Angels In Red

by Laudan, Adelle

  Jack’s body responded to her tenderness, reminding him he sat next to her wearing just his boxers. He shifted to hide his growing discomfort, and coughed out the side of his mouth. “I guess I should put on some clothes.”

  Her hand touched his arm before he could stand. “Don’t do so on my account.”

  His breath caught in his throat. Did I hear her right? He turned his head to find her grinning from ear to ear.

  She pointed at him and laughed. “If only you could see your face right now.”

  Jack took a pillow and lightly smacked her. “Ha, ha, aren’t we funny.” He couldn’t help but join in her laughter. “I’ll just be two secs, and then I’ll put on some coffee.”

  “Please, let me.”

  He cast a sideways glance. “Do you think you’re up to it?”

  Jenna threw her blanket aside. “If you’d give me a hand, I’d like to try. You’ve been waiting on me long enough.”

  He saw the determination in her face and nodded. “Don’t try to stand on your own. I’ll be right back.”

  Jenna smiled as she watched him retreat to the bedroom. How wonderful it must be to live such a serene life. A welcome reprieve from the tension-filled days on the estate she called home.

  She tugged at her bottom lip with her teeth. Charles must be going out of his mind with worry, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask about contacting him. She wasn’t anywhere near ready to forgive or go home…or leave Jack.

  He hadn’t moved quite fast enough to hide his condition a moment ago. He really was a fine specimen of a man. It brought a small, hesitant smile to her lips just knowing he found her desirable.

  What brought a man like him to live a life alone? Did he suffer a loss, or maybe he was just tired of modern-day society? She glanced out the window to find the snow was still coming down hard. How long has it been snowing like this, did he say almost a week?

  Jack returned fully dressed. It took a little maneuvering, but he managed to help her slowly make her way to the kitchen. She leaned heavily against the counter while he made his way back to replenish the fire.

  “How long have you lived here?” she asked, fumbling with coffee cups—her splint being a royal pain in the ass.

  Jack tossed a few last splinters of wood in the fire and brushed the sawdust from his hands. He reached her side just in time to grab a coffee mug before it rolled off the small kitchen table in front of the window. “Come sit. I’ll take it from here.”

  Jenna didn’t have the strength to argue. “You win.” She was relieved not to have to ask for help, and admit she had no clue how to make coffee like he did. Her brave knight pulled a chair out for her, not leaving her side until she was seated comfortably at the table.

  He went about preparing the coffee pot and putting it on the stove to brew. “I’ve been out here for almost five years, breeding those two. Their puppies are used as rescue dogs. Places like the Eagle Ridge ski resort you were trying to get to pay good money for purebred Siberian Huskies.”

  When the vintage percolator let out its final gurgles, he filled their mugs and put the coffee pot back on the stove.

  “Don’t you ever get lonely?”

  He glanced out the window. “Not really. I have Sasha and Tito to keep me company, and once a year, four or five puppies for a few months. I apologize for not having a phone at your disposal. My two-way radio doesn’t work so well when it’s snowing this hard. Usually, if I feel the urge to have a conversation, I just hook up the sled and make a trip to town for supplies.”

  She sipped at her coffee.

  “Do you think you’re up to a trip to town to see a doctor? We can contact your family while we’re there.”

  Jenna squelched the panic rising up in her. “I thought you said…I mean, didn’t you say I could stay for as long as I needed to?” She huffed. “There’s something about this place…I haven’t felt this at ease in a very long time—you see, everything changed after my mother passed, and not in a good way. I’m not sure if you understand what I’m trying to say.”

  “I understand better than you know.” His gaze drifted out the window. “Of course you’re welcome to stay.”

  “Thank you.”

  An amiable silence fell between them. His smiled faded, though, as he slumped a shoulder against the window pane.

  I hope nothing I said is to blame for the sudden sadness in his demeanor. She opted not to ask him for fear she’d only make things worse.

