Snowbound

by MG Braden

  up two or three times with hot water. She wanted to stay in longer to finish the book she had been reading.

  Arriving back in her room after the incident on Devil’s Tongue, she’d crashed on her bed for what was

  supposed to be just a few minutes. Unfortunately, she’d fallen asleep. When she woke up a couple of

  hours later, she’d been shivering with cold and had immediately gone to take a hot bath. The invitation

  must have arrived some time after that, or else she’d missed the card when she first went into the

  bathroom.

  Should she go? She was all warm and sleepy from her bath, but it did sound nice and she didn’t

  want to disappoint Sandra. Her stomach growled. She laughed and figured that was the answer she

  needed. Jumping up, she rushed to get ready as quickly as she could. Being late to anything really annoyed

  her, so she would just have to make do with a quick blow dry of her hair and bare minimum make-up.

  Since she remembered that Glaciers was a fancy restaurant she dug about in her suitcase for something

  that would be appropriate. Cassidy had never been good about hanging clothes up in hotels, so she had

  learned to pack as many wrinkle-resistant items as possible. She shook out her black micro-fibre pants

  and matching top, and marveled at how wonderful this fabric really was—not a wrinkle to be found. She

  dressed quickly and, deciding she needed some color, added a moss green blazer. With about five minutes

  to spare to get to the restaurant, she stuffed her hotel key card in one pocket, along with some lip gloss.

  She put a credit card in the other, just in case, and ran out the door.

  * * *

  Daniel arrived at Glaciers just before eight o’clock and looked around. He didn’t see too many

  others here, but he figured it was still early.

  “Good evening, Mr. Daniel, sir. It’s good to see you again.”

  “George! You’re still here, I see. It’s a good thing too. How would this place survive without you?”

  Daniel reached out and shook the maitre d’s hand. George had been the head maitre d’ at Glaciers for so

  long that it would be more of a surprise not to see him. However, Daniel knew that, as formal as George

  was, he would be sure to appreciate that Daniel thought he was irreplaceable.

  “Thank you sir. Your table is right this way.” George led the way to a table in the far corner of the

  restaurant. Daniel noticed the table was in a secluded area of the restaurant, right next to the windows.

  “Oh, but this is a small table George. I’m sure I’m to meet Sandra and a few others here for some

  kind of a get-together.”

  “Yes, sir. This is the table Mrs. Johnson reserved.”

  “Okay. Thanks, George.” Daniel sat down in a seat adjacent to the window. He looked out and saw

  that the lower runs were lit. Peering out the window from this angle gave the lights and snow a magical

  look.

  “Daniel, you made it.” He stood up to greet Sandra. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss a gathering of

  yours.”

  “Well, good. You just have a seat. I’m going to run and get everything organized.”

  “Where’s everyone else?” he asked as he sat back down.

  “Oh, I’m sure they’ll be along. It’s going to be a wonderful dinner you’ll see.” Sandra smiled. “Yes,

  I think it’s going to be lovely.” She wandered away still muttering to herself.

  He watched her go, thinking she seemed preoccupied. Still, it was strange that he was the only one

  here. This table looked like it might hold four people, if they were lucky. Shrugging, he figured it was no

  big deal, what did he know about dinner parties anyway. As long as there was food he’d be a happy man.

  It had been an interesting week so far and he felt like he was finally moving on. Originally it had

  been hard to be up here without Natasha, but he knew it was important he not avoid things any more. He

  liked working around the resort—it was very different from his regular job as a home inspector. As

  always, the best part was meeting different people. Especially pretty girls with silver grey eyes and

  crazy, curly hair.

  “Right this way, miss. Here we are.”

  Daniel came out of his reverie and watched George leading someone to the table. As George

  stopped and stepped aside, Daniel grinned. Yeah, you definitely gotta love those big eyes and that

  corkscrew hair.

  Chapter Seven

  Cassidy stepped around George, expecting to see a group of people, and was taken aback to only

  see Daniel grinning up at her. As Daniel stood, the maitre d’ pulled out a chair opposite to where Daniel

  had sat.

  “Thank you, George.” Cassidy looked around as she sat down. “Where are the others?”

  “Mrs. Johnson was here earlier,” George replied vaguely. “Someone will be along soon to take

  care of you.” He bowed slightly, turned and left, almost appearing to vanish into the shadows of the dimly

  lit restaurant.

  “You look great, Cassidy.”

  She smiled shyly at Daniel, who had sat back down in his seat, across from her. “Thank you. You

  clean up nice, too.” When he’d stood up she noticed he’d worn a pair of black dress pants, a light blue

  collared shirt with no tie and a sports jacket over that. The blue shirt really made the colour of his eyes

  more noticeable, even in the dim lighting. “Well, you know, I don’t do it often so...” He tugged at his

  collar and unbuttoned the top button on his shirt. “I never feel like I can breathe with these things on. I hate

  stuff around my neck; hence no tie.” He leaned forward across the table. “Shh, don’t tell. Sandra lets me

  get away with it, but we’re supposed to wear one here.”

