Cabin Fever

by Shani Greene-Dowdell et al.

“Here we are.” She threw the truck in park.

  “Looks just like the pic.” I glanced at the picture on my cell.

  She hopped out of the truck. “It’s one of the best cabins to rent in Talkeetna.”

  I grabbed my luggage off the back seat, then followed her toward the front door.

  “Especially, if you want a spectacular view of the lake, mountains, or just want seclusion.”

  She opened her gloved hand. “Key?”

  I placed the key in her palm.

  “Is that what you were looking for?”

  Her eyebrow arched. “No, I told you I wanted the beauty.”

  “You sure about that?”

  She froze, staring at the door. Puffs of cold air escaped her lips. Despite the cold whipping through the layers of clothes I wore, smacking my bones, I only thought about kissing those beautiful lips. It was a lost cause. She wouldn’t let me into her space.

  I placed my hand on her back and her body shuddered.

  “Are you all right?” I asked in a low voice.

  “Yeah, yeah. Let’s warm up this cabin.”

  She avoided my question. I couldn’t help but wonder: what was she hiding?

  Kara pushed the door open and I held the door as she stepped inside.

  “I’ll grab the groceries.”

  I placed my luggage in the living room, then retrieved the groceries out of the truck.

  Upon entering a second time, my eyes scanned the contemporary cabin finishes. “That bar will be my best friend.”

  She smirked and popped open the thick gray curtains. “I bet it will.”

  “Hey, I’m on vacation,” I teased, as I placed the shopping bags on the kitchen counter.

  She shrugged. “True. I’ll run the hot water through the pipes.” Kara slipped past me, stepping over to the sink.

  “Ok, and I’ll get a fire going.”

  Kneeling fireside, I stared at the ambers.

  I’d like to hold a conversation with Kara without her biting my head off. I wasn’t looking for a girlfriend. Yet, she was definitely the only woman I was interested in spending time with on my vacation.

  Kara’s heavy boots pounded the wooden steps as she descended, tearing me from my deep thoughts about her.

  “Feels toasty already.”

  I glanced over my shoulder. Kara sat on the sofa to my right.

  “Oh, I make a mean bonfire on the beach.”

  She threw her head back in laughter. “I can see that. Bare feet and board shorts.”

  “Damn right. Who needs a shirt in the evening in L.A.? Well, if it’s summer and it’s eighty degrees.”

  I pushed the iron poker between the logs to keep the orange and blue flames high.

  “Well, after a week of roughing it in this below zero weather, you’ll begin to appreciate L.A.”

  I placed the poker back in the holder and sat beside Kara.

  “I’ve lived there all my life. I needed a change of scenery. Who knows I might extend my stay?”

  “Are you running from something?”

  My head softly thudded the brown leather sofa. “No, I was burned out. I worked nonstop trying to live up to my father’s expectations.”

  “You have to be your own person.”

  “True. I am. My father and his best friend were successful running the company for years. My best friend and I now run their business. Our fathers built a solid business.”

  “You’re afraid you won’t keep the company as successful.”

  “Right or I will for now. But what if one day I can’t?”

  She placed her soft hand on top of mine. “Believe in yourself. You’ve got this.”

  I clutched her fingers as our eyes locked. “Thank you, Kara.”

  She cleared her throat. “We should get going. You won’t ruin my night out.”

  My thumb rubbed the back of her hand. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  She snatched her hand away and stood. “The master bedroom is upstairs to your left. I’ll give you time to place your luggage upstairs.”

  I stood, towering over her. She visibly swallowed.

  “I’ll be right back. Enjoy the fire.”

  Kara sat on the sofa and turned her attention to the flames.

  CHAPTER TWO

  KARA

  Staring at the flames, I thought back to the emails I combed through, entering our appointments for the coming weeks. During the winter months we were slammed. That didn’t stop me from keeping a mental note of the three activities the client most wanted to do on their tour. I also scoured the internet for photos of our clients before they arrived. Remaining on top of my game helped me maintain my title as second-best tour guide in Alaska. Wish I could’ve held the number one title, but unfortunately, I wasn’t willing to travel further than Anchorage and Fairbanks. Some parts of Alaska required traveling by plane. I wasn’t willing to fly often. I hated flying. Especially, after losing my birth parents in a plane crash.

