Whispers of Winter: A Limited Edition Collection of Winter Romances

by Nicole Morgan

  He leaned over and opened the door, pushing it out so she could step into the truck. From the look on her face, he could tell men routinely opened the car door and helped her into the vehicle. He glanced away as she got in, disgusted with himself to have forgotten that simple little gesture. “Hey, how are you today? Anymore news on your grandfather?” he asked as he waited for her to buckle the belt.

  “He is doing wonderfully. He might come home in a few days. The doctor said he's made a remarkable recovery for a man his age. Thanks for asking about him, Kellen. He’s an important part of my life.” She turned toward him, a smile lighting up her entire face. “I’m so excited to look at the appliances. Isn’t that ridiculous?”

  “No, it’s not. I think having the correct tools for any trade is really important.” They pulled away from the curb, turning left at the next road to head toward the highway. “You want to talk or listen to music?”

  “We can’t do both?” she asked, cocking her head sideways to look at him. “I can listen to music and talk, can’t you?”

  “I’m giving you a choice instead of assuming.” He shrugged his shoulders. Can’t I do anything right around her?

  Her eyes widened when she realized his attempt to be polite. She giggled. “Sorry, I was just trying to be funny. Sure, we can listen to music. What kind do you listen to? We could find a station with Christmas music if you want.”

  “Except for Christmas music, I pretty much like anything. Old rock, blues, some country. What about you?” Kellen found he wanted to learn more about her.

  “Pretty much anything but rap or jazz.” She reached for the knob and turned on the stereo. Bob Seager’s “Turn the Page” blared from the speakers. She glanced over at him, and he quickly turned the speakers down.

  “Sorry. When I’m by myself, I like it a bit loud.” He actually felt the heat brush across his face.

  “I do the same thing when I’m in the house. I like it loud enough to drown out my own singing. I can’t carry a tune, but I love to sing.” She glanced at him with a huge grin. “Something I will never subject even my worst enemy to.”

  “I love to sing too but not in front of people either.” He relaxed a little as they sat in silence and listened to the song.

  “So, where are you from?” Rhian asked when the song ended. She wanted to hear him talk, listen to the rough, deep timbre of his voice. It sent shivers through her body. He had a gruff manner that made him different from the boys she had grown up with.

  “Not really from any one place. I’ve moved around quite a bit.”

  “Do you have any family?” She was curious about him. She hadn’t had much experience with the blue-collar workers of Savannah. Maybe that was the attraction.

  “My folks and a sister. I keep in touch with them off and on. We aren’t close by any means. My sister is about six years older than me.” He shrugged his shoulders. “We never spent any time together. I was just her kid brother and always in the way.”

  “Oh, I wish I'd had a brother or sister growing up. My father always expected so much from me. When my mom died, he expected even more. He’s really strict and never gives me an inch.” She sighed and looked out the window. “I was supposed to go to Italy after the holidays. I wanted to have some time to myself to paint. It’s my passion, but Daddy sees it as a waste of time. I’ve always been in his shadow. Now that I’m an adult, I thought a little soul searching away from his reach might help. I guess that won’t happen now.” She straightened her shoulders and turned back toward him. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud. I’m so good at embarrassing myself.”

  “Hey, it’s okay. I think sometimes it’s easier to talk to people you don’t know.” He reached over to pat the top of her hand. When he touched her, heat rushed through her and quickened her pulse. She didn’t know whether he sensed that or felt it too; he pulled his hand back quickly and put it on the steering wheel. “So, why is he so strict with you?”

  “I don’t know, probably because I’m all he has left. I get that, but I was never allowed to wear makeup or date boys. He got extremely upset when I told him I wanted to get a job and my own place.” She glanced over at him. “Do you want to hear about this? My life is pretty boring.”

  “Yeah. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders, and I just wondered why he would be so strict.”

