It took a minute to register. “Wait … this canyon road? Meaning I’m stuck here?”
“Yeah, sorry.” The ranchers normally keep the roads plowed, but they have enough to worry about right now with their stock.”
She swirled her hands in the soapy water. “Do they say when they’ll have it open again?”
“Not until tomorrow at least,” Riker said, joining her at the sink. He grabbed a plate from the rinse water and began drying. “Look, don’t worry about it. You can sleep in my bed and I’ll take the couch. Or I’ll sleep in the camping trailer.”
“Don’t be silly,” Mariah said. “I’m not going to kick you out of your bed. I’ll take the couch. I’d better text Amy though and let her know where I am.” She reached for a dishcloth.
She’d just finished sending her text when the lights in the kitchen flickered, then went out. There was still enough light coming in from outside that it wasn’t pitch black, but everything was hazy gray.
“Well …” Riker said into the silence. “I was going to suggest an Indiana Jones marathon, but I guess that’s out.”
Mariah laughed.
“I’ve got a gas lantern and some candles and the wood-burning stove will be plenty of heat, but I do have a generator if you’d rather have the electricity.”
She pulled the last plate from the rinse water and handed it to him to dry. “I think this is perfect.”
Chapter 10
Riker adjusted the flame in the gas lantern. “Thank you for a great day,” he said to Mariah. “I had a lot of fun.”
“So did I,” she said, giving him a smile from her seat on the couch. He’d given her an Idaho State hoodie and a pair of his sweats and even though she’d used her scarf trick again to tighten the waist, she was still almost lost inside the fabric as she curled up on the couch. He’d made hot chocolate over the fire, and now she held a mug topped with rapidly melting marshmallows.
“It’s too bad it’s so stormy though,” she said, craning her neck to look out the large window. “I’ll bet you have a fantastic view of the stars on a clear night.”
“Pretty good. But it’s better if you get a little higher up the mountain, out of the trees,” he admitted, joining her on the couch. “Speaking of stars, have you been able to lay out and enjoy them yet?” He remembered her saying something about the stars at the boutique the day he and Jake had brought lunch.
“Not yet,” Mariah shook her head. “I’ve been too busy. I definitely needed a break today; thanks for making it happen.”
“I had fun,” he said.
Their heads were inches apart and he could smell the hot chocolate on her breath. Her blue eyes were soft, with a slightly wistful look, and her lips were very pink. He’d spent a lot of time in this room since he bought the cabin, but tonight for the very first time, it felt … complete. Like it had been waiting for her to show up and turn it into a home.
“Where did you learn to do all this stuff?” she asked.
“What stuff?”
“Fishing … hunting … living with no electricity. It all feels very … survivally.”
Riker chuckled. “Well, when you make your living chasing remote forest fires, you don’t always have all the comforts of home. But I’ve always liked it,” he added. “We used to go camping a lot when I was a kid and being outside, in the mountains—there’s just something about it. I can unwind and totally relax. What about you? How do you relax?”
A small crease appeared between Mariah’s perfect brows. “You know, I don’t think I do. I’m always doing something, always thinking ahead to the next step, taking on more and more projects. And I think somewhere inside, I believe I’ll be able to ease up once I get the next thing done on my list. But there’s always something else to take its place.” She turned to face him. “I didn’t have my phone with me the whole time we were at the pond. And I didn’t miss it once. I didn’t realize how great it was to not have it.”
Riker nodded. “Amazing how fast it becomes an electronic leash.”
“Exactly.” Her eyes lit with understanding. “And right now, if the power were on, I’d be on my computer or watching TV or something. But it’s so nice to just … sit.”
He put his arm around her and pulled her close, enjoying the way her shoulder felt pressed against the side of his chest. She was warm and soft and her hair smelled like shampoo and snowflakes.
Mariah turned her head. Whether to say something or not, he didn’t know because all at once, their lips were coming together.
