by Ivy Jordan
Lila laughed as I searched the cabinets for a bowl and lid that matched. I finally found one and started ladling the creamy stew into the bowl, and then sealed it tightly before placing it in a large Ziploc bag.
“You’re sure the weather is going to pass us?” she questioned.
“I’m almost positive,” I boasted.
“And this walkie-talkie, it works from where, the bottom of the mountain?” she asked.
“Yes. It should work all the way to the top of the mountain in case my cell doesn’t get service,” I stated.
“Holy shit, you’re really doing this,” she squealed, scooting from her chair and wrapping her arms around me.
I was. I was really doing this. Was it the right thing to do? Was Xander going to be happy to see me?
Lila helped me shove the chowder into my backpack, and then gave me two more hugs before I made it to my car. The clouds were really dark, and I started to second guess my radar-reading skills as I loaded the pack into the back seat of my car.
“I’m proud of you,” Lila said, pushing me to continue on with my decision. No more second guessing.
As I pulled away from my childhood home, I felt a mixture of emotions. I was excited to be headed on my adventure, sad to leave the house, and relieved not to be inside staring at the walls, the pictures, and surrounded by silent memories that haunted my sleep.
The drive to the parking lot below the mountain had me pass through a little rain, but nothing too hard. I had a Parka, so I could handle a little bit of wetness, and I had plenty of warm clothes to keep me comfortable on my climb.
I pulled in, noticing that Liam’s truck wasn’t there. A shiny red one was in the same spot from before, and I assumed that was Xander’s, although I’d never seen him make the trek down the mountain to drive it.
I pulled in beside the truck, grabbed my bag from the back, strapped it over my shoulders, and locked my car.
I hoped I knew the way to the cabin, but I wasn’t certain. It was at the very top, I knew that, so I would just go up and worry about the direction from there.
I followed the same path I’d started on that fateful day when I was injured, through the slick mud, the sharp rocks, and the heavy brush to the clearing just about a fourth of a mile up.
The clouds threatened me with darkness, and thunder was roaring in the distance. Without the sun, it was already getting dark, and the air was crisp. A mile up, and I stopped, searching my pack for a granola bar and some water, and checked for a signal on my phone. Nothing. I would be lucky to have a signal at the top, where the towers could actually reach me. Hell, I’d climb up on Xander’s roof if I had to in order to call Lila to let her know I’d made it.
My thoughts drifted to Liam. His missing truck concerned me. Maybe Xander was doing better, moving on, and me showing up would only hinder his success.
I shook it off, continuing up the mountain as the rain started to fall. I stopped again, pulling out my Parka and throwing it on over my clothes. It was cold, even with the warm clothes I wore, and I knew it was going to be dark, and much colder by the time I made it to the top.
The spot where I fell was gravely familiar. I stopped there, looking up the mountain. I knew it wasn’t far, maybe a quarter mile more, but I wasn’t sure which direction.
I couldn’t see Xander’s cabin being straight up the trail. That would be too easy for hikers to end up at his door.
I stared at the sky, trying to get answers from my dad who I hoped was watching down on me. I imagined he was proud, smiling, and looking forward to what I’d find at the top of the mountain. Love, that was his dream for me, and the more I thought about it, it was becoming my dream as well.
The right of the path looked like it was covered in thorn bushes, and I didn’t remember being scraped up when I made it to Xander’s cabin. To the left, it was thick brush, but as far as I could tell, no thorns. I took a closer look, and noticed broken branches from where someone had used that path, so I took it, hoping for the best.
Snow started to fall, and the mountainside became extremely thick. I couldn’t believe that Xander had carried me up this without a path and suddenly had a new-found respect for the man in addition to the respect that already flooded my heart.
I had to make it, no matter how bad I hurt, no matter how cold or scared I was. If I done anything in my life, anything that mattered at all, it would be making it up this mountainside to Xander’s strong arms.
Chapter Thirty-One
Xander
It was strange being alone in the cabin again. The same dark clouds that lurked in the sky with the last storm lingered over the mountain once again. The radar said it would miss us, but it was already starting to snow pretty heavily.
Liam made another trip into town to get a part for the generator, just in case we got slammed with another thirty inches of snow, and I worried that he may not make it back up before things got worse.
He was a smart guy. He’d surely find a place to stay warm and dry in town before he tried to do anything stupid, like climb this mountain in a blizzard.
I laughed out loud at the thought of having to carry his muscle-bound ass up the mountainside to safety. Bailey was one thing, petite and easy, but Liam, he would be a real challenge.
The electric flickered but didn’t go out. I lit some candles, just in case, and added a couple more logs to the fire. I knew how quickly things could change, and from the way the snow continued to fall without mercy, I knew change was extremely possible.
I peered out the window, which was already icing up. The snow was thick enough that I couldn’t see past the shed. I was going to barrel down, planning on spending the night alone.
