Christmas Magic on the Mountain

by Melissa McClone

  Zoe returned with a cup of coffee for herself. “Is it ever not busy?”

  “No, this is pretty typical.”

  “How do your girlfriends feel about that? When you have one.” Her cheeks heated. “A real one, I mean.”

  “I don’t have time for a real girlfriend. Between work, climbing, riding and rescue work, there isn’t a lot left over for the women I date.”

  “You like playing the field.”

  “Well, yeah,” he admitted. “That keeps things casual. I figured out a couple of years ago that no one gets hurt that way.”

  “So you used to be a heartbreaker.”

  It wasn’t a question. Sean shrugged, uncomfortable with the turn the conversation had taken. “Let’s just say I’m careful not to create expectations now.”

  She sat cross-legged on the floor, cradling her mug in the palms of her hands. “What changed?”

  “I grew up.”

  “But not enough to settle down.”

  “Ouch.”

  “Kidding,” she joked. “I’m just surprised how focused you’ve become on work.”

  “My company is important to me. My employees, too. I owe it to them to make sure everything’s running smoothly.”

  “What do you do when you have a rescue mission to go on or a vacation?” Zoe asked.

  “Excuse me?”

  “I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’ve been out of the office for an extended amount of time.”

  “No, it’s not,” he admitted. “I have a capable staff. Very talented and trustworthy.”

  “So you should let them do their jobs and take care of things while you recover,” she urged. “If they need you, you’re only a phone call away.”

  Zoe made it sound so easy. Maybe it was.

  Sean hadn’t had this much spare time in eight years. Not since he’d started his snowboarding company at the age of twenty-five. He’d hired the best people he could find and trained others to do what he wanted. His company had survived not only rescue missions, but also climbing expeditions to Denali and Patagonia. No doubt, Hughes Snowboards would survive this.

  A part of him wasn’t ready to jump back in with both feet. He liked being with Zoe, playing games and watching television with her. He didn’t want to have to give that up completely just yet.

  Sean closed his computer. “I can do that.”

  Her eyes widened. “Really?”

  “Yeah.”

  A satisfied grin settled on her lips.

  “What do you want to do?” he asked.

  “That’s usually my question.”

  “Let’s shake things up a little,” he suggested.

  “Let’s shake things up a lot.”

  The mischief gleaming in her eyes filled Sean with hope. Maybe she was having second thoughts about no more kissing.

  “Why don’t we pull out your tree and decorate your house for Christmas?” she suggested.

  Sean never put up a tree until his mother’s nagging got to be too much to bear, but Zoe’s excitement made decorating for Christmastime a little more appealing. “I have decorations, but I don’t have a tree to pull out. I cut one down each year.”

  She leaned forward. “With an ax like they do in the movies?”

  Smiling, he nodded.

  “That must be so much fun to do.”

  He heard the longing in her voice and remembered how she’d been humming “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” Except his house looked as if the holidays were months away. He felt bad because she was so eager to please and working so hard, he wanted to return the favor. “Would you like to cut down a tree for us, Zoe?”

  “I’d love to, but I don’t know how.”

  Unfortunately, he wasn’t in any shape to go with her. “A good thing I have a few friends who do.”

  “Got your permit?” Sean asked two days later.

  “The tree-cutting permit is right here.” Zoe patted her coat pocket. She was dressed, like his friends, in a down jacket, waterproof pants and boots. Only she wore borrowed gear. Still, he couldn’t scrub the image of her dancing half-naked in the snow from his mind. “The ten whatever you called them are in the backpack.”

  “The ten essentials,” he said tightly, running through the list in his mind. Map, compass, firestarter, waterproof matches, first-aid kit, knife, flashlight, sunglasses, extra clothing and extra food and water.

  Damn, Sean wished he were going with them. He glanced at his legs. Not happening.

  Bill Paulson grinned. “So Zoe, did you pack your toothbrush and dental floss, too?”

  Lines creased her forehead. “My—?”

  “Relax, Zoe. Just some ribbing,” Jake explained. “Sean acts like a mother hen whenever we go out on a mission.”

