Frozen: A Winter Romance Anthology

by Melange Books, LLC

“She told us to let you sleep.” His mother’s eyes softened as she stepped toward him. “You can still catch her.”

  He nodded to his mother and grabbed a key for one of the snowmobiles. The wind sliced at his exposed face and ankles like glass. He maneuvered through the trees as fast as he dared until finally arriving at the main road. His father passed him on the opposite side and slowed, but Jonas kept moving. Orange cones sat lined up around the coming turn signaling to slow down. As he rounded the curve, he saw Lizbeth’s rental being loaded, but there was no sign of her.

  He pulled to a stop and raised his voice over the hum of the pulley. “Where’s the girl?”

  The mechanic released the button, and the motor silenced. “Said she had something she needed to see. Offered to pay me to come back up to get her in a few hours.”

  “Thanks, and don’t worry about coming back. I’ll bring her down later to check on the car.”

  The mechanic nodded, and Jonas gave it some gas and pulled a U-turn. He darted back up the hill a little ways and slowed when he saw an orange marker flapping in the wind. As he hiked through the woods, his heart beat wildly. He wouldn’t let her go so easily.

  * * * *

  The rushing water blocked out all other sounds around her, but couldn’t silence her own mind. Stranded on a mountain, nearly frozen to death and she had met the most exciting compassionate man she had ever known. Her chest tightened. As she wrote early that morning in the first glimpses of light, Jonas stretched across the bed next to her; she realized her worst fear had come true. She had fallen for him.

  The urge to stay with him and shut out the rest of the world had almost been too great, but she wouldn’t let her desire or her feelings dispel all reason. She had to leave and get back to her life. Jonas would forever be in her heart.

  Sun reflected off the icicles that had formed on the rocks surrounding the falls. The sight was breathtaking, and as tears filled her eyes, the simple ice fractured into thousands of tiny diamonds. Her camera remained hanging by her side, still in its case. She had no desire to remember the way she felt in this moment. No need to return to the moment she realized her heart was broken. She didn’t need a picture to remind her of the pain.

  “I knew you’d be here.” The water muffled his deep voice, but it was enough to cause her to jump.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “You didn’t say goodbye.” He took a step toward her, and she took one back.

  “I said everything I needed to say in the note.”

  “Well, you didn’t give me a chance to say much of anything, did you?”

  “Jonas, please don’t make this any harder than it has to be.” Tears welled up in her eyes again, and she swiped at them angrily. Why couldn’t he leave well enough alone? “What do you want from me? Do you want me to sit up here and play house with you in the cabin? That’s not real life.”

  “But we can have a life together.” He took another step toward her.

  She looked back over her shoulder and cursed under her breath when she realized she would be standing in water if she took another step away from him. When she turned back, he smiled at her and closed the distance between them.

  He grabbed her shoulders, and she turned her face away. “Lizbeth, what are you so scared of?” Her eyes filled as he placed a finger under her chin and lifted her gaze to meet his.

  “I’m scared of liking you too much.” Her voice was watery. What she said was only half-true. She already liked him too much. Hell, she loved him. “I never planned on meeting someone like you.”

  “I didn’t plan on you, either.” His thumbs began to massage her shoulders as he searched for the right words to say. “Lizbeth, you helped me laugh again and find happiness after endless pain. You have no idea what you mean to me, but I want to tell you. I want to spend my life telling you.”

  “But how will this work? You have your life, and I have mine.” She looked at him with pleading eyes. “Be reasonable.”

  “I can travel with you sometimes.” He hurried on at her skeptical look. “I would love to see other parts of the world. And you can travel around the mountains with me looking for housing locations and giving your input. I want us to be a team.” He gripped her shoulders harder. “I would never want you to stop being who you are.”

  “But you barely know me,” she whispered.

  “I know you.” He kissed her and then pulled back. “I know the way your body fits with mine. I know how you take your coffee. I know photography is your life and how you sound when you sing and you think no one can hear you.”

  The corners of her mouth rose a little, and tears streamed down her face.

