by Aqua Allsopp
Carmen held up her hand. “That’s not necessary. But I am going to go lie down. I have to work tomorrow, and I’d better get some good sleep, so I can make it through my shift in the morning.”
They headed toward her cabin as they walked. Once at the door, Carmen turned and held out her hand. “Thank you again for helping to get me home and safe. I do appreciate it. Just don’t let it go to your head and think it is a way in to my personal space.”
Tristan looked down at the proffered hand and pushed it aside. “I don’t. I am just glad we found you and I won’t bring it up again. But, I must do this.” He stepped in closer and felt her body stiffen as she took in a sharp breath. He quickly kissed her on the forehead and backed off.
Carmen raised one eyebrow at him. “What, did you think I was going to kiss you or something? Nope, not when you have made it clear that I am not to do that. Just planting a brotherly kiss on your forehead is all. Got to go. Later.” He waved and walked off, hands in his pockets and whistling a little ditty. Maybe that will get her to thinking. I have to find a way through the ice. Guess I’ll keep trying.
Chapter 8
Bobbi came over after her shift with supper wrapped up in aluminum foil.
“Hank sent this over for us to nibble on. He didn’t want you to go hungry. Those were his words. I did not suggest that he feed you. He’s an old softy, but don’t tell him I said that. He’d be mad because he likes people to think he’s still an old strong cowboy that has no feelings.” Bobbi giggled as she set out plates and silverware on the small table.
The two sat down and ate everything Hank had sent. They put out the Scrabble board that Bobbi had brought and played some games. Bobbi called it a night early as they both had to get up early to work.
Carmen sat straight up in bed, sweat rolling off her forehead. Another nightmare. I guess the accident caused this one, but I feel like he’s getting close again. I don’t know how he finds me. Does he hire someone to track me or is he just that good? I’ll wait and see. I really like it here and now I am making friends, like a second family. I’m not going to let him spoil that for me this time. I’m stronger. I can stand my ground.
It was two more hours before she had to go to work, but Carmen couldn’t seem to settle down, so she made some coffee and sat watching the fireplace until it was time to get a shower and go in.
The air was crisp, and the snow crunched under her feet as she walked to the lodge. The warmth inside the restaurant was refreshing and cozy. Hank had cinnamon rolls raising on top of the stove and she could smell chili simmering in a large pot.
“Smells so good in here. Morning Hank.”
Hank nodded. “Morning. Aprons are over there, and ticket books are under the register. Bobbi should be here shortly to show you the rest. I don’t go out front much. No need.” And he turned back to cutting green peppers for breakfast.
Bobbi was right, he’s a man of few words. Carmen smiled as she got an apron. About that time, Bobbi strolled in, her signature smile on her face.
“Good morning!” she chimed out. How is everyone? Hank just grunted, and Carmen gave her a small smile.
Bobbi showed Carmen how to run the register and gave her the lowdown on the table numbers and such. They split the tables in half for serving and set about making sure everything was set up for breakfast. Carmen was filling up the syrup pitchers when Bobbi came back.
“Some really nice-looking guy is asking for you. Really nice looking. Are you holding back information that I should know about?”
Carmen looked like she had seen a ghost. “Where is he?”
“Just at the register waiting. Asked for you specifically.”
Carmen peeked around the corner. Sure enough, there stood Eric. Fortunately, he was looking the other way. Carmen’s heart skipped a beat. Her brain scrambled to come up with a plan to avoid him, but none came to mind. You have to just face him and stop his stalking, Carmen. He has no control over you unless you let him. She took a deep breath, smoothed her apron and stepped out to the register.
“Can I help you?” Eric turned, a smug smile on his face. “What are you doing here?” Carmen tried to keep her voice calm but could hear it quivering as she talked.
“There you are. I thought I had the wrong place.” He appraised her with those cold blue eyes. “You look good. Been taking care of yourself. That’s what I like in my women.”
“I am not your woman anymore, Eric. The sooner you understand that the better off you will be.”