  Jenna tried to scratch her itching palm beneath the splint on her hand. “How long do I have to wear this get up? I’d love to have a shower?” She looked around the cabin. “I noticed a shower in the bathroom, does it work?”

  Jack chuckled, flashing a dimple she hadn’t noticed until now.

  “Yes, it works.”

  “I didn’t really take a good look at it. I guess I was too busy trying not to fall off the toilet.” She laughed, pleased to see his mood shift.

  “You’ll have to wait until I kick in the generator that heats the water. It takes about twenty minutes.” He pushed away from the table. “I’ll go turn it on, and then we can take a look at your hand, and your head while we’re at it.”

  Jenna smiled her thanks, her gaze following him from the room. Just then, she realized she hadn’t once looked, or thought about looking in a mirror. How can that be? I’m still the same girl who never goes anywhere without make-up…or am I?

  She held out her hand to inspect her nails. They were definitely in need of a little TLC, but for whatever reason, it didn’t bother her. Having such a close brush with death had her reassessing her life and what was most important.

  Jack came out of the bathroom. “Give it half an hour and you’ll be good to go. Unfortunately, I don’t have an endless supply of hot water. You get a ten minute shower, if you’re lucky.”

  “I’m sure it will feel amazing.”

  Jack picked up his case beside the couch and brought it to the table. “How about laying your arm out so I can take a look?”

  He worked quickly, with a gentle touch. Soon she felt air against the skin that had been wrapped up—her fingers were black and blue.

  “Try and move them.”

  She did as asked and immediately sucked air through clenched teeth. She’d expected it to be painful, but…

  “Hang in there with me...I need to feel how the breaks are healing.”

  Jenna nodded and pressed her lips firmly together, looking the other way.

  “Your fingers seem to be healing nicely. I think we can ditch the splint and just tape these three together.” He mindfully cleaned the glue from the bandages and applied medicated salve of some type, then held the three fingers together—his brow wrinkled as his gaze shifted from her fingers to his medical supplies and then to her face. “Hold your fingers together for me. Not too hard now…”

  It surprised her to see her hand shaking as she complied. It wasn’t because of the pain, or being unsettled about her injuries. Having him this close, his touch so gentle…

  Suddenly Jack’s face came into view; a look of amusement lifted the corners of his far too sexy mouth. She’d obviously been lost in her own thoughts.

  How long has he been waiting for me to zone back in?

  She quickly dropped her head and once again cursed the heat rushing to her face. “Oh my…I’m sorry.”

  He didn’t tease her like she expected him to, and went about taping her fingers together before covering them in plastic for the shower.

  Jenna turned her hand over and back in between them. “I take it you’ve done this a time or two? I hardly felt a thing.”

  He sat back in his chair and sipped at his coffee. “Actually, I’m winging it. Other than putting a bandage on me a time or two, you’re officially my first patient.”

  “I’m impressed.” She looked up to find him gazing into her eyes, not at his handiwork. Her pulse quickened and she feigned interest in something out the window. She’d have to be dead not to feel some serious ch
emistry between the two of them. The realization made her happy and scared shitless in the same moment.

  “I’m sorry but I can’t promise removing the bandages on your scalp won’t be painful.”

  She squeezed her eyes shut. “I’m ready.”

  He chuckled. “It’s not going to hurt less with your eyes closed.”

  Cut it out! How old are you, twelve? She cussed the tell-tale warmth to her face returning.

  “Ow!” His pulling on the bandages tugged on her matted hair and sent a sharp pain through her skull and down her neck.

  “I’m sorry. The worst is over for now.” He cut a circular shape out of a bigger bandage to cover the head-wound. “You need to be real careful when you wash your hair. I’m not sure if this will hold or not, but if you get any soap on this you’re going to know it. Go ahead and take the tensor bandage off from around your rib cage. It will probably be tender, so be careful not to bump into anything or bend over too quickly.”

  Jenna grabbed hold of the back of the chair and stood on her own. “What about these?” She pulled at the flannel shirt. “How long have I been wearing this?”