Her mouth was warm, and she stiffened for one heartbeat; then her lips softened under his and fireworks exploded behind Riker’s closed eyes as she kissed him. After a few seconds she pulled back, her eyes searching his, looking for something and evidentially finding it, because she set her hot cocoa mug on the windowsill and gave him a sort of shy smile that sent him reeling. He put his mug next to hers and reached for her, running one hand along her jaw, gently guiding her head to move with his as their mouths came together again. His pulse roared in his ears as they moved in unison.
Finally, they broke apart, and he reached out and smoothed her hair gently away from her neck, bending to press his lips to the pulse he could see pounding under her pale skin. A small moan escaped her lips and nearly sent his hormones raging out of control. He pulled back, swallowing hard at the flood of desire crashing through him.
“Wow,” Mariah whispered, her eyes wide.
“Yeah … wow,” Riker managed hoarsely. He’d kissed girls before, but nothing like this, ever.
She snuggled into his shoulder and he pressed his lips to her hair, breathing in the scent of her, loving the way her body curved against his. She’d tasted like hot chocolate and her lips were silky smooth. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and never let her go.
The logs in the stove popped and sparked and he didn’t know how long they sat there, but finally, regretfully, he sighed. “I think we’d better call it a night.”
She nodded against his chest.
“Are you sure don’t want the bed?”
“I’m fine out here,” she insisted.
He got up, already missing the feeling of her in his arms, and brought a stack of blankets and a pillow from the hall closet. “Okay. Um … did you want something else to sleep in? A T-shirt …”
“I’m okay in this,” she said standing up. The hoodie was so big it could almost have doubled as a dress. A short dress … but still.
Too much thinking about this would drive him wild. “There are clean towels in the cupboard under the sink,” he said quickly. “Sorry I don’t keep any extra toothbrushes or anything around.”
“No problem,” Mariah replied. “I’ll go outside and find a stick or something.”
He caught the twinkle in her eyes and grinned. “See, you’re getting it. You’ll be … what’s your word … survivally in no time.”
“Yes!” Her face lit up, then became serious again. “Thanks for letting me stay. Sorry to be so much trouble.”
“No trouble,” he huskily. “It’s been a good day.”
“Yeah, it has,” she whispered. They stared at each other for a long moment, the only sound in the room the faint crackling of the fire from the stove. Mariah’s cheeks were flushed and her lips were pink, shining in the firelight.
Riker clenched his teeth. He wanted more than anything to cross the room in two quick strides and pull her into his arms again, but that would be a very bad idea.
“Well, help yourself to anything you need,” he finally said, waving his hand vaguely around the room. “Good night.” Before she could respond, he bolted for his room, shutting the door firmly behind him and vowing not to come out again until morning.
* * *
Mariah buried her nose in the blankets Riker had given her. They were soft and smelled of cedar and the musky cologne she’d come to associate with him. He’d run away awfully quickly, and she was pretty sure she heard the click of the lock on his bedroom door.
&
nbsp; That was probably for the best. Butterflies flurried in her stomach at the thought of his kisses and she trembled. That had been … something. He’d been smart to head things off before it went too far.
She went into the bathroom and ended up brushing her teeth using her finger. Not exactly glamorous, but it got the job done, sorta. His toothbrush stood in a cup next to the sink, bristles still wet, and for one irrational moment, she had an urge to … what? Not use it, that would be gross. But hold it, maybe an urge for a physical connection to something so personal of his.
Mariah let out a deep sigh. She’d never been kissed like that before. Never felt so intensely alive, so aware of the blood rushing through her veins and the heat throbbing in her temples.
Back in the living room, she stretched out on the couch and pulled the thick blankets up to her chin. She closed her eyes and tried to relax, but couldn’t get the memory of Riker’s kisses out of her mind. The feeling of his lips on hers, his hands in her hair.
Love ‘em and leave ‘em, she reminded herself.
