My heart thundered. I had to escape. I couldn’t wait for Cole. This could get real ugly real fast. Quickly, I took off the handcuff and silently moved to the bedroom window. I’d make too much noise opening it, I decided, so reversed my direction and went to the bathroom, praying my escape plan would work before that man killed me with is bare hands.
Cole
We reached the motel about twenty minutes later. When we pulled up, there were several police cars outside in the parking lot.
“Lindsay!” I jumped out of the jeep and ran towards the motel room they were obviously covering. A large officer stepped in front of me, then another as I continued pushing. Frantically, I yelled, “Where is she?”
“Sir, please stand back. This is an active crime scene,” the cop told me.
Brad hurried forward and grabbed my arm. “Hold on, Cole! Hold on!”
“Please, my girlfriend is inside this motel,” I explained, stretching my neck to see around him. “She was kidnapped earlier today. Do you know where she is?” I tried to remain calm, but if this officer didn’t tell me what I wanted to know, I was going to end up in jail.
“Cole?” a familiar voice called out to me.
I looked around and saw Alec. “Alec, what are you doing here? Have you seen Lindsay?”
Alec’s eyes widened. “Lindsay?” he asked. Then he looked to the blonde girl standing beside him. “Your Lindsay is Cole’s Lindsay?”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“You’re both looking for the same girl, I think.”
“You mean you know her? She’s alive?” I had no idea what was going on. And I all I wanted to know was where Lindsay was. I took a deep breath and asked Alec. “Alec, do you know where Lindsay is?”
“She’s being held hostage in that room,” he pointed to the door.
“She’s still alive?” I asked him.
“As far as I know, she is,” he replied. He gestured to the woman next to him. “Sophie is Lindsay’s roommate, and she’s been looking for her. I had no idea they were the same Lindsay.”
“What do you mean Lindsay’s your girlfriend?” Sophie asked, staring at me suspiciously. “She’s been missing for nearly a month. And you’re telling me she’s been shacked up with some guy in Colorado the whole time? She ditched her phone and her entire life? For you?” She was angry, and I understood.
“Listen, it’s a really long story that she can tell you when she gets out of this, but Lindsay can’t remember who she is. Only her first name. I found her, and she’s been staying with me.” I put up my hand to stop Sophie from speaking. “The important thing is that we get her out of that room,” I said, pointing at the door. “Then you can get whatever answers you need if she can give them to you.”
Brad walked over to us and told me they’d caught the bigger man, and the skinny man with the scar was still in the room holding Lindsay. He glanced at Alec and looked confused. “Alec?”
“Hey, Brad. It’s a long story,” he assured him.
“I’ll hear it later, I’m sure,” he said.
“Where’s the gun?” I asked. “They only had one gun that I saw in the video footage.”
“The big man had the gun. He fired it at me when I tried to get past him,” Alec said, wide-eyed. “The police have it now.”
“We need to get into that room,” I told Brad, who nodded.
“All of these rooms have back windows,” Sophie told us. “I’ve been staying here, so I know.”
“The skinny man doesn't have the gun. I can take him,” I said confidently.
“Whoa, whoa,” Alec said, holding his hands up. “Shouldn’t we let the cops handle this?”
“The police will take all day to get her out of there. I’m going to the back window,” I insisted, staring into his eyes.
After a moment, he nodded. “I’ll do what I can to help.”
“Okay,” Brad said. “I’m coming with you. Can you guys distract the police?” he asked Alec and Sophie.
They nodded wandered to the closest police. Brad and I snuck around the back of the building once Sophie and Alec managed to distract them. When we got in the back, I didn’t have to figure out which room she was in.
“Lindsay!” I whispered, hurrying to her. She was hanging half out the window, and it looked like she was caught.
“Cole! Oh my God, help me!” she squeaked quietly. “My shirt is caught or something. This is as far out as I could get.”
Brad, Alec, and I ran to her, and I looked at him. “Boost me up? I need to see what’s got her.”
The two men put their hands together and made a step for me, and I grunted as I climbed on. They held me steady as I reached through, barely able to get my arm through around her because the window was so small. Her shirt was caught on a nail, and I could see blood where she’d cut herself trying to wriggle free.
“Hold still,” I told her. “I’m gonna rip your shirt.”
I yanked, hearing the fabric tearing, and she immediately began sliding through. I dropped to the ground, and between the three of us, we caught her before she hit the ground. Before I could check her to make sure she was alright, we heard a noise in the room.
“Hey, where did you go? You can’t hide from me!” The bathroom door slammed open, and he yelled again. “Shit!”
I grabbed Lindsay’s hand and the four of us ran around to the front of the building. “We got her!” I yelled to the cops, who barged into the room and arrested the man within seconds.
Lindsay hugged me as soon as we were out of harm’s way, sobbing uncontrollably. I felt awful for the way I’d been acting, and I kissed her hard on the lips. I led her far away from the commotion since the skinny man was screaming. Eventually, Lindsay would have to speak with the police and tell them what happened, but for now, I just wanted to hold on to her and make sure she was okay.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered as her sobs began to subside. “I’m so sorry this happened to you, and I’m sorry I was acting like a jerk.”
