“What in the…world?” He hobbled down the stairs, his eyes growing wider as he took in all the damage. “Are you responsible for this? Who are you, anyway? And why are you here after I gave instructions for everyone to leave? Didn’t you get the blizzard warning?”
The girl gasped and shook her head as she straightened and smoothed her fuzzy black sweater and plaid shirt. “M-my name is Elisa Lucken. I work for Stewart Designs. And no, I’m sorry, but I missed the blizzard announcement.” She looked around with a worried frown. “I thought they’d…I mean, Kelly did tell me she was leaving and that I needed to finish up. Which is what I was trying to do. Who, I mean, I apologize.” She held out her hand. “Are you the Houseman?”
“No!” Duncan stormed. How could she mistake…? He scratched at his wild beard. Okay, maybe it was an honest mistake. He hadn’t been too concerned with personal upkeep over the past month. Survival and avoiding painkillers was top of his list at the moment.
“It doesn’t matter who I am. You shouldn’t be here.” He made his way down the stairs to the foyer windows and couldn’t believe what he saw through the frosted glass. They were in a complete whiteout. “Fantastic looks like you’re stuck here. That’s all I need.”
He hit the door with the side of his fists. What was he supposed to do with this stranger here for however long it took for the snow storm to stop?
“Look,” she said, following him into the foyer. Her eyes widened and mouth fell open. “Oh my, look at that. I had…I was trying to get your decorations hung. We knew this was a last minute rush job. Whoever is in charge around here needs to plan more in advance. We are usually working on a client’s holiday decorations as early as March. It takes a lot of—”
“Are you always this talkative?” He wasn’t going to be able to bear this. Sweat was beginning to trickle down his neck and back. Yanking off his sweater, he headed back into the main room and stopped, taking in the ghastly tree in all its horrible splendor. “I can’t believe this. What second-hand store did you find all this stuff?”
“Excuse me?” Her fists were clenched at her side. “I don’t know who you think you are, but we worked hard—”
“Duncan Grimwood,” he held out his hand. She was cute, despite her furious expression. He needed to rein his annoyance in a little. It wasn’t her fault he felt so contrary. And shaky. And a little sick. What he needed was to get something in his stomach. Maybe that would help the shakiness.
The girl’s eyes widened even more.
He tried to soften his tone. “I apologize, but I’m not sure I caught your name?”
She took a step backward. “Elisa.” Then shook her head as if she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. “Lucken.”
Since she didn’t seem interested in shaking his hand, he turned away and started for the kitchen. “Well, I’d normally say it was a pleasure to meet you, but I’m afraid you’re—”
The front door slammed.
Duncan closed his eyes and whispered a curse that would have sent his mother looking for the soap bar. “Hey,” he shouted, hoping to catch her. She could not drive in this weather. Maybe she was only going out to her vehicle to get something.
But by the time he reached the front door and opened it, the lights of a Jeep were fading into the thick snow. “Hey, you can’t drive… oh man.” He rubbed at his sweaty forehead. Even the cold blast of wintry air didn’t cool his anger.
Suddenly, the Jeep’s taillights jerked to the side. His heart lodged inside this throat. A loud crunching bang echoed through the yard. The lights stopped at a lopsided angle.
“Oh no!”
Duncan hurried through the house toward the side door that led toward the garages. His injured leg wouldn’t allow him to move too fast. Hopefully, the snowmobile had gas in it. He’d have to hurry and pray that she wasn’t injured.
Chapter Three
Elisa was not going to stand one more minute of that man’s tirade. She had worked so hard on the tree. He didn’t have to be such a beast about it. How rude.
Her Jeep could handle the snowy roads without a problem. Only a few hours had passed, she was sure, since everyone left. The snow couldn’t have piled up that high. Except as she fought her way to the car through the snow and wind, the drifts were up to her calves in some places and the skies were growing darker as the sunset. Time had passed faster than she’d first thought.
She zipped her jacket up to her neck and clutched her bag against her chest. Finally, she reached the driver’s door and yanked it open.
There was a town a few miles past the entrance to the Grimwood estate. She’d take it slow. The town must have a hotel. She’d rent a room until the storm passed. What she would not do was spend another second with Mr. Grimwood.
