Drink in hand, I flop down on the couch and flip through the channels, attempting to find anything to hold my attention. I’m on my second round through the channels with my drink half gone when there’s what sounds like a knock at the door. Positive I’m hearing things because there’s no way anyone would be out in this blizzard I keep stabbing the channel button on the remote.
But then the knock comes again. I drag myself up from the worn leather and shuffle to see what the hell is going on. My eyes widen when I swing the door open and reveal a woman shivering on the porch. Snow clings to copper hair sticking out of a blue stocking hat. Her plump cheeks and nose are Rudolph red. Hazel eyes stare at me from behind fluttering light red lashes.
“Um, hi. My car went in the ditch, and there’s no service. Do you have a phone I can use?”
Her husky voice breaks me from the trance I’m in and sends a trail of tingles down my body. I stand aside so she can come in. “Sorry. Yes, come in. I thought I was hearing things. I can’t believe you’re out in this mess.”
She shakes her head. “Yeah, me either. I didn’t expect a blizzard when I started my trip. I thought I could make it before the worst of the snow, but it came down so fast I didn’t stand a chance, and it was closer to keep going towards my destination.”
I shut the door. “Where are you headed?”
She pulls off her gloves. “To Blossom Grove. My friend Becca owns it.”
“I know Becca. My sister-in-law is friends with her.”
The worry on her face melts away at my announcement, and she visibly relaxes. It’s then I realize she’s a woman by herself, stranded with a strange man. Her apprehension is understandable.
Giving her my grin known to charm the ladies, I hold out my hand. “I’m Brooks.”
She hesitates a second before placing her chilled hand in mine. Electricity shoots up my arm at the contact, and her eyes widen.
“Sorry, it must be static electricity. I’m Everlee.”
“Nice to meet you, Everlee. You can leave your boots and coat here. I’ll get the phone so you can call Becca to let her know you won’t be making it.”
Chapter Three
Everlee
I stop in the middle of unzipping my coat. The concern, which had melted at his acknowledgment he knows Becca, is back in full force at his statement. “What do you mean, tell her I won’t be making it?”
His head tips towards the door we just entered. “You just waded through knee-deep snow to get here. It’s only getting deeper. There’s no way anyone will make it out here to pull you out in the near future. You’re lucky you made it here as it is.”
My heart sinks, knowing he’s right. I was in denial thinking a phone call would have someone out here to get me on my way soon. Well, if I’m going to be stuck somewhere, at least it’s with someone who says they know Becca, but I better confirm that to be safe.
Even if he’s one of the sexiest men I’ve ever laid eyes on. His dark, disheveled hair is slightly shaggy with a curl at the ends, matching the thick scruff covering his sharp jaw. The snug blackthermal henley he’s wearing showcases his thick biceps and torso to perfection, and don’t even get me started on the damn gray sweats.
They leave nothing to the imagination. Feeling my cheeks heat as I get an eyeful of the impressive bulge, I quickly avert my eyes, finding his bare feet poking out from the cuffs. Who knew a man’s feet could be sexy? Certainly not me.
Gah, these pregnancy hormones have me all out of sorts. At least I’m not crying, which happens more often than not lately. Guess all it takes is a sexier than sin cowboy to flip the switch to horny.
Mentally shaking my head at the wayward direction my thoughts have gone, I sigh before continuing to take off my boots and coat. “I guess you’re right. Sorry for the intrusion.”
He shrugs a shoulder. “No worries. I was just hanging out here by myself anyway. It’ll be nice to have some company actually.”
The admission surprises me. I would’ve bet money he had a woman who wouldn’t let him spend Christmas alone.
Once I’m done peeling off my outerwear, he shows me to a phone. I dig mine out of my tote to find Becca’s number and spend the next several minutes reassuring her I’m fine and riding out the storm with Brooks. She vouches for him, and I’m grateful. If I had to crash, at least I ended up somewhere safe.
I wander from the homey kitchen decorated in country red and white gingham to the living room and find Brooks flipping through channels on the TV. He’s sprawled on the worn couch, feet up on the scuffed coffee table. The fact the house and furnishings show their age doesn’t detract at all from their comfort, which I confirm when I plop down in the recliner. In fact, it only adds to the cozy, lived-in feeling of the place.
There’s a history of the people who have lived here in every scratch and ding. Of family laughing and loving each other, which can be seen in the photos and mementos scattered on thewalls and bookshelves. It’s something I’ve never been a part of, having grown up in foster care. But now I’ll have the chance to create it with my own little one, even if it’s just the two of us. I’ll make sure this child never doubts how much they are loved.
Brooks rolls his head to the side to peer at me, pulling me from my thoughts. “Can I get you a hot toddy?”
“Oh no, but I’d take some tea if you have it.”
He nods. “Yep. Kayla likes to drink the stuff from time to time. I’ll be just a moment. Here, knock yourself out trying to find something on TV. If you’re into Christmas shows, you’re in luck because that’s about all that’s on right now.” He hands me the remote before heading into the kitchen.