  After glancing at one of his photos, I found myself still digging into his life an hour later. I knew who Collin was when I bumped into him. I had butterflies in my stomach for three days straight just thinking about him. My dreams were vivid. It was like I could feel his skin under my touch. I fucked his brains out in several of my dreams over the past couple of weeks. I was tired of being a virgin. I wondered briefly if he could be the one. The second he insulted me behind my back, I decided against getting to know him on a personal level. There was no way I’d give him my virginity. I came close in the past, going too far with my clients. Luckily, I came to my senses. They were only after a little fun while on vacation. Collin wasn’t any different. Well, he was a bachelor. He didn’t have a girlfriend or wife waiting at home. The photos I found were normally of him surrounded by several women. Collin was a workaholic. Doubt he’d make time for a girlfriend. I couldn’t even ask him why he was single without appearing interested.

  He was only flirting with me because I’d be a new conquest. Shit, he was good. The arrogant fucker invited himself on my outing tonight. My friend Eric would be at the bar tonight, so maybe I should show him a little extra attention. That way, I wouldn’t fall prey to Collin. I fanned myself.

  It certainly wasn’t burning hot in the cabin, but that was the effect he had on me. I almost hated him for his ability to melt my panties after I’ve tried to step out of his cross hairs. Those brown eyes and curly brown locks made my fucking knees weak. We recently hired a new tour guide. I could have told him to take Collin as his client.

  “Kara.”

  No, no, I couldn’t do that. What are you doing, Kara? Remember, focus on the job at hand. Kara, he’s here to see Alaska, not you.

  I slipped my hand over my hair, pushing my hat off my head, continuing my stare down with the flames.

  “Kara?” Collin blocked my view.

  I peeked up at him.

  “Did you hear me call your name?” His thick brows rose.

  I shook my head. “No.”

  “What were you thinking about?”

  I glanced at the floor briefly. Fuck, if I’d tell him he’d been on my mind for weeks.

  “Our tour,” I smirked.

  My forehead creased. “Why did you take off your coat? We’re leaving.”

  Jesus, his muscled arms and chest bulged through his cashmere sweater.

  “Shoot, I need to remove my coat for just a moment. It’s hot. Then we’ll leave.”

  He flashed a sexy grin like it was his plan all along to get me out of my outerwear.

  I quirked a brow. “What?”

  “Come here a sec.” He stretched his hand toward me.

  A warm sensation struck my body. I shed the layers and stood. “I can manage.”

  His hand swept along my lower back. A chill shot up my spine. Fuck, my body had a mind of its own.

  “Do I make you nervous?”

  “No, you make me uncomfortable.”

  He approached the bar and poured himself a shot of vodka. “I wouldn�
�t ever do anything you don’t want. You made it clear you aren’t attracted to me.” He smirked.

  “Would you like a shot?”

  “No.” I cocked my head to the side. “Why are you smiling?

  “Because my rugged little princess, I know I turn you on.”

  A flush of heat pulsated my body. His fingers slipped over my hip. I swallowed hard, then snatched the tiny shot glass off the bar, and tossed the harsh contents down my throat. The vodka burned as the liquid slid down my throat.

  My eyes clenched shut.

  I felt his nose brush the stray hairs along my brow. “We want each other, Kara.”

  Big, strong Collin didn’t know how to accept rejection. Trust when I say my body wanted his big hands to caress every inch. But the tiny sense I had left knew I wouldn’t be strong enough to hold on after he returned to California. My body would probably crave his touch.

  “You’re, you’re mistaken, Mr. Daughtry.”

  “Oh, yeah?”

  “Yeah,” I breathed.

  The best course of action would be to stay clear of drop dead gorgeous, panty melting, brown eyes Collin. Bet he slept with half the women in L.A.

