part0009

“ I take it you’re in on this?” There’s an accusatory tone in Gladys' voice as she makes her way out from the private area of the lodge.

Nick follows behind her, suitcase in tow, and rolls his eyes. “Grandmother, be nice.”

“Oh stop fussing, boy, and take my things out to the car. I’d like to have a little talk with Miss. Granger before we leave.”

Shaking his head, Nick sighs and moves around us. “Yes, grandmother.” He looks to me and winks. “I’ll see you later.”

My heart melts a little as I watch him leave.

“You think I don’t know what’s going on here?”

I blink and snap my gaze back to Gladys. “I’m sorry?”

Grabbing her scarf from the coat stand, she wraps it around her neck. “You and my grandson are working together to get me out of here. I’m not stupid. I can see what’s happening.”

Um... holy crap. “Gladys, I can assure you, we’re not trying to get you out. This is your home. We just wanted you to have a little break.”

Gladys narrows her eyes suspiciously. “Since when did you and my grandson become a we ?”

My eyes widen in horror. “I meant nothing by it, Gladys. I can assure you, it was just a slip of the tongue.”

Nick's gorgeous, I can’t deny that. And our chemistry is explosive. Too explosive for a platonic friendship. Especially considering he’s my best friend’s father. Over the last day or so, we’ve grown close, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Getting to know him, watching him with Gladys; he’s incredible.

I know the things he does to my body and the way he makes me feel isn’t right, but I don’t care about right or wrong.

“My grandson, he’s different around you,” she observes. “He smiles. I don’t remember the last time I saw him smile.”

A blush heats my cheeks. “He deserves to be happy.”

“He does.” Gladys nods. “Thank you.”

I wring my fingers together and shift my weight, not sure what to say.

“Nick said this break was your idea?”

“It was a joint idea.”

She places her hand on mine. “I didn’t realize how much I needed some time off until this morning. You’re both right; this trip is exactly what I need. When I get back, maybe you could help me find someone to take the pressure off?”

“Of course!” I say excitedly. “I’d love to!”

She nods and smiles. “Good. That settles it then.” She makes her way toward the door, before stopping and looking over her shoulder. “Be careful with my grandson. He has a very loving heart, but he doesn’t always know what’s best for him.”

Tucking a piece of hair behind my ear, I lace my fingers together. “Um, thank you, but there’s nothing going on between Nick and me.”

“Are you sure about that?”

No, I’m not, but she doesn’t need to know that.

Gladys winks and opens the door. “See you in a few days, Miss. Granger.”

When the door shuts, I collapse into the chair behind the check-in desk.

S everal hours later, after taking care of the guests, I’m curled up on the back porch by the fire pit, wrapped in a blanket, reading a mafia romance called The Hitman’s Desire.

In the lodge’s living room, I hear It’s A Wonderful Life playing quietly on the TV, and I’m trying not to go crazy.

It’s been a few hours since Nick left, and he should’ve been back by now. I’ve tried calling him half a dozen times, but it just keeps taking me to voicemail.

I’m worried, because I know how treacherous those roads can be. And tackling them in the evening when the temperatures have dropped even lower, would be like driving on an ice rink.

What if he’s had an accident?

What if someone’s hit him or he’s dead in a ditch somewhere?

Picking up my phone, I check the traffic. My heart thumps painfully in my chest when I see that it’s clear. Maybe his phone died?

“This is Nick. Leave your name and number and I’ll get back to you asap.”

“Nick, it’s Holly. Can you please answer your phone and let me know you’re okay? I’m thinking all kinds of scary things right now.”

“Oh yeah, like what?” Nick’s raspy voice startles me and I jump in fright.

“Holy shit, Nick!” I clutch my chest, my breathing shallow as I take a second to slow my racing heart. “You scared me!”

Taking a seat in the chair next to mine, he holds his hands up to the flames. “Sorry about that. I tried to call you and let you know I was on my way back, but my phone died.”

Throwing a marshmallow at him, I pin Nick with a glare. “Maybe next time take your charger with you.”

Pissed and not giving him a chance to respond, I stand up, grab my blanket and book and storm past him. However, I don’t get very far when he grabs the end of it, stopping me.

“Holly…” His voice is a broken plea.

That just pisses me off even more. “No, Nick. I don’t think you get how worried I was. You could’ve been seriously hurt and how would I have known?”

He clears his throat and looks away. “I’m sorry, okay?” His voice is a low, husky timbre. “I’m not used to having someone waiting for me.”

Not thinking, I move to stand between his legs. My fingers thread into his hair. “Yeah? Well get used to it, because I’m not going anywhere.”

Warm, rough fingers skim the backs of my thighs, and a shiver breaks out over my body. “You’re growing on me, Holly Granger.”

Suppressing a moan, my eyes close on the own accord. “I guess I can tolerate you too, Nick Clayton.”

A deep, guttural chuckle rumbles from his throat as his thumb gently traces circles on my skin.

My gaze snaps to his, and it’s then when I see it.

His eyes are trained on mine, dark and hooded. “You should wear more clothes. It’s cold out here,” Nick rasps.

I’m wearing an oversized t-shirt as nightwear, not the classiest thing to wear, given that I’m now co-running the lodge with Nick. But when I packed for this trip, I didn’t exactly expect to be placed in this position.

“I’ll wear more clothes when you remember to take you charger with you.”

Nick brushes his pinky finger with mine. “Would take more than a few snowflakes to keep me away.”

My breath catches and he swallows hard and drops his finger. “I didn’t mean to scare you. Next time I’ll have my charger with me.”

Nodding, I gather up the blanket. “Make sure you do.”

As I make my way inside, I place my cup in the dishwasher and chance a glance outside.

My heart races in my chest when I see him staring directly back at me.