  “A week…no, more like five, maybe six days?” He pondered, and raised a finger. “I think I have another pair still in the package. I’ll be right back.”

  Six days? She did the math in her head. Is tonight Christmas Eve?

  Jack returned with pajamas the same as she had on, only blue. “I know they’re not what you’re used to, but they’ll keep you warm.”

  “They’re perfect.” She smiled and took them from him. “I just realized its Christmas time. Maybe Santa will bring me a flannel nightgown.”

  Her legs started to wobble and she tried to sit back down without raising any suspicions of not being as strong as she wanted him to believe.

  “I’m afraid Santa doesn’t stop out here,” he said matter-of-factly, and picked up his empty coffee cup. “Do you want a refill while the tank heats up?”

  “Sure.” Jenna set the pajamas on her lap. “So, what do you do for Christmas? Do you have family nearby to spend the holidays with?”

  Jack set a fresh coffee in front of her. “No, no family. Christmas is just another day around here.” He shrugged. “What about you? Are you sure you don’t want to be home for the big day?”

  She laughed. “Very sure. I can’t believe I don’t care about what’s under the tree. It’s like I’m two people—Jenna before the accident and Jenna after the accident.” The near death experience had apparently changed her list of priorities. Material possessions now placed real low on the scale, and just being alive and breathing came first.

  “Well, I didn’t know the old Jenna, but the new Jenna is pretty cool.”

  He quickly turned away, but not fast enough to hide his visibly flushed face at being just as surprised by the compliment as she was.

  “Water should be hot. I, um, need to take the dogs out. I won’t be long if you need help with anything.”

  “Thanks.” She got up, fully intent on making it to the bathroom on her own. After one painful step without any support it became crystal clear it wasn’t an option.

  Without making a big production of it, her knight came to her aid, yet again. He put her arm through his and set off toward the bathroom.

  “Don’t forget, ten minutes. You might want to wash your hair first.” He gave her a subtle wink before opening the door and, waiting a few seconds after she stepped inside, closed it behind her.

  A cool draft wafted up from under the bathroom door, followed by the sound of the outside door closing. Clean towels, a bar of soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush still in the package sat in a neat pile in the sink. There wasn’t another surface he could have put them aside from the toilet.

  Jenna undressed and carefully removed the bandage to reveal a bruised and very tender rib cage. She turned the water on for a couple of seconds before stepping into the warm stream.

  Ahhhh, heavenly!

  It was a far cry from the luxuries afforded her at home, but in the short time she’d been in the cabin, she’d discovered there was no price tag on how she was feeling right now. Alive.

  True to Jack’s words, she’d barely finished washing and rewashing her hair when the water ran cooler, and cooler…to cold. Her teeth chattered as she dried off as best she could in the cramped space and put the clean PJ’s on.

  Feeling reasonably human for the first time in days, she opened the door to ask Jack to help her to the sofa—she wasn’t even going to try doing it herself. The shower not only washed away the caked on blood from her hair, but also stripped her of what little energy she had left.

  “Jack?” Jenna frowned to find the cabin empty, no Jack, no dogs.

  Oh great!

  She took in her surroundings, lost as to how she could get from point A to point B without falling flat on her face.

  What the…?

  One of the chairs from the dinette set sat up against the wall directly beside her.

  It wasn’t there before...of course, Jack. Just when I think the guy can’t get any better, he pulls a stunt like this.

  She sniffled, failing to stop the few tears from falling. Exhaustion, coupled with his sweet acts of kindness, equaled no chance in hell of not being a crybaby.

  Jenna inspected the chair. Should I sit and wait or can I…?

  She grinned mischievously, knowing Jack would have a fit if he walked in on her. She gripped the outer rungs of the chair and straightened her body, until her slow-to-heal ribs made it painfully clear to stop.

  It can’t be more than six feet to the back of the sofa. I can do this.

