WHITEOUT: Above And Beyond (Beauty 0f Life Book 10)

by Laura Acton

  After Scott left, Dan bent over to adjust his boot as best he could so it didn’t rub on his mercilessly throbbing shin. Though honest with Scott about his leg hurting, Dan didn’t want to let this interfere with their afternoon. He blew out a breath and considered the best option might be to give his sore leg time to rest by teaching Scott and Loki how to snowboard tomorrow.

  Straightening and peering up at the dense, dark grey clouds, Dan wondered if the storm which dropped several inches of snow today would gain strength or dissipate overnight. The powder would be perfect for snowboarding if it continued to snow at this rate.

  Frustrated by losing track of her blond target for a significant portion of the afternoon, and hoping Mindy had not beaten her to speaking with the other twin, Willow grinned when she caught sight of Dan. She changed course and headed straight for him as she enacted her plan.

  Digging her poles in to push off, Willow ramped up her speed. As she got closer, faking to be entirely out of control, she screamed, “Watch out! Oh my, oh no!”

  Dan turned in time to spot a woman in a bright pink ski suit barreling towards him. He reacted fast but not quick enough to clear out of the way of the frenzied skier. She slammed into him full force, and they went tumbling. Instinctively, Dan’s protective nature came out, and he wrapped himself around the woman, allowing his body to take the brunt of the impact. Their downward motion abruptly halted when Dan’s skull and shoulder whacked into a pine tree’s trunk.

  Stunned from striking his head, Dan lay still, taking stock of himself. His shoulder and head ached, but other than that, he determined he sustained no physical damage. Sitting up, Dan saw the young woman lying on her back with both eyes shut. After getting to his knees and crawling the foot or so to her, Dan lightly tapped her face. “Miss, are you okay? Miss?”

  Pretending to be dazed until Dan touched her, Willow dramatically blinked her eyelids open. His sapphire eyes were so close … her heart raced, and she batted her lashes. “I’m sorry. I tried not to hit you. I’m a terrible skier and shouldn’t have attempted this run yet.”

  “Do you hurt anywhere?”

  Willow produced her most dazzling smile. “No. Thank goodness.” She clasped his offered hand and sat up. “Oh my, you’re bleeding.”

  Dan noted wetness running down his face but believed it to be melting snow. He tugged off a glove, touched his head, and peered at his bloody fingertips. Great, just what I didn’t need. Now Scott and Loki will cluck over me relentlessly.

  Ron Jenkins, a ski patrolman, witnessed the collision and glided to a stop near the two sitting in the snow. “You two alright?”

  “He’s bleeding. I accidentally ran into him, and he hit his head.”

  “I’m okay. Only a scratch. Even minor head wounds tend to bleed a lot.” Dan wiped his fingers off in the snow, rose, and gathered his poles and skis, which had come off via quick release when they rolled several yards. His shin screamed at him as he reconnected his boot to his ski.

  Ron didn’t like the appearance of the head wound. “I’ll follow you down, sir. You hit hard. I want our medic to check you for a possible concussion.”

  “Not necessary. Didn’t lose consciousness, and this is a minor scratch, only need a bandage.”

  “At least allow him to clean the wound.” Ron held on to the wobbly female who faltered, trying to maintain her balance.

  Dan’s gaze moved to the bottom of the hill. Scott and Loki would surely make him go anyway, so he acquiesced. “Alright.”

  Still playing the hapless skier, Willow waited for the hunky ski patrolman to help her lock her boots into her skis. I’m going to add him to my list of conquests for this trip … after Dan, of course.

  Turning her attention to Dan, Willow used her syrupy voice, “I’m so sorry. You got hurt because of me. You must let me buy you a coffee or something.”

  “No need. Thanks, though,” Dan said with a small grin.

  His smile was beautiful, but the line of blood down his cheek caused remorse to build. Willow didn’t think he would be hurt by her little stunt, no one in the past had ever been harmed. “Please, I feel awful.”

  “Maybe later, but now I need to rejoin my friends.” Dan’s head pounded, his shoulder ached, and his shin continued to throb. I’m done for the day. Going down the hill is gonna suck. Hope the guys don’t go all mother-hen.