“Are you threatening me? You know I can make things happen. I have connections. It’s not wise to get me upset.”
“Oh, I know how you are. And I am done with that. It’s in the past, Eric. I have moved on. Now leave before I have you thrown out.”
“I see. Well, Aspen is a great little town. I thought I might take up skiing. What do you think?” He smirked at her.
“Just stay away from me. And, you are not welcome here so find somewhere else to stay if you think you have to.” Carmen turned and walked back into the kitchen. She was working hard not to run, not to cry, not to feel. But she did feel…every single punch, kick, comment, cruelty Eric had ever laid upon her, just like it happened yesterday. Get yourself together, Carmen. Let the jerk leave and you move on. Just like you told him. She realized her fists were clenched. She took a deep breath and relaxed her hands.
“You all right?” Hank asked, concern in his voice. “You need that piece of work taken care of? I can make that happen, you know.”
Bobbi grabbed her arm. “You look awful. Do you need to go home? Who is that guy? I heard how he talked to you. He sounded nasty. Was he mean to you? I agree with Hank. Let’s get rid of him. Nobody hurts my girl-friend and gets away with it.
“It’s okay guys.” Carmen held up her hands. “It is old history and I am through with him. Just ignore the jerk and he will go away. Trust me, he’s not worth your time.”
“Well, you just let us know when you need help with him. I’ll be there,” Hank nodded his head.
“Thanks, Hank. Now, back to business.” Carmen steeled herself to go into the dining room, hoping that Eric had left. He had. She breathed a sigh of relief and her day began over,
Her work day done, Carmen pulled on her coat and set out to go home. She stood at the back door for a minute, scanning the area as best she could, looking for Eric. She knew from experienced that he had not left and was very good at hiding where no one could see him. It looked like the coast was clear, so she set out across the lot to her cabin. She was lost in thought when someone touched her on the back of her shoulder. She jumped and let out a squeak. Turning around, she saw Tristan standing there with a big grin on his face.
“Gotcha!” He pumped his arm. “You didn’t hear me come up. That’s one for me.”
“Do. Not. Ever. Do. That. Again.” Carmen’s eyes were a dark purple and her face was set in an angry glower.
“Okay.” Tristan widened his eyes. Oh, God, the Ice Queen is back. “Sorry. Are you okay?”
Carmen nodded. “Yeah, just had an unexpected encounter with a stupid jerk this morning and I guess I’m a little touchy now.”
“A customer?”
“No, a former…. boyfriend. Not a nice person, either. Just spooked me a little and I’m jumpy, is all. No worries.” She tried to smile, but Tristan saw right through it.
“I see,” Tristan paused for a moment, “Well, I’m not only good at search and rescue. Holler if you need my help with anything.” He looked her directly in the eyes. “Anything.” He knew what she meant but wasn’t going to bug her about it. He had figured out that she asked for help if she needed it. He reminded himself to keep a closer eye on the property in case she got into trouble.
Chapter 9
Carmen nodded and hurried on to her cabin, afraid that if she stood there longer she would tell Tristan everything. The fewer people who know about her past, the better in her opinion. That thinking would lead her into a bit of trouble down the line.
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br /> She couldn’t relax or focus on the TV once home. Her appetite was gone, so she began to drink cup after cup of coffee, sure that Eric would strike soon. He had tried to take her before, and she knew he would try again. He was a sick man, but no one at home had believed her. His public face did not match his private one. Her family knew and had sanctioned her leaving as they knew he would continue to stalk her. They hadn’t realized that his money would allow him to track her down as she moved around.
You’d think that Colorado was far enough away to keep him from finding me. What do I do now? I’m gonna stand up to him one last time and get rid of him once and for all. I can’t live like this.
A sleepless night had Carmen dragging at work, but she plodded on. Bobbi saw her distress but was just like Tristan. She knew that Carmen would share if she needed to, and Bobbi wouldn’t push for answers. It was driving her crazy, however.
Three days later, Bobbi made her move.