  “And I know you drown your pancakes in syrup.”

  She laughed, and he pulled her against his chest.

  “Most importantly, Lizbeth,” his voice was low and soft. “I know I’m in love with you.”

  Her resolve crumbled, and she clung to him. There was no one else she wanted to be with, and more importantly, she believed him. Everything he said about building a life and being a team. Jonas meant it.

  She pulled back and looked at him, her eyes clear and her heart light. “I love you, too, and I want that life.”

  “Then we’ll have it.” He kissed her, and they held each other until she pulled away suddenly.

  “Oh, no,” she gasped.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I asked the mechanic to come back and get me. I still have a plane to catch.”

  He laughed. “Don’t worry. He isn’t coming back.” She raised her eyebrow in question. “You’ve already got a ride. Besides, I think it’s time I met your mom.”

  “It’s going to be a fun New Year’s.” She wiggled her eyes at him.

  He smiled and kissed the side of her head. “It’s going to be a fun life.”

  She smiled up at him as they wrapped their arms around each other’s waists and set off through the trees.

  THE END

  About the Author

  Christina Kirby holds a degree in Public Relations from Auburn University (War Eagle!). She worked in banking for four and a half years before deciding to become a stay at home mom to her two sons. Moving every couple of years because of her husband’s job, Christina has had the opportunity to meet all kinds of people and live in many different states, and fortunately, writing is something she can take with her no matter where she lives. She loves chocolate and all things pop culture so if you love to talk movies, favorite TV shows or books, she’d love to hear from you.

  Website: www.christinakirbybooks.com

  Twitter: @CKirbyWriter

  Frozen With Possibilities

  by Rhonda Brutt

  To my wonderful partner David,

  for showing me that life is indeed full of possibilities

  The Christmas lights that lined the entrance of the resort twinkled and danced off the newly fallen snow, making the majestic old lodge look as though it was a village straight out of a Norwegian fairy tale. Tiffany watched her grandmother’s jaw drop slightly as their driver pulled the van up to the lobby’s main entrance.

  “Here we are. Welcome to Wave Peak, the finest resort on Lake Superior. Beautiful at night, isn’t it?” The driver stopped the vehicle and shifted it into Park. “I’ll get your bags out of the back and meet you inside.”

  “Wow, Grandma, this looks like the North Pole.” Tiffany blinked in awe as she looked through the van’s window. “This is just what I pictured Santa’s village would look like when I was little. You never told me it was this beautiful. You always described this place as if it were Alcatraz.”

  The driver shot her an irritated glance before getting out of the seat. “Alcatraz this is not. I can assure you of that!”

  “I left in 1965, and I’ve never been back,” the older woman stammered. “When my parents owned this place, it certainly didn’t look like this. Of course, that was a very long time ago.”

  “Watch your step, Grandma. You don’t want to fall on th
is icy pavement.” Tiffany opened the door and took her grandmother by the elbow as she helped her out.

  “Trust me, dear. Maybe in San Francisco this qualifies as ice, but in Minnesota, this is considered shoveled. That used to be one of my jobs when I lived here.”

  “Shoveling snow sounds sort of fun.” Tiffany opened the door to the lobby.

  Her grandmother stopped momentarily to look up at the magnificent building. “It all depends on your perspective, my dear. It’s always about perspective.”

  Upon entering, they were greeted by a blazing fire in a large stone fireplace. The oversized comfy looking chairs scattered around the lobby looked inviting after the long flight from San Francisco.

  “Why don’t you sit down, and I’ll check us in?” Tiffany gestured toward the nearest chair.

  “I’ll be fine.” Her grandmother waved her hand dismissively as she strode toward the front desk.

  The desk clerk looked up from her computer screen as they approached. “Good evening and welcome. Are you checking in?”

  “Yes. I guess I have a reservation for the weekend—”

  “Oh, you must be Judith Sebastian, right?”

  “That’s me.” Tiffany’s grandmother smiled.

