His iPhone went off on the console. For a second he contemplated who it might be, what dire problem needed his attention. Then he reconsidered and ignored it. He decided he would return to the real world when his investigation was finished.
Instead, images of Kelsey—singing, eating popcorn, licking whipped cream from her finger, and sitting on the snowmobile—flickered through his head in a sensual montage.
A more impulsive, warmer, and more genuine woman he’d never met. The kind of woman who perhaps didn’t appreciate games and secrets. And he’d become an expert at both, no, that wasn’t quite true. His transactions were more the result of business than deceit.
Which was another reason they couldn’t ever work. Nope, he’d get the information to satisfy his questions, leave, and try to forget her.
But wouldn’t that be damned near impossible.
The verbal update on his GPS indicated the fire station was a quarter mile ahead on the right. Coming out of a lazy bend in the road, he spotted a building sporting huge bay doors with classic red trucks at the ready. He entered the parking lot, aimed for the shared paramedics section of the unit, and had his choice of parking spaces, as it didn’t seem that anyone else was there.
Walking to the door, he tossed his remote control key fob from hand to hand several times before dropping it in his pocket. He knew this was his last chance to satisfy troubled instincts. At least not without having to talk to her awful fiancé. Why did his sister have to get hurt in the first place?
As soon as he entered the building a young EMT, dressed in a navy-blue long-sleeved shirt sporting the county logo, stepped out from behind a desk. “Dr. Michaels?”
“Yes.”
The guy extended his hand. “I’m GW Arnold. Part of the crew who rescued your sister.”
Jared clasped his hand and shook it. “Thank you for seeing me.”
“How’s she doing?”
“Could be better. She’s experiencing some paralysis. Only time will tell if it’s permanent or not, once the swelling has completely diminished.”
“Oh jeez. I’m sorry to hear that.” GW leaned back, propping his weight on the large desk and crossing his arms. “Not sure I can help you much.”
“Well, regardless, I have to go through the steps for my own piece of mind. Would you please tell me about that day? I’ve gone over the medical reports that arrived with her at the hospital.”
GW reached across the desk and picked up a file folder and thumbed through it. “Then you know we followed protocol: immobilized her neck and head, set the compound tibia fracture, started an IV and monitored her vitals. Then we air lifted her to Denver. She didn’t regain consciousness until we were airborne.” There was a long pause, and then GW extended the file to Jared. “Here, see for yourself.”
Surprised and pleased, Jared took the folder and flipped through the pages. “I really appreciate this, man.”
Several minutes passed while he reviewed the pages, noting the protocol and stats. “Yes, most of this was in the report I saw at the hospital. What I’m really after is another perspective on the details of the accident. Was there anything unusual? Did she hit something that caused her to lose control? Was there something wrong with the slope? You were the first ones there, probably the only people who weren’t employed by the resort. What was your take?”
Jared passed the folder back to the EMT. The guy shrugged. “It seemed like most other ski accidents. A victim lost control and took a tumble. There was a guy with her. He should know the specifics.”
“That would be her fiancé. He’s not much help.”
“Sorry to hear that. If I recall correctly, he was carrying her skis. One of which was broken.”
“Broken?”
“Yes. Definitely. There were three pieces. I’m not sure what he did with them. He couldn’t ride in the chopper with us.”
“Good to know. Thanks. I’ll look into that.”
Jared said his goodbyes and thanked GW for taking care of Tiffani. As he made his way back to his vehicle, he wondered why Kelsey hadn’t mentioned the broken ski, then again, they had gotten a little distracted. Come to think of it, did his sister use rented skis or bring her own? He certainly needed to check that out.
Since it was nearly dinner time and he wasn’t interested in eating at the resort again, on his return trip he swung into a fast food joint and picked up a chicken sandwich and Dr. Pepper. When he got back to the resort he stopped by his Chalet to collect his computer. He had email attachments that he couldn’t read on his iPhone, so he was heading to the lobby—which was the only location in the resort that had internet service—to work.