  “I think if mom were still around, he wouldn’t be. Even Grandfather is a bit overbearing at times. Not like Daddy, but he thinks it’s his job to keep me safe. When I told them I got a job as an assistant at an art gallery, you would have thought I'd told them I was moving to the moon.”

  Kellen laughed. “I guess you were sheltered as a kid, huh?”

  “Looking back, I guess I was protected. It surprised me Daddy wanted me to take charge of the café project. I don’t know a thing about renovations or whatever you do. I suppose he wanted to prevent me from going to Italy. He saw it as the perfect opportunity to keep me from leaving.” She crossed her arms. “Oh, it just pisses me off!”

  Shaking his head, Kellen replied, “I didn’t think you would say something like that.”

  “Why? Just because he’s stodgy doesn’t mean I am. I do have friends, you know. What about you? Was your family strict?”

  “Nope, my folks couldn’t care less. If I wasn’t home, it was one less mouth to feed. It wasn’t very pleasant around my place, a lot of fighting and drinking.” Shrugging his shoulders, he glanced at her. “Do you mind if we change the subject? I don’t really like talking about my childhood.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up any unpleasant memories. Is that why you don’t like Christmas?”

  “Yeah, but hey, no problem. It’s funny to hear you have problems, too. I always figured kids with money had nothing to worry about,” he said. “We’re almost there.”

  Rhian opened her mouth to respond but changed her mind. She watched him out of the corner of her eye. She thought she had seen something in his gaze, something he tried hard to hide. Her pulse receded; she couldn’t let herself fall for this man. She wanted some time on her own to figure things out. Time away from the control and expectations of her father and grandfather. Neither her father nor grandfather would approve of an attachment to this man. Would it be worth the confrontation? Oh, who am I kidding? I’ve tried to avoid their anger all my life.

  Nope, she would just oversee things and not allow herself to be drawn in by this man. Besides, anyone she had ever been attracted to always came up lacking in her father’s eyes.

  When they turned off at the exit, the truck hit a bump, jogging her from her doomed thoughts. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “Oh, I can’t wait! I’ve never gone shopping for appliances before.” She glanced over at him and laughed. “I know, that sounds really lame.”

  “No, it doesn’t. I know a lot of people who have never actually shopped for appliances. They usually leave that part to me.”

  Chapter Six

  As soon as he parked the truck, Kellen jumped out and ran around to Rhian’s door to help her down. He liked the way she smiled at him for the simple gesture. “Garrett said to have the clerk call him as soon as we arrived.” He led the way into the large warehouse.

  Rhian looked everywhere at once. “I feel like a kid in a toy store.”

  He chuckled. “This way, Rhian.” They walked over to the counter. “Hey, Garrett is expecting us. My name is Kellen Slade and this is Rhian St. Claire.”

  “Yes, sir. He told me you would be here this afternoon. I’ll let him know you’ve arrived. Would either of you like something to drink?”

  “No thanks. Rhian?”

  “No. I’m fine. They certainly have a lot of appliances here.” She turned around to peer down one of the aisles.

  “Yes ma’am, we sure do. Oh, here comes Garrett. Please excuse me.” He walked behind the counter to answer the phone.

  “Kellen. How the hell are you?” They shook hands and he slapped Kellen on the shoulder. “You must be Rhian.
I hear you’re looking for some commercial grade appliances for your café?” he asked, shaking her hand.

  “Yes, I think it’s time for an update.” She moved a little closer to Kellen. The man stood well over six-feet and was covered with tattoos. From the look on her face, Kellen doubted she had ever seen anyone like him before except on TV.

  Garrett raised his eyebrow and glanced at Kellen. “A little skittish?”

  “Well, look at you. You’d scare me if I didn’t know you were nothing but a big… uh, teddy bear.” He caught himself just in time. He presumed she was one of those women who would find the “P” word offensive.

  Rhian put a hand on her hip and pointed at the men. “Just because I haven’t been around tattoos and piercings before, doesn’t mean I’m frightened or judgmental. It just took me by surprise, that’s all.”

