My Heart

by LEIGH ARMSTRONG

  “Who did this?”

  “My mother. She wants us to relax and enjoy ourselves not to worry about cooking. In fact, she took care of most everything for the trip.”

  “We’ll have to thank her with a nice gift.”

  I make my way down the hall to a huge bedroom with a beautiful four poster bed. The attached bathroom had big fluffy white towels and an abundance of toiletries. Michael watches me from the doorway, leaning against the frame.

  “I’ve never seen anything like this.” I go to the window in the bedroom and look out over snow covered trees. “Is this where you spent your time growing up?”

  “Not this particular cabin.” He comes to the window. “We stayed in Maddox—the next county over. Maybe 15 minutes from here. Now what do you want to do first?”

  I look up at him smiling. “Ski.”

  *

  We agree on skiing while there is still light. I need gear and an instructor and I talk him into skiing on the mountain of his choice while I learn to use the skis properly. We set a time to meet for a late lunch at the café.

  My instructor Brian was thorough, giving me the skills to tackle a beginner’s slope and maybe even an intermediate. My running clearly paid off—my legs are stronger and my stamina takes me through the next 2 ½ hours of skiing fun. I check my phone, noticing it’s time to meet Michael, so I return to the lodge, handing in my gear and begin to walk over to meet him.

  I find it odd that snow is on the ground, the sun is out, and I’m sitting outside enjoying a cup of hot tea not freezing. Minutes later I spot him walking towards me with two other guys. He comes over to the table and kisses me.

  “Hey gorgeous, how was your lesson?”

  “Pretty good. I have a few skills to take to the slopes now.”

  One of the guys clears his throat. “We’re still here.”

  “Sorry guys.” Michael turns back to them. “Jamie, I want to introduce you to Max and Parker. My friends from high school.”

  Extending my hand. Max meets me first. “Tell me, why are you with him? Michael, she is too pretty for you.” Parker takes my hand, kissing it and moving in front of Michael.

  “Nice to meet you.”

  Max grabs Parker by the arm and shoulder. “Come on Don Juan. The party is at 8:00. You two come by for a little while so we can catch up.”

  Michael reaches out, shaking their hands. “Good to see you both.” Once they leave, he takes a seat at the table.

  “What party?”

  “There’s a party tonight at Max’s cabin.”

  “Friends since high school—how can you say no? Maybe I can hear some stories about you back in the day.”

  “I just hope you’ll want to be with me after you hear those stories.”

  “Nothing could change how I feel about you.”

  He touches my cheek. “I like to hear that.”

  We eat our sandwiches, then spend a few hours exploring the resort. After a while, we decide to walk back to our cabin, enjoying handmade caramels.

  *

  Now inside the cabin Michael stands watching me while I peel off my layers of clothing.

  “What are you thinking?”

  “I’m amazed how you calm and excite me all at the same time. What magic do you have over me?”

  I pull the tie from my hair, shaking it loose, and bend over and unzip my boot, slipping it off, then the next one. I pull my long sleeve shirt off over my head and then take off my pants, stripping down to my sports bra and underwear.

  “No magic.” I walk to him. “We opened ourselves up to explore our feelings.” I start pulling off his shirt. “There is trust between us.” I unsnap his pants. “You would do anything to make me happy and I would do the same for you.”

  “You’re right.” He kisses me. “We have time before the party want to get in the hot tub?”

  “That will make us both happy.”

  He shows me how the knobs work, then he leaves coming back with two bottles of water lowering himself into the tub. I scoot next to him.

  “Tell me about the friends we’ll see tonight.”

  “Max has been around the longest, which means he’s seen all of my antics growing up. He played a part in some, but the ones with my dad—he was there to pick up the pieces. Parker I met in tenth grade and he’s still speaking to me. I realize now I was a brat and an ass.”

  “If you were, you are not now. I’ll enjoy meeting anyone who knew you back then. I’ve never heard their names before today. How come?”

  “Max travels a lot and Parker is actually based in Europe. We touch base when I’m at home sometimes if they are in town. Now how about a shower?”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  *

  I sit in front of the vanity wrapped in a towel. He is in the huge closet where we placed our bags. “Michael what do we wear tonight?”

  He comes into the bedroom, wearing nothing but a towel, and holds up his hands. “What about this?”

  “No, that you wear only for me.”

  “Aww, possessive of her man, I like that. Then I will go and find something else, clothes that please the lady. Can I bring you something from the closet?”

  “Sure.” I wait patiently to see what he will bring out. A few minutes later, he appears in a pair of blue jeans, holding a pair of black skinny jeans and a red pullover shirt for me.

  “How about these?”

  “They are nice, but is this all?

  He smiles a devilish smile. “I did find these.” He holds up a white set of lingerie that have tiny red dots all over the lace material. “I picked these for me.”

  When I finish dressing and fussing with my hair, I head out to the kitchen. He whistles.

  “Thank you, sir.”

  He hands me a glass of red wine which I sniff. Hmm. I turn it up, draining the glass, and set it on the counter.

  “Too fast?”

  He laughs. “Not at all. Are you nervous?”

