Summer in Snow Valley (Snow Valley Romance Anthologies Book 2)

by Cindy Roland Anderson

  Cameron jumped at the familiar voice and couldn’t stop the surge of excitement as Kyle came onto the stage. He wore his now familiar workout clothes.

  “Every girl needs a tiara,” she smiled.

  He glanced toward the doors at the back of the auditorium, as if he could see through them and down the hall to what was happening in the faculty lounge.

  “She’s fine,” Cameron answered his unasked question. “A little nervous, but that’s to be expected.”

  “So now it’s waiting?”

  She nodded.

  “What are you going to do with yourself for the afternoon?”

  “I hadn’t really thought about it,” Cameron said, tossing the idea of reading and comfy chairs right out the window.

  “The Founder’s Day Festival is going on,” he jerked his head toward the outside door. “Wanna check it out?”

  She tamped down the flutter of excitement in her stomach and tried to be cool. “Yeah, sounds fun.”

  He ran a hand through his sweaty hair and grimaced. “I should probably take a shower first. And you should probably change your shoes. You’re going to get stuck in the grass in those heels and I definitely do not recommend going barefoot today.”

  “I’ll be aerating the lawn and performing a vital public service, remember?” Cameron shot back. But she smiled. “You’re probably right. I’ll go change.”

  “Meet over at my place in half an hour?” he suggested.

  He gave her the address and she drove quickly to the B&B, wishing for the first time she’d stayed somewhere closer to town. A quick wave at Rayna as she raced up the stairs and hurried to exchange her black suit and heels for jeans, a red blouse, her silver shoes, and the new silver earrings she’d bought at the boutique in town.

  ***

  Kyle’s house was a small white bungalow with two towering pines flanking the front walk. A bank of lilac bushes clustered near the large front window and she sniffed their delicate fragrance as she climbed the stairs to a small porch with a wrought iron railing.

  The doorbell gave a gentle chime and a few seconds later Kyle opened the door. Cameron caught her breath. Dang he was hot! Hair still wet from a shower, jeans and a t-shirt, bare feet.

  He smiled. “You look great. Come in while I grab my shoes.”

  She followed him inside and stopped abruptly. The living room had a brick fireplace on one wall and … pink and green floral wallpaper on the others. The front window was framed with lacy drapes and the carpet was a soft cream color. The furniture consisted of a large TV, a brown leather recliner and … a pink floral print sofa with a crocheted orange and yellow afghan draped along the back. A brass and glass coffee table held a stack of mail and a laptop, and a curio cabinet against the wall was stuffed with knickknacks – china figurines, crystal flowers, and tiny porcelain cottages.

  “Uh … why do you live in an old lady house?”

  Kyle sat on the couch to pull on socks and shoes. “It’s temporary.”

  Cameron made a show of sniffing the air. “Is that … Bengay I smell? And maybe mothballs?”

  “Very funny,” Kyle retorted. “I’m –”

  “Is this your work?” she ran her hand over the afghan on the couch. “Do you also make toilet paper cozies?”

  “This is my grandmother’s house. She moved to assisted living last year and I’m renting from her. I didn’t have much furniture of my own so …” he shrugged.

  “I suddenly have a craving for butterscotch discs,” Cameron mused.

  He sighed. “Are you done yet?”

  She shook her head. “Not even close. Please tell me there are cats.”

  “You’re hilarious,” he said dryly, standing up. “Are we going to the festival or are you so overcome by your own cleverness, you’d rather stay here and crack jokes all day?”

  “Okay, I’m sorry,” she giggled. “Let’s go.”

  “After you,” he motioned toward the front door.

  ***

  They had missed the early morning reenactment of the first settlers’ arrival in Snow Valley. Now Main Street was full of people, many in period pioneer clothing, and the park was crowded with booths, demonstrations, and performers.

  Chills shot through Cameron when Kyle reached out and grabbed her hand. “What shall we do first?” he asked, lacing his fingers through hers.

  They roamed, stopping to watch a glass blowing demonstration and try pioneer hardtack, which Cameron pronounced gross. As they passed a booth selling old fashioned clothing, she plucked a pale pink bonnet from a display stand.

