“No. There are four cabins with two bedrooms and three with three bedrooms, all with different themes. We’ll stop at a couple for you to look at and take some photos.”
“Great. Thanks. Sorry you got stuck with chauffeuring me around.”
He looked over at her, his eyes meeting hers. “It’s not a problem.”
“So, what’s the deal with you and Sara? You guys are close. Is there a history there?”
He stretched his neck and rolled his eyes, looking over at her once again.
“Not the history you’re imagining,” he started. “Sara and I have been best friends since third grade. We have been stuck to each other ever since. Everyone expected us to end up together, but it was never like that for us. I love her dearly, just like a sister. It’s never been anything more than that. Before Nate, I’d wish that it had been, but it never was on either side.”
“What’s wrong with you then?” Lindsay had no filter.
He frowned, slamming on the brakes in front of one of the cabins.
“What do you mean what’s wrong with me? Nothing’s wrong with me.”
“Then why aren’t you married?”
“Why aren’t you?” he fired back.
“I know why I’m not. I’m married to my career. What about you? No one special in your life?”
“Not yet. Just haven’t met the right person.”
“Ah, the elusive ‘right person’. Sara and I just had this conversation. I’m still not convinced.”
“That’s because you haven’t met your person yet either. When you do, that will change.”
“You really believe all that? You don’t think it’s a bunch of malarkey, and that it’s just a mix of lust and emotions all tangled up with the built-in belief that we are supposed to find ‘the one’?”
“Wow. You are one jaded individual, woman. What made you that way?”
Lindsay turned to him in the truck cab. “I don’t know. Maybe because my mother jumped from man to man, never happy no matter who she was with. I guess that’s part of it. I know Sara says she and Nate are happy now, but how long is that going to last?”
“Marriage is a commitment between two people willing to love one another through it all, no matter what. It’s not for the faint of heart. Somehow, I don’t see you as a coward.”
Lindsay’s smile beamed at Luke’s compliment.
“Did you just pay me a compliment, Mountain Man?” she gushed as she exited the truck.
He looked at her over the top of the hood of the truck, grinning back.
“Don’t let it go to that thick head of yours. Come on, Hot Shot. Let me show you the cabin.”
She took photos - one of the two bedroom and one of the three-bedroom cabins - falling in love with the property even more. Next up were the fishing pond and stables.
“We have to walk the rest of the way to the pond and stables. It’s not far. You okay with that?”
“Absolutely. Where you lead, I will follow.”
They followed a winding path over a hill and walked through a canopy of trees. Luke waited for her reaction as she entered the glen. Wonderment lit up Lindsay’s face as she registered her surroundings.
“It’s like a hidden paradise.” Her voice had lowered to a whisper.
“That’s exactly what it is. This area remains untouched. The pond and barn over yonder were part of the original property. We keep the pond stocked with fish. It’s a great place to relax, drop a line and just push the world out for a while.”
“This place is part of my morning walk route. I love it down here in the still of the morning as everything just starts to wake up, the birds chirping, the horses neighing…You never know what you’re going to run into.”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t walk down here by yourself, especially in the evening. We aren’t the only ones in the mountains. There is plenty of wildlife here as you can see from the various footprints around the pond’s edge.” He looked to her then, smiling. “But I guess for a woman who stares down lions for a living, you probably aren’t intimidated by a few deer, although we have had a bobcat on occasion.”
“Good to know. I guess that makes me a lucky woman to have my own personal mountain man as my guide,” she teased him, winking.
Awareness zinged up Luke’s spine at her words. There was something about the way she called him mountain man that got to him. He knew she was playing with him, but every time the words left her mouth, it brought out the primal male in him. He wanted to throw her over his shoulders, lay her down in the soft bedding in the woods, and claim her as his own, making love to her until neither one of them could move.
He watched her work as she shot various angles of their surroundings. He disappeared as she became one with the camera. Her body arched and bent as she focused in, getting just the right shot. She walked to the other side of the pond, taking several more photos from different views.
