“You? What can you do?” She finally found her tongue, though she tried to keep her voice down. “Heath Strong, you’ve done far too much.”
He backed up a step, his jaw tightening. “Oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Her eyes widened in shock. “You’re sorry? You have no call to be sorry.” She stepped up to him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled herself close. Her body lit up with heat and joy as it pressed against his. “All you’ve done is protect me, care for me, and go out of your way to make me feel comfortable and secure, while lying to your family and putting yourself and them at risk. You have no right to be sorry, Heath Strong. You have every right to know that you’re my personal hero and I will be indebted to you forever.”
Heath listened to her diatribe with his deep brown eyes slowly changing from confused to hopeful to filled with desire. “How indebted are you?”
Hazel tilted her head. What an odd question. “Very indebted. Anything you fancy I can do for you, you tell me.”
Heath wrapped his own hands around her lower back and bent down closer. His dark eyes were studying her as if she were the most perfect person he’d ever seen. Was she imagining that? This man was incredible, brave, strong, smart, and successful. Could he really be taken so deeply by her?
“You could give me a kiss.” Heath gave her a slow grin that made butterflies erupt in her stomach. “To show your gratitude.”
Hazel’s mouth dropped open, but she recovered quickly, even though fire was tracing through her. “I think that could be a right proper way to show my gratitude.”
Heath smiled. He tugged her closer, and she went willingly. As she arched up toward him, anticipation swirled through her. Heath gently brushed his lips over hers. It felt like a delicious summer breeze, promising joyful, uninhibited pleasure ahead. He smiled against her lips, and then their mouths met again. This time it wasn’t gentle, but it was more delicious than any sweets she’d ever sampled. Heath’s mouth was insistent, warm, and inspiring. She clung to his neck and returned the pressure of his kiss with the craving for him that had been building inside of her.
Heath lifted her clean off the floor, holding her against him and proceeding to give her a kiss that she would never be able to forget. He set her back on her feet, dipped her slightly, and slowly, tantalizingly deepened the kiss—
“Holy crap!”
Hazel jerked her mouth free, but Heath kept her safely in the shelter of his arms. The damage had been done, though. The little brother from the ski slope earlier today … Austin, that was it. He looked a lot like Gavin and Heath with those deep brown eyes, but without his helmet, she could see that his hair was golden while his brothers had darker locks. He had an adorable sprinkling of freckles on his nose.
The little guy stood in the open doorway, staring in shock. How the bedroom door had opened with neither of them noticing, she’d never know. She bit at her lip as her face and neck felt hot. Well, maybe she knew. She’d been too invested in Heath. She probably wouldn’t have noticed a hurricane approaching.
“Hottie Hattie!” the boy yelled. “Are you having a sleepover?”
Heath released her then. He hurried to the door, tugged Austin inside, and shut the door tight. “Keep it down.” His voice had a pleading note in it. He glanced back at Hazel. “I don’t want everyone to know.”
“I wonder why?” Austin gave him a smart-alecky look, folding his arms across his chest. “Mama would skin your behind if she knew you had a girl in your bedroom. I heard her cuss Trey and Ella for hours about kissing too much. I like to find me girlfriends, but sheesh. Even I’m not stupid enough to bring one to my bedroom.”
“It’s not like that,” Heath began. He pushed a hand at his hair and gazed at Hazel for a second, as if trying to decide what to say.
Hazel didn’t want to put their family at risk. She shook her head slightly.
Heath swallowed and squatted down to Austin’s level. “Ha— … Hattie’s in trouble, bud. She’s got a … jerk of a boyfriend who’s trying to hurt her.”
Hazel pressed her lips together. Someone would definitely hurt her if he found her, but thank heavens Brigham had never or would never be her boyfriend.
“Gavin said Hattie could stay with us for a while to keep her safe. But we can’t say anything. If the guy finds her, he’ll hurt her.” Heath’s voice was serious and heavy.