  The three made their way unhurriedly down the slope with Ron assisting Willow. A worried Scott and Loki met Dan at the bottom.

  Scott spied the injury. “Dan, what happened?”

  “I became a stop sign,” Dan quipped, trying to keep things light.

  “He saved me. I would’ve run right into the trees,” Willow simpered as she glommed on to his arm, pretending to be unstable on her skis.

  Loki grinned and teased, “Dantastic saves another damsel in distress. You’re supposed to be on vacation. No more heroics allowed.”

  Dan rolled his eyes at Loki’s remark as Scott chuckled.

  “The first-aid station is over there.” Ron pointed to the right before taking off to return to his observation post. He figured Dan’s twin and dark-haired friend would ensure he went to be checked out. Ron glanced back at the attractive woman and also reckoned Dan would be getting lucky tonight with the way she hung on him.

  As the four moved towards the shack, Willow introduced herself and reiterated she wanted to buy Dan a coffee to apologize. Though Dan didn’t believe she needed to, since accidents happen, he graciously accepted when she insisted it would assuage her guilt. The medic declared him alright after examining and cleaning the small cut but suggested he take a short break before returning to the slopes, so they headed for the cafeteria.

  Ski Lodge – Cafeteria

  Sitting on the metal bench, Dan reached down to remove both ski boots and carefully rub his aching shin. Yeah, I’m definitely done for today. Hope by tomorrow my leg stops throbbing or I’m gonna have to find a doctor, or at least take a day off to rest.

  Scott studied Dan’s demeanor while Loki and Willow went to get coffee. “Your shin is hurting more than a little, isn’t it?”

  Dan glanced up and couldn’t lie to Scott, but didn’t quite acknowledge his statement either, choosing a slight deflection. “Gonna follow Jon’s order and rest for now. I’ll hang out here if you and Loki still want to ski.”

  Scott sighed, pivoted, and strode towards an employee. After a short dialog, the worker went to the kitchen and returned a few moments later with two items. Scott stopped at the soda dispenser and filled the leak-proof plastic bag with ice.

  Back at the table, Scott eyed Dan as he held the bag and cloth towel. “Time to ice your wound. Put your leg up on the bench, unzip the side panel, and pull your pants leg up.”

  Though his younger cousin gave him a defiant scowl, Dan shifted on the seat and did as requested. Scott picked up one of the discarded boots and positioned it under Dan’s ankle before settling the covered bag of ice on Dan’s injured leg. “Keep this on for twenty minutes.”

  Glad they chose a table against the wall, Dan leaned back and closed his eyes. The cold helped lessen the ever-present throbbing in his shin, but the pounding in his head began to increase. Yep, gonna need to take tomorrow off.

  Returning with hot beverages, Willow sat next to Dan. She noted his leg and regretted the impulsive means used to force their introduction. Ashamed of her action, guilt flushed her cheeks as she recognized her reckless behavior could’ve hurt both of them severely. “Did you hit your shin too?”

  “No, ran into a wall yesterday. Thanks for the coffee.”

  Mindy sauntered up to the table after witnessing the spectacularly stupid and dramatic way Willow attempted to advance her cause, or in this case, didn’t. She ended up injuring the guy she wanted to sleep with … not right in Mindy’s book. Though aware, she pretended to be ignorant of the entire escapade. “There you are, Willow. Been searching all over the place for you.”

  Willow smiled at Mindy. “Dan saved me from
running into a tree. I shouldn’t have tried the intermediate slope … my skills aren’t up to snuff.” She pointed to the men. “This is Dan, Scott, and Loki. Guys, this is my bestest friend Mindy.”

  After introductions, the second snow bunny joined them, choosing to sit beside Scott. Mindy smiled and played along with Willow’s subterfuge. “Willow tries but isn’t a good skier yet. She runs into all manner of things. She could use some lessons before she hurts herself … or someone else.”

  Glancing at the propped-up limb, Mindy peered at Scott, turning on her charm. “Though it appears Willow already did quite a number on your twin.”

  As the three guys laughed, Mindy and Willow became perplexed.

  “We aren’t twins.” Dan took a sip of his coffee.