* * *
Riker woke at dawn. Okay, “woke” was maybe too generous a term. He’d spent a restless night knowing Mariah was in his house, wondering if she was comfortable, hoping she wouldn’t be cold. He’d gotten up around three to turn on the generator and let the heater run, as well as add more wood to the stove. Mariah had been a mound of blankets, sleeping with her face turned toward the back of the couch, her dark hair spilling over the pillow. He’d stayed well away, hurrying back to his room as soon as the fire was going again.
It was hard to say exactly why he was so jumpy. It wasn’t like he didn’t trust himself, and her, to respect boundaries. But with Mariah, it was like his feelings entered an entirely new territory of intense. This was a different kind of attraction, more powerful than anything he’d felt before. Everything suddenly seemed much more special because she was here.
He flipped the switch on the lamp next to his bed. Still out. He’d have to run the generator again to get some hot water. He pulled on jeans, a thick hoodie, and a pair of wool socks. After running his fingers through his hair, he opened his bedroom door and peered out.
Mariah was still asleep, burrowed under the covers and looking so warm and comfortable that he hated to wake her. Quietly he moved to the kitchen and started the coffeemaker, then opened the blinds over the sink a crack to look outside. The snow was still coming down, stacking almost a foot high on top of Mariah’s little blue car.
Movement came from the couch and he glanced over as she stirred and opened her eyes. For a moment she looked confused, as if she couldn’t remember where she was. Then she smiled. “What time is it?”
“About seven,” Riker said. He jerked his head toward the window. “Snow’s still coming down pretty good.”
“Are you serious?” Mariah sat up and turned to the window behind the couch, her dark hair rippling down her back. The sleeves of the hoodie had come unrolled during the night and she pushed them up to free her hands. “Wow,” she said, peering through the blinds. “I’ve never seen snow like this before.”
“Yeah. Jake warned me that the snow in Snow Valley is for real, but this seems a bit much,” Riker said. “Now it’s just showing off.”
She laughed. “No doubt!”
“I don’t think the canyon road will be open for a while. Sorry about this.”
She swept her head back around to look at him. “Then there’s only one thing we can do,” she said seriously.
“What’s that?” He imagined how long and cold the drive into town would be on the snowmobile.
Mariah beamed. “Do you wanna build a snowman?” she singsonged.
Chapter 11
After a leisurely breakfast of pancakes and bacon, they suited up in the same clothes they’d worn ice fishing. The hem of Mariah’s borrowed snowsuit was still a little wet, but it didn’t matter; she’d be out getting soaked again in no time.
She followed Riker outside, gasping at the coldness of the morning air. He stopped and turned around, grinning down at her from under the brim of his ball cap. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“I gutted four fish yesterday. I can build one measly snowman,” she said, marching into the yard with determination.
The snow was thick and heavy, perfect for packing, and it wasn’t long before they’d rolled a ball half as tall as she was. Mariah grunted, her boots slipping as she leaned into the snowball, struggling to keep it moving.
“I’d say it looks good right … there,” Riker declared and she sagged with relief.
They set to work on the second snowball, making a curved path all around the clearing in front of the cabin.
“So not a lot of snow in Florida for snowmen, I’m guessing?” Riker asked after they’d heaved the second snowball into place.
“None,” Mariah said. “But Mom and I used to come to Snow Valley for Christmas once in a while and we’d play in it then.” She straightened up and wiped her forehead. “I don’t remember it being so heavy, though. This is work!”
“Too bad,” he shrugged mercilessly, “you’re committed now. A headless snowman is not happening.”
She threw him a smile and began rolling another snowball.
“So Aunt Janice is your … mom’s sister?” Riker asked as worked.
“Yeah,” Mariah said. “My mom will be here next week for the wedding.” They’d been working on sleeping arrangements for all the relatives who were coming. Snow Valley had a couple of motels and the Starry Skies B&B, but Mariah’s mom would stay with her at Aunt Janice’s. She tried to ignore the stab of dread that surfaced at the thought of her mom. This was too good of a day to spend it worrying over things she couldn’t change.