The little boy, who she’d thought was so precocious, seemed to feel this deeply. “I can keep secrets,” he said very soberly. He glanced over at Hattie. “I’m sorry you liked a loser jerk.”
Hattie smiled. “Thank you. I’m very grateful Heath is protecting me from him.” She stared deeply into Heath’s chocolate eyes as she said it. “Very grateful” wasn’t close to enough to express how she felt. But a relationship between them couldn’t go anywhere. She lived in London. He lived in four different states. Plus, from the look of things, she’d never win against Brigham and the shady policemen in his back pocket. She feared she and Heath would never have a chance to be together.
“Can I sleep with you two?” Austin asked, his dark eyes lighting up. “We’ll have a party. I can go sneak us some treats. We can watch YouTube on my iPad, and you two can snuggle.”
Heath straightened up and gave Hazel a meaningful look she felt all the way down to her toes. They definitely weren’t sleeping in the same room tonight, though the thought of snuggling Heath through the night was brilliant.
“I’m going to sleep in Gavin’s room,” Heath said, though the heat in his look wasn’t abating. “We’ll make you a bed on the floor.”
“Bummer.” Austin waved and headed to the door. “See you soon, Hottie Hattie.”
Heath strode over to her and whispered, “Bummer.”
Hattie laughed, albeit unevenly. She’d never had a man look at her like that or heat her up this much.
“I’ll go talk with him,” Heath said, “Make sure he doesn’t say anything to the family.”
“I’m sorry to make you keep lying.” She bit at her lip.
Heath softly kissed her. “It’s okay. You’re worth it.” He kissed her more deeply, fiercely almost. It was short but glorious. He pulled back and strode to the door. “Good night.”
Hazel touched her lips and sighed. It was an amazing night, but it was probably a good thing Austin had interrupted them. She was in trouble of losing her heart completely.
Chapter Fourteen
Hazel woke early the next morning, chafing because she had nowhere to go and nothing to do, and wishing Heath would come in her room and they could kiss and chat the day away. She stretched and looked out at the beautiful view. The sun was cresting over the mountain peaks to the east and the snow, and everything else sparkled. This perfect spot of earth would be the best Christmas setting ever. If only her life weren’t in such turmoil.
She did power yoga and some strengthening exercises with body weight, then took a long shower. As she got out of the shower, she heard voices and movement downstairs. It was very muffled, but it sounded like all of the Strong men were up and moving. She should’ve asked what their plan was today. Could she sneak and just go ski the bunny hill by herself? With her mask and goggles, nobody would recognize her. She wanted to ski with Heath again, but she hated to prevent him from more time with his family.
She put some gel in her hair, brushed it through, and then twisted the curls. These weren’t her usual products, but she was grateful for what she did have. She slid into a sweater and some of the tights Gavin had found for her. There was a tap on the bedroom door, and then it opened and closed. Rushing to put some powder, eyeliner, and lip gloss on, she was grateful that she at least had minimal makeup in her purse.
Someone knocked on the bathroom door. “Hazel?” Heath’s voice. “Sorry to bother you. We’re just getting ready to head to church.”
Church? It was Sunday. She knew that. So they wouldn’t be skiing today, or maybe they’d go later?
She hurried over and p
ulled the door open. Heath stood tall and glorious in a navy-blue suit, a white dress shirt, and a pale blue floral tie. She put a hand to her heart and stumbled back. “Blimey! Don’t do that to me.”
He stepped closer in concern, but then his lovely clean-scented cologne permeated her senses. “Do what? Are you okay?”
“You can’t come in here looking all perfect and smelling all scrummy and not expect me to have heart failure or …” She grabbed the lapels of his suit and pushed him up against the glass shower wall.
Heath let her direct him, a smile on his face. “Or …?”
“Or I might just attack you.” She arched her eyebrows. “You’ve been forewarned.”
Heath chuckled and ran his hands down her arms. “You do, and I’ll come in the same way every morning.”
