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I hit the screen and the phone comes to life. I do have several missed calls and even more text messages.
Gabriel: Where’s the stupid elf?
Gabriel: Hello? I’m at the house and can’t find him
Gabriel: ASHTON. Call me. NOW
Gabriel: I can’t find the fucking elf
Gabriel: Forget it. I’m not waiting any longer. You can explain to the kids why Snowflake didn’t show up
What an asshole. He’s obviously zero percent concerned about me dying in a blizzard.
And he can’t even get the elf’s name right.
I text him back, punching out the message in a hot surge of anger.
Ashton: It’s Snowball, you jerk
Then I check my voicemail messages. The first one’s from Stella: “Babe— I hope you’re okay. Worried about you up there in a blizzard. Call me or text me to let me know you’re safe.”
Thirty minutes later, she dropped me another message: “Ashton, call us back. Now Wes is worried too. Please.”
Another hour later, I had a call from Wes: “Ash, call me. Stella’s freaking out.”
The last message is from Wes this morning: “Don’t leave. We’re on our way.”
Oh shit. Wes and Stella are trying to come to Spruce Ridge in a blizzard?
I dial Stella’s number, but it goes straight to voicemail: “Hey, this is Stella. Leave me a message!”
“Stella, it’s me.”
And then my cell dies.
Double shit. The power’s not back on yet, either, so I can’t even charge it up.
Knock, knock.
Could Stella and Wes already be up here? Spruce Ridge isn’t that far of a drive, but still…
I head to the front door and fling it open, fully expecting to see my brother and bestie standing on the front porch.
Bitter cold hits my cheeks, even as my skin burns. I suck frosty air into my lungs, trying to catch my breath.
“Jack—”
CHAPTER12
JACK
“Jack— what are you doing here?”Surprise tips Ashton’s voice up an octave, her hands disappearing into the sleeves of my sweatshirt. Her skin’s blotchy, like she’s been crying, and the realization I caused that pain hits me like a sucker punch to the gut.
I’m such an asshole. I should apologize and walk away.
“After I hung up my call, I looked for you, but you were gone. I need to know you’re alright— I don’t want you to freeze to death.” I shove a hand into the pocket of my jeans, trying to seem calm even though my heart’s pounding double-time.
“I’m fine. I found a spare key under the topiary Christmas tree.”
