the perfect one in Kaylee, until he hears of her quest. Convincing her to leave will break his heart but it’s the only way to save her from destruction. If his beast would only agree to let her go…
Are the rumors true? Does there exist a long-lost race of snow-dwelling giants? And more importantly, are they incredibly sexy? Find out in To Capture a Yeti.
Chapter One
Warm rays of sunshine sparkled through the cabin’s tiny window for the first time in seven days. Kaylee Vonn rubbed her thawing arms and sighed in relief. Cooped up for a week with nothing but howling winds and a driving blizzard at her doorstep, she hadn’t even been able to go outside and resupply her firewood. She’d eaten all her canned rations cold and drank snow melted over a meager fire to stay hydrated. Right then nothing sounded better than a hot cup of coffee.
But with a new layer of fluffy white snow on top of the mountain, it was also the most dangerous time to go get one.
Pushing the hair off her forehead, she told herself she had little choice. Winter snowstorms were frequent on Brewster Mountain, and severe. She’d known the conditions would be dangerous and possibly life threatening before she’d leased the cabin for the holidays, but she wasn’t here for the climate. The mountain boasted five – five! – sightings of the elusive Bigfoot in the past two years. All of them in December and January, and all of them during the worst weather possible. Of course Bigfoot would be out wandering the hillsides in the dark of winter. Because really, who else in their right mind would?
She shivered with excitement and squinted at the blinding white landscape outside, biting her lip. Any experienced backcountry skier knew most avalanches occurred right after a major storm when weak layers of snowpack broke off and slid downhill. With the towering mountain above her stacked with new snow, any small movement could set it off. But she had to risk it. She couldn’t very well explore the mountain and write up the big story that would make her famous on an empty stomach. Without fuel to sustain her, she might miss the one sighting that would catapult her to stardom.
Cursing her luck, she donned her down parka and slipped on her gloves. The snowmobile in the garage had a full tank of gas, more than enough to get her off the park property and into town, where, if she was lucky, she could buy a hot meal and enough provisions to last her a few weeks. Gritting her teeth, she hopped onto the unit and turned the key. Worry gnawed her empty belly as she slid the helmet’s visor down over her face, but hunger drove her on. I have no choice. I don’t want to starve and I’m sure the hell not leaving without my story.
The idea she should stay in town for a few nights until the danger passed flitted through the practical part of her mind, but leaving the cabin seemed counterproductive. She’d gotten a lot of work done until the power had gone out, leaving her with a candle and pen and paper to work with. Not quite as handy as her trusty laptop, but she’d done her best. Besides, it had filled up time, given her something to do besides sit and listen to the wind beat the shutters. With the morning thaw the power would be back up in no time and she’d be back in business.
Revving the engine, she started off.
Five minutes later, she’d left the woods surrounding the cabin and started across the long, low ridge that circled the lower third of Brewster Mountain. The wide, flat surface made for perfect snowmobile access, but the hundred foot drop down a sheer rock cliff if she strayed too far to the edge made it Russian roulette in a blizzard. With the sun out and the weather abated she could see for miles and had no fear of losing direction. Nervously eying the buildup of snow on the soaring mountaintop to her left, she zoomed on, wanting out of the danger zone as soon as possible.
Every sound, every whisper of wind, had her whipping her head left, breath held, fearful a tidal wave of snow would engulf her any second. Her gloved fingers gripped the snowmobile handles so tightly they could have been frozen to it permanently. Second by second, foot by foot, she edged closer to town but her nerves steadily shattered. Blood pounded in her eardrums and the engine roared steadily as it ate up the trail. Over those sounds came the one she had silently dreaded. A crack and a thump.
Like a layer of pure white wedding cake freed from its frosting-strewn neighbor, a thick cornice detached from the top and hurtled down the mountain’s face. A powdery sea of white sped down, down, down. Panic seized her chest and she forced the throttle open as far as it would go. The little engine raced, the heat from it nearly burning her thighs, but she had to stay ahead of the alabaster wall of death. She felt the breeze of the displaced air kiss the nape of her neck but didn’t dare look back. Instead, she grit her teeth and hunkered down over the handles. When she finally reached the end of the ridge, all was silent on the mountain. Risking a glance over her shoulder, she let out a shaky breath. She’d survived the avalanche, but barely. “That was close. Too close.”