  “I won’t tell.” She smiled. “Daniel, I wanted to...well, I wanted to say sorry, for the way I acted

  earlier. I know you were just trying to help me and I’d done the wrong thing which put us both at risk.”

  “No, Cassidy, I’m sorry. I went off on a tangent and overreacted. It just reminded me of stuff

  and...Anyway the point is you’re safe.”

  “I know, but you were right, I should have been paying attention. And—” Cassidy broke off as she

  noticed a waiter standing at the table.

  “Excuse me, may I get you something to drink?”

  “I think we’re waiting on others,” Daniel answered.

  “Yes, sir. Mrs. Johnson said to bring you anything you wanted.”

  “Oh, okay. Cassidy? What would you like?”

  “I’ll just have a glass of house red, please.”

  “And I’d like a pint of whatever you have on tap. Thanks.”

  “Very good.” The waiter stepped away, re-appeared briefly to pour some water into the goblets on

  the table and was gone again.

  Cassidy looked around the restaurant and then back at Daniel. “It’s very empty in here tonight.

  Where is everyone? Also, if Sandra was here earlier, why isn’t she here now?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t know. I was told there was some kind of dinner gathering, but there’s no

  one else here. I have a feeling that Sandra just pulled one over on us.”

  “Really? Like what?” She tilted her head. “I can’t imagine that. She’s so sweet.”

  Daniel’s eyes twinkled in the candlelight and he smiled widely. “Yes, she’s sweet, but she also

  fancy’s herself as a bit of a cupid.”

  “Cupid?” She suddenly realized what he was implying and she felt the heat of a blush work its way

  across her face. Good
thing it was hard to see in the restaurant. “Surely not. I mean...why?”

  “Well, I’m not sure whether to be insulted by that comment or not.”

  “No, no. I just meant that...” She suddenly didn’t have a clue what she meant and she saw that he

  was holding back laughter. “Sorry.”

  “Listen, no worries. Honestly, I think that Sandra is aware that we had an argument out there today

  and she’s trying to make amends. She knows you’ve had a hard week.”

  She nodded. “I think that’s why I got so upset earlier. When you were mad at me it just reminded me

  of Rick and all the times he yelled at me about stuff. I decided I wasn’t going to take it anymore. I know

  you meant well, but I don’t think men should push women around just because they are bigger or

  stronger.”

  “Is that what you think I was doing? Trying to push you around?” Daniel looked concerned.

  “I don’t know. Maybe not. You certainly seemed more annoyed than the situation called for. But I

  know it was my fault.” Cassidy quickly backtracked. She hated arguing. It was all she’d done with Rick—

  she wasn’t about to do it with Daniel too. He seemed like a good guy. And he is so cute. It would be

  awful to paint him with the same brush as Rick. Still, he’d gone off today without warning. She wondered

  if it was something she’d done. Rick had certainly ingrained it into her that most things were her fault. She

  often found herself apologizing for stuff she didn’t even do and second-guessing things she did do.

  When she saw Daniel lift his beer to take a drink, she found that her glass of wine had appeared

  without her even noticing it. She picked it up and took a sip, still thinking about what had happened.

  “Cassidy.” She looked up into his eyes. “There is no one at fault. Yes, you skied onto a closed run,

  but you said you didn’t see the sign and I believe you. Some of the stuff I said out there today had nothing

  to do with you. It was more me confronting my past. I’m just sorry you were on the receiving end.”

  His sincerity became evident. It was in the tone of his voice and the kindness of his eyes. There was

  even a little crinkle at the corner of each eye when he smiled. Still, she wasn’t used to trusting the words

  that men said. Too many times, they had let her down. She wanted to say the right thing but, having been

  told she always said and did the wrong thing, she wasn’t sure what the right thing was. And she didn’t

  want to spoil the mood. The candlelight, the warmth in his gaze, and the lights twinkling off the ice

  crystals in the snow, all had her holding her breath to not spoil the magic of the moment.

  Letting the breath out, hoping her silence hadn’t been awkward, she finally acknowledged him.

  “Thanks. I honestly didn’t see the sign.” She laughed. “It would have served me right if I slid down the

  whole run on my butt.”

  Laughing with her, he said, “At least it’s a nice butt.”

  He thinks I have a nice butt!

  Before she could reply, they were interrupted by the waiter again, this time bringing an assortment

  of plates. “Mrs. Johnson has arranged for a Chef’s sampler, compliments of her. To begin with, there is an

  antipasto platter and Caprese salad. Enjoy.”

  “Wow, this looks great! I’m starving. It is hard work sliding down a slope on your backside you

  know.”

  * * *

  Throughout the many courses that kept arriving at their table, they talked about a wide variety of

  subjects. Mostly safe subjects like sports, travel, jobs and food. Cassidy found it easy to talk to Daniel

  and was enjoying his take on everything. She also figured out that she had to be fast if she wanted to try to

  eat something from a shared plate, because otherwise it was gone. Daniel’s fork would be in there

  scooping up all the food. At first she’d tried the whole demure female who wasn’t hungry routine. She

  thought better of it when the food disappeared, but she hadn’t had a bite.