  Tim Moreno, another OMSAR member and climbing partner who also worked for Hughes Snowboards, nodded. “We have to go over our checklist.”

  “And review our objective,” Bill added.

  Jake smiled. “But it is Hughes’s job to keep us safe up there.”

  “And get our sorry asses back down the hill in one piece,” Tim added.

  “I haven’t lost anyone yet.” Sean didn’t mind poking fun at himself. “At least I haven’t lost anyone, except people leaving my team in sheer disgust.”

  Jake’s mouth quirked. “I wonder who that might have been.”

  “Not now.” Even with two useless legs, Sean couldn’t help falling into his usual role. He looked at Zoe. “You charged up my cell phone and packed it, right?”

  “Dude, Zoe told you. We’re set.” Jake pulled out a candy bar. “I even brought chocolate.”

  She laughed. “The eleventh essential.”

  “You’re going to fit right in,” Tim said.

  She zipped her backpack. “I really appreciate you guys taking me out.”

  “Even Ebenezer Scrooge needs a Christmas tree,” Jake joked.

  “Scrooge?” Bill furrowed his brows. “I always thought Hughes was more of a Grinch type.”

  “Green?” Jake asked.

  “Jealous,” Bill said with a nod. “Because we get to spend the morning with Zoe.”

  “Sean’s not jealous.” A pretty blush colored Zoe’s cheeks. “And he’s no Scrooge, either. He’s the one who suggested I get the tree.”

  “Sean?” Jake asked.

  Tim made a face. “You’re kidding.”

  “I get a small tree every year.” Sean’s friends continued to stare at him in disbelief. He didn’t blame them. “Okay, I do it to appease my mom.”

  “Your sad excuse for a tree last year made the Charlie Brown Christmas tree look great,” Jake joked.

  Sean’s idea to send Zoe out to cut a nice one down seemed really stupid now. This was totally out of character for him.

  “That was last year,” he said. “Zoe wanted to decorate the house for Christmas and asked if we could pull out the tree. I discovered she’s never cut down a tree before.”

  She grinned. “It sounds like a lot of fun.”

  “Well, Zoe,” Tim said. “You’re in for a treat today. Nothing beats cutting down your own tree.”

  Jake nodded. “Damn straight.”

  The doorbell rang.

  “I’ll get it,” she said and walked toward the front door.

  “You must really like her to go to all this trouble for a Christmas tree,” Tim said.

  “Well, you three have to do all the work.” Sean lowered his voice. “So here’s the deal. Zoe’s a city girl. She’s not used to being out in the woods. I went over numerous scenarios with her. She knows if she gets separated from you to stay put, but—”

  “We’re not going to let anything happen to her,” Jake said.

  Bill nodded. “I’ll take extra special care of her for you, dude. I can even short-rope her to me if you like.”

  Sean eyed him warily. The guy had a reputation with the ladies. “Maybe Leanne should tag along.”

  “Don’t worry, Hughes.” Tim nudged his shoulder. “U
s married guys will keep the single guy in line. Your girl’s safe with us.”

  Your girl.

  That was how Sean was coming to think of Zoe even though nothing physical was going on between them. On second thought, hair washing ranked right up there with back rubs when it came to foreplay. Not that he could even get to second base with Zoe.

  Still, the more time he spent with her, the more he liked her. She was always bright, always warm, like the sun on a cold day or a fire in an empty room, even when she was upset and scolding him for overdoing it. He was getting to know her in a way he seldom got to know his here-today-gone-tomorrow dates. He liked the woman he was getting to know. She wasn’t just his caregiver. She was a friend. He wished she could be more.

  But if he acted on those desires, he risked losing her. Any sort of romantic fling would mess things up. Sean didn’t want to do that to her. She needed the job. She needed a place to stay.

  The last thing Sean wanted was to hurt her. Once he healed, he wouldn’t have time for her anyway.

  Better to settle for the quick kisses in front of his family and friends, the card games and surprisingly intimate talks, her smile when she looked at him and her fingers against his scalp when she washed his hair.

