Snowy Encounters

by Clarissa Yip

  Snowy Encounters

  by

  Clarissa Yip

  Smashwords Edition Copyright © 2010 by Clarissa Yip

  ISBN: 978-1-936394-48-7

  Cover art by Dara England

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  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work, in whole or in part, in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

  Published by Decadent Publishing Company, LLC

  Look for us online at:

  http://www.decadentpublishing.com/

  ~DEDICATION~

  To my Passionate Critters, especially Silke, Nicola, and Rachel for keeping me inspired to write.

  Chapter One

  “Oh, Cole, sweetie!”

  The shrill voice ran a chill down his spine as Cole Harmon drew in an agitated breath and slowly turned around. The brisk winter air brushed against him. He pasted on a smile. Just what I need. Great. “What’s up, Brie?”

  “You weren’t going to leave without saying ‘bye’, were you?” Brie, the diner’s waitress, slapped a hand to her waist and jutted out a hip.

  If I could help it, then yes. The woman was constantly after him. Cole forced out a chuckle. “Sorry. You were busy, and I didn’t want to distract you.”

  “You should have asked me to serve you. I could have slipped you some pie or something.”

  She was being nice. But Brie’s pout and female wiles didn’t come off as attractive. Instead, he couldn’t help but become annoyed. It was the same game he played every time he came to the diner—the same conversation he had with every female in town. If he wasn’t believed to be such a great catch because of his recent successes, the women probably wouldn’t have given him the time of day. “Next time, I will. I’m in a hurry though.”

  Brie closed the distance between them from the diner’s front door to stand in front of him. “You need to stop working yourself so hard. It’s not healthy.”

  “Gotta do it. The lodge isn’t going to run itself. I don’t have time to rest.” He glanced impatiently at his watch, wishing he’d never decided to stop for a bite. But they had the best grilled cheese sandwiches, and he couldn’t resist. “I gotta go. I’ll stop back in later when I get the chance.”

  Brie beamed him a wide smile. Her hand flattened against his chest. She moved in a little closer. “Good. We should have dinner together or something. I get out at eight.”

  He stiffened. As much as he liked the attention he’d received, he didn’t feel anything. Brie was a good woman, worked hard and always friendly with the locals, but he didn’t have the energy to court anyone. His last attempt only left him with a broken heart and divorce. “I’ll try my best, but don’t count on it.”

  She pouted. “That’s what you said last time.”

  Irritation pinched him. “I swear, I’ll try.”

  Brie eyed him warily then dropped her arms to her side. “It’s okay. I heard that the decorator from Pentonville backed out on you. What are you going to do?”

  He shrugged. He was still trying to figure that part out. With a lodge full of tourists expecting a spectacular Christmas, he had nothing—no trees, holiday decorations, or entertainment—just lots of snow and skiing. And his new lodge due to open in less than ten days and no one to plan the grand opening party either…life was great. If it didn’t crush me like the frequent avalanches around this damn mountain.

  “Well, if I don’t see you tonight, at least save me a dance at the Christmas Eve party.”

  Cole blew out a relieved sigh. She wasn’t going to drag on the game. “Sure thing. I’ll see ya.”

  He climbed into his truck before Brie could wave goodbye. With the start of the engine, he jerked the clutch into drive and carefully maneuvered out of the parking lot. Batting at the garland and strings of lights poking at him from the passenger seat, he tried to focus on the road. Fluffy snowflakes fell across the open, narrow streets of Five Oaks, a.k.a Five Stumps. The town had been in the pits for so long until Cole renovated and re-opened Tall Oaks lodge, drawing in new tourists from across the country. Who could resist a day of skiing on the slopes and cuddling in front of an open fire with hot chocolate?

  He needed a drink. Something strong. Maybe a scotch.

  Four days before Christmas and he had no one to celebrate it with besides his father and little brother. The men in his family had no culinary skills. They’d probably end up at the diner or the lodge for their holiday meal like they had the past two Christmases. Since his divorce. Sure, he had women offering to spend this time of the year with him, but he couldn’t bring himself to. It was still too soon.

  Cole shook his head. What difference did it make if he started seeing someone again? Maddy wasn’t going to return to him. She’d stated very clearly she didn’t want to stay in the hick town. Just like his mother.

  Giving the decorations one last jab, he turned down his street and pulled the truck to a stop in front of his ex in-law’s house. He’d tried to distance himself from Mary and Hank, but they wouldn’t have it. They still treated him like their own son. It didn’t matter that he and Maddy were divorced.

  Hopping down from the driver’s seat, he slammed the door shut and went to the back of his truck, where he lifted the snow blower down. No matter how many times his in-laws told him he didn’t have to clean their driveway, he did it anyway. Maddy’s parents weren’t old, but with them alone, he hated that they had no one around to take care of them. His ex-wife had run as far as New York City, almost to the other side of the continent from Five Oaks.