  “Here, this will go so well with your house,” she said, offering it to Kyle.

  He gave her a steady look and she snickered.

  “How about this one?” he selected a large brown cowboy hat and plunked it on Cameron’s head. “Now you look just like Pa Ingalls.”

  “Pa Ingalls,” she huffed indignantly. “Thanks a lot.”

  “Well, from the eyebrows up,” he clarified with a grin.

  Cameron replaced the hat on the stand and they continued on, meandering around the festival hand in hand. It felt so good to be out with him, away from the school and the stress of the pageant. The day was the perfect temperature and the light breeze brought the smell of barbeque.

  “Are you hungry?” Kyle asked, sniffing the air.

  “A little,” Cameron said. “I’m still so full of cheeseburgers I probably won’t need to eat for a week. Which is good, because I’m so tired I could curl up in bed and hibernate like a bear.”

  “Yeah, until Rayna kicks you out,” Kyle said. “And don’t think she won’t.”

  “I meant when I get home,” Cameron clarified and then wished she hadn’t. The thought of leaving hurt.

  Kyle’s face fell. “When is your flight out?” he asked quietly.

  “Tomorrow morning.”

  He nodded and they walked in silence for a while. Cameron’s thoughts were in turmoil. Of course she had to go home tomorrow. The pageant would be over and hopefully she’d get a promotion and would be moving upward and onward. And this was … well, she didn’t know what it was, but just because they were friends now and he’d given her a couple of hugs didn’t mean anything.

  Right?

  “How about those?” Kyle pointed to a booth where a guy dressed like a mountain man sat under a sign advertising Devil’s Spit Sausages. A smaller sign under the first one said, Warning: Super Hot! Stacks of sausages were on a table alongside a large aluminum tub of soft drinks and water bottles sitting in ice.

  “I’m game,” Cameron said.

  “No way,” Kyle said. “Super hot, see? Super.”

  “I like spicy food,” she insisted.

  They approached the booth. “Devil’s Spit, huh?” Kyle asked.

  “You ain’t kidding,” the mountain man said with a grin. “I’ve got some that aren’t quite so spicy, but the Devil’s Spit is the worst. Think you’re up for the challenge?”

  “Not me, but Cameron’s decided to be a tough guy,” Kyle tipped his head toward Cameron.

  “Oh come on, it can’t be that bad,” she scoffed.

  The mountain man picked up a plate covered with small red sausages, each speared by a toothpick and offered it to her. “Your choice.”

  She selected a medium sized sample.

  “You’re really going to do it?” Kyle asked skeptically.

  Looking him straight in the eye, Cameron popped the sausage into her mouth and chewed. It tasted like regular pork sausage, a little spicy, but nothing horrible.

  And then …

  She sucked in a quick breath as the heat released all at once and FIRE. She was on fire. Her face grew hot as her eyes started watering.

  “Oooooooo,” she squeaked.

  The mountain man laughed. “Can’t say I didn’t warn you,” he drawled.

  Her lips and tongue were burning, making it hard to talk. “Water! I need water!” Cameron panted, waving her hands in front of her open mouth, hoping to somehow
dispel the heat.

  The vendor pointed to the tub of water bottles and Cameron didn’t hesitate. She grabbed a handful of the ice and crammed it in her mouth, breathing deeply through her nose. She gasped in relief as the ice started working and wiped at her streaming eyes with her hand.

  Kyle was doubled over with laughter, tears streaming from his own eyes. “Why didn’t I record that?” he said with difficulty. “You have to do it again.”

  “No way,” she wheezed. “I am never …” she grabbed a water bottle, broke the seal, and began gulping the liquid.

  “The worst of it should go away soon,” the mountain man said helpfully, “but you’ll probably feel the burn for a few hours more.”

  Cameron groaned.

  “How much for the water?” Kyle asked.

  “Two dollars,” the man said. “And the sausage is normally twenty-five a pound, but because you’re such a good sport, I’ll give you half price.” He held up a vacuum packed square of the bright red sausages.