  Garrett burst out laughing and shook his head. “Come on. Let’s get started, shall we?”

  After they had picked out the stove, grill, sink, freezer, and refrigerator, Rhian seemed more relaxed. “Would you mind if I stepped away to use the ladies’ room?”

  “Not at all. I can take care of the rest of this with Garrett. It’s down that hallway to the left.”

  As the two men watched her walk away, Garrett turned to him. “Censoring what you say now? Is she someone special?”

  “No, just the boss’s daughter. I don’t want to fuck up before I get the job started. Rhian’s a rich girl who has led a sheltered life. I don’t think she would have appreciated hearing me call you a pussy.”

  “I’ve never known you to give a shit about what you said in front of a woman. Hell, I’ve never known you to give a shit about a woman before. You slipping, man?” He punched Kellen and ducked away, laughing.

  “Give me a break, asshole. This job will make me money and I have to ‘work closely’ with her, according to the old man’s wishes.” He made air quotes and rolled his eyes. “You see the appliances he lets his little princess choose? They have money. This job is going to be a good payoff and hopefully a great reference.”

  “Got you. But hey, dickhead, you better watch yourself with this one. She may be your undoing,” Garrett replied, watching Kellen for a reaction.

  “I don’t think so. I haven’t met one so far that could get under my skin. Ring us out so I can get the princess home. I still have some other supplies to get.”

  Chapter Seven

  As they turned back onto the main highway, Kellen said, “That went really well. Most people don’t decide so quickly on what they want. I’m glad you came along. I hope Garrett wasn’t too much for you.”

  “I was taken aback at first, but he is really nice. Could he tell? I hate to be rude”

  He laughed. “Oh, he knew, Rhian. That’s why he gave me shit about it. No worries, though, he has that effect on people. So, do you want to get something to eat before I drop you off?”

  “No, that’s really not necessary. I can make something when I get home. Unless you want me to… ”

  “Whatever you want. We could discuss the colors you want for the café when we paint.”

  “Why don’t we just go back to my place? I can make us something and we can talk without any distractions.” Whoa, girl. You barely know him, and he may just take the invitation wrong.

  “Uh, that probably isn’t a good idea. I just remembered there is something I have to do tonight. Why don’t we meet tomorrow morning for coffee to discuss the paint?”

  “Sure, if that’s what you want.” Rhian sat back, sighed, and looked out the window. More like someone to do tonight. She felt a twinge of jealousy and regret. Shock hit her. What the hell? I don’t even know this man.

  Kellen’s hands gripped the steering wheel so hard his knuckles went white. She wondered if he was interested in her or had seen the disappointment on her face when he turned her down. His expression told her he had gone to that dark place again. He abruptly changed the subject. “I think we should paint at least one wall of the café a nice yellow. It’s a good color in a dining room. What do you think?”

  “Sure. My grandmother’s dining room was the color of sunshine. I always loved it.” She looked at his profile. His nose had a little bump in the middle and she wondered if he had broken it when he was young. She glanced down at his arms and watched the way his muscles moved as he turned the truck onto the exit ramp.

  He glanced over at her. “Are you all right?”

  “Oh, I’m fine. Why do you ask?” She knew she was rambling; he must have seen her checking him out again.

  “You look a little flushed. Are you overheated? Want me to turn the heat down?”

  “No. I said I’m just fine,” she replied a little too harshly.

  “Okay, just making sure. Sorry I asked.”

  Rhian sat perfectly still, not knowing what to do or say. This man confused her. Kind and nice one minute, withdrawn and moody the next. Of course, when she was around him, her mood also seemed to run the complete spectrum of emotions.

  They turned down her street and he pulled up to the curb by her house. “I’ll call you tomorrow to set something up,” he said and waited for her to get out of his truck.

  With a sigh, she pushed the door open and climbed down. Closing the door, she walked away without a glance back or another word. He slammed the truck into gear and took off. He did not even wait to make sure she got into the courtyard okay. What an ass.