  “We have so been looking forward to seeing you! Stay right here for just a minute while I go get Mr. Watson. He wanted to welcome you in person.” The clerk quickly made her way out from behind the desk and disappeared through the back of the lobby.

  Tiffany glanced sideways at the older woman. “Wow, Grandma, I’m impressed. They still know who you are, even after all these years.”

  “My cousin probably told them about me when she made my reservation. She’s the only person around here who would possibly still remember me.”

  “Judith Sebastian! You don’t know how pleased we are to finally meet you!” A man’s voice rang out, making both Tiffany and Judith turn to see where it had come from. Tiffany almost had to stifle a small gasp. Approaching them was quite possibly the best looking guy she had ever had the privilege to lay eyes on. He was tall and muscular, with collar length wavy brown hair and dark deep-set eyes. His smile was warm and inviting. If she had still been in California, she would have sworn he’d just stepped off a movie set. Hollywood doesn’t know what they’re missing out on.

  “Uhm...do I know you?” Judith squinted at the young man, as if she were trying to recall who he might be.

  He offered Judith his hand to shake. “No, we’ve never met. I’m Chad Watson. My grandparents bought this place from your family back in the seventies. Of course, they’ve long since retired, so my parents own it now.” He waved his hand dismissively. “I’m the general manager here. I’m sorry my folks couldn’t be here to meet you. They’re in Arizona for the holidays. They do send their regards, however. And I have strict orders to make your weekend with us a most memorable one.”

  “I see. Well, it’s nice to meet you, Chad.” Judith let go of his hand and gestured toward her granddaughter. “Allow me to introduce my granddaughter, Tiffany. She graciously volunteered to accompany me on this trip.”

  “Well, I didn’t actually volunteer.” Tiffany smiled weakly. “I was sort of coerced into coming.”

  “She’s never been to Minnesota,” her grandmother added.

  “The real reason I came along is kind of dumb,” Tiffany admitted with a shrug.

  “It’s not dumb, dear. It’s just not likely to happen.” Judith was very matter of fact.

  “You’d be amazed at what I can make happen.” Chad locked eyes with Tiffany. She felt her knees go weak. “So what is it that you want?” His voice was as smooth as melted chocolate.

  You mean besides you? Tiffany shook her head ever so slightly, as if doing so would rid herself of that thought. She needed to get over her shyness. Tell him the truth.

  “You see, ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to see a moose. Not in a zoo, of course, but in the wild. I’ve heard they’re enormous and well...” Tiffany stopped short when she realized how foolish that sounded. Why had she just offered up that bit of information? Good move, she told herself. Now he thinks you’re out of a mental institution on a day pass.

  “A moose, huh?” He cocked his head slightly. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Actually, a trip to Mexico would have probably been more to my liking,” she stammered. “Beaches, sunshine, tropical drinks.” Tiffany felt her cheeks getting red. What did it matter to him if this wasn’t exactly her idea of a vacation? How goofy was it that she really did want to see a moose, not to mention the fact that this guy had suddenly turned her into a babbling blonde.

  “I don’t think you’ll find too many moose in Mexico,” Chad laughed.

  Her grandmother came to her rescue. “No truer words were ever spoken. I did, however, promise her we’d be on the look-out in the area to try to spot one. That was the only way I was going to get her to leave California in December to travel up here to this frozen wasteland—”

  “I never said it was a frozen wasteland, Grandma,” Tiffany chastised.

  “No, you’re quite right. I believe the word you used was Siberia, or was it Tundra? I can’t recall.” Her grandmother’s eyes twinkled with amusement.

  Tiffany grinned sheepishly and gave her shoulders a slight shrug. What her grandmother had just said was true though. She hadn’t been exactly over-enthusiastic about visiting Minnesota, especially in the winter.

  Chad gave her a small smile. “Then I’ll personally see to it that your maiden voyage to our lovely state will be memorable and very much worth your while, although I’m not sure we can deliver a moose sighting.” He reached for her hand and gave it a slight squeeze. Just as Tiffany was about to look away, he gave her a wink. What did that mean? Could it be that she might really have an okay time here? One thing was for certain. If all the men in this state looked as good as he did, then this might not be such a wasted trip after all, moose or no moose.