  His fingers combed my sweater covered arms.

  “We’re adults, Kara. If we want to fuck and go on about our lives, what’s the problem?”

  Since we said we weren’t attracted to each other, he thought it would be best to tell me he wanted to fuck me. There was no way I could fuck a man like him and walk away. Definitely wasn’t giving him my virginity.

  “The sun’s setting soon. We need to leave. I will not enter your cabin after today.” I pressed my palms against his solid chest and my eyes popped open.

  “Admit you’re attracted to me.”

  “I will not,” I stated firmly. Almost convincing myself.

  “I’m leaving with Eric tonight.”

  I sauntered over to the sofa.

  He stalked behind me and pulled my body flush against his. “There’s not a chance in hell I’ll let you walk out of the bar and fuck another dude. You’re staying with me tonight.” His tone was harsh and stern.

  His big, strong arms caressed my waist. My heartbeat thudded my chest.

  Collin’s arms felt delicious wrapped around me. It was time to get off his turf. Under his roof, he was probably comfortable tearing women out of their clothes. Oh, I forgot he never had to pry them out of their clothes. They were accustomed to one-night stands.

  “Collin, let me go,” I growled, and attempted to break free.

  “That’s not how I meant it. I want to spend time with you later. I’m not rushing you to have sex tonight. We’ll be together every day for two weeks. It’s just sex between two adults, Kara.”

  Yeah, sex I hadn’t had yet.

  This man would have me climbing the walls. “I don’t want anything to do with you,” I lied. “We should go.”

  He released me, and I instantly felt empty outside of his big, strong arms.

  Ten minutes later, we drove in silence toward the sunset. Not sure what thoughts were swimming in that beautiful head of his.

  ∞

  I hopped out of the truck, strolling toward the gorgeous sunset. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

  He fell at my side. “It is.” I felt his brown eyes on me.

  There was no way I’d meet his gaze. It would only lead to our lips being glued together, not coming up for air until it was pitch black.

  “Be sure to take pictures,” I smiled brightly at the beautiful orange and yellow sky, reflecting off the white snow.

  His boots crunched the packed snow as he stepped closer, twisting the lens of his expensive camera. He snapped multiple photos.

  “Mr. Daughtry, I’d be happy to snap photos of you.”

  His head snapped my way, accompanied by a scowl. “We’re on first name bases, Kara.”

  I stretched my hand out. He placed the camera in my grasp. It was best that I ignored him.

  He pointed to the sunset over his shoulder and smiled as I snapped the photo.

  Stepping beside him, I flipped through the photos.

  “They’re nice. We’re missing a few.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close, and pointed the camera at us. “Smile.”

  I flashed a fake grin. Ripping his guts out sure would’ve felt good right about now. Every time our bodies were close, I came undone inside. He could tell I was attracted to him. But he couldn’t know how bad I had it for him. Shrugging out of his grasp, I gathered fire materials. “Do you remember how to start a fire from your Boy Scout days?”

  He smirked. “How did you know I was a Boy Scout?”

  “A wild guess. We can warm up from time to time while we ice fish. This is what you looked forward to the most, right?”

  His smile brightened the night sky. “Yeah.” Those chiseled frosty red cheeks made my lips tingle. I wanted to plant warm kisses all over his stone carved face. He was a beautiful man. A beautiful man you can’t have, Kara.

  Collin stacked the twigs and sticks on top of one another. My eyes were glued to his every move.

  There were guys who begged to date me. I completely lost interest after learning about Collin. That was so dumb. I needed to give a Talkeetna guy a chance. There was always Anchorage. Bigger town, cuter guys.

  After tying a rope around our waists and hooking us to the pulley on my truck, we sat in our chairs on the ice. I drilled two huge holes in the ice, and we threw our fishing hooks inside.

  “Good idea hooking us up to the truck.”

  “Even though no one has ever fallen in at this lake, my dad said you can never be too careful.”

  “Smart man,” he stated, as he scanned the mountains. “This is the life.”