  By the time she got to her apartment, she was seething. She threw her keys on the little painted table just inside her front door and tossed her purse in the overstuffed polka dot chair. She started pacing like a caged animal. Why did this man get to her like this? She had never been so consumed by anger at one person before—not even at her father, who smothered her constantly. Maybe she should tell her father she couldn’t work with this man. She stopped in her tracks. Her father would blame her, as he always did, making her feel inadequate. No, she would see this through and prove him wrong.

  Chapter Eight

  The next morning, he called early hoping she would already be up.

  “Hello,” she said in a flat voice.

  “Morning. Did you want to meet for coffee and run to the hardware store to look at paint?”

  “What time do you want to go?”

  “Can you be ready in an hour? I have some other errands I need to run before the delivery truck meets me at the café. I want to get started this afternoon.”

  “That’s fine, unless you’d rather just meet you somewhere for coffee?”

  “No, I’ll pick you up. See you soon.”

  He finished his errands a bit early and as he pulled up to her house, he hit her number on his cell. “I’m here. You ready?”

  “Just about, you can come up if you want.”

  “Okay, buzz me through these damn gates.” The lock clicked open and he made his way into the courtyard, thinking how peaceful it appeared. Gardenia bushes, flowerbeds, and a small winding gravel path wound its way through to the other side. It wouldn’t be bad looking at this every evening. He strode to the door in front of him and bound up the stairs two at a time. He turned left down the hall and saw her door open just a tiny bit. He knocked and she called for him to come in.

  He was pleasantly surprised by her little apartment. It smelled like pine—and her. She had a petite Christmas tree tucked into the corner by the window with so many ornaments on it you could barely see the green branches. He liked that she had mismatched furniture rather than the coordinated set he expected from a rich girl. The blue and white polka dot chair in the corner made him smile. A painting, with her signature at the bottom, hung on the wall. As he studied it, the floorboards creaked and he turned just as she stepped back into the room. The light coming in the windows moved across her skin, and he could see just a hint of the silhouette of her body under the top she wore.

  When he glanced back to her face, she watched him intently. The T-shirt hugged his body, and he knew his abs were visible. He ran his fingers through
his hair, flexing his muscles, and sauntered slowly toward her. She looked up at him with her lips parted just a little. He put his arms around her and pulled her against him. Glancing down into her eyes, he paused for a moment to make sure it was okay.

  Rhian’s breath caught in her chest, and her heart pounded. Oh no, he is going to kiss me. What am I doing? Her mind raced. When she gazed into his eyes, she saw the desire. His heart beat as rapidly as hers did, and she could feel his need when he pulled her against him. She melted in his arms and parted her lips as his head dipped down. He softly kissed her mouth. She moaned and heard his breath catch. He kissed her deeper, pulling her closer to him.

  “Kellen,” she whispered against his neck. “Please, stop. I can’t do this.” She pushed against his chest and tried to move away. “We need to go.”

  He let go of her and backed up. “Sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I shouldn’t have gone that far.”

  “Look, can we just go?” she asked, her body trembling.

  “Yeah, sure. Let’s go. Do you still want to ride with me?” He grabbed his keys, not looking at her.

  “That’s fine, if you don’t mind. I don’t get out to that side of town, and I’m not sure where the store is.” Her voice quivered, and she could have kicked herself. She glanced at the calendar on her wall. Just a few more weeks and she might be able to make her trip to Italy--away from her life and this man she found so attractive.

  “Wouldn’t have asked if I minded. Let’s go.” Kellen opened the door and waited for Rhian to grab her coat without making eye contact with her.

  They walked down to his truck, and Rhian quickly opened the door and climbed in before he could help her. He started the engine and reached over to turn on the radio. He hit scan and “Don’t Let Me Down” by the Beatles blasted through the speakers. He put the truck in gear and pulled away from the curb.