by Kennedy Fox
“I can’t wait to hear it. When do you think it’ll be clear enough for us to head to Aspen?”
“I don’t know,” I replied, “but I don’t mind spending another day in this room with you.”
“Mmm, what kind of non-Christmasy Christmas movie is on the agenda for tonight?”
“I don’t think you actually watched much of Batman Returns, so we may need a re-watch,” I told her, grinning at the memory of why she hadn’t watched it.
“That is very true.”
“So, you excited to see where this thing between us goes?” I asked, wanting to hear the words.
“Absolutely,” Lily May replied. “And, Johnny?”
“Yeah?”
“I can’t wait to see how you celebrate Flag Day!”
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THE END
About the Author
Bethany Lopez is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than thirty books and has been published since 2011. She's a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.
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When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.
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Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!
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Chapter One
Mountain living is the best living.
I remember the words carved into a sign that hung over the reception desk of Mill Creek Resort. And as a child, visiting the 1930s mountain resort that consisted of over twenty cabins, nestled on thirteen acres of wooded perfection, I truly believed those words to be gospel. There was no better place to be than in the Lassen National Forest, living in a log cabin, surrounded by evergreen giants at a family-run resort.
“We aren’t used to having guests in the off season,” the young woman checking me in said. I could see from her nametag, that her name was Ellie. “Are you sure you know what you’re getting yourself into?”
I nodded as I signed the paperwork. “Yes. I used to visit here all the time as a kid. I also got your emails warning about the snowstorms and being buried in when they come. But frankly, it’s exactly what I need right now in my life. No escape.”
“Two months is a long time,” she said. “But I’m happy you’re staying. It’s just me and my brother, Ethan, here in the winter usually, but I really want to go visit our parents this year. I hated the idea of leaving him completely alone, so I feel a lot better knowing there will at least be another human here just in case.” She looked at me and added, “It said in your email that you’re an author writing a book while here. What’s your name so I can look for one of your books?”
“Jade Breken,” I answered, trying not to blush at the attention. It always seemed odd when people wanted to read what I wrote.
She scribbled my name down on a Post-it, and reached for the key with a carved mountain lion keychain to my cabin and handed it to me. She picked up a walkie talkie and spoke into it. “Ethan, our guest—Jade Brecken—is here. I’m having her go to cabin six.”
A man’s voice came back and said, “I’m on my way there.”
Ellie looked at me. “I don’t know if you remember how to get to cabin six, but go down this road and you’ll see it,” she said as she pointed toward the right. “It’s the only one that has firewood stacked up outside. Out of all of our cabins, I feel this one has the best view, and if you listen closely, you can hear Mill Creek flowing. That is, until it freezes over, which shouldn’t be long from now.”
I nodded with a smile. “I remember.”
I hopped in my car and drove the short distance to the cabin. I could have walked there if it weren’t for my luggage. And as I pulled up and took it all in, it was like stepping back in time. Nothing had changed at all.
Log cabins lined up along a dirt road, evergreen bushes all around, and squirrels running up and down the bark of the massive pine trees.
“Well, what do you think?” a deep voice asked from behind. “Is it how you remembered?”
I turned to see a tall, denim-clad man approaching. The setting sun behind his body formed a silhouette, keeping his appearance a mystery. Before I could get a good look at him, he was opening the hatch of my car and removing the suitcases. His tattered baseball cap with the words Mill Creek Resort scrolled across in forest green obscured my view even more.
Without getting a good look at the man, I turned my attention to the place I would be staying in for the duration of my winter season. There was no denying the rustic cabin had charm with its small wooden porch, cedar logs perfectly chinked, and gingham curtains framing the double-paned windows.
I smiled as memories of my childhood came rushing in. “Yes, it’s just like I remember it.” I tried to glance at the man again, but he was still not in clear sight unless I made it obvious I was trying to check him out. “You’ve taken really good care of the property. I don’t know why, but I expected it to be a little more worn down. Older.”
“Family owned, means family pride,” Ethan casually countered.
“Is there strong Wi-Fi?” I asked. I had made sure there was at least some sort of Wi-Fi before booking, but I was hoping it wouldn’t run at turtle speed.
“Yes, it has Wi-Fi,” he answered as he began to walk toward the cabin with all of my luggage under his arms. “But I’ll give you the password for my personal one. It’s stronger, and since it sounds like you plan to be out here during the upcoming storms, you’ll thank me for it.”
I let out a sigh of relief knowing I would at least be able to plug in my laptop and get some work done while I was here. It wouldn’t be like living in the eighteen hundreds at least. Yes, I needed to get a book written, but I didn’t want to be completely off the grid.