  “OK, buster, that’s it!”

  Startled, Daniel paused with his fork half way to his mouth and his eyes wide. “Whammpf?” He

  said through a mouthful of food.

  “Don’t act all innocent with me. These are share plates. You know? Share? As in we each get some.

  Not whoever gets to the food the fastest gets it all.”

  He’d finished chewing his food, looked at his plate and then at hers. “Sorry. I didn’t even realize I

  was doing that. I get really hungry after skiing. Actually I’m hungry most of the time.” He grinned. “I

  promise I won’t eat one more bite until you’ve had your share.”

  “Thanks. I was trying to be all ladylike and dainty, but forget that. I’m hungry too!” She laughed.

  Reaching over to the platter in the middle she transferred some of the pasta and seafood to her plate.

  Shortly afterward the waiter brought a dessert platter with crème caramel, chocolate mousse pie, tiramisu

  and several other wonderful looking treats. Her eyes narrowed as she focussed on the plate, she picked up

  her dessert fork and poked the back of Daniel’s hand as he was reaching toward the platter. “I’m going to

  tell you one thing right now. Do not come between a woman and her chocolate, or you might get stabbed.”

  With her other hand she scooped the chocolate mousse pie on to her plate.

  “Nice warning there, Cass! Aren’t you supposed to warn someone before stabbing them? Not at the

  same time.” He rubbed the back of his hand.

  “That wasn’t a stab, that was the warning poke. Stabbing is more painful. Trust me.” She nodded as

  she licked her fork clean of the first bite of pie. Feeling very flirty all of a sudden, she dipped her fork in

  the mousse and watched him while she licked it off. She liked that he’d called her Cass and was now very

  happy that there was no one else sitting with them. Attracted to him right away, witnessing his true nature

  the last few days had only confirmed it. Now she felt he was more than just someone to deflect her

  thoughts from Rick, she really liked him. “I will share, however. I’m not that mean.” She held her fork

  across the table to let him try some and just as he leaned in she pulled it away. “Psyche. I don’t share

  chocolate.”

  She pulled her hand back, but Daniel was too quick. He lunged for the fork and snatched it away,

  popping it directly into his mouth. Watching his lips as he licked the chocolate, her heart did a flip.

  Bantering with this sexy, fun, gentle guy made her realize there were so many other possibilities in life.

  “I may be a guy, but I love chocolate, too. Don’t dare me!” He handed her back the fork.

  The waiter arrived in the middle of their banter to pour coffee and ask if they wanted anything else.

  Looking around Cassidy saw that the rest of the room was completely empty. They were the only ones

  left. She glanced at her watch. It was almost eleven o’clock. She’d been having so much fun she hadn’t

  even noticed the passage of time.

  “Excuse me?” she said to the waiter. “What time do you close?”

  “On weeknights we usually close at ten-thirty, unless there is a special event.”

  “Do you want us out of here then?” Daniel asked.

  “No sir. Tonight is a special event.” The waiter smiled and placed a small tray with cream, sugar

  and coffee spoons onto the table.

  “Really? What event is that? There’s no one else here,” Cassidy commented.

  The waiter only shrugged, saying, “I
just stay until they tell me to go.”

  Stirring cream into her coffee, she leaned back in her chair and sighed. “I’m so full. Ugh. I went

  from hungry to full way too fast. That’s what I get for trying to keep up with you.”

  “Hmm,” Daniel said distractedly. “Hey Cass? I’m thinking we’re the so-called, special event.

  Whaddaya say we finish up here and let the staff go home? Some of them work off mountain and I’d hate

  for them to be driving down too late.”

  Lulled by the food and wine, it took her a minute to figure out what Daniel had said because he said

  it so quickly, and his words seemed to run together. Once the words sunk in she was disappointed he

  wanted to call it a night, but understood he was trying to be considerate of the employees at the resort.

  “Sure, that’s fine. I was getting sleepy anyway.”

  “Not too sleepy, I hope. I was thinking maybe we could go down to the hot tub and talk some more.”

  Cassidy’s disappointment faded and she knew she was grinning like a fool. “Yeah. Sounds good.”

  “OK, great. I’ll just settle up here, get these guys a tip and meet you down there. Do you know where

  it is?”

  “I think so, but let me give you some money toward...”

  “No way,” Daniel interrupted, “I may not be independently wealthy, but I can afford a tip. Please.

  Why don’t you just go get changed and meet me at the hot tub?”

  She knew that to object further about the tip, just to show she didn’t need anyone to take care of her,

  was probably both silly and futile. “Thank you. I’ll see you there.” She rose to leave and was almost

  across the restaurant when it hit her.

  Wait, a hot tub! I have to wear a swimsuit. Oh Lord!

  Chapter Eight

  Cassidy stood in the doorway to the gazebo, where the hot tub was located on a deck overlooking

  the valley. Daniel hadn’t seen her yet as he had his back to her. It looked like he was pouring something

  into plastic cups. It’s not too late to turn around. She willed her legs to move forward, but her mind was

  telling her to run. She clutched the towel to her chest and tried to keep the flap of her robe from opening