She huffed as she made her way back to him. “I got some great shots. Can’t wait to show Sara. What’s next?” Her breath came out in puffs of white smoke from the cold air.
He nodded toward the barn. “The stables. We have six horses available for guests to rent out for a trail walk. The stable manager, Marcus, will be in later. You can talk to him if you want to. Right now, you can go ahead and get some photos while we are here.”
The stable smelled of hay and horses. The horses whinnied as they entered. A brown gelding stuck his head over the gate, showing his teeth.
“This is Pete. He loves his treats,” Luke told Lindsay as he reached into a basket where Marcus kept apples and carrots and pulled out a carrot. “Here ya go. Give him this. He’ll love you for life.”
Lindsay took the carrot. “That’s all it takes, huh? If life were only that simple, huh, big guy? You want this?” She offered the horse the carrot. He greedily took it, his teeth skimming the top of her hand, causing her to jump backward into Luke’s arms.
With a shaky laugh, she looked up into his darkening eyes. Turning in his arms, she faced him directly. He still held onto her forearms, not ready to release her.
“He’s a greedy fellow, isn’t he?” She stilled as she watched Luke’s eyes darken further. “Luke…” she whispered.
His grip tightened as he pulled her in closer to him.
“You get under my skin like no one ever has.” His head descended, his lips closing over hers with a slow, inquiring tenderness. Desire zinged through Luke at contact. He’d known it would be like that. He deepened the kiss as Lindsay’s arms came up around his neck. She leaned into him, the feel of her body against his sending him over the edge.
He pushed her back into one of the empty stalls and laid her gently on top of the hay, never releasing her. He trailed kisses down her neck, licking and nipping her earlobe. She writhed beneath him.
“Luke, Oh, God, Luke…”
His hand slid up her shirt and found one breast. It fit perfectly into his hand. He gently squeezed and tweaked her nipple through her lacy bra. She bucked beneath him. He closed in on her lips again, drinking in her sweetness with every touch of her tongue to his.
The horses shuffling and neighing broke through his lust-filled brain. He stilled, raising his head, looking down on a disheveled Lindsay with her lips slightly swollen and red from his kisses, her cheek chapped from his beard.
“Luke…” Lindsay tried to stop him as he pushed off her.
“Shit. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.” He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. Damn it, why had he touched her? He knew it was a bad idea. He knew it would be that good, but it didn’t matter. He didn’t need to get involved with Sara’s best friend who was only looking for a good time.
Lindsay slowly stood up and straightened her clothing. Dusting her clothes off, she faced Luke once again.
“You don’t need to apologize, Luke. You didn’t do anything wrong. In fact, it felt quite right.”
He lifted his gaze to her. Raisi
ng his hand, he reached out to her. “You have straw in your hair.” He removed the stray pieces from her hair, his hand gently caressing her cheek.
“We should head back.”
“Whatever you say, Mountain Man. Lead away.”
“Try and keep up, Hot Shot.” Her lighthearted ribbing helped to ease the guilt he was feeling at having practically devoured her in the barn. Just remembering what occurred between them made his groin tighten. Deep breaths, Davis. Deep breaths.
They made it back to the inn just after lunch. Sara was anxiously awaiting their return.
“Well, what did you think? It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” she exclaimed.
“I was alright.” Lindsay couldn’t resist teasing her friend.
“Alright? Seriously? You…” Lindsay’s laughter filled the great room.
“I’m kidding, Sara. It was beyond beautiful. I got some great shots. Wait until you see them. I especially liked the barn.” Her eyes met Luke’s for a moment.
Luke proceeded to choke on the swig of coffee he had just taken. Nate slapped him on the back.
“You alright there, big fella? I hope so because I’m not doin’ mouth-to-mouth.”
“Put your mouth anywhere near mine, and you’ll end up with a fat lip,” Luke managed to choke out.