  The snow crunched under his boots as he pushed the snow blower to the driveway. Already five-inches thick, the white stuff fell faster. Cole started up the machine and glanced towards the house, noting the lights. He frowned and immediately flicked the off button. The Glovers should have left to spend Christmas with Maddy in the city. He trudged through the snow to the front door. A burglar couldn’t have broken in since he’d made sure they had an alarm system installed years ago.

  Lifting his hand to knock, he jumped back a step when the wooden panel swung open, the wreath on the door swaying with the force. Mary Glover stared at him, mouth opened as relief surged into her green eyes.

  “Thank God, you’re here.”

  Cole pressed a quick kiss to her weathered cheek, concern knotting in his chest. “What’s going on? Shouldn’t you and Hank be in New York?”

  Mary gave him a quick hug and drew back. “No. We decided to do Christmas here. I meant to tell you, but we’ve been so busy and I wanted to invite you and your father and brother over. I’m making your favorite turkey, so you have no choice, but to accept.”

  He grinned then tensed. If they were spending the holiday here, then that would mean…? “What about Maddy?”

  Mary’s hand fluttered to her chest. “That’s why I’m glad you’re here.”

  He arched an eyebrow while his heart started an unsteady beat. A million possibilities ran through his mind. Was Maddy hurt? Did something happen to h
er in the city? Or worst yet, was she getting married? “What’s going on?”

  “Her car is buried under an avalanche.”

  Chapter Two

  A howl sounded from afar, and Maddy Glover trembled, willing her fast-beating heart to still. A wolf is going to eat me, and my parents are going to regret forcing me back here.

  Cupping her hands, she breathed into them, shivering against the brisk cold. She stared at her rental, half buried under the snow. She’d almost forgotten about the famous avalanches from the mountain. One second, she’d been driving, the next, a heavy white blanket rushed at her car, and her life flashed before her eyes. But she’d only met the end of the spill. Just my luck.

  If she had it her way, she wouldn’t be here in the first place.

  But what was Christmas without her family? She frowned and rubbed her arms through the thin down jacket. She should have known better. Five Oaks’ winters were brutal. At least, she knew that hadn’t changed.

  Tilting her head up toward the bright night sky, she blew out a breath, watching cloudy smoke rings dance in the air. As much as she hated coming home, she dreaded one thing the most: seeing her ex-husband. It was inevitable. Their separation hadn’t been the easiest, on her or her family. Divorced for three years, she hadn’t found the nerve to return until her mother had openly refused to spend the holidays in New York. She’d had no choice, unless she wanted to disappoint her parents, and she didn’t have the heart to hurt them anymore than she already had.

  She’d taken away the only son they knew, along with upsetting the usual holiday traditions.

  Two weeks. I can do this.

  Glancing up the mountain, Maddy studied the line of trees buried under the recent avalanche. The white stuff was never going to melt. She preferred the clean sidewalks and hustle and bustle of city people, but deep down she couldn’t ignore the ache.

  This used to be her home.

  The sound of snow crunching drew her attention down the road, and the headlights sent a spurt of relief through her. Finally, her father was here. After a harried phone call to her mother, she’d waited around for two hours. Nearly frozen to death.

  But her eyes narrowed as the black truck approached on the other side of the bank where the snow covered her car and half the road. She’d been lucky the stuff pushed at the passenger’s side, otherwise she could very well have been buried under. With a shiver, she ignored the thought. Could have, would have. She’d played that game one to many times with her marriage.

  The truck pulled to a stop, and she squinted at the bright gleam. A man hopped down from the cab of the large GMC. It wasn’t her father. Fear rose in her throat, but she reminded herself she wasn’t in New York. Everyone in Five Oaks knew each other, and she’d never known any other place where she’d felt safe to frolic on the slopes late at night.

  Another howl sounded nearby. She jerked her gaze to the top of the mountain. Okay, maybe not on the slopes, but anywhere around the town on her own.

  With the slamming of the door, the man approached, maneuvering around the mound of snow and her car, until he stood only ten feet from her. “Need some help, beautiful?”

  The familiar voice rang in her ears and she froze.

  Cole chuckled, and sauntered toward her, running his hand through his jet black hair, cut short—shorter than how he used to wear it. She drank in the sight of him. Her insides clenched. The taut lines on his face, charming smile and twinkling in his deep blue eyes were the same. Her gaze trailed over his heavy peacoat to his tan boots. She swallowed hard. She knew what was hidden under there, spent many years familiarizing every muscle, every scar over his bronze skin, and…she immediately pushed the thoughts away. Stay calm, you knew this was bound to happen. Get it over with!

  “What are you doing here?”

  “Saving you.”

  She smirked, and crossed her arms over her chest. “I didn’t call you.”

  “No, you didn’t, but Mary asked me nicely to come get you since Hank’s truck is buried at the moment.” He waved a hand at her rental. “Not as bad as yours though.”

  She frowned, inwardly cursing her mother. “I’m fine. I don’t need help.”

  He arched an eyebrow. His speculative expression annoyed her. “I could turn around and pretend I couldn’t find you, but then your parents wouldn’t be very happy with me.”