From the end of the trail, it was another ten minute ride into town. Her legs and arms were still shaking when she parked in the lot and clambered off the snowmobile. She couldn’t walk in a straight line into the small town’s only mercantile. But her trembling legs had nothing on her quivering heart. Still flushed with adrenaline, it threatened to explode in her chest with every thudding beat. The bell hanging above the door dinged with a high tink-a-ling as she stepped
inside and she forced a smile despite her chattering teeth, hoping no one could see the fear raging inside her.
The man behind the counter took one look at her and rushed forward. He slid an arm around her waist and herded her toward a chair perched by the sunny window. His strong, secure touch warmed right through her jacket to her skin. He smelled of slow days, dry goods and cloves, the scent instantly comforting. “I think you’d better sit down. Can I get you some coffee?”
“Y-yes. T-thank y-you.” She clutched the table as though her life depended on it, replaying every harrowing second of the near-miss in her mind.
He cleared his throat. “How do you take it?”
“B-black is f-fine.” God, could she not stop shaking? I guess near-death experiences leave you without total control of your limbs. When he returned and set a dainty white china cup in front of her, she took off her heavy gloves and picked it up gingerly using both hands, but they shook so badly the coffee sloshed.
“Here, let me help you.” The man wrapped his steady hands around hers and helped her lift the cup to her mouth. The heat from his fingertips seeped into her hands, promising comfort and safety.
She raised her gaze to his face and her heart crashed against her ribs. A pair of piercing light green eyes stared back at her, their color as clear and deep as a tranquil Caribbean sea, with a hint of a glimmer, like shiny snake’s scales. From somewhere in their depths they radiated a strange but powerful light, as though his soul permeated them. Kaylee found herself unable to look away.
As she stared, one side of his mouth quirked up, and the outside corners of his eyes crinkled. His hands were still wrapped around hers, and he casually stroked his thumb over her fingers. The simple caress flooded her senses. She fought a swoon. I’m just a little light-headed. Glad to be alive, that’s all.
His eyes twinkled with mirth. “Don’t let it get cold now…”
Embarrassed he’d noticed her drooling over him, she dropped her attention back to the coffee. She took a sip and licked her lips. “Wow, that’s really good coffee. What’d you put in it?”
He chuckled. “Bourbon. It’ll help warm you up.”
She took another sip and some of the tension left her shoulders. Her heart rate slowed its breakneck pace. At the same time, her cheeks flushed. It’s probably the bourbon. “Thank you. This is really good. Exactly what I needed.”
He sat back, removing his hands from hers and watched her carefully as though she were a toddler just learning to drink from a cup. Concern radiated behind the glint of humor in his eyes. “What’s your name, ma’am?”
“Kaylee.”
“I’m Roshan, but folks call me Pete.”
She quirked a brow and wanted to ask more, but he simply grinned and continued.
“Where you stayin’?”
“The Hamilton cabin.”
He nodded, then his eyes widened. His fingers curled into his palms and his body visibly tensed. “You weren’t near that small avalanche just now, were you?”
“Right in front of it, actually.” Barely made it through. Narrow escape. Her gut churned and she put the coffee down. The cup’s rim clanked on the saucer.
“No wonder you’re so shaken.” He frowned and shook his head, his jutting chin slicing through air. “Hell, you shouldn’t be out here today. With the sun shining, the avalanche risk grows higher by the minute.”
She picked up the super-charged coffee and took another sip, trying not to be offended by his know-it-all tone. “I realize that. But I had to venture out. I need food and firewood.”
He stood. “You need a lot more than that. You need to stay in town tonight. I’ll book you a room at the hotel.” He stalked toward the counter.
For a split second, she ogled his wide shoulders and the way his jeans clung to his tight, round ass. The man had a body to die for. She briefly wondered at the sheer amount of physical labor it would take to keep him in shape, and how those hard muscles would feel rubbing against her skin. Then the irritation at his total alpha male stance kicked in. “Wait a minute. I didn’t say I was staying.”
He kept walking. “I didn’t say I was giving you a choice.”
Her jaw fell open. No way would she let him treat her like a second-class citizen. “Hey, Get back here!”
He turned toward her, arms crossed over his chest, the muscles straining the fabric of his red plaid flannel shirt. Muscles that could securely hold a woman through many a long, cold night. But his brain needed some serious adjusting. “Or what?”
She rose from the table and found her legs had become steadier. Anger always fired up her energy. “Or I’m leaving right now.”
He smirked. “Without food or firewood?”