  Judith studied her granddaughter carefully before turning to Chad. “It’s been a long day of travel for us. I’m afraid I’m a bit tired. If you could point us in the direction of our room, that would be helpful. It’s been so long that I’m afraid I’ve forgotten most of the room numbers.”

  “Yes, of course. In fact, I’ll take you there myself.” The desk clerk handed Chad their key card and he motioned to the van driver who was waiting with their luggage to follow.

  “You have definitely made some changes since the last time I was here,” Judith remarked as she and Tiffany followed Chad down the hallway to the first floor guest rooms.

  Tiffany could barely concentrate on the conversation at hand. At present, she could only concentrate on the young man in front of her. She had to admit, his back side looked every bit as good as his front side. She gave a slight cough and looked away. Stop it! Stop looking at this guy’s rear end! What’s gotten into me?

  “Yes.” Chad continued his conversation with Judith, unaware that he was being scrupulously studied from behind. “My parents wanted to offer their guests more than just a typical lodging experience. They’ve made a lot of upgrades through the years.” He swept his hand through the air. “In addition to the main lodge, we’ve added some cottages and condos as well. People seem to demand more amenities, so we try to provide them. We cater to a more upscale clientele these days.”

  “Your prices certainly reflect it,” Judith mumbled under her breath as Chad stopped in front of a door and inserted the key card into the slot.

  “Grandma, be nice,” Tiffany reminded her quietly through gritted teeth.

  “This whole experience is just so much different from what I did at your age.”

  Chad’s eyebrows rose. “Excuse me?”

  “When I was in my twenties, I never would have made a reservation at a fancy place like this. In fact, I wouldn’t have made a reservation anywhere. When you wanted to travel in the sixties, you just stuffed a few clothes into your backpack, stuck your thumb out and hitchhiked. You
didn’t need to worry about money, or lodging or anything really. There were always people who would take you in.”

  “Grandma, that wasn’t for everyone. Plus, hitchhiking is dangerous nowadays, and I don’t need to remind you that you’re a little too old for that lifestyle anymore.” Tiffany rolled her eyes. “The sixties were great, I’m sure, but there’s no point in wishing for a time and a place that no longer exists.”

  Chad looked a bit surprised. “I’m inclined to agree with your granddaughter, but if it’s a backpack or a sleeping bag you want, we’ll be happy to provide you with one.” He smiled good-naturedly. “Otherwise, I hope you’ll enjoy our newly remodeled rooms, even if it does appear that we sold out to the establishment.” He swung the door open for them to enter and flipped on the light switch.

  Tiffany stopped short as she took in the room. It was lavishly decorated with expensive oak furnishings. It definitely had a north woods look and feel to it. In the middle of the room stood a gas fireplace, and behind the massive glass windows was a lighted walkway that led directly down to the water. Lake Superior was practically out the back door of this place. “Wow,” was all she could say. “This is stunning!”

  “All of our guest rooms have whirlpool baths in them, flat screen TVs and Wi-Fi. But the biggest benefit is that every room has a wonderful view of Lake Superior.” Chad smiled as he watched the elderly woman walk over to the glass wall and touch it softly with her hand.

  “I can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it,” Judith murmured to no one in particular. “It’s hard to imagine that this is the same place where I grew up. It’s so beautiful now. These walls used to be ugly and plain, with tiny little windows in them. They had old plaid curtains that no one ever bothered to replace.” She shook her head. “My father didn’t want the windows to be big because he said it would let in the cold air. We were never very busy in the winters back then.”

  Chad gave her a sympathetic nod. “The middle of winter is the most beautiful of all the seasons here on the north shore. My parents didn’t want this magnificent view to be wasted. They took those old windows out years ago. There really isn’t a bad view from any of the rooms now. That’s what people want, a great view and some peace and quiet.” He walked over to the window and stood next to Judith, who was looking out into the darkness. “That’s what most city people come here to find, especially as Christmas approaches.”