“Are you sure those two like each other?” Lindsay asked Sara.
“Grudgingly so, yes.” She looked to Luke and Nate. “Will you both be so kind as to retrieve the amazing tree Luke cut down this morning? I’ve got the stand ready for it.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Nate playfully saluted his wife.
“I’ve got the ornaments out and ready. My group checked in, so I have a few hours free until social hour.”
“When do you ever rest, Sara? It seems to me you could use more staff around here.”
“I have plenty of help. I like doing a lot of the things for my guests myself. I enjoy it. It makes me happy to feed people and give them a warm welcome into our home. It’s like making new friends every day.”
“I can see that you really do love it.”
The front door banged open as Nate and Luke proceeded to drag in the largest Christmas tree Lindsay had ever seen. Now she understood why Sara had the ladder out.
She watched as Sara climbed the ladder to hold the tree while Nate and Luke secured it into the stand, which was no easy feat.
“Magnificent. First the lights, then we start decorating. Luke, will you and Lindsay handle the lights while Nate and I hang the garland on the mantle?”
“Yay, me,” Luke grumbled. “If these things are all twisted up, you can count me out. I’ll go buy you new ones.”
“I’m with you, man,” Nate chimed in, earning a glare from his lovely wife. “I love you.” He bent down and kissed her.
Luke watched Lindsay observe Nate and Sara. He wondered what was going through that busy mind of hers. Her gaze moved to him, catching him observing her. She smiled.
“Let’s get this torturous task over with.”
“I can’t remember the last time I decorated a Christmas tree.” Lindsay’s simple statement caught the room’s occupants’ attention.
Sara gasped. “You don’t put up a tree?”
“I’m rarely at the apartment. I’m usually on some assignment. It seems kind of pointless.”
“That’s just sad, Linds. I’m glad you’re here to help us this year. Makes it even more special.”
Luke held the ladder while Lindsay wound the last of the lights around the top of the tree. As she came down the rungs of the ladder, one foot slipped, and she slid down the ladder, her backside landing in Luke’s capable hands.
“Whoa, I’ve got you.” Luke’s hand caressed her as he slowly lowered her to the ground. “Steady now. You okay?”
“Yes, my foot slipped. Thanks.” Her voice sounded airy to her own ears.
“Moment of truth,” Luke said just before flipping the light switch that controlled the outlet.
It was like the moment you watch the New York City tree lighting, only better. Luke smiled at Sara’s shout of excitement as she clapped her hands together. Sara wasn’t the only one enjoying the moment. Lindsay looked enamored of the tree.
“Nice work, Hot Shot.” he threw in.
“Not too bad yourself, Mountain Man.”
“What is this? You’ve labeled one another?” Sara asked, her eyebrows arched.
“If the shoe fits, right, Luke?”
“You finally got something right.”
Sara looked to Nate. “I’m confused. Do they like each other or not?” she whispered for his ears only.
“They are fighting all right, I just don’t think it’s a battle they were prepared for. Kind of like us.”
“Seriously? You think so?”
“Just watch them. They’re fighting it hard. I can’t wait to see the big guy fall. I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.”
Sara elbowed her husband in the ribs. “Be nice. You know he’s the one who helped me get to you.”
“I do owe him that.” He leaned in for another kiss.
“I just hope they don’t end up hurting each other.”
“How about we focus on this garland, so we can eat those sugar cookies you baked earlier?”
Luke and Lindsay were busy adding ornaments to the tree. Red and black flannel ribbons were tied to the ornaments for hanging. There were wooden carved ornaments of deer, raccoon, and birds that looked handmade.
“The details of these ornaments are amazing. Did someone make these for you?” Lindsay asked Sara.
“Yes, your mountain man over there did. He’s very talented.”
Lindsay’s mouth gaped open. “This is one little detail you haven’t shared. Do tell.”
