Snowy Encounters

by Clarissa Yip

  The divorce had been necessary. Now that she’d started a new chapter in her life, she couldn’t have been happier.

  Or so she told herself every day.

  “I didn't know you were coming home. What made you decide to return this holiday?”

  Maddy looked out the window as he set the truck in motion. “Mom didn’t want to do Christmas in New York this year and wanted me to take a vacation.” And see your new lodge grand opening.

  “How’s New York treating you?”

  She shrugged. Maybe he was trying to be civilized. “I love it.”

  He sighed. “You always wanted to live in a big city.”

  She didn’t know what to say to that. It’d been a topic they’d argued over. He hated the big cities, but she would have stayed in Five Oaks if she didn’t have to compete with his other mistress—the damn wretched lodge. “What’s with all the decorations?”

  “It’s for the holidays.” He drew in an agitated breath. “The decorator I hired from Pentonville bailed on me. She was supposed to come last week, but pushed it to this week and finally told me she had an emergency and couldn’t do it.”

  “Are you having a holiday party or something?”

  “I am, along with a grand opening of another lodge.”

  Maddy knew, which was why her mother had wanted her home besides the holidays. To show her support—for the town and for Cole. But she didn't plan on staying that long if she could get out of it. No way. She sunk further into her seat. He’d been obsessed with rebuilding the town with the small lodge he’d started when they were married. “Congratulations.”

  “The new lodge is bigger and more extravagant. I’m hoping to attract more tourists from overseas. It’ll help the town a little.”

  She nodded. “I’m sure it will.”

  “Tall Oaks became too small, so I figured opening a bigger one would be a better draw.”

  “That sounds great.” Her voice lacked enthusiasm. She didn’t care. She’d always hated his passion for his business.

  “The grand opening is New Year’s eve.”

  I know. Maddy folded her hands in her lap. “I’m sure it’ll be a success.”

  “You wouldn’t have returned if your parents refused to come to you, huh?”

  She stiffened. What was that supposed to mean? “I love Christmas in New York.”

  Cole grunted. “I wasn’t trying to keep you out of this town. They’re your parents and they love you. You should visit them more often.”

  “Who says you were the reason for me not coming home?”

  “You used to love the holidays here. You loved all the Christmas traditions and rituals our town has. Then after our divorce, you avoided the town. What am I supposed to think?”

  Her fingers gripped her bag. “Maybe I didn’t want to follow tradition. I wanted something different. Don’t think so highly of yourself.”

  Cole flicked her a disbelieving glance. “Whatever you say, short stuff.”

  “Don’t call me that.” Irritation rose, masking the warmth over the nickname he’d given her over the years. She wasn’t lacking in height, but compared to him, she was on the short side.

  He chuckled. “If it weren’t for those boots, you’re still a midget.”

  She kept her growl to herself.

  She’d forgotten how much he’d liked to tease her. And his teasing always led to trouble.

  Chapter Three

  She’s actually here.

  Cole’s fingers tightened around the steering wheel as he carefully maneuvered the truck down the slick road. Tension buzzed in the truck’s cab. They’d sat quietly on the drive, but every cell in his body was overly aware of the woman next to him—practically humming with excitement.

  And that annoyed him.

  First worried, then filled with relief when he’d pulled up to see Maddy standing by the snowbank. She wasn’t under it as Mary led him to believe. He’d jumped into his truck once she’d revealed Maddy’s location and raced to the scene as quickly as the dangerous roads would allow. He’d almost stopped breathing during the drive, mind overactive, imagining the worst-case scenarios, but once he’d arrived, he realized what a fool he’d been.

  Just like always.

  She looked good. Too good. He didn’t see the small town girl he married, instead, he found a polished stranger with red-highlights in her dark chocolate brown hair, city-slicker jacket, thinner than his thermals, and sexy black boots that set his heart beating faster.

  No sensible woman would wear stiletto boots in Five Oaks, but then Maddy had always loved fashion, loved design, and decorating. Which was why she chosen to end their marriage.