He even looked like a wild animal, let alone acted like one.
Elisa didn’t bother to wait for the heater to warm. She was not going to give anyone a chance to pull her back inside that house of horrors. No thanks.
Pulling the gearshift into drive, the Jeep lurched forward and started to slide over the frozen ground. “Oh no, take it slow. Easy there.” Gripping the steering wheel tight, Elisa tried to make out the road through the wall of white. There was a narrow bridge she’d soon have to cross, but if she remembered correctly, it was a good distance from the house.
“Just take it slow. I’ll get to town when I get there.” She turned on the radio to a Christmas station, hoping the cheery music would calm her startled nerves.
No client had ever spoken to her in such a way. She’d so wanted to slam her fist against his fuzzy jaw, but knew it would only make things worse.
Elisa’s quick temper had gotten her into scrapes in the past. But she’d turned over a new leaf. She was a new creation and would behave as such. Attending church had helped a lot in her seeing the need to control her reactions. And her quick temper.
Too bad she’d not done such a great job with Mr. Grimwood. He’d pushed her too far.
Well, Kelly would be the one who would have to return and finish this job once the storm passed. Elisa had a new home she was scheduled to start next week, thank the Lord.
Once she made it around the circular drive, Elisa took what she hoped was the road that would lead to the two-lane highway.
“Please God, get me to town safely.” There were a lot of sharp turns through the thickly wooded countryside.
Elisa’s foot eased down on the gas pedal to increase her speed once she reached the straight drive to the country lane. Snow crunched under the tires. They should hold.
Through the wall of white, a tree appeared right in her path. Was she not on the road after all? She tapped the brake and tried to gently swerve around the obstruction.
The Jeep fishtailed.
Elisa gasped, gripping the wheel. She lifted her foot off the gas, fighting the temptation to hit the brake. The world outside the foggy window spun. Jerking the wheel in the opposite direction, the Jeep tilted to the side. Metal crunched as she landed against a thick oak. The force of the impact knocked Elisa into the steering wheel.
“Oh no!” Elisa tried to open the door, but it wedged closed. The scene outside the front window was oddly titled. Her bag had spilled over into her lap and her lunch cooler in the back had been thrown against the back of her seat. She could smell the container of pickles that must have burst open. Great.
“I’ll never get that smell out of…oh, my poor car. Now, what will I do?”
The snow was coming down so hard, she feared she might not find her way back to that awful mansion. Part of her would rather sit here and freeze than have to beg that horrible man for help.
She searched for her phone and found it in her pocket.
“Great,” she cried seeing only one bar left on the tiny battery icon. Listening to music all afternoon must have drained it.
Elisa rested her head back against the seat. “And I didn’t bring a charger, either. Wonderful. This is just….”
A muffled roaring sound came f
rom outside. Elisa wiped her glove over the window but could see nothing but branches and a few yellowed leaves. Scooping her things back into her bag, she climbed to the passenger’s side. Through the wall of falling white, the figure of a man on a snowmobile pulled ahead of her Jeep. He slowly climbed off the machine and stumbled toward her vehicle.
Maybe one of the house servants had been sent after her? Where there any servants even working at the manor? She hit the unlock button and shoved open the passenger door.
“Are you alright, Ms. Lucken?” It was Mr. Grimwood. He wore a helmet, but his beard poked over the black scarf tied around his neck. “Come along, we have to get you back to the house. You’ll freeze out here.”
Elisa nodded and hurried to slip on her gloves and wrap a scarf around her head. No telling how long she’d be trapped at the manor, so she made sure to collect her few belongings into her bag, including her mini-laptop that was tucked behind the passenger seat. “Okay, I think I have everything.”
Mr. Grimwood nodded. When he grabbed her arm to help her out of the Jeep, his hand trembled so bad, she grew concerned for him. “Are you okay, sir?”
He waved his free gloved hand and motioned toward the waiting snowmobile. She followed him, wishing she’d worn pants instead of the skirt and leggings. They were already getting soaked through. Wet snow seeped down into her expensive leather boots, which were probably ruined. Wonderful. She had nothing to change into, either. Perfect.