Throughout the evening, though, he found it difficult to concentrate, because every time someone entered or exited he glanced up, expecting it to be Kelsey. But unfortunately, she never showed. And he wondered where she was and what she was doing. He also would have liked to have known how she fared after the tumble she took today.
Finally, at nine he wrapped things up and returned to his chalet. On the porch, as he fished in his pocket for the door key, he peered through the trees to see if the lights were on at her building. Either they were off or they weren’t visible from this angle, he couldn’t be sure, but there were no lighted windows in view.
Inside, he kicked off his shoes and got comfortable, shedding his coat. He went straight into the kitchen for a drink. Too bad there was only water and nothing stronger.
As a bachelor, he was used to utter silence and being alone. But tonight the contrast he found between his world and Kelsey’s energetic, colorful one caused him to reflect on what was missing in his life. A vivacious, sensual woman.
He shook his head and then strolled outside onto the back deck. He filled his lungs with cool air, peering out over the mountains. The moon was high overhead and reflected a blue radiance off the snow. It would be a perfect view to share with Kelsey.
Annoyed with his thoughts, for hungering for a relationship he shouldn’t desire, he stepped back inside. There was no TV, no internet, no gorgeous, sensual woman.
Halfway into the shadow-filled living room he paused, shocked to notice that on top of the modern console there sat a television set. Well, his sexy artist had set him up with a TV after all.
He picked up the remote from the table and took a seat on the sofa. God, how he longed to have Kelsey sitting beside him.
* * *
Kelsey had a whopping headache when she stopped by her dad’s late that afternoon. As much as she’d longed to go lie down, she needed to speak with Diane about her dad’s progress first. And maybe chat with Tinny about the note if she got the chance.
She quietly let herself in so as not to disturb their session. She hesitated in the entry, peering around the corner. To her astonishment, Dad was eased back in his chair, as debonair as he pleased with the fattest grin on his face. And if she didn’t know better, he was flirting. Diane laid her hand on his arm, saying something Kelsey couldn’t hear. Then they both laughed.
“Repeat after me,” she instructed. “I want to go fishing.”
“I…w-want…to go…f-ishing.”
“Excellent.”
“You like…to go…fishing?” he asked her.
“As a matter of fact I do. But it’s been a long time since I’ve gone,” she replied. “I used to go with my husband before he passed away.”
He smiled. “I…take you…some time.”
“I’d like that.” Diane reached across the table to get a book. “Now, for the last exercise, we’ll read a bit.”
Kelsey was delighted to see her dad in a cheerful mood. She stayed out of the way, waiting for an opportunity to enter when it wouldn’t interrupt them. From the shelter of the hallway, she watched Diane work her magic in the living room, scooting her chair around and pulling up next to her dad’s good side.
It took a minute or so to figure out they were reading Huckleberry Finn. At first, Diane would read a few sentences then Dad would take a turn. Each time
he read, he was a little more fluent, the words finding a rhythm. Eventually he began to tire, though, and Diane seamlessly picked up the slack by reading longer passages until they had completed what must have been a chapter.
Kelsey was more than impressed. She eased into the room as Diane closed the book. “Hi. I didn’t want to intrude. It sounds like things are going well.”
“They are,” Diane said. Her pleased gaze skimmed to her dad.
“That’s great.” Kelsey repositioned her purse over her shoulder and slowly progressed toward the hallway that led to the bedrooms. “Don’t mind me. I’m just going to pop in and speak with Tinny a minute.”
Her dad communicated for her to press on with an impatient hand signal of two military waves. Kelsey couldn’t help but smile at his show of impatience. If she had to guess, Dad wasn’t ready for his session to be over yet.
She picked up her pace as she moved down the hallway and stopped at Tinny’s room. She gently rapped on the door, and even that slight vibration made her head pound. Several seconds later it opened. “Hi,” she said, feeling a bit self-conscious to be encroaching on his private space. “I’m sorry to bother you, but there’s something I need to speak to you about.”
