“Well, good for you. What about Ruth?”
“Actually, Ruth was nice. She just came to offer to help with laundry and dishes today. We ended up talking the whole night. Neither of us could sleep, with John and Trina’s ruckus.”
Abby laughed again. She was glad to have scored the room next to Andrew’s. She smiled again as the memory of their kiss returned.
“You look like you slept well. Your face is glowing.”
“Um, thanks,” Abby accepted the compliment and hoped he wouldn’t read more into it.
“So do you prefer to put the ice on here, or do you want some help into the living room?”
“I should probably come out.” She swung her good leg over the edge of the bed first, then the other with care. “Yes. Can you help me to the washroom first?”
“Definitely.” He leaned down to help her up. “Cool bathrobe, by the way. It must be a nice perk of getting the guest bedroom. Wait, where’d your pants go?”
“I fell last night,” she said between a nervous laugh, not wanting to let out too much. “I slipped on the pant leg. Andrew gave me this.”
“Are you okay?” He stopped to look down at her leg when they made it to the door of the bathroom.
“Yes. It’s fine now. Okay, wait here. I’ll be a minute.”
When she made it back from the washroom, Rob was standing at the one of the windows, looking through the blinds.
“Can you believe it’s still snowing out there?” he asked without turning around. “It looks like four or five feet of snow fell. It’s hard to tell though, with the wind still picking up.”
“Wow. Well, I for one am glad we’re in here instead of lost and frozen out there.”
“No doubt. We dodged a bullet last night, didn’t we?”
“We sure did. Okay, I’m ready to get moving.”
“No probs.” He smiled. “Care for a lift?”
“What? No thanks,” she laughed. “I really have to try and not be the resident 120-pound care package everyone gets a turn to lug around.”
He chuckled, putting her arm over his shoulder for extra leverage. “Hey, remember how you and Becky would fight to give me piggybacks when we were little?”
“I’ve not thought about that for years,” Abby giggled as they made their way down the hallway.
“That was only like last summer.”
“You’re off by about ten years or so, Rob,” she snorted through the laugh.
“Off about what?” They heard from Trina when they entered the living room. John leaned over in front the fireplace, picking up the clothes everyone had shed the night before.
“Oh, nothing,” Abby answered. “We’re just reminiscing. Good morning, you two. So how was your sleep?”
“It was good,” Trina answered as she searched her backpack.
“Good and loud,” Rob muttered for only Abby to hear, to which she had to fight down more giggles.
“How about you?” Trina asked. “I wondered how you’d make out in a room by yourself last night.”
“It was pretty good. Comfortable bed, in-suite bathroom.
Hot guy in the bedroom next door.
“Nice.” Trina did not stop looking at Abby when Rob helped her sit in the chair she’d used the night before.
“So where’s Andrew?” John asked Rob.
“He’s busy,” Rob answered. “He was up earlier and had some kind of project work to finish. We probably won’t see him until the afternoon.”
“What kind of project work could someone have, living all the way out here?” Trina asked.
“Maybe he works from home,” Rob suggested. “I mean, look at this place. You don’t have a lakefront mansion on Lake Tahoe without a little success under your belt.”
“True, but he did say he was a doctor,” John added. “I wonder what kind of project work a doctor has?”
Abby cleared her throat. “Guys, the man let us in his home, and probably saved our butts from becoming blizzard statistics. Prying into his life and questioning his behavior is no way to show our gratitude.”
“I’m with you, Abby,” Rob agreed. “I don’t know about you people, but I’m starving. I’ll get breakfast started. Anyone want to help?”
“John, go help Rob, will you?” Trina suggested.
“Sure. I’ll get these clothes washed too.”
He accepted a peck on the cheek as he passed Trina, and walked toward the hallway.
“Lead the way, Rob.”
When they were out of earshot, Trina pulled up a chair beside Abby. “I want to know everything.”
“Everything about what?”