  The din of conversation and laughter pulled him from his pleasant fantasy of Zoe leaning over him, her chest at eye level.

  “Carly and the kids must be here,” Jake said.

  The familiar sound of paws against hardwood widened Sean’s smile. “Denali.”

  His dog rounded the corner, sliding a little on the floor. Her clear, blue eyes met Sean’s. She sprinted toward him, a bundle of energy and excitement.

  “Whoa, Denali.” Jake grabbed her by the collar before she could pounce on top of Sean. He led her over to the couch as Zoe entered the great room. “Go easy on him, girl.”

  “Welcome home, baby.” Sean patted the couch, and Denali jumped up. She nuzzled and licked his face. He hugged her. “I missed you, too.”

  “The kids thought you might want to see her. And they wanted to see you.” Carly Porter walked in with her ten-year-old niece Kendall and eight-year-old nephew Austin in tow. “Hannah, Garrett and Tyler went Christmas shopping.”

  “Denali missed you, Sean,” Kendall said.

  “But we kept her busy so she wouldn’t miss you too much,” Austin added.

  Sean grinned and rubbed the dog. “Thanks.”

  The two kids were so much like their late father, Nick Bishop. Kendall had his no-fear personality, and Austin looked exactly like him. Nick would be proud of his kids. Sean sure was.

  “Denali and I appreciate that.” The dog circled then lay against Sean’s side. He exchanged a smile with Zoe. “Hey. Did you guys meet Zoe?”

  Austin nodded. He looked at her. “Are you one of Sean’s models?”

  The room went quiet.

  “Zoe is a friend of Sean’s,” Carly said. “I told you that, Austin.”

  “But Sammy Ross said Sean only dates models,” Austin said.

  “Sammy Ross says too much,” Jake murmured.

  “I’m not a model,” Zoe answered with an amused smile.

  “But she is Sean’s girlfriend. That’s why she’s here taking care of him,” Kendall explained as if she knew all the answers. She looked at Zoe. “Mrs. Hughes said once he’s better you’ll get married. Do you know how many flower girls you’re going to have?”

  Zoe blushed.

  Sean sighed. He would have to have a talk with his mother.

  “Let’s save the wedding talk for later, Kendall,” Carly said to his relief. “They need to get Christmas-tree hunting. And we have lots we want to do with Sean.”

  “We’re going to play video games.” Austin jumped from foot to foot. “And build Lego.”

  “Don’t forget baking cookies,” Kendall added.

  “I can see I’m leaving you in good hands.” Zoe pulled her wool beanie over her hair. It reminded him of the first time he’d seen her standing on the side of the road. She walked toward him, and his pulse kicked up a notch. “Have fun.”

  He would miss her. “You, too.”

  As Zoe rubbed Denali’s head, she leaned over to kiss Sean’s cheek.

  He didn’t want another chaste peck. He didn’t want to be dismissed like Denali, with a pat and a treat. He wanted a kiss. Even if it were only for pretend.

  At the last second he turned his head. Her lips landed on his. He felt her tense, but she didn’t pull her mouth away from him. Instead, she relaxed. He brought his arm around her.

  The taste of her, all sweetness and warmth, seeped through Sean, making him feel better than any pain medication could. The best part, however, was that she kissed him back.

  Her mouth pressed against his as her lips parted. She arched closer, her jacket crinkling between them until he felt the softness of her chest against him.

  Probably for show, but Sean didn’t care.

  He’d wanted this. Needed this. Needed her.

  Denali stood on the couch, stuck her nuzzle between their faces and pushed until Zoe backed away.

  “Don’t worry, Denali.” Zoe laughed with pink cheeks and swollen lips. “I know who the number one girl is around here.”

  Sean steadied his ragged breathing.

  A good thing she knew, because he wasn’t so sure anymore. All Sean knew was he wanted to kiss Zoe again. Maybe he should see about getting some mistletoe.

  Except…

  He wanted more than kisses from Zoe.