As I crossed the threshold of the cabin, I couldn’t help but feel at ease and instantly cozy with the room I would be living in. The theme of the décor was definitely Mountain Living. There was a log-framed queen size bed covered with a handmade quilt and embroidered pillows stacked neatly on top. The fabric had deer, bears, and pinecones covering it. The hardwood floor had a thickly woven circular rug placed in the center of the room. There was a small, wooden, two-person dining table and chairs that looked as if they were custom made. To the right of the bed was a large gingham armchair with an old-fashioned reading light next to it. The dresser’s shabby-chic appearance made it obvious it had been passed down from generation to generation. An antique mirror hung right above. The walls were cedar logs, and landscape pictures of the resort were strategically placed throughout. In the corner of the room was an old, iron, wood-burning stove that had obviously seen many years. It added to the rustic charm of the small cabin. A smile escaped my lips, and I couldn’t help but feel in awe knowing I had made the right decision in coming here. The room was warm, inviting, and would serve me well.
“Oh… it’s everything I had hoped it would be,” I exclaimed.
For the first time since his arrival, Ethan turned around and fully faced me. Light blue eyes met mine, and a smile formed on his lips. A faint scar crossed his sun-kissed cheek, giving him a rugged masculinity I had never seen in a man since my childhood coming here. Broad shoulders, lean hips and tight muscles towered over me. Mountain living had treated him well.
“I’m glad you like it. It’s one of our smaller cabins, but it’s my favorite out of all of them,” he said warmly, never taking his eyes away from mine. “It’s nice to meet you.” He reached out his hand for me to shake.
I took his hand lightly and felt an odd tingle rush through my body as his work-worn hand encircled mine. “Nice to meet you, but actually this isn’t the first time we’ve met. It’s been forever, however.”
I could feel the blush forming on my cheeks. How such a simple greeting was causing me to feel like a high school adolescent, a
mazed me. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I always had a little bit of a weakness when it came to mountain boys. They all had that woodsy, down-to-earth, active, and genuine vibe. They all liked to hike, fish, loved nature, and enjoyed the simple things in life like how a sunset looked over the tops of sugar pine trees.
“I always loved coming here as a child.” I smiled at him. “I remember playing with you and your sister when I came here.”
He looked up with wide eyes. “You did? What’s your name again?”
“Jade Breken. My family and I came for a week every summer—and occasionally a winter— until we moved too far away because of my father’s job.”
“The Brekens!” he said. “I remember you now. You had a brother too, right?”
I nodded. “We used to roast marshmallows together and play Red Rover in the meadow.” Happiness rushed in as I recalled some of the best childhood memories I had ever had.
He looked me up and down, and said, “You aren’t the little girl I remember now.”
I laughed. “And you aren’t the little boy who used to catch frogs and chase me with them either.”
“I had the biggest crush on you. Jadey B. I remember you!”
“Yeah, well you had a funny way of showing it.”
Wow… Jadey B…
I’d forgotten about that carefree, wild girl who loved Mill Creek Resort. I truly hoped I could find her again.
Ethan removed his hat revealing his dark brown hair that haphazardly encompassed his face. “Well, I’m glad you came to stay at my resort for a while. We aren’t used to having guests in the winter often, but I do think it’s the prettiest time of year here.” He smiled again. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the grown up Jadey B.”
Ethan had left so I could rest a little and get settled in. I quickly unpacked my suitcases and then turned my attentions on setting up my makeshift office at the small dining room table. I was anxious to check my messages and deal with any business that I had missed during the trip. Technically, I was on a writing trip, but I couldn’t resist the urge to deal with things as they came up rather than waiting for my return. Not to mention that two months seemed like an eternity to be away. Stepping away from my author business completely so I could only write was just not something I felt I had the luxury to take.
I was startled when I heard a knock at the door. I had been staring at my laptop for so long, I had completely lost track of time. The sun had set, leaving me in a darkened room, lit only by my computer. It took a moment to regain my surroundings as I walked toward the door.
“I figured you might feel awkward about having dinner up at the restaurant since it’s just you staying here, but it is part of the package you paid for. I thought you might like if I escort you to the restaurant,” Ethan offered as I opened the door.
He took a moment taking in the full length of my body, as I stood on the threshold of the door, before he looked over my shoulder at the dark room behind. His friendly smile turned into a look of concern.
“Um… no thank you,” I said, a bit embarrassed that I had lost track of time. “I’m not really hungry right now.”
Ethan still had the frown on his face as he pushed past me and walked into the room. “Is the power off? I swore I turned it on.” He flipped on the light switch and refocused his attention toward me standing with my mouth open in surprise that he just walked in uninvited.
“Oh, sorry. I just assumed something was wrong. I’m shocked that you were sitting here in the dark,” Ethan commented.
“I was busy working, and I lost track of time. Now, if you don’t mind, I would really like to get back to—”
“I do mind,” Ethan interrupted as he took a couple of steps toward me, closing the space between us. “You can’t be at Mill Creek and not have our First Night Dinner. You know it’s tradition. My grandfather would roll over in his grave if I allowed one of his guests to skip it.”
Annoyance boiled inside my core. The entire purpose of renting a cabin in Mill Creek was to get away from all distractions. That included the sexy mountain man standing before me.