  The town wasn’t good enough for her, and neither was he.

  He quelled the ache in his chest. If she’d stayed, they would have tried again for a family—a family of their own. He thought of the little dark-haired cherub they might have had. But some things weren’t meant to be. His throat constricted as it did every time he reminisced over the happenings and possibilities of their marriage. It hadn’t been a smooth ride.

  He flicked her a glance. Maddy sat, hands folded over the designer bag in her lap, staring ahead. The snowflakes fluttered in the glare of the headlights, giving the imagery of a white night with stars rushing at them. He loved the snow. Always had and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

  But he didn’t like the way she’d so easily dismissed his accomplishments. Like an overeager schoolboy, he’d gone about bragging about his lodges, and she’d only showed indifference.

  “You should come up to the lodge and go skiing when you have time.”

  He caught her surprised expression then she shrugged.

  “I doubt I’ll have time.”

  He frowned. She wasn’t giving an inch. “There’s nothing much to do around here, but ski.”

  “All I plan on doing is spending time with my parents, maybe catch up with a few people, then I leave to go back to New York.”

  With an inward growl, he pressed on the gas a little too much. The car jerked and swerved before he allowed the wheel to right itself.

  Maddy gasped beside him.

  “Sorry,” he muttered.

  Silence filled the cab.

  She cleared her throat. “How’s your dad?”

  “Good. Still the same. Just busy and complaining about my brother.” He threw her a smile.

  She chuckled. The sound pierced him with warmth. He’d always loved her laugh. It’d been the first thing that had attracted him to her. “Brad still running rampage on the town?”

  “No. He’s taking his job seriously, which is good, but you know my dad. He always has an opinion on everything and that drives us all nuts.”

  “Yes, he does.” She stilled before adding softly, “Like how he thought I’d leave you for a richer guy.”

  Cole drew in a deep breath and swallowed hard. His father was opinionated, but always had their best interests at heart. He’d been right. Maddy did leave him. No, divorced him when she realized he wasn’t what she wanted. Just like his mother had ran off with another man at Christmas when he was younger. His chest constricted in pain, but he kept his focus on the road ahead. “You hated it here. I know. Our baby probably wouldn’t have kept you here either way.”

  Maddy gasped. “How dare you bring that up?”

  The outrage across her face was almost laughable. He spotted the hurt in her eyes. Good. It hadn’t taken her long after their miscarriage to forget their baby and move on with her life. While he lived in the past, working hard to make something for their future, she’d veered off in her own direction without consulting him until the last minute, when she’d announced she wanted a divorce. It’d been so easy for her to walk away from him. It wasn’t fair. Everything he’d done had been for her, and still it hadn’t been enough. “It’s the truth, isn’t it? You never really wanted our baby anyway.”

  “That’s not true! I could say the same about you.”

  Cole shrugged. His heart
tightened. Their baby had meant everything to him. But it didn’t matter. She chose her life. Without him.

  Neither said another word to each other for the rest of the ride, but he thought he heard sniffling as he steered the truck down their street. After they had married, he’d bought the house close to her parents so she wouldn’t feel far from them. And somehow couldn’t bring himself to sell it, although he could just live at the lodge.

  He put the truck in park the moment they reached the Glover’s residence. His snow blower sat to the side of the white-blanketed lawn where he’d left it in his haste to rush to Maddy’s rescue. Getting out of the car, he went around to the passenger’s side. He pulled the door open with a little too much force and stopped. His ex-wife gazed down at him, tears brimming in her beautiful green eyes.

  A knot formed in the back of his throat. Maddy wiped at her cheeks and stuck her chin up higher. With a sigh, he drew her down from the cab into his arms. And held her to him. He tried to ignore the ache in his chest as she buried her nose against the collar of his jacket.

  “I did want our baby,” she said, softly.

  He swallowed hard and rubbed her back. “I know.”

