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I couldn’t even put a real name to what had happened all those years ago. What I did know is that one day, the grim reaper would send his demons to collect my soul.
I deserved nothing less.
* * *
Wren
Snow.
I hated it, or at least I had until the night before. Shuddering, I bit my lip as I checked the godforsaken GPS application on my phone for the tenth time then glanced at the faded numbers on a small sign at the end of a gravel driveway. This had to be it. If not, I was going to call the company who’d rented me the cabin and tell them exactly what I thought about their shoddy directions and lack of detail.
As I made the turn, my stomach tightened. I’d never done anything so impetuous in my life. To ask a man I didn’t know to pretend to be my boyfriend had to be on the top of my list of stupid things. And my list was getting long.
Kissing him.
Fucking him.
Those were right up there.
Good girls don’t fuck men they don’t know. They were words my mother had told me after drinking one too many martinis the day I’d turned eighteen. That had been her way of reminding me that I had a reputation to uphold. I was the daughter of a very important man.
Then she’d spent at least an hour berating me for everything I’d done wrong in my life. That’s one reason I’d moved away as soon as possible.
Huffing, I allowed naughty visions of Phoenix to slide into my mind on purpose. He was certainly rough and rugged, which would likely force my father into drinking heavily. While I didn’t want to ruin Cammie’s wedding festivities, this had been her idea after all. And bringing a smokejumper as my date instead of a multimillionaire would give my father his just deserts.
And I didn’t even know his last name.
I was crazy. Insane.
I couldn’t help but grin. I needed to have a little fun after all. I was due. As I glanced into the rearview mirror, I noticed a spark in my eyes. That hadn’t happened in years. I was able to make light of paying a man money for his company. Who knew?
I’d worked twelve hours days for as long as I could remember, building up an impressive client list. I’d endured nasty phone calls, demands, and pompous attitudes for as long as I could remember.
At least Phoenix had been a gentlemen, digging out my car with a shovel he’d had in the bed of his truck, sending me on my way with a heated gaze and a ‘so long.’ He’d been right that the GPS had sent me via bumfuck, and I would never have made it anywhere alive given the distance to the small town where we’d stayed. He’d been my hero, a rugged savior in the night, but I wasn’t planning on telling him that. He was already arrogant enough as it was.
But the fact he still went by his code name told me a lot about his character and his love of his country. Another small shiver skated down my spine. This was just a date and nothing else. He was too grumpy to care about. However, I did love a challenge.
As I noticed a clearing just up ahead, I held my breath, praying I hadn’t been lied to about the condition of the cabin. When the structure came into view, I was pleasantly surprised, relief settling into my system. The cabin appeared rustic, but much like so many others I’d seen in the area. While the ground was covered in a blanket of white, I could sense the grounds had been well maintained. The porch wrapped around on one side, the oversized windows inviting.
I noticed a huge stone fireplace on one side and near a large shed was a stack of wood just waiting for me to light for warmth. Exhaling, I cut the engine, cursing the fact I hadn’t packed snow boots. The closest I had included heels, which wouldn’t work in this weather. I’d been forced to realize how stupid I was not coming prepared. I’d need to go shopping sooner versus later.
While Phoenix had been right and the roads had been cleared by the time he’d driven back to my car, I’d remained terrified I’d get stuck again. My mother had already called twice asking why I hadn’t been able to make the lunch reservations she’d made for just the three girls of the Tillman family.
Not that I minded missing it.
I’d remained on edge the rest of the trip and what should have taken a little more than four hours had taken six. It was already after three and I’d yet to eat anything. Why hadn’t I stopped on the way? Stupid me also hadn’t thought about purchasing food before getting here either. I’d just wanted to lock myself behind closed doors, pretending my heart wasn’t aching.
I carefully made my way up the stairs, pressing in the code to the lockbox. At least the key was inside. When I unlocked and opened the door, I stood in awe for a few seconds. The interior was gorgeous, the high ceilings drawing my attention immediately to the wooden beams. There was an incredible view from the huge back windows, and I moved toward them instantly, peering out at a majestic sight. Mountains covered in snow. Wow. Things were looking up.
I meandered through the furnished space, finding everything exactly as had been described. And the kitchen was to die for, stainless steel and granite. As I ran my fingers over the surface, I had to wonder why anyone would allow this beautiful location to be rented. Everyone had an ugly story buried somewhere in their world.
I knew that far too well.
After dragging everything inside, I returned to the kitchen, opening the cabinets. Food. Wait a minute. The cabinets were stocked. I moved from one to the other, finding an array of pastas and spices, flour and soups. Then I dared look into the refrigerator. Oh, my God. It had been fully stocked, the freezer as well. I did a happy jig, especially when I noticed a wine rack off to the side.
I needed to take back all the ugly things I’d said about the rental company. When I heard my phone, I laughed. My sister was persistent.
As I yanked out my phone, I sighed, given she’d done a facetime call. I doubted I looked my best after the long, delicious, crazy, sinful night. My thoughts remained on the rugged man as I answered, trying to act cheerful when I remained exhausted, whether from the cold or the three rounds of intense, passionate sex.