“You don’t have to be sorry. I’m so glad you came for me,” she said, putting her hand to my cheek.
I kissed her. “I love you,” I told her. “Whatever happens, I’ll always love you.”
“I love you, too, Cole, and I always will. I promise you that,” Lindsay told me.
I grabbed her and kissed her again.
From behind her, Sophie said, “Lindsay?”
Lindsay turned and looked at her friend, then gasped. “Oh my God! Sophie!” She released me and ran to Sophie, throwing her arms around her, her sobbing renewed.
They held each other for several minutes, and though I was happy Lindsay remembered her friend, I was a little scared as well.
“Oh my God, I’m so glad to see you. I’ve been looking for you for weeks!” Sophie sobbed, holding onto Lindsay tightly.
Lindsay leaned back, holding the woman’s hands, and stared at her, shaking her head. “I know you, but I don’t know you,” she admitted.
“You really have amnesia?” Sophie asked, shocked. “I didn’t think that was a real thing.”
“Me either, until it happened,” she replied.
“Are you okay?”
“I think so, but I’m definitely going to need a refresher course,” Lindsay told her.
“We’re roommates,” she said with a laugh. “We’ve been friends since college.”
Lindsay nodded, though she still looked confused. “Where do we live?”
“New York.”
“Wow,” I said. Lindsay looked at me and I nodded, smiling at her as excitement filled her eyes. Her memories were coming back.
“So if you’re my roommate, then I’m not married. Do I have a boyfriend?”
Sophie smiled. “Only this hot hunk standing beside you.”
I smiled. Hearing Sophie say that Lindsay was single was like music to my ears.
Lindsay looked at me again, smiling brightly. “Everything does work out as it should.”
I grab
bed her waist and pulled her to me. “I’m never letting you go,” I told her.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she promised me.
Lindsay
New Year’s Eve arrived, and my memory had slowly returned more and more each day with much thanks to Sophie. Cole had invited her to come and stay at the resort, and I was so happy when she accepted. I could see why we were best friends.
Over the last week, Sophie had filled me in on most of my life. Even if I couldn’t remember it all yet, at least I knew who I was. My name was Lindsay Gemmer. I was a well-known wildlife photographer. I had come to Colorado to take the last photos for my book.
The motel had given all my belongings to Sophie when I hadn’t returned to check out. I was happy to have the journal and photo book I remembered. I hoped to finish my book one day soon.
Cole and I were doing great. I loved him so much. We hadn’t known one another for too long, but as Mary Beth had said, it had been love at first sight. And according to Sophie, I’d never felt the way I did about Cole for any other man. Just as I had thought.
Hunters Resort had a special ball every New Year’s Eve. Sophie, Angela, and I were decked out and ready to go. Sophie had asked Alec to be her date. I was happy for her even though she and Alec didn’t consider themselves to be dating. I knew it would only be a matter of time, though; they seemed perfect for each another.
Cole was as handsome as ever in his tux. I wore a golden, glittery, flowing dress. We danced the waltz and flowed all over the dance floor. After a particularly lovely waltz, Cole called me to the center of the room. Everyone was quiet, which was strange. Classical music was playing softly in the background.
I walked to him, expecting to dance to the next song. To my surprise, he got down on one knee and pulled a small box from his pocket. He put the box in front of me, and the most beautiful diamond ring I’d ever seen sat on a small white pillow.
“Lindsay, I know we’ve been through a lot, and my love for you has grown stronger with every passing day. I’d be honored if you would be my wife. Will you marry me?” he asked.
I was so surprised, a tear fell from my eye. All I could do was smile. He was waiting for my answer. I looked around the room; everyone was waiting for my answer. I began to cry even harder.
“Yes! Yes, Cole, I’d be honored to be your wife!”
Everyone cheered as Cole slid the ring onto my finger amongst cheers and congrats.
* * *
After the midnight kisses and cheers, Coles and I hurried to his truck, giggling a little drunkenly as he hopped behind the wheel and drove us to his cabin. We couldn’t keep our hands off each other, and I was so excited I couldn’t breathe.
We let Bella out, then back in once she’d finished her business, and then my need for him exploded.
Is this real? Is this actually happening? I was engaged to the most handsome man on the planet, and I couldn’t wait to be Mrs. Cole Hunter.
He grabbed me by the waist with his oversized hands and pulled me to him as we backed into the bedroom together. With our bodies close, I felt his hardness against my abdomen. He was shaking, breathing in short, raspy breaths.
I knew he wanted me, and I wanted him to know that I wanted him just as much. How much I would always want him.
I pushed my abdomen against his hard cock, feeling it thicken against me. His hands moved from my waist to my ass and pulled my groin into his. I yearned to feel him and ground against him.
He moaned and reacted by pushing his lips hard against mine. He moved them to my cheek, then to my ear and sucked on my lobe. The feeling sent shivers down my spine, and I heard him whisper in my ear.
“I want you so fucking bad,” he said in a husky voice.