  Warmth surged through him. A sense of homecoming struck him, and his chest constricted. She pulled back, looking up at him. His breath caught at the sight of the soft quiver of her lips. With a groan, his mouth covered hers.

  Maddy whimpered. Her hands slid up the front of his coat and around his neck. Like a starved man, he drank his fill, tasting her sweetness, reveling in her quick response. He palmed her bottom, drawing her tight against him. His cock hardened, and he cursed the layers between them. He wanted to feel her aching softness, touch her smooth bare skin, and most of all show her she belonged only to him.

  He pressed her against the frame of the truck, deepening the kiss. Her tongue dueled with his, her fervor lighting a fire through him.

  “Cole,” she cried. Her fingers dug into his hair, tugging. “Stop.”

  He nipped her lip then trailed over her jaw, sucking on the delicate skin. Her pulse jumped under his touch. He nibbled on the sensitive spot behind her ear. He knew every curve, every erogenous spot on her body.

  She gripped his shoulders, pushing, but the attempt was half-hearted. He reached under her skirt. Her bottom filled his palms, and he rubbed against her, stifling a groan. Memories of their past rushed at him. Their lovemaking had always been hot. At times, they’d never made it to the bedroom and had happily tested out every flat surface in their house.

  And she still wanted him now.

  “Let me go.”

  He paused. Latching onto control and restraint, he dropped his hands with reluctance.

  Maddy’s boot pivoted and she fell, landing in the snow. She glared up at him. He blinked then mirth struck him full force. She looked too adorable sitting on the ice, eyes darting fire. He almost doubled over when she cursed out loud.

  “It’s not funny.” She huffed as she tried to stand.

  Taking pity on her, Cole stifled his laughter and helped her up. Then, turning her around, brushed the snow off her ass. He tugged her skirt back into place, but couldn’t help lingering over the bottom curve of her butt and gave her a light pat.

  “Stop that.” She moved away and frowned.

  Cole grinned. He knew that look. She had it every time she was irritated over some thing, but couldn’t decide. “Stop what?” he asked, innocently.

  Her eyes narrowed. “You know what I’m talking about. Every time you touch me, something happens.”

  He crossed his arms and leaned against the door. “Like what?”

  Her fingers balled into fists at her sides. “Cole Harmon, don’t you dare mess with me. You know what I’m talking about.”

  Cole chuckled and reached into the back seat for the suitcase. “We better get you inside and dry that cute butt of yours before it freezes in the cold. Wouldn’t want you to get frostbite before you go back to the city.”

  Maddy growled. She rushed past him to the driveway. He watched as she slowed her steps and carefully trudged to the door in her dangerous heels.

  He grinned.

  She hasn’t changed all that much.

  Chapter Four

  Maddy cradled the hot mug in her hands, looking out the window. As much as the tea warmed her body, it didn’t help the raging emotions bubbling in her since Cole had shown up. She watched him push the snow blower across the driveway, the fluffy stuff flying in a thick stream to where the lawn was supposed to be. The landscape was all white. Typical of Five Oaks.

  “He’s a good boy.”

  Maddy ignored her mother’s well-intentioned words. Everyone loved Cole. She’d always been considered the evil one, especially after divorcing him. She sighed and continued to watch him through the glass.

  When she’d arrived, she’d greeted her parents then gone upstairs to change into jeans and a sweater. She’d returned downstairs not long after, relieved to get out of her wet clothes. Slightly sore from her recent falls, her butt still burned as if Cole’s hand was imprinted on her skin. Stick Cole Harmon into the picture, and she’d always be a klutz. The man did things to her no one else could. She’d never understood and had stopped trying long ago. But the kiss outside somehow chiseled at the walls around her heart. She didn’t like the feeling.

  “I know, mom.”

  “He was really worried when I told him that you were stuck under an avalanche. You gave us all a scare.”

  Maddy scoffed and glanced at her mother. Concern marred the soft lines around her mouth. She laid a hand on Mary’s arm in comfort. “I’m fine. Cole got me home.”