  “But you’re identical. How can you not be twins?” Mindy scrutinized the two men. Up close, she now noted one appeared slightly older.

  “We’re cousins. I’m the original. Danny’s the carbon copy.”

  “The younger and better version.” Dan flashed a lopsided grin.

  Scott chuckled. “Lily knows which one is better. She picked me, not you.”

  “That’s only because you waited until after she married you to introduce me,” Dan joked.

  Mindy’s eyes shifted to Scott’s left hand, noting the gold band. Darn, he is married. I refuse to go after married men, no matter how hot they are. That is a whole bucket of trouble I want to avoid. I only want a fun romp in the hay, not to be a home-wrecker. She shifted her attention to Loki, checking his hand for a ring, and smiling when she found none.

  The group chatted about inconsequential things while they sipped their drinks until Loki asked, “Dan, you gonna ski anymore today?”

  “Nah, I’m done. You two can go out if you want.”

  Loki shook his head. “I’m a little tuckered out. Forgot how much effort skiing takes. Scott, what about you?”

  “I’m ready to go too. How about we return the rental gear and load up my skis while Dan rests here? We’ll bring your regular boots back with us.”

  Loki stood and gently removed the rented boot from under Dan’s leg and picked up the other one. He realized Dan must be hurting if he allowed icing of his leg in public. “I suggest we bring the car closer, so Dan doesn’t have to walk as far.”

  Relieved to be able to sit and relax his abused body, Dan tossed Scott his rented ski goggles. “I’m okay with your plan. Thanks, guys.” He rested against the wall again and shut his eyes, hoping to stop the drum section from pounding away with a few minutes of silence.

  “Back in a few, Doppelganger.” Scott’s concern grew when Dan agreed without argument. Although the cut is minor, Dan did whack his head on a tree and must hurt more than he let on … wise to call it a day earlier than planned.

  Mindy rose and tagged along with Loki, eager to win the bet on who would bed him first, but Willow choose to stay at the table with Dan, her sights still on sleeping with him. Once they were alone, she glanced around to ensure no one was watching and sidled closer.

  She allowed her hand to rest on Dan’s groin, and she moved it up and down, giving him a slight squeeze as she purred, “Want to come to my room so I can thank you properly? You can catch up with your buddies tomorrow.”

  Dan’s eyes flew open as she felt him up. He seized her wrist and firmly moved her roaming hand to the tabletop as his gaze met hers. Shit! I should’ve realized she is a typical snow-bunny. The lust in her eyes is unmistakable. He learned all about co-eds and their sex games here. Lorelei Ravensworth had been his first encounter, but certainly not his last.

  At seventeen, he was a willing participant and enjoyed the pleasure they offered, but he was no longer a randy teen. He found his soulmate, and no woman would ever hold a candle to Lexa. Dan vowed to remain faithful to her so long as he still clung to the hope things might eventually work out for them.

  Pouring on all her seductive persuasion, Willow said, “I’m attracted to you, Dan. We can have a fun time tonight, no strings attached.”

  Not wanting to cause a scene or unduly embarrass Willow, Dan decided a white lie would be necessary to let her down easier. “I apologize if I unintentionally sent out any signals. I’m unavailable. I have a girlfriend.”

  Willow put on her pouty lips she had been told were sexy. “What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.”

  “No. I’m a one-woman guy. I would never cheat on her. It would be disrespectful, and I’m not designed that way.” Dan released her hand, hoping she wouldn’t try again.

  Sighing, unhappy about being rebuffed, but secretly hoping one day she found someone like him when she was ready to settle for one person, Willow realized she wouldn’t get him to warm her bed tonight. “Sorry to hear you’re taken. We could’ve enjoyed super-hot sex. So many guys would have said yes. Your girl is a lucky one.”

  Willow stood when she spied the athletic and handsome ski patrol guy. “Sorry I ran into you. See you around.”

  Dan watched the snow bunny head straight for the guy who assisted her down the hill. Yep, I called it right … she is on the prowl for some action and not too particular who she gets it from.

  Loki and Scott returned fifteen minutes later, minus Mindy. Loki asked, “Where’d Willow go?”