  “That obvious, huh?”

  He takes my hands and pulls me over to his side. “I should be the one nervous about what you might hear tonight.”

  “I will love stories about you. One more small glass?”

  He pours me half of what I had before. I turn it up, draining it.

  “Okay now I’m ready.”

  *

  We arrive at a tucked away two-story house at the end of a dirt road. It’s well lit, and has large windows all across the front, where people are coming and going from the house. We make our way past the people on the porch and I’m amazed by the exposed beams, furniture, and the art on the wall. There’s a huge fireplace in the middle of the room. I’m just looking around at everything when I hear Max. He heads towards us, loudly calling out Michael’s name which sends eyes and attention in our direction. He matches Michael in height with a short buzz cut and sports a blue sweater and khaki pants. He looks past Michael at me and I smile.

  “Hey Max.”

  He leans in, grabbing my hand and planting a kiss on my cheek. “You are too pretty for this Neanderthal.”

  “That she is. Max, where’s Maci?”

  “Talking somewhere, being a lovely hostess. You guys mingle, get a drink, and leave your coats over to the right. Don’t think you’re splitting early because there’s a lot of booze and good times to be had.”

  We drop off our coats and get a glass of wine when we hear a woman’s voice call out Michael’s name. A tall, leggy blonde is coming our direction and fast. She’s wearing jeans, a strapless white top, and black suede booties that give her even more height. She wraps her long arms around Michael’s neck and kisses him.

  “Max told me he saw you today. We’ve missed you and I am so glad you came tonight. We have so much to catch up on.”

  “Maci, this is my girlfriend, Jamie Morgan.”

  Maci moves in front of me.

  “Where are my manners? Max told me about you.” She reaches out, grabbing me. “I have juicy information about your man, but first— do
you like wine spritzers? I want to know all about you and the powers you used to catch the heart of this one. Michael, I’m going to steal this little cutie for a while.”

  She takes me by the hand and starts to lead me away, but not before tapping Max on the chest as we walk by him. “You boys go and get caught up, Jamie will be fine with me.”

  *

  I watch my girlfriend being led away then I’m smacked on my back by Max. “She’s in good hands. Let’s go check out the bar in the other room with the private reserve.”

  “I see Maci hasn’t changed.”

  “No, she is bossy, opinionated, and still gets my blood pumping. I need therapy clearly.”

  I walk behind Max into a smaller room no one else is allowed in and see a large rock fireplace and an all wood bar. “Now this is impressive.”

  “Pull up a stool.” Max pulls out a glass bottle and two tumblers, filling them halfway.

  I turn it up. “How long have your parents owned this house? Because I don’t remember all of this.”

  “Since I was seven or eight. They want to give it to us.”

  “Really?”

  Max props himself up on the bar with his elbows. “Yes, but the catch is that we have to be married for the title switch.”

  “Well the two of you have been together a long time, what are you waiting for?”

  “She’s the one who wants to wait. Besides I’m in no hurry either. What about you? The girl out there isn’t the typical girl you usually go for.”

  “What is my typical girl?”

  “Come on now. Vixens who like to be around money and well, I guess your muscular physique. She looks honest, sweet, and when she looks at you, her eyes sparkle as if she cares about you and not your money. What’s the story?” He pours me a refill. I ran my finger around the rim of the glass, staring into the brown liquid.

  “Where do I start?

  “So, there is a story.”

  “She showed up at my apartment last year and I thought she was a guy wanting to rent my spare bedroom. Which was vacant due to the last renter leaving abruptly.”

  Max looked confused. “Oh, right. Cliff slept with Stacey. I’m glad she’s gone, but clearly Jamie is not a guy.”

  “No, she’s not. I received an email from what I thought was a guy named ’Jamie.’ She thought she was responding to a girl named “Michaela”. Max, I opened my door and saw her and something hit me in the middle of my chest. I didn’t know her name but all I saw were two beautiful green eyes staring back at me and I knew I wanted to know everything about her. She is unlike any girl I have ever known. She is my future.”

  “Does she know how you feel?”

  “We just recently became a couple.”

  Max rubs his chin, and then pours another drink for himself. “You’re in love.”

  I nod in agreement. He comes from around the bar. “Look, I’ve known you a long time. I’ve seen girls, lots of girls, come and go with you. But this one has captivated you. Tell the woman how you feel. I bet she’ll say the same thing to you.”

  I turn up my glass. “Thanks for the drink and the advice, but I’m going to find her.”

  “I’m sure Maci has told her plenty about you.”

  “I’m a little afraid of that.”

  *

  Maci is talking and filling my glass with her specialty wine spritzer. I’m not sure how long it’s been since the guys went to talk, but I’ve been told some really good stories about Michael that had me laughing, wanting more. She’s now talking about shopping in town, restaurants, and a gathering they are going to tomorrow night that we should also attend when I feel an arm around my waist and a kiss on my cheek. Then Michael sits beside me, grabbing a chip.

  “I’ve heard a lot of stories about you.”

  “Like what?”

  Max goes around to Maci and gives her a squeeze. She smiles and bumps him with her hip.