“I know I’m technically a guest, and you’re going to want to give me that Mill Creek Resort hospitality, but I’m really okay to just be forgotten about. I know this is off season for you, and I really don’t expect the same red-carpet treatment.”
“Too bad. Off season or not, we treat our guests the same. It’s ingrained in me.”
“I’m telling you that I don’t want to have First Night Dinner,” I snapped. “What part of that are you not understanding?”
And there it was. The city bitch in me came out swinging. I instantly regretted the words and the edgy tone of my voice, but there was no taking it back now.
I was tired.
I needed to rest.
And I needed to be alone.
Ethan took another step toward me, so he was looking down into my eyes. His jaw was tight, and his blue eyes darkened. My heartbeat sped up as I desperately wanted to take a step back to gain some space between us. Yet, I refused to let him know I was intimidated. Ethan was so close to me that I could feel his hot breath against my face.
“Let me make something very clear. This is my resort, my rules. We’ve run it a certain way for generations, and you know that. A special dinner was made for you. Because you chose to come here. You’re a guest on my land and for a longer time than we normally allow. I’m going to ask you not to speak to me in that tone of voice again,” Ethan stated.
I was at a loss of words. I had no idea what to say or how to respond. I had been rude, but having him strike back was… awkward. I felt my cheeks heat by the confrontation as well as his close proximity. I wanted to go hide in a corner somewhere, and at the same time, I wanted to… well, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.
Ethan glared for the longest moment into my eyes. The silence between us was thick with tension, yet neither of us would look away. Ethan was the first to break the connection by walking over to the computer and shutting it closed.
“First rule,” he stated. “You have to enjoy Mill Creek at least a little.”
I lunged toward my computer to try to stop his dictate. “What? You can’t just come in here—”
Ethan grabbed me by the arm and stared into my eyes again. “My resort, my rules,” he interrupted. “Second rule,” he continued, never releasing me of his stare, “you allow me to meet your needs and take care of you for the entire time you’re here. It’s my job to do so.”
I was getting uncomfortable with his dominant presence. Ethan had always been a bossy kid just like his grandpa was, and clearly he still followed in his footsteps. Mr. Davis had been a cantankerous old man, but still beloved. When Mr. Davis spoke, all listened. It was part of the charm of Mill Creek Resort. In Ethan’s case, however, I wasn’t sure if I should fight back or submit to his rules. His hand on my arm was like a hot iron, branding me with his will. His eyes mesmerized me with the strength present. Ethan had complete control, and I could do nothing more than listen.
“Third rule,” he stated, pulling me a little closer to his body. “You take this time to relax and reconnect with nature even though you’re here to write. You can do both.”
Ethan leaned in closer to me. So close, that for a moment, I had the absurd idea that he may kiss me. I lightly licked my lips, getting ready for the touch and was surprisingly disappointed when he stepped back and offered his arm for me to take. Oh God, what was I doing? What was I thinking? This man was a near stranger, and I seriously doubted I would have stopped him from kissing me!
Ethan smiled again, like he’d done when I had first answered the door. “Let’s try this again. Good evening, ma’am. I thought you might like for me to escort you to dinner,” he said again in a playful tone, breaking me out of my sinful thoughts. “Ellie’s busy packing to leave tomorrow, so it’s just you and me.”
Not understanding what just happened, and why some crazy emotions attacked my body and brain, I allowe
d Ethan to place my hand on his arm and walk me out of the cabin and toward the main house for dinner.
Chapter Two
I hadn’t had a home-cooked meal in years. Everything about the dinner and the company was perfect. Ethan had a way of making me feel warm, comforted and relaxed. I ate more than I would normally and talked more about myself than I would ever do. I guarded my past, my present and my future. I opened up to very few and had found it was easier to survive. It was easier to protect. I did, however, open up slightly to Ethan. I felt comfortable enough to discuss my business, my childhood memories of Mill Creek and lightly touched on how I was sort of at a crossroads in life. I was sick of the city in more ways than one. I wasn’t happy with where I lived, who I socialized with, or pretty much anything. I needed a change, and this getaway was going to help me figure out what that change would be.
I took the last bite of my meal and leaned back in my chair. “I’m so full, I could explode. I haven’t had real food in what feels like forever. I live off of take out and the microwave.”
Ethan smiled warmly. “I’m happy that Mill Creek can remind you of what a good meal should be like. We’re known for our good food, good air, and a good night’s sleep.”
I chuckled. “Thank you for this. I now remember how much First Night Dinner was a favorite of mine. It really does set the tone of the place.”
A silent calm washed over us as we both just looked at each other. Ethan’s eyes were soft and gentle. He casually had one arm slung over the back of the chair, giving off a sense of comfort and a feeling of home. I realized we were both staring at each other and grew uneasy.
“So, what’s there to do around here during the off season?” I asked to change up the mood that was being created. “Everything nearby is closed right?”
