Snowy Encounters

by Clarissa Yip

  She dragged in deep breaths of air, loving that he was as perturbed as she was. She ached everywhere. “I want you now.”

  Cole growled. “I need to do this right.”

  “Do what right?” Confused, she leaned back.

  He shook his head. “You’ll see. Let’s go.” Grabbing her hand, he folded it in the crook of his arm and led her toward Tall Oaks. The formal party was in the small ballroom on the lower floor. Instead of the front entrance, Cole tugged her along through the courtyard to the French doors. They passed the magnificent Christmas tree, and the walkway lights lit a path in the dark to the French doors.

  With each step, Maddy’s heartbeat accelerated. Déjà vu rushed at her. The scene reminded her of another time when she’d walked next to him with the train of her dress over one arm to a ballroom full of people, waiting for their appearance.

  Long white gown, sparkling tiara and a ballroom full of guests ran through her mind.

  Her own wedding.

  Cole led her to the double doors that led to the reception hall, and they spotted a crowd standing by the door. Brad Jr, Cole’s brother and town sheriff appeared at their side as they approached.

  “Maddy!” Brad Jr. opened his arms. With reluctance, she allowed Cole’s younger brother to hug her. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Brad Jr., but she’d just never cared for his arrogant and conceited demeanor towards the opposite sex. “How are you?”

  She forced a smile. “Good.”

  “We missed you around here.” He elbowed Cole. “Especially my brother here.”

  Glancing at Cole, she followed his gaze to the ballroom.

  “What’s going on?” asked Cole.

  Brad smirked. “Everyone is half drunk already, so now it’s just one big hella party.”

  Maddy moved next to Cole, who automatically wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. “Too much eggnog?”

  “This event will probably make the tabloids for sure. Paige over at the Gazette is probably hiding around here with her camera to get a piece of the action since I had to break up a fight earlier. Two of your guests got a little rowdy. Damn shame to start the holidays like that.”

  Cole gave her hip a squeeze. “How come no one called me?”

  Brad shrugged. “I was around to get something to eat. It wasn’t a big problem.” He tucked his thumbs into his belt; his chest rose, showing off his Sheriff’s uniform with pride. “I would have prevented that fight at Stumps yesterday if Josephine Button hadn’t tried to seduce the new guy in town in front of all ‘dem people.”

  “Jo?” Maddy stood on alert. Memories of her neighbor’s sweet granddaughter came to mind. The girl had been the talk of the town for years since she’d crawled out of the car naked with Brad.

  “Jo Button. You remember me and her had a thing together. She’d get with anyone if she had the chance.”

  “Brad,” Cole warned.

  “What?” Cole’s brother frowned. “It’s the truth. She’s hot for any—”

  “Are we still staying?” Maddy interrupted. She didn’t want to hear any more from Brad. Even after three years, he hadn’t changed any. Still young, stupid and overeager to brag. Cole had always been different from his family. She dreaded seeing Brad Sr.

  “We’ll just stay for a little bit.” Cole brushed his knuckles over her cheek. She gave him a soft smile.

  “So you two back together or something?”

  Maddy felt Cole stiffen, his hands dropped to his sides and he moved away.

  “Let’s go get something to eat,” Cole suggested. He pressed a hand to her back and led her to the coat area.

  “You’re brother hasn’t changed much.” Maddy allowed him to help her with her jacket.

  Cole shrugged. “Brad is still young. He has lots to learn. Just a little overeager in everything, but he’s a good Sheriff, especially since dad stepped down.”

  “How is your father?”

  “The same. Off the bottle, that’s all that matters.”

  Maddy nodded. Brad Sr. had been an alcoholic for years since Cole’s mother had left them for a richer man. She’d never understood Cole’s family. While she was raised with traditions and ethics, Cole’s brother and father didn’t have any. The first Christmas Cole had spent with her family, he’d been excited like a child. His joy for the holidays had only fueled her desire to make their own traditions. Emotions clogged her throat as she thought of their baby. Dragging in a deep breath, she pushed the pain aside.