  “Could ask you where Mindy went.” Dan smiled.

  Scott chuckled. “That one was out trawling the waters. Not too fussy what seafood she caught.”

  Loki handed Dan his boots. “Last night’s catch spotted her in the rental shop and wanted to be hooked again. She seemed happy to oblige and reeled him in when I told her we aren’t staying at the lodge.”

  Putting on his footwear, Dan laughed. “Same here. She’s after another guy.” Dan stood and winced as he put weight on his leg. He staggered with his first step, his head spinning a little until he sucked in a breath and exhaled.

  Scott stabilized Dan when he swayed. “Whoa! Shin or head?”

  “Both. A samba is playing in my skull. Think I might’ve smacked the spruce harder than I thought. My shoulder isn’t feeling so super either,” Dan answered truthfully while allowing Scott to keep a hold on him.

  Surprise lit Loki’s face with how candidly Dan responded to his cousin. It reminded him of how Dan honestly answered Jim. He hoped one day Dan would be as comfortable with him and trust him with the truth.

  Scott set a slow pace to the vehicle and stayed close to Dan.

  As they walked out, Loki asked, “Did you bring any pain relievers, Dan?”

  “No. Should be some at the cabin, though.”

  Snowstorm of the Century

  18

  November 22

  General Store Parking Lot – 4:20 p.m.

  Loki insisted they stop at the small store a few miles from the lodge after listening to an updated weather report on the radio. Since bad things tended to happen to him in the woods, he planned for a worst-case scenario, adamant they acquire extra provisions in case the storm lasted longer than projected.

  Scott believed Loki over-planned based on the considerable amount of food he brought but agreed to stop, wanting to purchase a bottle of pain reliever. After Dan admitted to a headache, Scott was unwilling to chance being without if his cousin happened to be wrong about there being some at the cabin.

  Dan remained in the vehicle while Scott and Loki went into the store. He almost nodded off because they took so long. When Loki and Scott carried out two huge boxes of food, he laughed as they opened the rear door. “Guys, we’re only here another few days. Why did you buy all that?”

  “Did you forget I don’t fare too well in forests? Once spent a freezing night stuck on a ledge in a ravine and another time, sprained my ankle hanging upside-down trapped in a drug dealer’s snare … to name two. Better to stock up and be safe than sorry with the severe storm coming our way.”

  The snow, which had been steadily increasing, started to fall more heavily as Loki finished speaking and pulled open the front passenger door. He pointed skyward. “See! This isn
’t supposed to happen until later tonight.”

  Dan only shook his head.

  “Catch,” Loki said as he hopped into his seat and tossed a small pill bottle to Dan. “Take a few to stop the samba in your head.”

  “Thanks.” Dan popped off the lid, shook out two tablets, and washed them down with water. He dropped the analgesics next to his antibiotics in his open backpack, resting on the floor and leaned his head on the cold window.

  “You didn’t fight me on taking those. You always resist.” Loki stared at his teammate with his mouth agape as he snapped his seatbelt on.

  Dan shrugged.

  “Hold this, please.” Scott handed the banana cream pie to Loki, slid into the driver’s seat, and pulled his seat restraint across his chest, and latched it.

  Loki put the pie in his lap and twisted a little to peer at Dan, who sat behind Scott. “Why didn’t you resist taking the painkillers?”

  When Dan remained silent, Scott inserted the key in the ignition as he said, “Danny knows better when I’m around. We established that early on.” He switched the windshield wipers to the fastest setting, hoping to keep up with the snowfall as he pulled on to the road.

  Dan nodded, and half-closed his eyes, willing the meds to do their work and reduce the pounding in his skull and the ache in his shoulder and shin.

  Though Loki wondered what Scott meant, he didn’t pry when neither Dan nor Scott explained.

  Access Road to Cabin – 4:35 p.m.

  The wipers barely kept up with the dense snowfall blanketing the area, which caused Scott to drive slower than the first two times down this unpaved mountain road. The storm expected later tonight, decided to blow in early with vicious intent, making all three glad they prepared and had a cozy cabin waiting for them. Encountering at least a foot of fresh snow and icy patches, Scott shifted the suburban into four-wheel-drive.