“Okay, you’ve been secretive enough. We’re going out for a bite to eat and you are going to spill the beans. You look awful and I know your stressed out. Friends tell friends things so that people can be relieved of their stress.” Carmen started to protest. “No arguing, it’s a done deal. Go home and change and I will meet you on your doorstep.”
Carmen shook her head but agreed finally. She didn’t want to go around town much, in case Eric had decided to ambush her along the way.
Downtown was busy, and Carmen felt a bit safer. Eric would never do anything with people all over the place. He was too sneaky for that. So, she relaxed a little as they made their way through the tourists and skiers to their favorite pizza parlor. The two sat down and ordered.
Bobbi wasted no time. “Okay. I want to know what’s got you so worked up about this dude? He was handsome and suave…”
“Yeah, right.” Carmen grimaced. “That’s what he wants everyone to believe. How nice he is, how well he can talk, his knowledge. There is another side that is so ugly, it’s unbelievable.”
Bobbi rolled her eyes. “He beat you, huh?”
“Yep. It was great at first. Storybook romance. Then, the abuse began. Just verbal at first but got worse. He beat me, criticized me, told me I was stupid…the list goes on. I stayed for three years, until I got a broken arm. Then, I finally left. I told the doctor I had fallen, and fortunately, there were no bruises on my face or arms. There should have been; it was the worst beating yet. I’m sure I broke a few ribs, but I didn’t tell.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Well, my family and I decided that I would leave. I only keep contact with my sister, because my mom can’t stand up to him. Carol can. So, I let her know where I am and that I’m okay, and she passes my status on to the rest. He has hired PIs in the past. He tried to grab me once in Chicago, but I got away. I thought I had moved west far enough for him to stop, but here he is. And he’s waiting; I can feel it. I really am afraid, but I know from experience that the police can do nothing to him unless he hurts me, and they catch him. I hate living like this, always looking over my shoulder.
Bobbi had listened without cutting in. She knew Carmen needed to just get it out and she was proud to be enough of a friend for Carmen to trust her.
“I have a thought. Hear me out before you tell me no,” Bobbi paused for effect. “We set a trap. We lure him in and then nail his happy butt. Would you trust Hank and Tristan enough to let them in? I think we can plot a wicked trap for him. What do you say?” Bobbi wiggled her eyebrows, eyes sparkling as she waited for Carmen to answer her.
The pizza arrived then, brought by a waiter that usually didn’t work there. Tristan grinned as he set the pizza in the middle of the table. He leaned over and kissed Carmen on the top of her head, then slid into the booth next to her.
“Pizza delivered with a smile AND a kiss.” He looked at both of them, so pleased with himself.
Bobbi laughed. “God, Carmen. You should see the look on your face. It’s priceless!”
Carmen had to laugh then. Bobbi’s laugh was so infectious. Then she got serious. She looked at Tristan.
“I need to apologize for the way I reacted this afternoon.” She proceeded to explain to him about Eric. She was surprised to watch his face get darker and darker, the anger barely controlled.
“So, what do you want me to do?” Tristan growled.
Bobbi bounced in her seat. “That’s what I asked! So, here’s the plan.”
They sat for another hour talking and plotting. Carmen looked back and forth across the table and realized she had two of the best friends a girl could ever hope for. And she hoped that their plotting would produce results and Eric would be gone for good.
Once the pizza was devoured and they had run out of things to plan, the small group headed for home. The street was much quieter now and the cold was setting in for the night. They walked down the sidewalk three abreast chatting and laughing at Tristan’s jokes. Carmen stopped abruptly.
“What?” Tristan took her arm in his.
“He’s across the street, staring at us. By the taffy shop.”
Tristan looked over and saw him. “Want me to go talk to him?”
“No, I don’t want a scene. It can wait. And I’m sure he’ll be in for breakfast, just to hassle me.”
Eric saw them stop and look over at him. He waved broadly and headed on down the street, whistling as he walked.
“Oooh, I could just slap him!” Bobbi hissed.