  Cole turned to her, his eyes darkened as his gaze trailed over her up and down. She smiled, glad that she’d chosen this dress. Her black halter evening gown hugged her like skin, and she could barely breathe, but Cole’s reaction was worth it. He pulled her closer. “Maybe we shouldn’t stay here.”

  She grinned and shook her head. “Nope. You said you wanted to make an appearance.”

  He sighed. “Crap. You’re right. I have to. Otherwise, the town is going to give me talk for not coming. I need their support with the new lodge opening.”

  Jealousy surged through her. The lodge. Somehow, his words didn’t comfort her at all. He led her to an empty table and sat her down, while he went off to grab drinks. Maddy glanced out toward the dance floor. Streams and lights hung from around the pillars, a crystal chandelier lit the center of the room, and the crowd seemed to be having a good time.

  She caught a few curious stares from the tables surrounding her, but she ignored them as she toyed with the material of her dress. People were probably wondering why she was there with Cole, since she’d been the one to leave him and end their marriage. They saw her as the city girl that wanted more than what the small town could offer. Part of that had been true, but everything boiled down to her need for Cole’s attention. Had she been wrong to leave and divorce him?

  She shook her head.

  “Maddy, is that you?”

  She stiffened as she slowly stood and turned around. Her ex-father-in-law squinted at her as if unable to believe she was here. “Hi.”

  Brad Sr. broke out into a grin. “You’re back.” He closed the distance and hugged her.

  Maddy forced a smile. He was Cole’s father, but like everyone else, his opinion no doubt was no better than the townsfolk. “How are you?”

  “Great. When did you get back?” He released her, and she took a step back.

  “I’m just home for the holidays.”

  “That’s good. Your parents miss you, I’m sure.”

  She nodded.

  “You come with a date?”

  She bit her lip, worry forming a lump in her throat. “Well—”

  “Hey, Dad.”

  Brad Sr. jerked his gaze to Cole, who held two glasses of wine. “Hey, son.”

  Cole handed her a drink. Maddy took it reluctantly as Brad Sr.’s smile transformed into a frown.

  “You two come together?”

  Maddy’s heart beat faster.

  Cole wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to him. “Yeah, why?”

  Brad Sr.’s jaw clenched. “What are you thinking? She divorced you, left you for the big city. Why are you letting her break your heart again?”

  “Dad,” Cole warned.

  “No, you know I’m right. She’s just like your mother. Now she’s probably back because you have more money and you’re more successful. Don’t fall into that trap. She’s just using you.”

  Maddy gasped.

  Cole drew her behind him. “It’s not like that.”

  Brad Sr. crossed his arms over his broad chest, anger blazing from his deep blue eyes. “Then what is it? Explain it to me. She comes back and then you’re all of a sudden playing into her game?”

  “No,” Cole said, fiercely. “Look, just let me handle my life.”

  His father’s mouth dropped open in shock. “You mean, let you mess it up again and ruin your life when she robs you blind and goes back to the city?”

  Maddy waited for Cole to defend her, but he didn’t say anything. Pushing Cole to
the side, Maddy stepped up. “I’m not back to ruin Cole’s life. I’m not here to do anything. I’m just home for the holidays.”

  Brad Sr.’s lips thinned as he drew in a deep breath. “See that you don’t. I don’t mind you home. I loved you like a daughter, but Cole’s my son. He don’t need you in the way of his success and the good he done for the town.”

  He huffed, whirled around and stalked off.

  Maddy stared after him. The urge to follow and make him understand ate at her. Understand what, she didn’t know. Glancing around the room, she noticed the accusing stares, especially from the women. She shouldn’t be here. While Cole had helped the town, she’d done nothing. They all believed her return was to hurt the town’s good boy—the hero. Maddy didn’t even look at Cole. She started for the door.

  “Maddy!”

  She ignored him, weaving through the partygoers as she made her way to the coatroom and grabbed her jacket.

  “Maddy.” Cole latched onto her elbow. “Stop. Where are you going?”