“You’re sporting the most obvious signs of kiss-blush, Abby. Maybe even some make-out blush.”
“I have no idea what you mean.” Abby was a bit flustered. “What on earth is kiss-blush and make-out blush?”
“Ahhh, just something I made up in high school. I was so creative back then. Thought for sure it would catch on…”
“Well, I never heard of it.” Abby hoped Trina would change the subject.
“He kissed you, didn’t he?” she was persistent.
“What… how… why would you say that?”
“Look, I know we all barely know each other,” Trina started. “Well, except we all know Rob. The point is I can tell from a mile away. You got some action last night, didn’t you? You don’t have to give me details, but just know that I can tell. You’re flushed, you’ve got the smile that won’t stop, and your face is glowing brighter than the sun. Any woman who’s kissed someone she likes a lot has that exact look on her face for at least a day or two. That’s kiss-blush.”
“God, is it that obvious?”
“Yup. So am I right?”
“Um…you could say so.”
“Good for you, Abby. Good score!” Trina shouted.
“Shhh. Keep it down, Trina.”
“Sorry, sorry.”
“Please, don’t mention it to the others, okay? It was just something that kind of…it just happened, and I don’t want to have to explain anything to anyone. It’s too early, you know?”
Trina nodded and stood up from the chair. “I don’t know what the big deal is, Abby. You’re single, right?”
“Yes.”
“And is he?”
“I don’t know. I never asked. I don’t know anything about him. That’s why I don’t want to talk about it with anyone, okay?”
“I won’t. Your secret is safe with me.”
“What secret,” Barb asked, sauntering into the living room.
“Nothing,” both Abby and Trina replied in unison.
“Suit yourselves,” she said, rolling her eyes. She looked around the room. “So where’s handsome?”
“In the kitchen with Rob,” Trina said, giving a wink to Abby. “You were talking about John, right?”
“Why would I care about where your man is, Trina?” Barb answered. “You know I meant Andrew.”
“He doesn’t want to be disturbed today, Barb.” Trina told her. “Judging from his reaction to you last night, I’d guess he’s not looking for a saucy firecracker like you.”
“Never you mind about what you think is good for him,” Barb retorted. “Anyhow, what’s doing for breakfast?”
“Rob and John are taking care of it. They’re on kitchen duty today,” Abby answered.
“Good. I’m going to check out the library while I wait.” Barb headed out to the hallway. “Call me when it’s ready, okay?”
Abby and Trina nodded. The second Barb was far enough, Trina laughed out loud.
“You’d better watch your man with that one around.”
Abby shook her head. “He’s not my man, Trina.”
“Yeah, and he won’t be for long if you let Barb dig her claws into him. We went to high school together. That woman is vicious.”
“Look.” Abby tried to be as gracious as she could. “Let’s just leave it alone for now, okay? I appreciate your advice, and I know you mean well, but I don’t
want to talk about it anymore.”
“Fine by me,” Trina answered. “Just be warned.”
After a few moments of a quiet pause, Abby noticed Ruth hadn’t come down yet. “Where’s Ruth?” she asked.
Trina shrugged her shoulders. “Not sure. Probably still sleeping.”
John returned to the living room to announce breakfast was ready in the kitchen.
“I’m going to have to have mine in here, I think,” Abby said.
“We can help you to the kitchen, you know?” John offered.
“I appreciate it, but I should stay put.” Abby was not up for being grilled, should the rest of them notice her kiss-blush. Just the thought of the word made her want to smile even more.
“No problem, Abby,” Trina said, and made her way to John at the doorway.
She plastered herself against his chest and his arms were around her in no time. It was like they were magnets that couldn’t help making contact when they got close enough to each other. Looks familiar.
“Hun, I’ll get Barb and see if Ruth is up. John, do you mind being a sweetheart and grabbing a tray of your awesome breakfast for Abby?”
“No problem.” He whispered something in her ear before heading back to the kitchen. Trina giggled, and went the other way to head upstairs.