  A chuckle rolled from my throat and his deep chocolate eyes landed on me.

  “What’s funny?” I asked.

  The tip of his pointy nose was red.

  “Pull the bib of your coat over your nose. This weather is brutal on those not accustomed to it.”

  He lowered half his face in his oversized black bomber coat.

  “You’re vibrant and cheery tonight. When was the last time you had a vacation?”

  His eyes fell on the ice. “Probably right after I graduated from college. I was burned out, Kara.”

  I rubbed his arm. “I’m happy you’re taking this time for yourself. You deserve it.”

  The corners of his gorgeous eyes crinkled. “Thanks.”

  I removed my gloved hand, placing it back on my fishing pole.

  “Tomorrow would you like to jump right into dog sledding? We also have an overnight stay in the igloos planned, too.”

  “I look forward to spending each wonderful moment with you.”

  I lowered my face inside the front of my coat too. He needn’t see me blush.

  “Your father said I’d eat my words. You are a wonderful tour guide. I’m sorry I prejudged you.”

  “Apology accepted. You weren’t the first to doubt my experience. All those who underestimate my skills ate their words, too.”

  “You’re a cocky little woman, aren’t you?”

  I laughed. “Maybe just a little.” I squeezed two gloved fingers together midair.

  “I’m surprised a breathtaking young woman like yourself is still single. Why is that?”

  “I told you I have a boyfriend.”

  His lips surfaced from the thick coat fabric. He flashed a devilish smile. “I’ll give your imaginary boyfriend a run for his money.”

  I clutched my thighs together. Shit, he’s trying to unravel each thread of my being. I allowed him to do so in my dreams. But there was no way I’d allow him to make me beg for his kisses, his touches, his love. No, no. Kara, stop staring. Earth to Kara.

  I averted my eyes to my fishing line in the hole.

  “Talk to me, Kara.” My name rolled like silky butter off his tongue.

  I wanted to pack up and leave. Never look back at the man who wanted to pierce my heart with his seducti
ve ways, and who would undoubtedly leave me sobbing for months after his departure.

  “You’ve only been here half the day, Mr. Daughtry.”

  “Fuck.”

  His deep voice echoed over the snowy mountains and ice-covered lake.

  My body shook at the agitated bitterness in his voice.

  A flush of heat swept over my body. “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” I yelled.

  I peeked at him. “Why are you so upset? Because you actually have to put in work to bed me down? I won’t let you touch me, Mr. Daughtry.”

  “Stop calling me by my last name,” he growled, staring out into the darkness.

  “It’s better this way. Stop trying to fuck me. I don’t want to fuck you. I’m not strong enough to fuck you, Collin. Look at me,” I roared.

  His brown eyes darkened as he turned and met my gaze.

  “You’ve never had a girlfriend. You bed down women left and right.”

  His brows rose. “How do you know that?”

  “Lucky guess,” I lied. “The women you have sex with don’t care if you ever call again. I want more and I deserve more. You can’t flirt with me, then try to seduce me. Accept the fact that I won’t be your next conquest, Mr. Daughtry,” I said, as I quirked a brow.

  His jaw ticked, then he glared at the ice.

  Good, got him to leave me alone.

  “Shit.” He tugged the fishing pole and turned the reel.

  “You got one.” I smiled.

  “Yeah.” His infectious smile returned.

  “Have you ever fished before?”

  “Yes, it’s been a long time, but I guess it’s like riding a bike.”

  We laughed.

  “Look at that beauty.”

  “You caught a big rainbow fish. I think the shrimp bait we’re using makes a big difference.”

  “You’re right.” He unhooked the fish and released it back into the water.

  “You should make time to fish again.”

  “I will. This is refreshing. Do you like to fish?”

  “Yup, it’s so peaceful out here. I love being one with nature. Could you ever see yourself living in a place like Alaska?”

  “If I had this view every day I could.” He leaned over and planted a soft kiss near my temple.

  Air caught in my throat. This man didn’t know how to take no for an answer.