  “Ah, no thanks,” Kyle replied, handing him two one dollar bills. “You can go ahead and give that right back to the devil.”

  The man’s laughter followed them as they moved off.

  “I can’t believe you did that,” Kyle said.

  “Neither can I,” she admitted ruefully, downing the last of the water.

  They reached the edge of the park and Cameron checked the time on her phone.

  “They’re probably starting the talent portion,” she told Kyle.

  “How’s your mouth?”

  She ran her tongue experimentally over her teeth. “I think I’ve burned every nerve ending.”

  “Really?” he gave her a sly look. “So if I were to kiss you right now, you wouldn’t even feel it?”

  Her stomach flipped and she caught her breath. “I guess you’d have to try it and find out.”

  He turned toward her, hands sliding around her waist while hers slid around his. They stood, arms entwined and she tipped her head up while he tipped his down and there was a moment, a heartbeat, when the world seemed to stand still and the only thing Cameron could feel was the thudding of her own heart and the whisper of Kyle’s breath, warm on her lips. Then he closed the final distance between them.

  His lips were soft and warm and his arms tightened around her waist, pulling her closer. She shut her eyes and let herself get lost in the kiss as his mouth claimed hers and she responded, claiming him back.

  When they finally broke apart, she let out a deep breath. “I definitely felt that.”

  He smiled and pressed his lips to her forehead. “You sure? Because I’d be okay with trying again if you’re not.”

  Cameron drew her arms from around his waist and stood on her tiptoes. Her fingers wound through the softness of his brown hair as, this time, she pulled his head toward hers for a second kiss even more intense than the first.

  “Whew!” Kyle said, panting slightly after they broke apart. “You weren’t kidding about the sausage being hot. I think I need some water now.”

  Cameron laughed.

  Chapter 12

  Cameron stood in the dressing room, giving the makeup table a onceover – makeup, tissues, breath mints, lint roller, scissors, needle and thread. “How are you feeling?” she asked Annalisa.

  “Okay. I’ll be glad when it’s over.” Annalisa gave her lips one more swipe of Vaseline and stepped behind the clothing rack to change into her opening number costume.

  Annalisa wasn’t the only one anxious for the pageant to be over. The thought of Kyle’s lips on hers made her heart race and she could barely keep from grinning like an idiot. Beyond the closed curtain, the auditorium filled with people. He was out there somewhere and Cameron wished more than anything she could watch the show from a seat at his side, maybe with her head on his shoulder.

  “Can you help me? This zipper is stuck,” Annalisa called from behind the clothing rack.

  Cameron rounded the corner and stopped in her tracks. Annalisa had the costume partially over her head and was struggling to pull it on. But the stuck zipper made it too tight to fit over her hips and the fabric bunche around her waist. Along her thighs was a mesh of angry red slashes, many several inches long and definitely fresh.

  Cameron gasped and Annalisa spun quickly, turning her back. “I just need help with the zipper,” she said again.

  Hands shaking, Cameron worked the zipper free. Annalisa yanked the costume down covering her legs. She turned and gave Cameron a guilty glance.

  “I … you –” Cameron’s voice wouldn’t work. She couldn’t think of anything to say.

  Annalisa pushed past her to the mirror to give her hair another squirt of spray. “I think we’re almost ready to start. How do I look?”

  “Good … perfect … you look great,” Cameron stammered. “But –”

  “Places please,” Melodee called from the doorway. Annalisa gave Cameron one last glance before slipping into her high heeled pumps and following the rest of the girls to the stage.

  Cameron’s knees felt weak. She sank onto the folding chair in front of the mirror. What should she do? Should she get Kyle? He would be furious and much of his anger would be directed at her. She had promised to help, but she’d done nothing.

  Pastor John’s voice came over the speaker wired into the dressing room. He was giving an opening prayer.

  Tears sprang to Cameron’s eyes. How selfish could she be? Here she was worrying about telling Kyle primarily because of how it would affect her, when she should be worrying about how much pain it would cause him. And beyond that, she should really be worrying about Annalisa. When had she began cutting again? The cuts were high on her legs, probably easily concealed by anything except underwear or a swimming suit. It could have been going on for weeks and no one would have known.

