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Chase laughed. “Yeah, all the women are knocked up and in various stages of morning sickness or are just plain exhausted.” Addy also laughed. “Well, he’s not wrong.”

“And since Astrid is also knocked up, she gets a pass this year. I’ll see you later, Ross. And uh, let me know if those plans materialize. I need to go make sure my wife isn’t trying to shovel the snow off the porch steps again.” Chase disappeared back through the sliding glass doors.

Decision time. Do I ask for Addy’s help with Hannah, or do I man up and wait for Hannah to arrive then ask her to meet up with me after they're done?

CHAPTER 8

HANNAH

Taking the turn onto the private road leading up to the lodge I took in the view that greeted me. A fresh snowfall flocked the trees along the drive and clung to the eaves of the rustic structure. The clear blue sky, along with the midday sun’s rays, belied how cold the weather had turned. Yet the picturesque scene calmed my anxiety and banished the what if’s over seeing him again.

Addy greeted me at the top of the lodge’s wide steps with a quick hug before closing the door. “I can’t believe it’s been so long since we saw each other. I can’t wait to hear your ideas! Let’s go back to my office so that we won’t be interrupted. Matty just had lunch and is down for his nap.”

“Oh, it’s just going to be us? I thought maybe one or all of the guys would join us?” Wouldn’t at least one of the original owners want some input on my ideas?

“Not at all. West, Ridge and Lars, and actually everyone else, are just as excited as I am about you doing this for us. They have total confidence that whatever you suggest is the best way to move forward.” Addy’s grin reassured me, and no signs of Ross, so I relaxed.

She led me through the large lobby where an enormous fireplace glowed. Its inviting atmosphere put me further at ease. As she quickly made her way down the hallway to her office and therapy space, I noticed her hand going to her lower back. I’d forgotten how far along she was in her second pregnancy and immediately felt better about agreeing to come here for the meeting.

Over the next half hour, we chatted about the syllabus I’d spent most of last night creating. She’d asked for it since the lodge operated on grants from government agencies and would need to submit documentation in accordance with their non-profit status.

I showed her examples of the watercolor lessons I wanted to offer. They were a smaller version of what would actually be taught in class, but I was quite proud of them. I rarely painted on a such a small scale. She ooh’d and aah’d over them as if they were gallery quality.

“Addy, you’re too good for my ego. These are something I’m sure your clients can replicate easily at a beginner level without too much frustration or discouragement. I know how important it is to all of you that any courses offered be achievable within a short time.”

She set the pictures aside and nodded. “See, this is why I knew you’d be perfect.” She glanced at the baby monitor when a rustling came through the speaker, then looked at her watch and sighed. “How has it almost been an hour? We should still have a bit of time before he’s fully awake. Was there anything else we haven’t covered?”

“Well, I was also thinking that offering an abstract option could work for those who wanted to try something creative but didn’t feel they were ‘artistic’ enough. Might be a good way into the class. What do you think?”

Before she could answer, her son called out, “Maw-maw!” the sound vibrating through the speaker. “It was nice while it lasted. And yes, an abstract option is a great idea. Did you bring a supply list with you? I’m ready to get everything ordered before number two arrives.”

Standing, she rubbed her belly, then added, “Do you want to come with me to get Matty? I told him you were coming today, and he wanted to see you. If you have time, that is?”

Addy looked so hopeful; how could I turn her down? Staying longer wouldn’t hurt, and besides, my fear of running into Ross seemed silly.

“Sure, lead the way.”

Addy headed toward the kitchen where the man I couldn’t stop thinking about stood at the sink, silently drinking a cup of coffee. Ross’s features were lined with concern. My gaze tracked his to discover that the window in the door leading out to the deck was filled with falling snow. Like a lot of snow. More than had been predicted when I checked my weather app before I drove up here.

But that’s not what made my heart leap into my throat.

I wasn’t ready to face him again. To deal with all the thoughts I’d been fighting since seeing him in the deli, since that all too brief kiss. I’d hoped to work out my nerves before I called him. Or texted him. Because I had decided to contact him. I just needed to get over the awkwardness of how he'd left me feeling needy. And most importantly, guarding my heart before I faced him again.

Addy broke the spell and spoke first. “Oh, you’re back early. This actually works out better. Could you and Hannah get the tree out of storage, and I’ll go get Matty and Ridge, and we’ll have a tree-trimming party.” Addy, without waiting for us to agree, opened the door. A swirl of snow and a blast of cold air raced through the kitchen, startling her. If Ross hadn’t been right there, his cousin could have ended up face first, er, belly first, on the floor.

“Whoa, that was fast. Thank you, Ross. I thought we’d get the big dump after dark? Okay, so, um, Ross, do you think you could help me down the steps then over to my place?” Addy snagged a coat off the rack next to the door and wrapped it as best she could over her rounded belly.

“Like you even had to ask. I’m not getting on Ridge’s bad side so soon after meeting him.” He placed his arm around his cousin’s shoulders before she could walk outside, then turned to me with a hard look. “Do not think about leaving. The road down is going to be buried, guaranteed. There has to be at least four inches out there since I came in an hour ago.”

An hour ago? Had he been here the whole time I was in Addy’s office? “Oh, come on. I’ve lived here all my life, Ross. I can handle the drive back into Pineville.”

With Addy doing a poor job of pretending not to listen, Ross stepped closer, placing himself inches from me. “Doesn’t matter. The roads weren’t that great before it started dumping on us again. Please, Hannah, your brother would have my head if he knew I let you drive home in this storm.”

I looked over to Addy, who gave me a wink and a smile that raised my suspicions. Had she planned for him to be here all along?

“Hannah, it really is bad out there. Ross is right. And if you have to spend the night, we’ve got plenty of room. Okay?”

This was not good. Getting stuck on the mountain was one thing. Being bossed around by the man I couldn’t stop picturing naked was another. All my long pent-up emotions concerning Ross boiled over. Damn his effect on me. My pulse pounded at his nearness; his concern for my well-being only heightened our undeniable attraction.