“When folks get lost up on the mountain and cling onto something, they sometimes refuse to move. Brandy’ll get ‘em going.”
“I’m embarrassed I argued with you earlier about coming here. I have a schedule I keep to, since it can get pretty busy with the shelter, my family, and the business. My stupid brain couldn’t compute that I couldn’t get home. Or find Scamp. Or that I was in real danger.”
“It’s fine, Pixie. No hard feelings.” I set her foot down, pulling her sock up. She reaches down and our fingers brush, sending a jolt of electricity up my arm. She gazes at me and I reach up to brush that lock of hair from her face.
I cup her cheek, her skin softer than I imagined. Her chest is heaving as I incline my head down and she gasps as I press my lips on hers. I nearly come in my pants as those full tits brush against my ribs as she leans into the kiss. Her lips are soft and full under mine as I part them, exploring her mouth with my tongue.
The radio crackles and Poppy jumps away, breathing hard. “What was that?”
I stand up, my cock chafing against my zipper. “The radio. Looks like we might be able to confirm our location. If you’re sure you want me to?” In my current mood, the longer I’m stranded here with Poppy, the better.
“Oh, yes please! My sister will be so worried.”
I walk over to the radio, trying to unscramble my head. Kissing Poppy was like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I can’t get enough of her.
And selfishly, I want herallto myself.
Chapter Five
POPPY
Blinking my eyes open, I’m conscious of a large, warm weight next to me in the bed. I stretch out my hand and encounter thick fur and a thumping tail. Scamp must have jumped up on the bed last night to keep warm.
I don’t blame him. Despite the fire, the temperature in the cabin dropped last night. Flint insisted I take the bed, grabbing a quilt, and heading for the tiny sofa. Our kiss last night messed with my head, so I didn’t argue. Part of me wanted him right beside me all night, his big body pressed against mine, his hands exploring my curves. And another part, the sensible part, was shouting at me that it was way too soon.
Flint is moving around in the kitchen. I stretch my arms out, bracing for the cold air to hit me when I get out of bed, just as he walks through the door.
“Morning, Pixie. Here’s a cup of coffee. You stay in bed. I’m going to recon the area. The wind has dropped, I want to see what the visibility’s like.”
“Thanks.” Scamp thumps his tail as Flint approaches.
“You think he wants to come with me?” Flint hands me the cup and our fingers brush, sending a jolt of electricity up my arm.
“Ask him, see what he says?” I pet Scamp’s enormous head.
Flint smiles and puts on a serious voice. “Scamp, are you willing to accompany me on a dangerous mission?”
Scamp woofs in return, scooting off the bed.
Laughing, Flint looks at me. His eyes crinkle at the corner when he smiles. “I reckon that’s a yes.”
Once they’ve gone outside, I prop some pillows behind my back. It’s a luxury to be sipping hot coffee in bed in the morning. Usually, I’m up first thing, driving over to the shelter or to my parents, my coffee sloshing in a travel mug next to me.
I didn’t have any idea how tired I was. Tired of my relentless schedule. Too many things to do; too many commitments to fulfill. It’s taken being snowed in with Flint to understand how thin I’m stretched.
Last night, he had a brief conversation with his cousin in Ember Heart Ridge on the radio. His cousin agreed to try and get a message to Snowflake Falls Fire Department to let them know we’re both safe. I hope someone relays the message to Dean and my sister.
I flex my ankle. It’s almost back to normal, only slightly tender at the top of the foot. I get out of bed, putting my weight on it. There’s a residual weakness but nothing too painful. After I’m dressed, I walk to the kitchen. I strain to see out of the window above the sink, but it’s covered in ice.
I find eggs and bacon in the fridge and make a fresh pot of coffee. Once I hear movement outside, I start frying them up.
“Damn, that smells delicious. You want the good news or the bad news?” Flint and Scamp come inside, dusted in snow.
“Bad news first.” I hand him a fresh cup of coffee once he’s taken off his coat and stoked the fire.
“Couldn’t get a signal to Snowflake Falls. From what I could see, the road down the mountain to town is blocked. Heavy snow. It’ll need a plow.”
Putting a plate in front of him, I purse my lips. “Okay. What’s the good news?”