“Yep. Back to starve in a freezing cold cabin.” She slipped on the helmet and he was by her side in three long strides, blocking her path.
“I can’t let you do that.”
Kaylee pulled a shopping list out of her inside jacket pocket and batted her eyelashes. “Then be a dear and fill my order.” She was going to get back to the cabin and back to work come hell or high water, possible avalanches notwithstanding. Pete could get over himself.
He plucked the yellow scrap of notebook paper from her fingers but didn’t look at it. “I’ll fill the order and you can take it back to the cabin tomorrow. You need to stay here tonight.”
She shook her head. “I can’t. I can’t risk missing a sighting.”
His eyebrows scrunched together. “A sighting?”
“Bigfoot.” If the creature only came out in inclement weather, she’d likely already missed him while holed up in the cabin. She had seven more days to find him, then her vacation would end, tossing her chance at fame down the toilet. I need those seven days. I can’t spend them here in town … with him. No matter how temptingly handsome he is.
Pete’s head snapped back as though she’d smacked him in the face. “You’re a Bigfoot hunter?”
Used to public ridicule for her beliefs, she ignored his reaction and nodded emphatically. “A reporter. A determined one too. I’ve heard this mountain has a high number of Bigfoot sightings and I’m here to get myself some proof. This story could be my big break. Have you ever seen one?”
“No.” Pete’s steely glare formed frostbite on her nipples. A few seconds later, he turned his attention to her list, then spun on his heel and strode away. As he walked, his back formed an impenetrable wall, making her feel small and ignored. She wanted to call after him, but lost her voice.
What the hell was wrong with Pete? People usually don’t get mad, they just laugh in my face.
Stung, she grabbed the coffee cup and strode to the counter. The pot sitting to the right still had some liquid gold in it. After a week without warmth, another cup sounded heavenly. She poured herself some more and peeked in the backroom.
Pete bustled about, his moves quick and efficient as he got her order ready. Powerful arm muscles bunched and flexed under his shirt as he worked.
She sighed as her temperature rose. Picturing what he’d be like in bed had her clutching the coffee cup a little too tightly. I could always stay in town just for one night. But good lord, what would Angie say if I missed a chance at a hot guy for Bigfoot?
She knew exactly what her best friend Angie would say. That it had been too long since she’d gotten laid. That she should quit focusing so much on finding the Yeti and date a real man. Kaylee always told her she would, right after she got her big break. Which with any luck would happen in the next few days. Then maybe she’d visit Pete for a little playtime…
Kaylee swallowed the last of the coffee and stretched her arms and legs, new determination pushing the fears for her safety aside. I can do this. I’ll make it back okay. I’ll be fine.
Pete brought her groceries around the counter and set them on the floor in a sturdy burlap sack. “Here you go. That’ll be seventy two even.”
Hell, that was a lot, but she had nothing at all to eat back at the cabin. Better not to starve if she
got snowed in again. She dug her wallet out and paid. When she bent to pick up the bag, he swatted her hand away.
“I’ll load it. Where are you parked?”
Kaylee led him to the snowmobile and he expertly secured the load. When he was done, he looked up at Brewster Mountain and then shot an almost accusing gaze at her. His green pupils still radiated concern, but now a hint of anger flared around the edges. She fought the urge to take a step back, suddenly unsure of herself. “Um… Thanks for all your help.”
When she took her key out of her pocket and reached for the ignition, he clamped a hand on her wrist. “It’s not worth the risk, Kaylee. Leave the story alone.”
“It’s worth it to me. Besides, the sooner I find what I’m looking for, the sooner I’ll be out of here.” So get off my ass. She wanted to say it, but bit her tongue. Instead she smiled at him sweetly.
“Damn it,” he hissed. “Promise me you’ll be careful and turn around at the first sign of danger.”
“I will. I promise.”
His jaw locked, but he let go of her wrist and stepped back.
She pushed her visor down, turned the ignition and the little engine sputtered to life.
He shook his head, turned his back and walked away. She watched his wide shoulders barely squeeze through the door frame and her pussy clenched with imaging how much power he harbored and how it would feel to have it focused solely on her pleasure. The little bell on the door clanged when it shut behind him and the sound snapped her out of the daydream.
Kaylee eyed the mountain warily, half worried the tiny sound would set off another snow slide. When it didn’t, she sighed and scooted closer to the handlebars, tucking her hair under the helmet one more time. “Okay, let’s go. I’m not going to stop, I’m just going straight through and then I’m safe for the night.”
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