Abby let out a long sigh when she was finally alone.
Maybe I should hide out in the bedroom today.
It would be simpler. She touched her lips, and was instantly wrapped up in her memory of The Kiss.
“Yes. Definitely the bedroom,” she whispered, feeling the warmth rise to her ever-smiling cheeks again.
Chapter Nine
ANDREW had one dominant question running around his thoughts all morning.
What in hell was I thinking?
That kiss. It was out of this world, the way it stirred up things in his chest that he wasn’t sure worked anymore. It felt damned good being stirred up sexually, but now was a different story. Now it was morning, and it was bad enough that he had a house full of strangers to feed, clothe, and entertain. Now, he had to live with having kissed one of those complete strangers.
She kissed me back.
Plus, she said she knew.
How could she know I’m a shifter and still not be scared out of her ever-loving mind?
He asked himself what new planet he had been teleported to. The whole thing felt odd. One thing was for sure—wherever he was last night, he was not accompanied by his brain. What was strange, though, was he slept better than he had in a long time.
“Shit,” he said aloud.
I have to face her today.
What in hell am I supposed to tell her?
Andrew had seen Rob when he first got up. Rob was already comfortable in the kitchen, so Andrew wouldn’t have to tend to them for most of that day, at least. He could not avoid Abby for the entire time.
Avoid her? Avoid them? In my own fucking house? What in hell is wrong with me?
Andrew growled low, and stood up from the chair in his office. He was making himself a voluntary prisoner in his own house. As much as he liked being alone, he had to make an effort to be civil. It was also time to live with the consequences of kissing an irresistible woman he knew nothing about. Taking in a long breath, he headed out to the living room.
He felt a mixture of relief and apprehension when he looked in. Abby was eating alone. The timing was perfect. He could apologize, and see if they could forget it ever happened. Not that it was possible. That kiss was the kiss of life. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime memorable moments, right up there with tandem skydiving, running with the bulls in Pamplona, and bungee jumping in Zimbabwe. Although, the kiss was a clear win over the others in adrenalin-pumping intensity and mind-altering elation.
“Good morning, Andrew,” Abby greeted him with a shy but warm smile.
“Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
“I did. We still can’t thank you enough for your help last night.”
“It’s no problem at all. So, I see you’ve been fed?”
“Yes, thank you. Everyone else is eating in the kitchen. Rob and John made breakfast. There’s probably more if you’re hungry.”
“I’m all right. I had breakfast earlier. I’ll grab something later.” He settled into a less nervous conversation. It appeared they were both intent on leaving the kiss in the past, and out of their discussion.
“Rob mentioned it’s still snowing out there?” she asked.
“Unfortunately, yes,” he answered, and immediately caught himself, but it was already too late to back out of it.
“I’m sure you’d be a lot more comfortable if we hadn’t ended up stuck here with you.”
Crap. I hope she doesn’t read minds too.
“It’s all right.”
“Have you heard any news on how long the storm will last?”
“The radio has been cutting in and out, and the reception isn’t much better with cable or satellite TV. At one point, the news mentioned another day or so of snowfall. There have been hundreds of accidents, vehicle pileups, and stalled cars. The cleanup will be another story. I hate to break it to you, but we could be looking at three to five days before they clear the highways and main roads. These back country roads are always the last to get attention.”
He was completely aware of her silence as the reality of a few days sank in. She bit down on her luscious bottom lip, sweet enough to make Andrew’s cock twitch.
“That’s a shame.” Her wide eyes lit up and she nodded toward the windows. “Well, we’re better off in here than out there, right?”
“For sure. By the way, does anyone want to use the sat phone? I’m guessing you all need to call your family, or…um…loved ones?”
Christ. I hope you’re single, after that kiss.
With just that question, Andrew found himself in the middle of a flashback.