  “Why do you care? They’re my parents.” With a glare, she moved past him to her rental. She didn’t want his help, nor did she want anything from him. Anymore. With bare hands, she crouched low as far as her boots and skirt would allow without baring her butt and started to dig at the snow around her tires. Fashion was pointless here. She should have known better and to have dressed more sensibly. But she’d been determined to be prepared in case she ran into Cole. She had to look her best. Who knew she’d end up stuck out in the cold, and he’d be the one to come save her while half frozen, hair in utter disarray and lips probably blue? She dug harder.

  “Would you like a shovel?”

  She ignored him. Her fingers started to numb. She blew a breath of warm air on them, before she continued.

  “Maddy, come on. Stop it. I’ll send someone tomorrow to get the car out.” He latched onto her elbow. She jerked at his touch and fell against the driver’s side door.

  A shadow passed over his face as he straightened from her and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Don’t be stubborn.”

  Her mouth dropped open then closed as she used the door handle to pull herself up. “I’m not being stubborn.”

  “It’s below zero out. You need help, but you don’t want it from me. I understand. Now, can you just get your cute bottom into my truck, so I can drive you home? I don’t have all night to argue with you.”

  She hmpfed, tempted to brush her hand over her butt, instead, she tugged at the ties around her waist. He still thought it was cute? There was one point in time where she’d felt she’d gained too much weight for him to find her desirable. Shaking her head, she stared at the snow swallowing her tires. If she continued to dig, she may be able to get herself out in a few days…after she’d died from frostbite. She hated that he was right.

  “Fine. Let me grab my bag.” She whirled around. Her expensive black stiletto boots slid. With a scream, she started to fall backwards. Strong arms wrapped around her and air rushed from her lungs as she stared up into Cole’s blue eyes, lit with amusement.

  “Still clumsy?”

  She growled. Her body warmed. The feel of him burned through her coat. After he helped her straighten, she pushed him away. Annoyed, yet grateful she hadn’t landed on her ass and cracked her head open. That would be the perfect homecoming to spend a week or so in the hospital. Jerking the backseat door open, she pulled her small suitcase to the snow-covered floor. “Why would my mother send for you? Why didn’t Brad come?”

  “My brother is probably driving around town doing his sheriff duties. I had stopped to clean your parent’s driveway when I realized they were home.”

  Maddy frowned. Cole reached forward to take her belongings, and she allowed him to as she threw her handbag over her shoulder. “Why were you cleaning our driveway?”

  Cole started around the snow bank with her suitcase as she trailed behind. “I always do. Hank is too old to be spending hours shoveling.”

  Her heart ached. Cole always had the tendency to help the elders in town, no matter who it was. His good boy demeanor made him lovable to everyone, but at times, had irked her more than anything since everyone believed she’d been the one to do him wrong. If only he wasn’t so driven to rebuild the town.

  She gasped when her heel landed at an angle, nearly losing her balance. Cole stopped, threw her an annoyed glance and latched onto her hand. A tingle shot up her arm, and she tried to tug away, but he tightened his grip as he helped her around the snowbank to his car.

  Once they reached the truck, Cole threw her case in the backseat on top of garland and Christmas light boxes then turned to her. His arm
s lifted towards her, and she jumped back. “What are you doing?”

  He chuckled. “I was just going to help you into the cab.”

  “I don’t need your help.”

  His eyebrow arched as his eyes ran over her from head to toe. Her breath caught and heat warped through her. Her body reacted, suddenly forgetting the brisk cold and the thinness of her coat. “You think you’re going to make it up there in your short skirt and killer boots?”

  She bit her inner cheek. The two narrow steps up to the cab of the truck seemed high. She didn’t fathom showing her thinly clad bottom either. “Fine.”

  Offering her hand like she was the Queen of England and he a mere subject, she stuck her nose in the air. Cole gave a short hoot of laughter. He settled his hands around her waist and threw her up on the seat. She grunted as the door shut, and he walked around the front of the truck to the driver’s side.

  Why did he still look so handsome? She’d hoped he’d put on weight, grew a beer belly or even shrunk in height. Nope. Just the opposite. From what she could make out, he only appeared bigger, leaner with harsher lines around his eyes and mouth. His rugged exterior probably still devastated the ladies in Five Oaks. Five years older than her, she’d been shocked when Cole started paying attention to her. He’d been the manager at Tall Oaks, before he bought it from the previous owner, and he’d set out to make their first date special. Which he had, until she’d tripped him down a few slopes and accidentally poured hot cocoa down the front of his pants. A disaster that didn’t call for another chance, but he’d still pursued her after, even though she’d done more bodily harm to him than any of his past girlfriends combined.

  She inwardly cursed herself. Now wasn’t the time to think of the past. At least, they weren’t at each other’s throats like they’d been near the end of their marriage. They’d fought almost everyday, until they’d started to avoid each other. And then, she’d finally had enough. He’d loved his business more than her, and she couldn’t accept that.