I made some coffee, placing it over the fire to boil, and then rummaged through the kitchen for something easy to eat. There was still bread and lunchmeat, so I threw together a sandwich. I knew whenever Liam made a trip into town, no matter what for, he came back with enough food to feed an army. I was running out of places to store it all. I seriously wondered if this man ever planned on leaving. Maybe all that therapy wasn’t really working, and he needed a retreat from life, from civilization. I was good with it. He was super helpful. It was nice having someone to talk to. Although I preferred Bailey’s company over Liam’s, he was definitely a second best.
The wind picked up, and it was already dark, three hours before the sun was scheduled to set. The trees whistled, and the electricity flickered again.
I flung open the front door, holding it from flying off the hinges due to the heavy winds picking up. The stack of wood I’d been splitting all week was near the shed, close to where I was attacked by the coyote. I shrugged off the eeriness that fell over me and ran through the rain towards the pile.
I gripped the tarp covering the wood as the wind lifted it high into the air. I pulled hard, not allowing the covering to take off into the tree tops and secured it under a couple of the logs.
Suddenly, the wind stopped, and the woods grew silent. I knew the warmer weather had awakened the creatures lurking beyond the tree line, and they were all hungry, ready to leap on anything that moved for some desperately needed nourishment.
I didn’t plan on becoming anyone’s meal, or even snack if they just got a chunk of my flesh like the coyote, so I picked up the axe near the wood, ready to attack whatever came at me.
Branches broke in the distance, and tree tops rustled as something made its way up the mountain. I grabbed three logs, piling them in my arms, and rushed into the cabin. I slammed the door, set the wood down, and then moved to the window. Whatever had been making its way to me was nowhere to be seen, possibly headed a new direction since my scent was now gone.
I moved to the fire, stacking a new log on the small flame, and poked it until enough air pockets were created and allowed the flame to grow.
Just as I was standing back to admire my work, warming myself near the beautiful orange flame, a knock on the door nearly caused me to jump from my skin. Fuck, Liam!
> He’d only been gone a few hours. There was no way he made it down the mountain, into town, and back up again that fast. I moved towards the door as fists pounded against the wood.
“Hold on,” I called out, chuckling at Liam’s urgency.
“It’s cold,” a familiar voice called out, only not Liam’s.
I rushed towards the door, lifting the heavy lock from across the wood, and pulled it open.
The most beautiful sight I’d ever saw stood before me, wet, shivering, and like a dream.
“Bailey?” I gasped, immediately pulling her into the cabin and to my arms.
Her body shook as I rubbed my hands up and down her arms, creating friction to warm her. I couldn’t believe she was real, that she was really here. What on earth was she doing here?
“You’re frozen,” I pointed out, guiding her towards the fire.
I peeled off her wet parka and then the top layer of her warm clothing now drenched with the cold rain.
“Sit, let me get you some coffee,” I gushed, quickly grabbing a cup and the pot still over the flame from earlier that morning.
I handed her the cup, watched as she slowly took a sip, and then sat down beside her on the couch. I had so many questions.
“You need to get into dry clothes,” I rambled, searching through the stack on my shelf near the couch.
“My bag,” she stuttered as her lips quivered from the cold.
I grabbed her bag, and holy shit, it was heavy.
“You carried this all the way up the mountain on your own?” I gasped, barely able to lift it with one hand.
She nodded, a slight smile emerged on her face as I opened up her pack and started digging for clothes.
“This work?” I asked, holding up a pair of fleece pants and a sweatshirt.
She set the coffee cup down and stood to take the clothes from my hands as she nodded. I was in disbelief as I watched her head into the bathroom to change. She was really here. Bailey was back.
I paced the floor, unsure of what to do as I waited for her to exit the bathroom. She smiled as the door opened, looking much more comfortable in her pink fleece pants and matching sweatshirt. She returned to her seat on the couch, picking up her coffee cup to sip from as she stared at me with those big, green eyes.
“I’m sorry to barge in,” she sighed.
I rushed to her side, sitting beside her, close, with my arm extended around her.
“I’m glad you’re here, but, how, why?” I questioned, still stammering as I tried to speak clearly.
Her lips still quivered, and I was itching to kiss them, to calm them, and warm them against mine.
Bailey leaned back, released a long sigh, and sipped her coffee as she contemplated an answer to my question.
“I need to contact Lila to let her know I made it. I’m sure she’s worried sick,” she said softly, avoiding my question entirely.
“Of course,” I replied, gripping my cell phone and handing it to her.
“Thanks. Mine only had service for about a quarter mile before hitting the top, and then the storm shut me down. I never did get a message sent to her,” she explained.
I didn’t know who Lila was, but she seemed important to Bailey, and Bailey to her.
I watched as she dialed a number, and then smiled when she greeted whoever answered on the other line.
“I made it,” she gloated.
She laughed, oh hell, that laugh made my dick twitch.
“I know, I’m sorry, my cell wouldn’t give me service. I really didn’t think the weather was hitting us. I know, I know, I’m okay though. Okay, love ya,” she said, hanging up the phone and handing it back to me.
“You hit some serious storms. You could’ve been hurt again,” I whined.
Bailey chuckled nervously. It was obvious she was more than aware of the dangers that surrounded her. But she was safe now, safe with me, where she belonged.
“Did you see Liam?” I asked.