He was driving. It was the dead of night in the middle of a snowstorm. Both hands gripped the wheel firmly. Emma’s hand lovingly on his leg. They had both worked twenty-four hours straight at the hospital. She had just kissed him on the cheek and laid her head on his shoulder, her non-verbal reassurance that she was completely confident with his driving on the snowy night. Black ice on that bridge. Bright lights from out of nowhere.
Just as quickly as it came, the memory drifted away with his clouded mind, and he was back, standing a few feet from Abby. His focus shifted back to her.
“Is everything okay?”
“Fine,” he answered quickly, as if it would help detract any attention from his vacant stare. He made a point of turning to leave the room as quickly as he could. Having to explain the flashback that had just happened was more than he was ready to share. “I’ll show Rob how to use the sat phone. He’ll bring it to you. I have a few things to take care of, so I’ll speak to you later on.”
“Thanks, Andrew.”
He heard Abby answer, but disappeared around the corner. He wanted some distance between him and the embarrassing moment. When he was out of her line of sight, and out of earshot in his office, he stopped and took a few deep breaths.
Great going, Drew.
He cursed his unruly mind for taking him back to the tragedy at such an inopportune time.
He took one of the charged sat phones out to the kitchen.
“Hey Andrew,” Rob greeted him as he entered the kitchen. He was at the stove preparing another round of breakfast. The remaining four people from the group were seated around the breakfast nook, feasting on eggs, French toast, sausages, and coffee.
“Good morning,” he said to them. “I’m heading back to my office to attend to some business. Here’s the satellite phone. Do you know how to use it?”
“Thanks, man,” John answered. “Yes, I can show the rest of them. I’d like to get a message to my folks.”
“Me too,” Rob agreed. “None of our phones work yet.”
“Okay, good,” Andrew answered.
He was distinctly awar
e of the piercing look he got from the crazy woman in the group. He made a point of not looking in her direction.
“It’s fully charged, and pretty simple to use,” he told them. “Just in case, here are the written instructions. It usually works fine here in the kitchen because of the skylight. If it has any signal issues, you may need to step out on the porch.”
“Thanks, Andrew,” Rob answered. “We’ll give it a go after breakfast. You know, I made lots of food here, more than enough, if you want to join us.”
“Thanks. I’ve already eaten. I’ll grab something a little later on. Oh, before I forget, I may need you men to help me bring in some firewood from the shed later. The house is well heated, but the fireplace makes a big difference on days like this.”
“That’ll be no problem at all,” John answered. “I’m actually pretty good at chopping wood. My dad has a firewood delivery service in the winter when the farm is off season.”
“Good to know, but you’re off the hook for that level of manual labor. The shed has a supply of pre-chopped wood that will last pretty much the whole season.”
“Okay. I’d be more than happy to pull my weight after everything you’ve done for us. I know you’ve probably heard this from Rob already, but you saved our hides out there. We can’t thank you enough for braving the cold and coming out to find us…and for letting us stay here. I mean, we’re a bunch of strange people in your house.”
Andrew knew what it was like to be stranded in the middle of nowhere and not have help come right away. He had never had the opportunity to help people directly—except for his work at the hospital back then, but that was his job. He also had not taken an interest in his family’s numerous charities, but he thought of himself as a reasonably decent person. To help was just the right thing to do.
“It’s no problem at all,” Andrew answered. “All right. Enjoy the rest of your breakfast. Rob can show you the study and entertainment room if you’re looking for things to do to keep busy. I’ll see you all later on.”
Andrew made to leave, glad to see a consensus of nods and hear the chorus of thanks, as opposed to more questions. He breathed out a silent breath as well when the flirtatious brunette didn’t make another advance. She must have gotten the message loud and clear last night when he nearly ripped her arms from around his neck. It was regretful that his grip left a mark, but he suspected it was the right amount of force to get any kind message across. He walked to his office, closed the door, and locked it for good measure.
Cabin Bear Heat Box Set: A Paranormal Fantasy Bear Shifter Romance (A Bear Shifter Romance Retelling of the Billionaire Redemption Series Book 2) Page 7