  Using a short shuffle-and-push step she made it to the couch. She eyed the seat of the chair longingly. No, if I sit now, I’ll never make it on my own.

  She summoned a fresh surge of energy…ignoring each muscle’s cry out in revolt of the final steps. If she had an ounce of strength left, she would have done a victory dance having made it on her own. As it was, she dropped the second half of her descent to the couch and closed her eyes until the streak of pain the action took on her ribs subsided

  Completely and utterly spent, the crackling fire captured her attention—mesmerized by red turned orange, she watched gold tips snap like the crack of a whip, sending sparks up the black metal pipe.

  Jenna stared at the fire until her pulse returned to normal.

  There’s a fireplace in almost every room of the estate, and not one of them, even remotely makes me feel as warm or comforted.

  She lifted her legs to stretch out on the sofa, tucking the blankets under them as best she could. The heat of the fire soon warmed her outstretched hands and chased the goose bumps from her freshly scrubbed skin. It feels so good to be clean. She splayed the fingers on her good hand and pushed them through her wet hair.

  “Ouch!” It was going to take forever to work through her unruly, tangled curls. She huffed and leaned back against her pillows. The effort of taking a shower left her completely wiped out. If I don’t address the knots while it’s wet I’ll have a much bigger problem on my hands.

  Jenna slowly sat up again and repeated the process, only to snag another tangle.

  “Ohh!” She dropped her hand and flopped back. “Ouch! Crap!” Her ribs were on fire, having pushed them to the limit.

  A cool breeze ended her tirade, and she looked over the back of the sofa to find Jack grinning at her.

  “Are you okay?” He chuckled.

  “Just peachy, thanks for asking.” No, do not cry. You made it this far without tears.

  “Would you like to use my brush?” He took off his coat and boots and ducked into his bedroom, reappearing in seconds with the item in hand.

  She saw that he took notice of the kitchen chair still sitting behind the couch, but he said nothing. No scolding, no smart-ass remark, no congrats on making it on her own. The sting of disappointment for not being praised for her accomplishment came unexpectedly.

  More than a little embarrassed, Jen
na gratefully took the brush from his hands, fumbling with a way to hold it with her fingers taped together.

  Jack snatched the brush back from her.

  “Hey, why’d you do that?”

  He rounded the couch to stand beside her. “Scoot up a bit.”

  “What?”

  “I’ll brush your hair if you scoot up so I can sit behind you.”

  His offer left her without words. It would never have crossed her mind to ask for help with her hair from him, or any man for that matter.

  He sat behind her and wedged a pillow between them for her to rest back against.

  “Are you sure you can handle this? I’ve got a big mess going on up there.”

  “I think so.”

  His fingers brushed the back of her neck as he lifted her hair. She shivered.

  “Are you cold? Should I put more wood on the fire?”

  Warm breath against her skin made her tingle all over. “No, I-I’m fine,” she murmured.

  He lightly worked through her hair, not once pulling so it hurt. She closed her eyes, the motion, soothing. “Tell me something, Jack, did you ever like Christmas?”

  He stopped mid-stroke. “Um, it’s not that I don’t like Christmas, I just don’t see the point in putting up decorations, or stuffing a turkey for just me and the dogs.”

  Jenna shrugged. “That’s actually quite sad. I can’t imagine not at least having a Christmas tree. There’s something almost…magical about a decorated tree.”

  Her hair, silky as a newborn pup’s slid through his fingers easily. Now tangle-free, he continued brushing it dry. “I guess I’ve never looked at it that way.”

  The scent of floral shampoo and body wash lingered in the cabin. Jack hadn’t realized how much he’d missed the scent of a woman. She eased back closer and closer to him—her breathing grew slow and steady.

  Sleeping?

  He didn’t have the heart to wake her, and if he was honest with himself, quite enjoyed having her close. Gently, he tugged the pillow out from between them and eased her back to rest against his chest. Once he rearranged the blanket to cover her, he folded his hands at her waist and closed his eyes.