  Mary sighed. “He works too hard. Never stops even for a moment to relax.”

  Resentment rumbled in her chest. What else is new? “He sounds like he’s doing very well.”

  “He is. Everyone is so happy for him. He did the town proud with the business he brings in.”

  The pride in her mother’s voice irritated her. “That’s good then. It’s what he always wanted. To help rebuild the town. He told me often enough.”

  “Honey, you can’t hate him for that. He only did what he had to. Cole worked hard for your future together. Nor did he expect you to lose the baby.”

  Maddy stiffened. Cole hadn’t wanted the baby as much as he'd said, otherwise he wouldn’t have thrown himself into work the way he did. “Mom, I don’t want to talk about that.”

  Mary winced. “Sorry. It’s difficult for all of us.”

  Maddy redirected her gaze to the window. Her heart ached when she’d spotted the tears welling in her mother’s eyes. It was bad enough that she was here, single, divorced and pining for someone who didn’t love her. Their child would have been two by now. The nightmare of her miscarriage gripped her heart as it did every time she thought about the baby. She’d been happy, shopping in town with her mother for baby accessories, when pains wracked her body, and she’d been rushed off to the hospital. Three months into the pregnancy, the doctor informed her it wasn’t meant to be and there would be many more babies. How was that fair?

  She heaved in a deep breath, swallowing the lump in the back of her throat. Taking a sip of her tea, she leaned against the window frame. “I really wish you guys came to New York for Christmas instead. There’s not as much snow there.”

  Mary frowned. “I told you. We have to show support for the new lodge since it's opening New Year's Eve. You can’t avoid Cole forever.”

  “I’m not,” Maddy quickly replied.

  Her mother chuckled and patted her arm. “It’s okay, dear. Cole’s not the type to hold grudges. He’s over the divorce I’m sure.”

  Her mouth dropped open before snapping shut again. Clearing her throat, Maddy took another sip from her mug. “That’s good then.”

  “I wouldn’t be surprised if Cole finds someone and marries again, though.”

  Maddy froze. She hated the thought. Her fingers tightened around her cup. “If his new wife would put up with his busy
schedule, then sure.”

  “Oh, you don’t know. The women around here have been pining after him like crazy. When the divorce came through, Cole became the center of attention. He’s hard-working, successful, and available. Not very many men are in this small town. I’m just surprised he hasn’t singled out a woman yet.”

  Warily, Maddy eyed her mother. “Why are you telling me this?”

  Mary gave her a mischievous grin. “Just making sure my daughter isn’t as ice cold as she looked.”

  “Ha, mom.” She didn’t bother to hide the sarcasm. “It doesn’t matter what Cole does with himself.”

  “We all love him no matter what happened between the two of you.”

  Maddy grunted. Traitors. They were supposed to only love her. But then her heart softened. Cole’s mother had never been around, and when they’d married, Maddy had no problems sharing her parents with him. Brad Sr. and Brad Jr. didn’t provide the best family environment like hers. She’d been around the guys long enough to know they missed having a woman around.

  She watched as Cole dusted off the snow blower and carefully hefted the machine into the back of the truck. “Why didn’t dad hire someone else to clean the driveway?”

  “Cole always does it. He likes doing it, but then I think he does it so us old folks wouldn’t hurt ourselves out there.”

  Maddy nodded.

  “I wish you would stay for his grand opening and show support for the town. The new lodge is beautiful. Good fifty rooms.” Mary toyed with the window curtains.

  “I said I'll try, but I do need to get back to work. My partner just signed an account with some dating service. We’re planning their events and parties. Some promotional matchmaking deal.”

  “Oh!”

  Maddy jumped at her mother’s sudden outburst.

  “You should help Cole decorate his lodge for the holidays and maybe plan his grand opening party! The person he hired backed out on the deal and now that he has a lodge full of tourists, he needs help getting ready for Christmas and New Years. A little late, but—”