“It’s a hobby. Has been since I was a boy. My father and grandfather were both carvers. Make all kinds of little things. Just for fun.”
“You should see the wood signs he makes too. People have them all over town.”
“I’m impressed, Mountain Man. Any other hidden talents I don’t know about?” she wiggled her eyebrows at him.
He felt heat spread through his body. “I’d say that pretty much covers it.” He cleared his throat.
Raising on tiptoe, Lindsay hung a glass ornament, but it didn’t stay put. When she let go, it slipped off the branch and came crashing to the floor, shattering.
“Oh, no. I’m so sorry.” She quickly bent to pick up the larger pieces and nicked her finger. “Ouch!”
Luke was at her side instantly. He took her hand gently and looked at the injured finger. “Come with me. We have bandages in the kitchen.” He didn’t release her hand. He pulled her into the kitchen with him, Sara and Nate watching as they went.
“Okay, I see what you mean,” Sara conceded to her husband.
“See, I’m not always wrong, contrary to popular belief.”
In the kitchen, Luke picked Lindsay up by the waist, setting her on the counter beside the kitchen sink.
“Here. Rinse your finger so we can get a better look to make sure there is no glass underneath the skin.” Luke tested the temperature of the water before putting Lindsay's finger
“Oww…that stings.”
“Sorry, but It’s necessary.” Luke gently lifted her finger to inspect the damage. “It’s a small cut. Clean. It looks like you’re going to live.” He pulled a first aid kit from the cabinet below the kitchen sink. Pulling a band-aid and Neosporin out of the box, he bandaged her finger.
“All set. That should do it. Just one more thing.”
What’s that?” her voice was barely more than a whisper.
“My mom always kissed my boo-boos to make them better.” He raised her finger to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on the injured digit.
“There. All better.” His voice was gruff as he made to step back.
Lindsay reacted quickly. She grabbed the front lapels of his flannel shirt and pulled him back into her. She locked her legs around his waist.
“The
re’s one other place that needs your magic medicine.” She lowered her head to his, his arms circling her and roaming up her back to pull into her, the distance closed between them.
He met her halfway, the kiss sweet and sincere. He groaned into her mouth, kneading her back.
“God, you taste so good, Lindsay. You are driving me crazy.”
“How crazy?” She ran her fingers through his beard. As crazy as your beard is driving me?”
He rested his forehead against hers, sighing.
“Crazy enough to know that if we don’t stop this, we are going to get into trouble.”
“A little trouble never scared me. I like an adventure.”
He chuckled at the woman’s tenacity. “Sara prefers to use her counters for cooking.”
“Oh, we are cooking up something, and it can be edible if you want it to be.”
“Jesus, you’re trying to kill me.” Growling, he planted a hard kiss to her lips and lifted her off the counter. He swatted her backside playfully. “Now get out of here before I do something I desperately want to.”
Her laughter mocked him as she left the kitchen. He had to adjust himself before going back out there. Her effect on him was obvious thanks to the bulge in the front of his jeans. He needed a whiskey. She was becoming harder and harder to resist.
Chapter 5
Two weeks had passed by so quickly. Today everyone was busy at the inn, and Luke was taking her into town for a break. He had errands to run and she had asked to tag along.
“Where are we headed?” she asked. “The sky is grey. Looks like that snow they were talking about is rolling in.”
“To answer your first question, we are going to the hardware store, the grocery store, Annie’s Diner, and then a quick stop by my mom’s.”
“I get to meet the woman who brought you into the world, huh? I imagine that was no easy feat. Out of curiosity just how much did you weigh…eight, nine, maybe 10 pounds?”
“Curiosity killed the cat, ya know.” He paused, then grumbled. “Nine pounds 8 ounces.”
“Hah! I knew it.” She sat beside him grinning boastfully.
“What were you like as a little boy?” She was curious about what made Luke the man he was.
Romancing the Holidays: Twelve Christmas Romances - Benefits Breast Cancer Research Page 63