The snowman’s head only took a few minutes. While Riker placed it on the shoulders, Mariah broke two branches off a nearby tree. She stuck them into the body and they stood back to study the effect.
“Not bad,” Riker said. “Those arms could definitely use some muscle definition, though.”
“Nope, sticks only. And please tell me you have coal for eyes and a carrot for the nose. I’ve only made a few snowmen; I want to do this one justice.”
“Carrot, yes. But I’m going to have to disappoint on the coal,” Riker confessed. “I could probably find a couple of rocks, though.”
She gave a melodramatic sigh. “Okay, I guess that will have to do.”
Their eyes met, the snowflakes falling between them, settling on his baseball cap, sliding off her shoulders. So far they’d avoided any conversation about the incredible kiss they’d shared last night.
But now, as Riker looked at her, a shiver went through Mariah that had nothing to do with the cold. The tip of his nose was red, and his eyes were clear and bright, shining with … something. Was it mischief or desire or both?
She wasn’t aware of either of them moving, but suddenly they were together, his hands grasping her waist, hers sliding up the front of his coat to his shoulders. His lips were cold on hers at first, but that quickly faded, replaced by warmth and heat spreading through her like a first sip of hot chocolate. She clutched his shoulders, wanting him closer.
With a low growl, Riker responded, pulling her tighter against him, deepening their kiss. A thrill shot through her, making her tremble in his arms.
Finally she pulled back, pressing her shaking glove to her mouth. They were both breathing hard, and she stared at him through the haze made by their breath mingling in the air between them. Over his shoulder, the cabin sat snugly in the clearing. Smoke issued lazily from the chimney and she thought of last night, kissing in front of the fire, the taste of chocolate and marshmallows on their tongues.
He never gets in too deep.
She was getting in too deep.
“I don’t think I should stay here another night,” she confessed.
She expected him to argue, but he simply nodded. “I think that’s probably a good idea.”
They stood in silence in front of the facele
ss snowman for a moment, then Riker stepped forward and took her in his arms for a long hug. Neither of them spoke, it was enough to rest her head against his chest. Mariah couldn’t hear his heartbeat under the thick fabric of his coat, but wondered if it was racing as fast as hers. The thought of leaving him opened a pit in her stomach.
“I’ll go get my stuff together,” she said finally.
“Okay. I’ll see about getting the truck dug out,” Riker replied. With one last squeeze, he let her go and began plowing his way toward his gray truck.
“Guess you’ll have to do,” Mariah told the unfinished snowman.
* * *
It took some fancy driving, but thanks to his four-wheel drive and high suspension, Riker got them down the mountain and onto the main road. Someone had been out in the tractors, because the canyon road was open, but the trip into town still took twice as long as usual. Not that he minded; he would have been happy if the drive went on for hours as long as it meant Mariah would be sitting by his side, throwing him occasional shy smiles whenever their eyes met.
Snow Valley seemed deserted. Only the diehards were out, plowing streets or doing doughnuts in empty parking lots.
“Could we stop by the boutique?” Mariah asked. “I need to check on my cat.”
The cat must have heard the key in the lock, because it was waiting by the door that led from the alley into the storeroom. When it saw Mariah, it let out a loud, plaintive meow.
“Oh, poor baby!” Mariah crooned as she stooped to pick it up. “It’s okay, I’m sorry. Were you scared?”
She flipped the light switch on the wall but nothing happened. The only light was the steely gray coming through the small windows along the back of the storeroom. “Darn. The lights must still be off.” She shivered. “And it’s freezing in here.”
“Good things she’s got a fur coat,” Riker said, eyeing the cat.
Mariah stooped and set it gently on the floor, then brushed her hands over its back to smooth its fur. “I’ll feed her and then we can go,” she said.
Winter in Snow Valley (Snow Valley Romance) Page 51