“Yeah, he brings that out in people. It’s a gift,” Carmen’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
Bobbi and Tristan convinced Carmen to bring the whole lodge staff, the ones she trusted into the fold so that she had more protection. Bud and Louise were right on the mark.
“We get the police in on this from the beginning, and we can get him locked up for a long time. I know the sheriff well. Bruce will be along for the ride if I fill him in.”
Carmen nodded her assent, and the sheriff stopped by the Thorns, so it wouldn’t look like Carmen was talking to him on purpose. The plan was finalized.
Chapter 10
“You sure you don’t need me to stay tonight? He might try to break in and take you. You said he’s done it before.” Tristan took her hand in his. She didn’t pull back. She liked how it felt, close and personal. “I’m worried about you.”
Carmen looked up into his face, his frown deep across his forehead. She reached up and smoothed the wrinkles. “I know. Thank you for the offer, but he will see you come in and won’t do anything then. I just have to hope we can set him up and catch him. I don’t want to get hurt, and I certainly don’t want to see anyone else hurt because of me.”
Tristan looked down at her. She was beautiful, her lavender eyes sparkled, and her hand was so gentle resting on his chin. It was time. Tristan leaned down and gently brushed his lips against hers. Feeling no resistance, he pulled her closer and kissed her again, feeling her relax into his body, and kissing him back. Tristan growled as he felt the kiss deepen. He reached for the door to get inside with her, but it was locked. It killed the mood instantly as they both separated and broke out laughing.
“Well, that was smooth,” Tristan groused.
Carmen tipped her head to the side. “Sorry, but, you know, safety first.”
Tristan nodded his head.
“But, would you like to come in for a rousing cup of cocoa and a movie?”
“Uh, yeah I would, but it’s late and I’d better go home.” He leaned in for another kiss. Then he whispered in her ear. “Unhook your bedroom window and I’ll crawl through. It faces the woods, so no one will know.” He stood up and brushed her hair back. “See you in the morning. Get some sleep.”
Tristan walked away toward his cabin. In the shadows of the building, he turned to the woods and backtracked to her cabin. He stood by the pine next to her window for a minute, looking out for any movement. He heard Carmen unclick the latch to the window and slid it open.
“Tristan, you out there?” she whispered into t
he dark, hoping it was him and not Eric.
“Yeah,” he whispered back. “Move out of the way. I’m coming in.”
She moved back, and he slid in the window quickly and quietly. He latched it closed again.
“There,” he said as he turned to face her. “You’ll be safe now. I’ll take up residence on the couch and no one will be the wiser. I feel better now. How about you?”
Carmen smiled inwardly. You kiss me like that then ask me if I’ll feel better with you ten feet away? Yeah, right! She nodded her head and got him an extra blanket and pillow.
Tristan headed out to the loveseat and grimaced. Oh, yeah, this is gonna be a long night. He spread out the blanket and crawled under it, wiggling around until he got relatively comfortable, his feet sticking out over the sides of the loveseat. He made a note to himself to get her a bigger couch.
The night was still, but Tristan slept lightly listening for any sounds that might give away Eric’s whereabouts. He was drifting in that state between awake and asleep when he heard a scream from the bedroom. He flew in there and saw that Carmen was still asleep but was thrashing around and covers were going everywhere. He walked over to touch her when she stopped, still whimpering in her sleep, curling up into a ball in the bed. Tristan reached down and picked up the discarded blankets, and climbed in next to her, pulling her toward his chest to comfort her. She cuddled in closer and he wrapped his arms around her, warming her with his body heat. He fell deeply asleep with her in his arms.
Carmen woke up, warm and toasty, then her eyes popped wide when she realized it was Tristan holding her. She had to orient herself, then realized that nothing had happened. She wondered how he had ended up in her bed. Trying to get up without waking him, she peeled his arm away and heard this grumbly voice saying, “Where you going?”
Carmen chuckled. “Well, I thought I might get up now seeing as how it’s morning. What do you think?” She pulled on her robe and went into the bathroom. She could hear him getting up.