But not here. Here, there was so much story to tell.
I finished my business and washed my hands, staring at myself in the mirror. How the hell did I end up in a stranger’s bathroom?
Fucking snow. What a bastard.
The Airbnb cabin I rented looked gorgeous from the ad online. Set deep in the mountains, secluded but fully loaded, with a hot tub, indoor pool, wrap-around porch, outdoor fireplace, the works. A wonderful escape from my grueling life, without all the holiday chaos, it was a perfect pick for me. Until the snow started.
Naturally, I ended up in a snowbank at the end of someone’s driveway. That someone being a hot mountain man with two cute kids and an adorable dog.
How is there no wife?How is that sexy as sin man single?!
But I couldn’t get distracted. I wasn’t here for love. I was here to get a break from life and work on my upcoming deadline, a story for my magazine column. My job wanted it last week and after a final extension, I had until the first Monday after Christmas to turn it in.
Cedar and his family couldn’t interfere.
I wasn’t sure I even wanted a family. My life was perfectly fine that way it was.
With one last look in the mirror and a deep breath, I headed back downstairs and over to my bag, picking up my things. In the living room, I found Cedar watchingThe Grinchwith his kids, a big bowl of popcorn between them.
“Hey, Aurora! Come join us! We just started a movie.”
“Yeah, come watch!” Auggie said. “Have you ever seen The Grinch?” He asked around a mouthful of popcorn.
The little girl nodded her head and waved me over. “Watch!”
My heart lurched in my chest.They’re all so sweet…
“I’d love to, but I’ve got some work to do. Cedar, do you mind showing me to the guest room?”
“Of course. I’ll be right back, kids.” He stood up and walked over to me, taking my bag from my shoulder. “Follow me.”
“Thanks.” I swallowed hard, my mind going haywire from him being so close. His scent, his warmth, his everything drew me closer, and I wanted to get to know him more.
I studied his backside as I followed him down the hallway towards the back of the cabin. He showed me to the last door on the right, a cozy, spacious bedroom with its own fireplace and a TV mounted above it.
“Here it is. Want me to get a fire going for you?”
“If you don’t mind. I don’t want your children waiting.”
Cedar chuckled, the sound sexy and deep in his throat. My insides twisted, parts awakening that have laid dormant way, way too long. “With that movie on, they won’t even notice me gone. It’s one of their favorites.”
I smiled. “I like it too,” I admitted. I haven’t watched Christmas movies in years, but as a little girl, I loved watching them,The Grinchbeing one I’d seen countless times.
Cedar set my bag down by the bed and walked over to the fireplace, busying himself with starting it. He opened the doors and inspected the wood inside before opening the drafter and adding a fresh piece in. He got the fire going a few minutes later. “Throw a few logs on and it should last you all night.”
“Thanks. Better than the heat in my car.”
“I’d say. Only downside is the bathroom is upstairs, but it’s a nice, cozy room and the kitchen isn’t too far.”
We stared at each other for a moment, silence falling between us but also something else. Something I couldn’t put my finger on…”Do you need anything before I go?” He stood up from where he kneeled in front of the fireplace.
“No, I think I’m good. I’m sorry I couldn’t stay for the movie. My job is demanding and I have this deadline coming up.”
“You don’t need to explain anything to me. I totally get it. Have a good night, Aurora.”
“Thanks. You too.”
But as he waved and shut the door, I had a feeling that wouldn’t be the last time I saw him tonight.
