Page 37 of Snowed in With My Small Town Billionaire

“I can’t see you doing any such thing, but I hear what you’re saying. I told him that he was only hurting himself, but he’s hurting you, too. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Audrey shook her head. “You just keep being the best you that you know how to be.”

“That’s what I tell my kids at school.”

Gwen kissed her mother on the cheek. “Good night, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

No one was in the shower, so Gwen quickly gathered her supplies and jumped in. She felt guilty that she took a seven-minute shower instead of sticking to the allotted five minutes, but the hot water felt so good.

She was surprised that only Samantha was in the room when Gwen came out of the bathroom.

“Where are Maddie and Emilia?”

“They’re hanging out with Darren and Zaid in the library, playingTripoly, which is a game that combines hearts and poker.”

“I’ve heard of it,” Gwen said.

After a brief silence, Samantha asked, “What’s up with you and the good doctor.”

Gwen blushed. “I really like him.” She explained about their past.

“Oooh, a love to hate to love story.”

Laughing, Gwen shook her head. “I think that it’s way too early to be using that “l” word. I will admit that I feel something for him. I got all tingly and warm inside when he kissed me.”

Samantha sat up straight in bed. “He kissed you? Do tell.”

“It was just once. It was nice.” Gwen grinned at Samantha. “What about you and Lucas?”

“Girl, I’m not gonna lie to you. That man does something to me that I’ve never felt before. I had a long-time boyfriend and thought that he was the one – until I found him with my best friend. But even then, I never felt for him what I feel whenI’m with Lucas. We’ve held hands and talked. He’s kissed me a couple of times. He’s sweet and smart.”

“Is it love?”

“Like you, I’m not ready to jump in the lake with both feet, but I will say that maybe, it could be. I go to school in Colorado Springs and he’s in Estes Park. He does fly helicopters, so it wouldn’t be hard for him to come visit. I’ll graduate in May. Who knows? The Fates have a very wicked sense of humor.”

“Yes, they do,” Gwen yawned. “I hope things work out. You are both great people and deserve to be happy.”

“Ditto,” Samantha laughed. “Good night.”

Gwen turned off the light and slid into her sleeping bag. She never heard Maddie and Emilia come into the room.

She was having a very pleasant dream about having a romantic picnic with Sawyer in the woods when a loud explosion rocked the building. Emilia screamed and the women jumped out of bed and ran to the window. More snow was rushing their way like a great white tidal wave.

15

C H A P T E R

Sawyer

The roar of the second avalanche made Sawyer sit straight up in bed, instantly alert in spite of being sound asleep just a few seconds ago. Everyone looked at each other with wide eyes. The four men and Brent stared out the window and watched in horror as another huge wave of snow rolled toward the lodge.

They heard someone scream, likely because they, too, were woken from a deep sleep. Darren helped Zaid into the wheelchair, and they all made their way into the parlor. Tessie, Oliver, Millie, and Daniel were already there, as were the women. Josie and Elsie came in a minute later. Jerome and Audrey burst out of their room.

Everyone stood, looking around them in shock as the loud booming continued and the floor vibrated beneath their feet.

“It’s happening again,” Elsie said, her eyes wide with terror.

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