Her eyes squinted, and she shook her head.
“I thought he left,” she stated.
“He just went into town for supplies, as if we needed more fuckin’ supplies,” I laughed, motioning to the counter that was overflowing with supplies already brought up the mountain by one of Liam’s many trips to town.
“I didn’t see his truck at the bottom,” she smiled.
Shit, was she planning on being alone? I knew having Liam here the last time was a problem; tensions grew quickly between the two. I could get rid of him. No problem. I’d tell him to take a hike if that’s what she wanted.
“He’s just been hanging around here, helping me out with a few projects,” I explained.
She smiled, but appeared disinterested.
“The roof is all fixed, we have a clearing to the creek, and fuck, he’s stocked this place up with enough supplies to last a year,” I chuckled.
“So he’s planning on staying a while?” she questioned.
I shrugged.
I didn’t want to tell her that he was babysitting me while I sulked over her, but I didn’t want her to think I’d taken on a roommate either.
“You like having someone around?” she asked.
Her eyes were warm and genuine. I couldn’t see any animosity in them, and there was no irritation in her voice, just sincerity.
“I have to admit, it’s been nice. I think you spoiled me, made me like having someone around,” I smiled.
She giggled as her cheeks started to turn a beautiful shade of pink.
“Of course, he’s not as nice to look at as you, and he refuses to snuggle with me at night,” I joked, causing Bailey to let out a full belly laugh.
My heart swelled to the beautiful melody of her laughter, and my hopes soared at the sight of her smile, but she still hadn’t told me why she had come.
“It sounds like you two are doing really well together,” she sighed.
I wanted to tell her that we weren’t, that I wanted her there, not Liam, but I froze.
“I heard about your father. I’m so sorry,” I consoled.
Tears started to well up in her eyes as she stared into mine.
“He was a good man. I miss him so bad already,” she whispered. “You were in town?” she queried.
“No, Liam saw the cars on their way to the cemetery. He asked who was so important that they brought out the entire town,” I smiled softly.
“Yeah. That was Dad. He knew everyone, and everyone loved him,” a single tear rolled down her cheek.
“So… is Liam coming back?” she asked, wiping the tear from her warm flesh.
“I’m assuming he’s found a place to stay in town. Only a crazy person would make the trip up the mountain in this weather,” I teased.
Bailey’s lips curled into a wide smile, and her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink.
Her green eyes penetrated my soul, staring into me curiously as if she had something she wanted to say or ask. Please say it, please ask.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” she giggled.
I hadn’t realized she’d noticed my staring. I was just in disbelief, in shock that she was really here.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” I whispered.
“I’m here,” she said softly.
“Can I kiss you, just to make sure you’re real?” I asked.
Her eyes widened, and she quickly nodded, her body shifting nervously on the couch.
I leaned in, letting my lips graze over hers gently, tasting the sweetness of her flesh, and then parted them with my tongue. She was real. She was really here.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Bailey
Xander’s lips were so soft, so sensual, that I melted into him like butter on hot bread. His hands gripped me around the small of my waist, eagerly pulling me into him with a quick and powerful force.
Our mouths pushed together, hard, searching for the flavors we’d missed so much. The taste of aged whiskey on Xander’s tongue tingled against mine, bringing my body aliv
e, and sending a moan rolling from my throat.
His hands were strong, eager, and searching my body, sliding across my curves and squeezing my flesh between his fingers. His weight pushed into me, sending me to my back, my legs wrapped around his waist, and his chest smashed into mine.
I didn’t have time to think, let alone speak. His tongue buried into my mouth, his fingers into my flesh, and his eyes into my soul.
My fingers playfully slid under his t-shirt, feeling the warmth of his flesh and the flex of his muscles. I pulled at the material, lifting the shirt from his body and over his head. The smoothness of his skin against the tips of my fingers sent tingles between my legs, awaking my arousal and strengthening my primal urges.
His hands slid up my sides, taking the pink fleece with them, and tossed it onto the floor next to his discarded t-shirt.
“I love that you don’t wear any underclothes,” he breathed, lifting his mouth from mine for only a moment.
I giggled as his fingers tickled my sides, teasing my breasts with a circular motion, and then pressing his skin onto mine. His weight pinned me into the couch, nearly taking my breath away, sending moans of pleasure from between my lips.
He worked quickly removing my sweatpants from my hips, again finding I wasn’t wearing anything underneath. He lifted his weight from me, released his mouth from mine, and let out a deep growl that vibrated my entire body.
My legs fell to the couch as he kneeled before me, carefully removing my pants, and soaking up the view of my nude body.
His hands gripped my ankles, pushing them apart to spread my legs. My pussy throbbed as his blue eyes penetrated it. His tongue slid from his mouth, slowly licking his lower lip, and then the top.
“I’ve missed you,” he sighed.
He lowered his mouth between my legs, clamping his lips around my aching clit. He sucked hard, massaging the flesh with his tongue, and then tugged as I carelessly moaned into the empty room.
A finger slid into my pussy, and then another. Quick, steady thrusts fucked me as I bucked beneath him, begging for more.