  Swallowing hard, she met his gaze. “I can’t stay here. I shouldn’t have come with you.”

  He frowned, trying to pull her into his arms, but she jerked away. “Fine. I’ll drive you home.”

  She nodded. Cole helped her into her coat, and led her out of the ballroom. They walked in silence, side by side, not touching. An ached formed in her chest as the winter chill rushed at her the moment she stepped outside. Cole shoved his hands in his pockets, head down as if deep in thought.

  Brad Sr.’s words replayed in Maddy’s mind. Was she really that horrible of a person? Had she ruined Cole’s life? Music from the party followed them. As they walked toward the parking lot, a couple on the other side of the grand Christmas tree caught her attention. They stood in each other’s arms, swaying to the soft tunes drifting from the party. She stopped and stared, unable to take her eyes off them.

  They seemed to be in their own world, oblivious to their surroundings, attuned only to one another. Her heart ached as she recognized the familiar faces. Ash Delaney and Jo Button. Happiness glowed on Jo’s face under the fairy lights around them as she looked up at Ash. The love radiating from the woman’s face caught Maddy’s breath. As neighbors, Maddy never believed the horrid rumors of Jo. The town’s obnoxious opinions of Jo had gotten out of hand many times, but Maddy knew different.

  Their obvious affection for each other reminded her of another couple. So long ago. She and Cole. Tears filled her eyes. She was never going to have that again.

  “Maddy.”

  She turned. The concern in his face did her in. Maddy sniffled, and Cole opened his arms. She launched herself in them, clutching the front of his jacket. “I’m so sorry. I’m the worse person ever.”

  He drew back. “Don’t let what my dad said get to you. He’s cynical since my mother left, you know that.”

  She studied the grim set of his mouth. Her finger rose, tracing the strong line of his jaw. “And you? I know we never talked about your mother. Do I remind you of her?”

  He stiffened. “I…”

  “Don’t lie,” she warned.

  Cole hugged her tight. “Let me show you something.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  The car door swung open. Cole’s masculine cologne filled her nose. She couldn’t see him, but the brisk wind blew over her face as familiar hands settled over her waist.

  “Did you peek?”

  “No.” Maddy frowned. “Can I take off the blindfold now?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Why can’t I see?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  Her feet touched icy ground, and she steadied herself, gripping onto his shoulders. “Are you planning to kill me?”

  Cole chuckled. His lips brushed her ear and a shiver trembled down her spine. He’d left her alone for a while in the truck, while he’d gone off. She didn’t know what he was doing, but she trusted him not to push her off a cliff.

  “Will I make the headlines tomorrow?” She reached out a hand to emphasize. “Maddy Glover found at the bottom of Death’s Peak in evening attire.”

  “Don’t be a smart ass.”

  She scoffed. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one blindfolded and trying to walk across snow and ice, trying not to fall flat on your face.”

  “I can fix that.” Cole lifted her up into his arms and she gasped, caught by surprise. He started to walk as she tightened her hold around him. She loved being carried. “I haven’t brought anyone here yet. I wanted you to be the first to see it.”

  “When you say anyone, are you talking female-wise or just anyone in general?”

  “Jealous?”

  Maddy bit her lip. He’d said the same thing the first day she’d been in town and the green monster had made a few appearances since she’d been home. “Maybe.”

  He pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. “Don’t be. I wouldn’t want anyone else.”

  Her heart tightened. Her ex-father-in-law’s reaction replayed in her mind.

  “Stop that.”

  She frowned. “What?”

  “Whatever you’re thinking.”

  She had to grin. “I can’t see so I have to think.”

  Her breath caught when Cole lowered her legs and pulled her right up against him. Her nipples hardened at the contact. “You ready?”

  “Just take it off,” she replied, annoyed he was teasing her. The whole day had been one encounter after another. She didn’t know how much more she could take, nor could she continue to ignore the heated tension building inside her every time he touched her.