“Sure,” he stepped back. “Come on in.
She pulled the note from inside her purse as she entered and showed it to him. “I found this yesterday on the credenza and picked it up,” she explained in low tones. “Do you know where it came from? Did Dad see it?”
“That was so weird. It was wedged in the front door jam. I didn’t show it to your dad and meant to speak to you about it, but haven’t had a chance. Is everything all right?”
She nodded. “Yes. It’s probably just some kid’s idea of a joke.” Kelsey couldn’t see a reason to tell him about the other note. At this point, she couldn’t really identify what was going on. “But I don’t want Dad to know about it and get upset. He’s doing so well.”
“I agree. He sure is.”
Her curiosity satisfied, Kelsey backed up closer to the door. “Well, thanks. If you come across anything else unusual, please let me know.”
Tinny casually rested one hand up high on the rim of the door. “Will do.”
Out in the hall again, she paused, thinking. Was this note intended for her dad, or her? She shook her head, confused. Now she was afraid she had two opponents gunning for the resort. At least she knew who one of them was. And she was going to keep a close eye on Jared and hold onto her heart.
By the time she got to the living room, Diane had her coat on and her purse in hand ready to leave. Kelsey zipped past her dad, giving him a peck on the cheek. “Keep up the good work.”
He gave a grumble, but smiled.
“I’ll walk you out,” she said to Diane and caught up with her.
Outside, Kelsey slowed her pace to match Diane’s. “It feels good out here. Dad keeps his place like a furnace,” she said with a light chuckle.
“The heat helps the bones,” Diane explained.
“I guess.” Kelsey didn’t say anything more until they were almost to Diane’s Camry. “I can’t thank you enough for the extra effort you’re putting in coming out here to see dad.” She swallowed, getting a little choked up. “His improvement is amazing.”
“Thank you,” Diane said shyly. “But he’s the one making it happen, not me. He’s a determined, proud man.”
“Yes, he is. But you are working miracles with him. And I appreciate it.”
“You’re very welcome,” Diane said and brushed aside the compliment.
Kelsey grinned. She was such a sweet woman. “Let me know when you want to book some time at the resort. I’ll be glad to have you.”
At her car door, Diane stopped, faced Kelsey and smiled with a spark entering her eyes. “It’s been my pleasure coming out here. Almost feels like a mini get-away each time.”
Kelsey waved as Diane got in her car and drove off.
She chuckled to herself as she ambled the path to her chalet. Wouldn’t it be fabulous if Dad and Diane’s relationship grew into a bit of a romance? She was probably being silly, but her dad deserved to live-it-up a little and have some fun.
She felt her lips quiver against her teeth at her attempt to smile, then she winced when a sharp pain pierced her temple. Time to find some pain meds. She massaged her brow. And maybe grab a short thirty-minute nap. Although she wasn’t fond of those. They were a waste of excellent painting time.
CHAPTER NINE
Early the next morning, Jared was possibly the first guest on the slopes, which had been his intention. He’d risen at dawn and decided to take the same trail Tiffani had taken. This time on skis—and alone.
He paused at the top of the ski run and stared across the mountain peaks at the morning-kissed blue sky and crisp snow, marveling at the difference a day could make. The foul weather had completely cleared and left behind perfect ski conditions. He breathed out a cloud of moisture on a rapid exhale.
God, the place was still and quiet.
Bending his knees and digging in his ski poles, he thrust into motion, immediately dropping over the ledge and into a steep decline. The air whipped about his face as he cut from side to side down the slope.
Riding the trail felt so good, so free, and he gave himself over to the exhilaration and sheer exertion of blending with the elements. That is, until he reached the site of his sister’s accident. There, he skidded to a stop, pushed up his goggles, and looked around.