Elisa had indeed gone off the road. As she tried to step out of the trench she’d driven into, her boot slipped and she started to fall forward. Arms circled around her torso, stopping her from going face first into the white ground covering. A grunt of pain escaped Mr. Grimwood’s tightly pressed lips. What she could see of his face had gone a pale gray.
Quickly righting herself, she wrapped her arms around his and they ended up supporting each other to the snowmobile.
“Are you hurt?” she asked again.
“Just help me get back on, I’ll be fine.” He seemed to be having trouble with his left leg. She carefully steadied him as he got it over the seat. Once he was in place, she climbed on behind him. “Hang on.” He grabbed her hands and pulled her arms around his chest. “Don’t let go, understand?”
“Yes.” She shouted over the roar of the engine.
His thick jacket smelled like cedar. A shiver ran through her as they moved forward, and the machine made a scary sharp turn before zooming toward the house. Elisa closed her eyes, telling herself that surely Mr. Grimwood knew the road better than she did. Even in the thick snow. She didn’t want to know how fast they were traveling, but in a matter of a couple of minutes, the mansion loomed through the white haze. But he didn’t stop near the front door. Instead, he zoomed through an archway into the motor court. There was a four-car garage on one side and a two-car garage on the other. One of the two doors was open and a tall, white-haired man stood just inside the opening, waving at them.
Next to the manor sat a smaller house, frosted white like a gingerbread cottage. Welcoming soft light shone from the windows. Bare maples grew around the entranceway along with short spruces that stood like sentinels in a circular line where Grimwood parked the snowmobile.
Elisa quickly hopped off, her legs shaky from the ride. Mr. Grimwood remained seated for a long moment. The icy cold seeped into Elisa’s skin and began traveling up her back until her whole body was shivering. “Sir, do you need help getting inside?”
He ripped off the helmet and set it on the handles with a scowling nod, then shouted, “Sam! I’m going to need a hand.”
The tall man was at her side in an instant. He handed her the umbrella and ordered her to head toward the smaller house before she froze to death. “What are you doing out here, foolish boy?” The tall man scolded. Was this a family member? Kelly had said Mr. Grimwood lived at the mansion by himself. “I heard you leave and couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Thought for sure you’d finally lost your mind.”
“He used it to help me, sir.” Elisa defended. Despite how mean Grimwood had been, he did come after her. She kind of hated seeing him being scolded like a little child.
“Sam, I’m fine,” Mr. Grimwood soothed. “I simply jarred my bad leg. Help me inside, will you? I’ll be perfectly fine once I ice it down.”
Sam draped Mr. Grimwood’s left arm over his shoulder and lifted most of his weight. Elisa moved to his other side, feeling obligated to help, too. It was her fault he’d hurt himself trying to catch her when she slipped.
“You,” Sam growled, jerking his chin in her direction. “I told you to get inside.”
Shifting so he bore most of Grimwood’s weight, Sam said, “You should have called me, Dunc. What were you thinking of taking the snowmobile out by yourself? I’ve not even had a chance to ask the mechanic to look them over, yet.”
The younger man glanced at Elisa with narrowed eyes but said nothing.
“It’s my fault,” Elisa admitted. “I didn’t hear the blizzard warning and didn’t realize everyone left for the day. I thought they’d left for lunch and would be right back. We were trying to…well, now it looks like I’m stuck here. I’m so sorry, Mr. Grimwood. I’ll try not to be a bother.”
“I prefer to be called by my first name, Duncan. Since you are stuck here, bother or not.”
Sam turned a scowl at the younger man. “Remember your manners, Dunc!” He reached out and shoved open the front door, dragging his employer inside.
“Yes, sir.” Duncan Grimwood’s beard fluffed out as he attempted a smile. “My apologies, Ms. Lucken—”
“Elisa.” She waited for the two men to enter first. The moment she stepped into the living room, the warmth from the homey cottage began to surround her like a warm, fuzzy blanket. Elisa remained by the door, not wishing to track in snow and mud.
“Margaret,” Sam called. We’ll need blankets, my dear. And towels.” He dragged Duncan further inside and dropped him into the nearest chair. “Let’s get that snowsuit off. Please tell me you are dressed appropriately underneath.”