“You asked for it.” Hazel couldn’t hide her grin as she pushed him against the shower. Releasing his suit coat, she traced her hands up his chest to frame his handsome face. She stood on tiptoes and captured his mouth with hers.
He met her kiss without hesitation, but he let her take the lead. She liked feeling like she was in control of this powerful, important man. It was as if he could let down his guard around her, let only her see how he could be vulnerable and soft. Or maybe he was only vulnerable and soft for her. Oh my, she loved that idea. She loved kissing him even more. She tilted his head and deepened the kiss. The taste of him was even more incredible than the delicious way he smelled.
Finally, she forced herself to fall back onto her heels and smile up at him. After the fact, she was a little shy about how aggressive she’d been.
“So that was you attacking me?” he asked, with an arched brow.
“Yes, sir.”
“I liked having you in control.” His smile was soft and tender.
She grinned. “I did okay?”
“More than okay.” He chuckled, and his voice deepened. “My turn.”
Hazel’s stomach hopped and a small squeal of happy surprise escaped her lips as he spun her around and pinned her against the glass. He bent down low and softly kissed her neck, working his way up to her chin and then grazing his lips across hers. Hazel arched toward him, wanting to savor every second with him. He captured her lips and showed exactly how successful, powerful, and impressive he was with a kiss that was somehow all-encompassing and powerful, yet still tender.
When he pulled back, they were both breathing heavily. He stared down at her with those deep brown eyes she was becoming so addicted to. “I did okay?” he whispered, showing that slight vulnerability she doubted many had a glimpse of.
“More than okay,” she reassured him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and tugged him down for more.
The bedroom door opened and closed. Heath pressed even closer to her, if that was possible.
“It’s just me.” Gavin’s voice came from behind them, highly amused. “If you’re going to keep this up, maybe they won’t welcome you in the church.”
Heath released her and turned to face his brother. “‘You’re always welcome in church,’” Heath said, like he was quoting someone.
Gavin smirked. “Says Mama.” He looked at Hazel. “Sorry we keep leaving you alone. I’d say Heath could stay, but Mama’s already getting suspicious, and honestly a little testy. She loves having the family together.”
“It’s okay.” She smiled bravely up at Heath. “Though I wouldn’t complain about you staying, I don’t want to keep you from church or from time with your family.”
Heath bent and gave her a quick kiss, and she loved that he felt comfortable doing so. “See you soon.”
“Have fun.” Forcing herself to release him, she watched the two brothers exit the room together. Man, they were a handsome pair.
And now she had nothing to do but wait. She listened as the doors opened and closed, and then all was quiet. Making her way downstairs, she ate a bowl of cereal as she stared out the myriad of windows. The view was picturesque, and she wanted to get out there in the snow and the sunshine. She decided she’d wait until Heath got back and see if he could sneak her out back and up that trail. It looked like people had packed it down, possibly taken snowshoes on it. Were there some in the garage?
Wandering around the kitchen, she poked through the pantry and the fridge. It looked like she could scrape together a pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting. She could bake it and hide it in her room to share with Heath and Austin. She thought they’d both like that.
She started compiling and mixing up ingredients, missing her mum as she did so and praying her parents weren’t worried sick about her, though she knew they would be. As she put the cake in to bake, she wanted to simply turn on her phone and call them. What would it hurt?
Running up the stairs, she grabbed her phone out of her purse before she could second-guess it. Her parents were probably a mess, and she’d be reassured if she heard their voices. Her time spent in this beautiful place with an even more beautiful man was amazing in a lot of ways, but it was also lonely and scary when a known mafia man could be coming after her.
She strode around the room, too afraid to turn her phone on but wanting to call them so badly. It wasn’t as if Brigham had a trace on her cell phone, right? Could the police? Did he really have moles in the police? Heath believed so and Brigham himself had claimed to “own policemen”. She clung to the cell phone, pacing. She found tears were slowly making their way down her cheeks. When Heath was around, she was fine, but being alone with her fears, her frustrations, and the thought of her parents having no clue if she was all right made the tears come stronger.