I answered by putting my hand on his cock. I gave it a quick squeeze, then moved to his belt to unbuckle it. Once unbuckled, I undid the button and slid down the zipper of his jeans. His huge cock pitched from the confines of his pants. I clasped it and moved my hand up and down his long shaft. He groaned into my ear and kissed my neck. His hands moved up my side and found my round breasts. His thumbs circled my nipples, making them hard and erect.
I continued to stroke him as he moved his hands down my thighs and up under my dress. He slid my dress up, and his fingers lingered over my black silk panties. His thumb found my moist lips, and he pushed my panties aside, finding my clit.
“Oh my God, you are so wet,” he murmured into my hair.
I parted my legs slightly so that his entire hand slid against my crotch. He parted my lips with his fingers over my panties and moved his hand back and forth, thumbing my clit. I groaned in delight and moved my hand over his cock faster.
His fingers left my folds, and he slowly lifted my dress over my tummy and breasts. I raised my arms so he could pull it up over my head. I stood before him in a black bra and panties.
His hands dropped to my bra and massaged my breasts. Then his hands traveled down to find my wetness again. He leaned close and kissed my lips passionately.
I wanted him naked, so I pushed his shirt off his broad shoulders. As I moved my hands over his naked chest, I was in awe of his toned, sexy body. I slowly massaged his hard pecs, then his chiseled abs before finding his enlarged cock again.
I could do anything I wanted, and right now, I wanted his cock in my mouth.
Epilogue
Lindsay
I was in New York reading an insert from my newly published book. It had hit the best seller’s chart for the thirteenth week in a row and had also been nominated for the best wildlife photos of the year award.
I looked at the audience and thanked them for their support of my work. I gave a quick speech and told everyone I’d be happy to sign their copy of the book and invited them to stay for refreshments. The audience applauded.
My dream had come true. I found Cole in the audience, grinning broadly at me. Our eyes locked, and I smiled. A tear ran down my cheek as Cole leaned down and kissed the small pink bundle in his arms.
I hurried to where he stood and looked down at our little girl. She was sleeping peacefully in her daddy’s arms, just like I did.
If anyone had told me a year ago that I would be where I was today, on the bestseller list, married to a gorgeous hunk of man, mom to a beautiful little girl, and living happily in a mountain resort, I’d have told them they were crazy. But life is often unexpected, and sometimes that was for the best.
Book Three - Built and Bearded
She's a wedding planner who is gorgeous enough to outshine ANY bride.
And feisty enough to drive this mountain man wild.
My brothers asked me the help the wedding planner at our family resort.
And I was ready to walk...
Then I see the buttoned-up beauty in action.
And I can't help but imagine all the ways I could loosen her up.
It's clear I'm not the happily ever type.
But when Oakley's life is in danger...
I realize how much I'm willing to do for the right girl.
Dax
Buzz... Buzz...
Who’s calling this fucking early?
Groaning, I reached over and felt for my phone on the end table, searching until my fingers clasped onto the vibrating mechanism. Slowly, I put it up to my ear. “Hello?” I grunted, still half asleep.
“Dax, it’s Brad.”
“Why are you calling me so early? The sun isn’t even up yet. Is something wrong?” I asked. I squinted at the red numbers on the alarm clock. 6:04 a.m. A full hour before I’d planned on being up.
“No, nothing’s wrong. Sorry to wake you up so early, Sunshine.”
“Well, if nothing’s wrong, then why the hell are you calling me?”
Brad chuckled at my grumpiness. “I just got an email confirmation from Congresswoman Stone’s office. They’ve chosen us to host their son’s wedding. This is huge!” Brad’s excited voice boomed through the receiver.
I tried to wrap my tired mind around what he was
telling me. My brain was finally starting to wake up and register his words. “That’s great!”
“Let’s start the meeting early this morning. We need time to discuss this, and I have a lot going on today,” Brad suggested.
“Alright. I’ll get up,” I offered, a bit unhappily. I wasn’t a morning person.
“Okay, see you at seven? I’m calling everyone,” he informed me.
“I’m sure they’ll be as thrilled to hear your happy ass as I am this early.”
My oldest brother chuckled and hung up. I peered at the cell phone’s excessively bright screen until the call ended. The room went dark again. Guess I have to get up. I swung my feet off the bed and placed them on the cold, wooden floor. I needed a shower.
Reaching into the dresser for a fresh pair of boxers and a t-shirt, I got a glimpse of my tired self in the mirror. Wow, I look like shit, I thought.
My normally clear blue eyes were bloodshot and sleepy. Sandy blond hair hung over my shoulders and down my back, disheveled from tossing and turning. I was slouching and instantly straightened to my full six feet. I flexed my biceps and admired my toned reflection in the mirror. The sight of my bulging muscles made it all better. With a lazy grin, I headed to the bathroom.
After my shower, I combed the knots out of my thick, wavy hair, pulling the front strands back to secure them in a ponytail, leaving the rest to hang long. I used trimmers to even out my cropped beard and well-kept mustache and sideburns. I liked to be well-groomed. Taking one last look at my appearance in the mirror, I liked what I saw.
Thirty-two huh? Don’t look a day over twenty-five, I thought, tilting my chin to admire my beard.
Take a Mountain Man Home for Christmas: A Mountain Man Romance Christmas Collection Page 36