Mikayla
I rubbed my eyes as Sam checked my bandages for at least the third time since I’d knocked on his door. A glance at his watch confirmed it was two in the afternoon. That nap had been exactly what my body needed even if it was hard to accept. “Will I ever play the piano again?” I gestured dramatically toward my hand.
“You don’t play the piano now.”
“Well, that puts a damper on things.” I swung my legs off the couch and stretched out my arms.
“Sheriff Winslow?—”
“He’s still working?” I interrupted, confused. The man had been ready to retire when I was still home. How could he still be out on duty?
“I meant Bob’s grandson, Nash. He called me and let me know that your car was reported by some snowmobilers. They’ll tow it as soon as the roads are cleared.” He moved back and helped me to my feet. “The storm stopped about an hour ago, so they should be able to get to it today. Don’t forget to call your insurance company as soon as possible.”
“I need to call Bonnie too.”
“If it matters, she called already.” Sam shrugged. “Small town, honey.”
“Didn’t miss that.” I fixed a new cup of coffee from a fresh pot. It smelled delicious, but there was something else. Following my nose I found French toast, strawberries, blueberries, sausages and real maple syrup! Home cooked brunch made my stomach grumble. I was starving and happily fixed a plate while he looked on. “Thank you. You didn’t need to spoil me. Did you get any sleep?”
“Breakfast is a necessity, not a treat. I slept a little, but I’m used to functioning on less than most people. Try not to worry about me, sweetheart.”
“I’m sorry…” I stopped, unsure what I wanted to say. Apologize for my heinous attitude, or for throwing myself at him? As I ate the delicious food, I glanced up at Sam. He had a deep crease of concern etched in his forehead. He had raised his coffee cup to his lips but stopped as I fumbled for the words. “…I’m just sorry,” I finished and glanced out the small kitchen window.
His cabin was surrounded by thick woods on all sides, so unless he owned a plow or a heavy-duty truck which I didn’t think he did, I was stuck. Maybe I could walk to Bonnie’s inn. That would be a dumb move but it wasn’t the worst idea. Not when I wanted to throw myself at Sam again.
“Why are you apologizing, Mickie?”
I didn’t answer his question even though it was important and instead changed the topic. “After I eat, I should get going. I’ll walk. It will only take an hour or so.”
Sam shook his head. “Absolutely not. I don’t know what just went through your head, but it takes almost two hours to walk to the inn on a perfect summer day. You were in a bad accident and need to take it easy.”
“I’m an adult. I can take care of myself.”
I watched his eyes darken as he frowned, perhaps contemplating what to say to me. Plus I hadn’t explained what my apology was for. Moving to the door gave me something else to focus on. I slipped on my boots, found my coat, and grabbed my duffel bag. Sam followed hot on my tail, but I opened the door anyway. His arm shot out above me and he closed it.
“No, Mickie. You’re not going out there. Remember our rule.”
“You can’t stop me,” I said bristling. “Besides, you’re barefoot.”
“If you go, I will drag your frozen ass back inside,” his voice dropped dangerously low, “Then I’ll warm it up for you—and I don’t mean sitting by the fire, babygirl.”
“Is that so? Well, you’ll have to fucking catch me first.” I waggled my eyebrows at him, then darted up the hall.
He took the bait and chased me as I ducked in and out of several rooms along the hallway. At one point, he took a detour into his room, no doubt to grab socks and boots. Running as fast as I could—not bothering with my bag now, which would only serve to slow me down—I twirled open the doorknob. Rushing out into the snow was met with Sam’s exasperated growl behind me.
“Damn it, Mickie!” His voice carried through the snow-covered trees as I shrugged on my coat, but I hurried towards the main road to see how far I could get.
If he really meant what he said, I knew he’d catch me. It was his house after all, and though these woods had been the best hide-and-seek playground in town back in the day, the snow showed all of my tracks. I rubbed my hands together, suddenly pissed at myself for not realizing how cold it was. The wind chill must have made it feel even colder than usual. Hopping up and down to stay warm didn’t do much and it slowed me down. Snowcrunched somewhere behind me, and a pit of dread formed in my stomach as the sound grew louder. What the hell was I doing anyway? Wasn’t the point of provoking Sam into disciplining me again to see if he was serious?
“Eep!” I squeaked as I found myself caught up in Sam’s arms. He must have cut across the lawn when he spotted my purple jacket, obnoxiously bright against the stark white backdrop.
“You win that round of hide and seek! Great job on finding me,” I said craning my neck up to grin broadly. Sam was not amused.
He adjusted me against his chest, snorted under his breath. “I’m not playing, Mickie.”
He weaved through the trees and strode back inside while I thought of ways to lighten the mood. Setting me on my feet by the couch made me believe I might not be in trouble. Before I could beg for forgiveness, I found myself upended over his lap, boots and all.
“Wait!”