  “I told her about the time in the eleventh grade when you chose to bare all, running through the lunch room for $20. I also mentioned the time you shaved your body, put goats on the roof of the school, and the Victoria Smith incident in twelfth grade. Really juicy stuff and look sweetie, she’s still here.” She winks at Michael.

  Max pipes in. “What about the bus we borrowed to free the dogs and cats from the shelter? Not sure why that one happened.”

  Maci puts her arms around Max and then looks at Michael.

  “We miss those carefree days.”

  “I miss you guys, not the trouble we caused. Jamie, do you want to walk outside?”

  “Yes. Maci, thank you for the spritzers.”

  “Sweetie, anytime, go, go enjoy your man. Michael, promise you won’t take her away yet. I see that look in your eyes.”

  “Maci, what does that mean?”

  “It means lust, but you both just got here! I want to talk more with Jamie.”

  Michael escorts me out onto an enormous deck facing the mountain with a fire pit and lights strung corner to corner.

  I grab his hand. “She’s a talker.”

  He leans on the rail. “Too much, I’m afraid.”

  “She gave me all the good stories and basically told me what I already know.”

  He leans into me. “Like?”

  “She explained how you pushed your parents, tested the waters with girls, and basically played out your life dangerously through sports, friends, and pranks.”

  “How do you see me now?”

  “A man who is strong, a good listener, and protects those he cares about. You are dedicated to your job and me. You make good choices and are supportive.”

  He kisses my shoulder. “It’s because of you, my best choice ever.”

  *

  The snow was beginning to fall on the drive back to the cabin and I wondered. Could this place be any more magical? We stand in front of the huge window, looking at the lights on the mountain. I’m wrapped in his arms leaning back against him.

  “The party was fun.”

  “It was. Are you tired?”

  I turn to face him. “No, not at all. In fact, turn around.”

  His left eyebrow goes up. “Why?”

  “Just do it. It’s all about trust.”

  He smiles, then turns, trying to peek over his shoulder.

  “No peeking! I want you to count to ten.”

  He begins to count as I start taking off all my clothes, except for the polka dot lingerie. “Okay, you can turn around.”

  His eyes tell me so much and I feel my skin get warm just from a look. He lays his right hand on my hip, tracing the top of my underwear. His hand travels up my stomach to trace a few dots on the bra, then he hooks his finger in the strap, pulling me to him. He kisses my nose as his other hand comes up, supporting my neck.

  “Do you remember what I said earlier?”

  “That you picked this lingerie for you? But why?”

  He scoops me up. “Let me show you.”

  *

  I sit up in bed enjoying the smell of coffee and bacon. What is it with me and food? I crawl out of bed to freshen up in the bathroom. I pile my hair up on my head in a messy knot and grab a towel, wrapping it around me. I go looking for him and find the fireplace lit, music playing, and the most important person I know standing in the kitchen.

  I stop suddenly. “What are you wearing?”

  He spins to face me. “Good morning. It’s an apron. I found it in the drawer.”

  “You’re only wearing an apron.” I walk over touching his back. He bends his head to give me a kiss.

  “It’s a small apron, but it shields my bare skin from the bacon popping.”

  “I like it. Maybe it should come home with us,” I say playfully, before smacking him on his bare butt.

  “Our math lesson went long into the night, so I figured we needed substantial food.”

  “You call what we did a math lesson?”

  “Yes, my best lesson so far. Please go and have a seat. I set us up over by the fireplace.”


  I walk past him, pulling at his apron strings. He raises an eyebrow at me and I giggle and make my way over to the sofa. Shortly thereafter, he brings over a tray with food and sits next to me.

  “Let’s talk about our day. There’s skiing, shopping, staying in…”

  I wipe my mouth with a napkin. “Staying in is tempting, but I know you enjoy skiing, so I say let’s do some more of that.”

  He tips up his coffee cup. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, oh naked one.” I flip his apron.

  “Be careful—I feel you have nothing on to protect you, except this towel.”

  I playfully smack at his hand. “Still frisky this morning, heh?”

  “Always with you.”

  “Touché!”

  “I’d like to ski with you today to see your form, your technique.”

  “There is no technique. Besides, your skills are on another level than mine. I’m good on the beginner’s slope. We can meet up for lunch. Then maybe some sightseeing around town. You can show me some of your old haunts.”

  “Sounds like a good plan. But first I have to get you out of this towel; it’s not appropriate for the slopes.”

  “And your apron?”

  “I see your point.” He stands up and strips it off walking down the hall to the bedroom.

  He’s not shy. “Wait for me.”

  *

  We part ways after getting equipment, etc. He’s on the more experienced slope and I head to the beginner/intermediate and meet up with one of my fellow skiers from yesterday who fell today and required the help of the rescue team. Luckily it was nothing serious and with a smile, she assured me she would be fine left in the care of “Hank” from the rescue team. I went up the mountain a few more times by myself. After an hour or so I head towards the lodge and run into Maci.

  “Jamie, are you finished or going out to ski?”

  “I’ve finished. Heading over to meet Michael for lunch.”