In the silence surrounding him, he tried to picture the event that had altered Tiffani’s life so drastically. In his mind’s eye, he visualized her lying crumpled on the snow. The thing was, if she was stretched out there unconscious, then she didn’t even know what transpired, did she? He pictured her no-good fiancé leaving her to travel the remaining course and call ski patrol. Once they arrived, they summoned paramedics who airlifted her to a Denver hospital.
Which led to the question he was really wondering about: what had happened to her skis? Given the nature of Kelsey’s recent mishap with the snowmobile, he had the inclination to examine his sister’s skis. And he still needed to find out if she used her own equipment or borrowed from the resort. With that thought, he had the weirdest sensation in his gut.
As his vision skimmed the pristine white snow and tranquil scene surrounding him, it was difficult to believe nefarious deeds could be at play here. He had to face it—he was no detective. But then again he always followed his instincts. Always.
When he got back to the Chalet, he’d check on Tiff’s damn skis.
Repositioning his goggles, he dug his poles into the snow and pushed off, resuming his downward trek. As he passed the spot where he and Kelsey had weathered the storm, a decided longing hit him square in the chest and radiated to his groin. He so wanted to do that again with her, only next time, next time he would finish what they’d started. His cock gave a furious kick of interest at the thought.
He angled his skis for a quicker descent, attacking the course with more fervor and zest than was wise. But, hell, he was anxious to be finished with his business and move on to the pleasurable task of getting to know Kelsey better. Much better.
* * *
It figured that the first man who rang her chimes in, like, ever, was someone she had a conflict of interest with.
That leading thought of her uncharacteristically late morning in bed caused her to spoon her spare pillow and wish the thing was a certain hot-blooded, sexy male. She groaned. No, she could do simply fine all by herself.
She stretched, winced, then slipped out of bed, aggravated to be such an emotional mess. Not to mention she was sore, incredibly so, from being slammed into the snow when she’d been tossed from that sled.
Every muscle along her back and ribs screamed, telling her to take shallow breaths. Her neck hurt, and her thighs protested violently as she made her way to bathroom. Jeez, it felt as if she’d hit a brick wall instead of a soft bank of snow.
It was the sudden stop th
at probably did it.
And from that she could extrapolate that if she allowed this attraction with Jared to run full throttle, the abrupt end might equally damage her heart. How much more painful would that be?
With a miserable moan at the effort it took even to open the medicine cabinet, Kelsey grabbed the arnica salve, a natural remedy to reduce swelling and soreness. And it didn’t have that menthol smell of Bengay that everyone would notice.
She opened the jar and made quick work of the job, rubbing the balm into the sorest muscles along her ribs, back and neck. If it felt like this today, in two days she wouldn’t be able to get out of bed.
As much as she’d love to skip her exercise routine, she knew the best way to get over the soreness was to work it out. So she set about her usual workout in an effort to regain control—of her mind, of her emotions, and of her battered body. As she emphasized slow and easy stretching on a fitness-ball, she mentally organized her day. She needed to check the calendar and set up a staff meeting, confer with Rob about the wrecked snowmobile, and follow up with Jared.
With a grumble of pain, she stretched and rocked back over the ball, feeling all the sore muscles around her abs, ribs, and back protest. She pushed past the pain until it was time to rest. Relaxing, she visualized herself yesterday, reclining on the sled with Jared leaning over her as his hands and mouth worked their magic on her breasts. Oh yeah. Perfect. Except he’d stopped.
Right now, she definitely didn’t appreciate the way her mind wandered while her muscles toiled. Usually, it was a good thing, she could use it as a creative tool, exploring ideas for her paintings. Not today. No matter how hard she tried to control her thoughts, her imagination kept revisiting the way Jared had given her the chance to live out one of her fantasies. Well, sort of.
Only now she craved to know the ending, to feel his naked body against her, inside of her.
Oh jeez. A flush of excitement raced through her, and frustration pinched her at the same time.
Winter Heat, Part 2 Page 4