The timer on the cake beeped, and she startled. How long had she been pacing and crying? Hurriedly wiping the tears away, she reluctantly dropped the phone back in her purse and jogged down the stairs. Opening the oven, she inhaled the familiar and tantalizing scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin, and vanilla. She found a toothpick and inserted it in the cake. It came out clean, so she turned off the oven, found hot pads, and pulled the cake out.
Returning to the pantry, she was searching for powdered sugar, grateful to have something to do to distract her from running back upstairs and calling her parents, no matter the consequences. She heard the front door open, and female voices ricocheted off the walls. It didn’t sound like they were speaking English. Her heart started racing, but she didn’t know how to escape. With no time to do more than gently pull the pantry door shut, she edged away and along the short space next to the shelves. Luckily, it was a big pantry, but if those women came in the kitchen, they might find her.
The chatting continued, but then she heard a soft sound like a spray bottle spritzing, and then water running. She tried not to move, but the minutes stretched on. She could pick out three, maybe four different voices, and they were obviously working as they conversed. Footsteps treaded upstairs, and a little while later, a vacuum started.
Hazel leaned against the shelves. If Heath and his police friend didn’t feel even Heath’s family could see her or she should call her own family, she doubted they’d be happy if the cleaning ladies all saw her face.
A couple voices were very close now; they must be scrubbing the kitchen. She wondered why they were here on the Sabbath, but she supposed that if they worked for the lodge, they probably had shifts every day of the week, and maybe they ran over to clean Gavin’s house when no one would be here. She sighed. No one but her.
Her legs and back grew stiff as she stood there. She started to worry if Heath’s family would be coming home from church and she’d still be hiding in the pantry. Her cake was sitting on the counter. Would they believe the Christmas fairy had left it? She sighed and tried to quietly stretch her back and shake out her legs.
The pantry door flew open wide, and a beautiful dark-haired woman came bustling in with arms full of the ingredients from the cake Hazel had made. The woman saw her, screamed, and dropped the box of baking soda. It exploded, and fine white powder covered Hazel and the woman. The woman backed away, clingi
ng to the rest of the ingredients in her hands with a look of horror on her face.
Hazel put up her hands. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
The other women were running their direction. One was talking a mile a minute in Spanish, and the woman who’d found Hazel was responding, but the others were quiet. Did any of them speak English? How to explain why she’d been hiding in the pantry? They all congregated next to their friend, staring at Hazel suspiciously.
Hazel put her hands up to show them she wasn’t armed or dangerous or going to harm them. “I’m so sorry. I’m a friend of Gavin’s.”
The youngest-looking girl’s eyes widened; either she could understand Hazel, or she at least recognized Gavin’s name.
“When I heard you come in, I was looking for powdered sugar, and I got scared. So I hid in the pantry.” That sounded so lame, even to her.
“You scared … of us?” The smallest in the group stared up at her. Hazel didn’t think the girl could be over sixteen.
Hazel spread her hands, thinking quickly before remembering what Heath had told Austin. “I, um … I’m running from an abusive boyfriend. Gavin and Heath have been watching out for me. I don’t want anyone to see me. Because then my ex might find me and track me down.”
The girl nodded that she understood, but her eyes were still wary and she was studying Hazel much too closely. She started translating rapidly in Spanish.
Hazel stood stock-still. She glanced around. Besides the baking soda mess, the kitchen and rest of the home were spotless.
The women nodded and gave Hazel understanding smiles as they listened to the young girl’s interpretation. Then the other lady who was covered in baking soda started brushing Hazel off. Hazel smiled, trying to look reassuring. Man, she was a mess in every which way.
“Do you always clean on Sunday?” she asked when the young girl stopped talking and they all set to work helping to dust off Hazel and the beautiful lady who had first discovered her.
The young girl shook her head. “No. But we’re very behind with the holiday, so busy, and our boss wants to be looking good for Mr. Strong.”
The Strong Family Romance Collection Page 41