  Mrs. Hughes said once he’s better you’ll get married.

  Marriage was too extreme, but Sean agreed with his mom on one point. He liked having Zoe around. The only problem was what would happen when he was fully recovered?

  How would Zoe fit into his life then? Would she even want to?

  Flushed with fresh air and excitement, Zoe entered the great room.

  A fire crackled in the river-rock fireplace. Denali lay on her dog pillow with her head resting on a stuffed football toy. Sean sprawled on the couch where she’d last seen him. His long legs rested on the ottoman, his face a study of intense concentration. Kendall and Austin sat on either side of him. All three stared at the video game they played on the large screen television.

  The whole scene reminded her of a family sitcom.

  Zoe smiled impishly. “Hi, honey, I’m home.”

  Home. The word struck her with unexpected force.

  The governor’s mansion had never been like this. She had lived there since she was eight, but it felt more like a museum than a home. The only time her family sat down together to play games or cards or watch a movie was when the press showed up to do a story on them. Most of the time she’d been on her own.

  Zoe barely remembered the large estate, her childhood home, where she’d lived before her mother had been elected. The property had been sold after her father’s death.

  Denali rose, stretched and lumbered toward her.

  Sean glanced over, returning Zoe’s smile with one of his own. The sense of homecoming struck again, making her knees go weak.

  “Hey, I missed you,” he said.

  She’d missed him, too. Even though she’d had fun with Jake, Bill and Tim, she’d worried about Sean, wished she could share her experience of cutting down her first Christmas tree with him. But now she was here, she worried even more.

  Because this was not her home.

  He was not her boyfriend.

  And as soon as he was better, she would leave him and Mount Hood behind.

  Her smile faded.

  “Did you find a tree?” Austin asked.

  Zoe cleared her dry throat. “The guys are trying to get it out of the truck.”

  Sean stood and made his way toward her using the walker. “Trying?”

  The kids’ aunt, Carly, came out of the bathroom.

  “It’s a big tree,” Zoe admitted.

  “This I have to see,” Carly said. “Kids, you want to come?”

  They were too engrosse
d in their video game.

  Carly shook her head. “I’ll be right back.”

  Sean looked at Zoe with an invitation in his eyes. “You didn’t kiss me hello.”

  Zoe’s heart fluttered. “We don’t have an audience.”

  He motioned to the kids totally enraptured by their game.

  “I think they count more as chaperones,” she said quietly.

  Sean grinned and held out his hand. “Did you have fun?”

  She let herself take it, noticing how warm and strong his grip was.

  “Yes.” Zoe focused on being his caretaker, his friend. Anything else wasn’t possible. She released his hand. “I only had to use one of my essentials.”

  “Which one?”

  “The chocolate bar.”

  “Leave it to Porter to remember the most important essential.” Sean laughed. “So you found a big tree.”

  She nodded. “Jake didn’t think it would fit your tree stand so he stopped off and bought a bigger one. They’re going to put it on outside.”

  “You better get the beers ready,” Sean said.

  “What for?”

  “Getting a big tree into a stand is at least a two man production. Think lots of choice swear words and grunting.”

  Zoe was amused. “That sounds awful.”

  Sean grinned. “Naw. It’s tradition.”

  Zoe arched her brows. “Really? For someone whose friends claim he’s a Grinch, I wasn’t expecting respect for tradition.”

  “Traditions are important, Zoe.” Kendall said, the video game controller on her lap. “Especially at the holidays. Isn’t that right, Sean?”

  “That’s exactly right,” he said.

  Austin nodded. “Last year, Sean brought back a Christmas tradition to save him from going stark raving mad at his parents’ house and drinking too much and killing one of his cousins.”

  Zoe looked at Sean. “Oh, really?”

  “A cousin twice removed.” A sheepish smile crossed his face. “I didn’t realize the kids were listening so carefully.”

  She laughed. “So what is this tradition that saves you from the insane asylum, detox and incarceration?”

  Kendall inched forward until she was sitting on the edge of the couch. “Can I tell her, Sean?”