Page 9 of Snowed In With the Grizzly

But for some reason, I’m getting much better vibes from an axe-wielding mountain man than this officer of the law.

Rivers hands me something—his card. “You need something to keep you warm later, you let me know—”

“I came here for some peace and quiet,” I say pointedly.

He pouts. “Just sayin’.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see the other cop shake his head. I get the impression he’s not impressed by his friend’s antics. He hauls the bag of firewood out the trunk of the cruiser. “Can I bring this inside for you, ma’am?”

I hesitate. It’s too heavy for me to carry by myself, but I don’t want them intruding in my little cabin. “Just by the door’s fine,” I say. He brings the heater, too, and I snatch up the sleeping bag.

“Blizzard’s just about here.” He tips his head back and looks at the sky. “You be careful now.”

“I will. Thanks for your help,” I say.

I haul the heater inside and make sure I’ve slammed the door shut before they’ve pulled out of the driveway.

I’m grateful they gave me a ride, but I’m glad to see the back of them, Rivers especially.

I shiver as I step into the cabin again. I swear it’s even colder than outside. I flick on all the lights and find a place to plug in the electric heater. I don’t think it’ll make a ton of difference. The wind is howling through a broken windowpane and several gaps in the wood planks. But the sleeping bag is supposed to keep me warm down to zero degrees, and surely it won’t get colder than that?

I’ll be fine here. This isn’t shaping up to be the cozy weekend of reminiscence I was hoping for. But I’m determined to make the best of it.

When I dash out to get my supplies from the car, an icy gust of snow blasts me in the face.

Okay, the blizzard’s here.

I bring everything in, making three trips to get the firewood. I’m trying hard not to let my gaze drift to the other cabin down the road, but it’s no use.

Is Jaxton in there right now? Is he still walking around half-naked, apparently oblivious to the cold? A shudder goes through me. I picture snowflakes coating his huge pecs and his incredible, rippling abs. Sizzling as they meet the heat of his body. He’s the most gorgeous man I’ve seen in my entire life. I imagine pressing my face to his skin, running my hands all over him. Him kissing me, caressing my…

Whoa… wash your mind out, young lady!I can feel my cheeks glowing in the cold, like a beacon.

I shut the door, closing out the blizzard—and Jaxton, and turn my attentions to the fireplace. I already researched how to build a fire. Shouldn’t be too hard.

I lay out some newspaper and wood and firelighters and get to work.

But five minutes later, and the flames aren’t catching like they’re supposed to.

Darn.My back is aching and I’ve wasted a bunch of matches. I sit back on my heels and stare at the dying flame in dismay. What am I missing? Could the chimney be blocked or something—?

There’s a loud knock at the door.

Adrenaline darts through me. Has that idiot cop come back?

“Yeah?” I call, without getting up. My throat is tight and my voice sounds scratchy.

“Hey, it’s Jaxton,” comes a deep rumble. “Just wondering if you needed anything?”

My heart beats fast. I leap to my feet and yank the door open.

There he is.

His huge bulk is filling the doorway. He’s wearing a denim shirt now, over a white t-shirt, which outlines his massive pecs. His shirt and dark hair are covered in snowflakes, and he looks sexier than ever. I try not to stare at him too obviously.

“Hi,” I manage to say.

He rubs at his beard. “Sorry if I scared you.”

---