  The violins for America started and Cameron’s mind spun frantically. Dotty would tell her to ignore it, pretend she hadn’t seen, and keep to the routine. Winning at all costs was the goal. The thought made her nauseous.

  The other assistants and hairdressers clustered offstage where they could see the pageant, but Cameron stayed in the dressing room. She helped Annalisa change costumes, fix her hair, and freshen her makeup, noting the girl was careful to keep her back turned and her legs hidden.

  Cameron listened to the pageant over the speaker and even without seeing it, she knew Annalisa was a shoo-in. Her talent was flawless, her interview answers were perfect, and from the applause, it sounded like her modeling was superb. Each time Annalisa came offstage, Cameron forced a smile and enthusiasm she didn’t really feel. When she was alone, she pulled up Kyle’s number on her phone and sat staring at it, unsure what to do.

  Finally it came down to the judging and Cameron made her way to the wings, her heart leaden. The Jr. Miss and Petite Miss Snow Valley 2015 were announced and performed their talents while the judges tallied their votes. The contestants gathered backstage in their evening gowns, tense and silent.

  Annalisa stood with Monica, neither saying much. Their arms were folded and their pinkies were intertwined. Watching the two girls, Cameron couldn’t help but mark the differences in their expressions. Monica looked desperately hopeful; Annalisa looked resigned.

  “Can I talk to you for a minute?” Cameron whispered to Annalisa and beckoned her to a spot away from the group.

  “You’re going to win, you know that, don’t you?” Cameron said.

  “No … I might not.”

  “You’re heads and tails above the rest of these girls – you know it, I know it, the audience knows it, and the judges know it.”

  Annalisa gave her a wan smile.

  “You’re going to win,” Cameron continued. “But I don’t know if you should.” Annalisa started to speak, but Cameron cut her off. “From the time I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a beauty queen. And when it became obvious I wasn’t the right type, my heart broke. So I decided if I couldn’t be one myself, I could help someone else achieve that dream.”r />
  Her tears spilled over and ran down her cheeks. “Annalisa, this isn’t your dream. It’s my dream, it’s your mother’s dream, but it isn’t yours. And it’s okay to say no.”

  “I can’t,” Annalisa whispered, tears forming in her own eyes.

  “I saw your legs,” Cameron said “You know I saw them. And seeing it made my heart break again. This isn’t what it’s supposed to be about; it’s supposed to be exciting and fun.” She gave a deep sigh. “I’m so sorry. I’ve been pushing you, only thinking about what I want.”

  “No, you haven’t,” Annalisa said. “You’ve been great, really. I just … I guess it’s easier to take it out on myself than try to deal with my mother.”

  “You can’t keep doing it,” Cameron said softly.

  The sound of applause came from the auditorium and Jr. Miss Snow Valley ran into the wings, one hand clutching a baton and the other steadying her tiara.

  “Great job,” Melodee told at her and then turned to the older girls. “We’re ready. Annalisa, can you join us please?”

  Annalisa blinked rapidly to get rid of the tears and gave Cameron’s hand a squeeze as she moved to take her place in the group.

  “You’re all wonderful,” Melodee whispered brightly. “And you’ve all done a fantastic job. No matter who wins, Snow Valley is lucky to have you as its queen.”

  There was more applause as the girls filed onto the stage. They joined hands in a line while Pastor John took the envelope from Paisley. Two high school boys in tuxedos came onstage and waited at the bottom of the risers.

  Cameron dug her nails into her palms.

  “Our second runner up is …” Pastor John paused for dramatic effect, “… Jill Brenson!” Jill stepped forward to receive her sash and flowers. One of the boys escorted her to stage right where the winners would stand.

  The tension ratcheted higher.

  “Miss Snow Valley first runner up …” another pause, “… Monica Snow!” Monica accepted her prizes and took the spot next to Jill. The audience grew quiet again in anticipation.

  “And finally, Miss Snow Valley 2015 … Annalisa Drake!”