“Yes.” Mr. Grimwood yanked the zipper down and began freeing his arms from the garment.
A tiny woman with a head full of silvery-gray shortly cropped hair rushed from the back of the house, her arms laden with thick blankets. She tossed the first one on Mr. Duncan’s head, then hurried over to Elisa. “You look like a drowned kitten, poor thing. I’m Margaret Gladstone, Ol’ Sam’s wife. We are the Grimwood’s House Managers. Let’s get those boots off, dear. I’ll wrap you in this blanket and then get some tea going for both of you.”
Sam explained to his wife what had happened.
Elisa was led to the plush leather couch. A fire roared in the stone fireplace. Autumn leaves, pine cones, and two fat glass turkeys sat on the hearth. A news program was on the muted television that sat in the opposite corner. Despite the house’s warm charm, she couldn’t pull her gaze from Mr. Grimwood. His long-sleeve shirt was rumpled along with his pants as if he’d been sleeping in his clothes.
Kelly had said Mr. Grimwood was rich and distinguished. This man being tended to by the House Managers did not fit that description. Not at all.
Maybe he was a distant relative. That must be it. He was visiting the manor and…no, that didn’t make sense, either.
At that minute, Mr. Grimwood peered around the taller man, catching her staring at him. He scowled at her, and she quickly averted her eyes toward the television. The weatherman pointed at a patch of clouds covering practically the whole state. Oh no!
Mr. Duncan’s voice sounded as curt and beastly as his actions had been on the stairs. “Sam, we need to find our guest some dry clothes. She looks the same height and size as my sister. Take her upstairs. She can stay in Suzette’s room until this storm passes.”
“One thing at a time, Dunc.” The old man’s steely gaze went from Duncan to Elisa. “Let her—”
“Now.” Mr. Duncan ordered. “I’m fine. Take care of her. Everything she needs will be in S
uzette’s room.”
Sam’s gaze locked on his wife for a long moment before he gave a nod. “Do as he says, love.”
“First things first,” The woman held a tea tray in her hands. She was wearing a pink collared cotton shirt and sweatpants. They both seemed as if they’d settled down for a relaxing day. How much trouble had she caused these people?
Mrs. Gladstone set the tray on the coffee table. “We need to get them both warmed up. Then Sam will take care of you, Duncan. I’ll take care of our guest.” She smiled warmly at Elisa. “I added some butter cookies, too. Your favorite, Dunc.” She patted Grimwood’s shoulder. “Now, let’s build up the fire a little more, Sam. Have you had a chance to take a look at his leg? Or should I?”
Sam didn’t move. Mr. Grimwood's mouth pressed into a furious line that caused the edges of his lips to whiten. “No, I’ll take care of Duncan. Ms. Lucken can take her tea upstairs, love.” He turned to face her. “I’m sure the girl’s soaked to the bone.” His nod held a stern warning to not argue.
Elisa didn’t wish to stay here any longer than necessary. She stood, clutching the thick blanket around her shoulders. “If I can make a call, I’ll have someone come to get me.”
The three of them all turned toward the television where the weatherman was still going on about snowmageddon. Sam held up the remote and hit the volume button.
The forecaster shook his head and said, “I don’t see an end to this tonight. Nor tomorrow. This slow-moving front is dumping not inches, but record-breaking feet of snow before it will move out of our state. The best-case scenario is that we might see a bit of sun on Thanksgiving Day. I hope everyone’s completed all your shopping. Looks like we’ll be hunkering down for the next day or two, at least.”
Elisa fell back onto the couch with a groan.
Mr. Grimwood closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.
Sam shrugged. He slipped out of his suede jacket and tossed it over the arm of the couch. He wore a black leather vest and plaid flannel shirt tucked neatly into his jeans. He reminded her more of a rancher than someone who worked as a billionaire’s house manager. “I believe you’re stuck here, Ms. Lucken. Not a problem. We did all our shopping and have more than enough to get us all through. If you’re needing to make a call to your family, or husband, then you can use the upstairs phone. Margaret, go ahead and—”
My Beastly Billionaire (The Grimwood Legacy Series Book 1) Page 4