  Cole chuckled, turned her around and she felt his fingers behind her head, unknotting the blindfold. The cloth whipped off her face. She slowly blinked adjusting her eyes to the dark and the building before her.

  The two-story structure was huge, probably four or five times bigger than Tall Oaks. Redbrick, along with million of windows went around the place. Light shined through the glass. Above the front door, hung a sign “Limestone Manor.”

  Dread wormed it way through her body as she glanced at Cole. The hopeful glint in his blue eyes stifled the resentment. The town needed him and what he could offer.

  “Well, what do you think?” He waved a hand to his new lodge.

  Instead, a sadness crept up around her heart. No matter how much she loved him, or wanted him, she couldn’t compete with his business. The pride and joy in his face forced a smile on her. “It’s beautiful. I think it’ll bring the town a good amount of tourists. Then maybe they’ll have a new church sooner than they hoped.”

  He laughed and pulled her against him. He continued to stare at the manor. “I figured so too. I already have events and bookings scheduled until summer.” He pulled her along to the front doors.

  Cole continued to talk while she watched him. He led her around the first floor to the open windows and recreation rooms. Everything was of the highest quality. Pride boomed in his voice with each word that slipped past his lips.

  She allowed him to lead her up the stairs. Once they reached the landing, she gasped. In between the wooden pillars, the upstairs waiting room took up most of the floor. She spotted the million candles lining the windows. As she moved in closer, she spotted the lit fireplace and living room set on the furry white carpet. The area was huge and cozy. Warmth emanated from the setting. The scene was magical and seductive at the same time.

  Cole gripped her hand. She glanced at him and his eyes darkened as he took in her expression.

  “It’s beautiful. You did all this while I waited in the car?”

  He nodded with boyish pleasure. “I wanted it to be special.”

  Her heart melted. She reached up and laid her fingers against his chin as she lifted and kissed him. He swung her up into his arms and carried her to the fireplace. Once he reached the couch, she slid down his length, palms pressed to his chest. “Thank you.”

  Cole tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and she smiled up at him. “I can’t wait til
l this place opens and fills up with people.”

  Sadness whipped through her. Laying her head on his shoulder, she gazed out at the ceiling-to-floor windows. Snow glittered as it fell from the darkened sky. “I’m sure you’ll do very well. Everyone is so proud of you and all you’ve done for the town.”

  He stiffened as if waiting for something.

  Leaning back to look at him, her hand rested against his cheek. “I am too.”

  With a relieved groan, he kissed her. She didn’t understand his reaction, but it didn’t matter. The town hated her, his father hated her, and she didn’t belong here with him anymore. She wanted to hide somewhere with him where no one would find them and make more memories. Hopefully, to last her a lifetime.

  Sliding her fingers over his chest, she worked his coat to the floor, never breaking contact as his tongue dueled with hers. The taste of wine teased her taste buds as she met him with more ardor. She had to make this night count.

  Once she got his tux jacket off, she flattened her hand on his chest and pushed. He fell back with an oomph onto the couch. Maddy gave him a mischievous smile as she tugged her own coat off and allowed it to slide to the floor. Cole’s eyes darkened. She unknotted the ties that held her dress up and the material slowly shimmered over her breasts, her stomach and finally to the floor until she stood only in her bra, panties and heels. He tugged his bowtie off as if it constricted his breathing.

  Closing the distance, she stopped when her shins touched the couch between his legs and she dropped to her knees. She settled her hands on his chest and leaned up to catch his mouth. Cole gripped her hips as she kissed her way down his jaw, then to every button she undid. Pressing her lips to every inch of skin exposed, she nipped his softness with her teeth, trailing her tongue over the spot to ease each bite.

  Once she reached the waistline of his pants, Cole gripped her shoulders. “Maddy….”

  She pushed him back when he tried to sit up. “It’s my turn.” She undid his belt and slipped the button through the hole. Lowering the zipper, her heart jumped with anticipation. Heat radiated from his growing arousal. Her insides tightened. She wanted to taste him, tease him, and then have him fill her. Her muscles clenched just at the thought.