Page 2 of Just in January

“Uh… yeah. I think that’s what Winter told me. Ben got me the job. I’m supposed to show up on Monday on the mountaintop. Why?”

“He’s just a dick. I mean, he hasn’t been around town in several years, but when he did stop by to see his parents, everyone had some type of run-in with him. And it was never pleasant.”

Suddenly, I’m reconsidering my plans for the month. Maybe I should have thought this through more. I guess I could always quit and go back home early. But, I’m no quitter.

“Well, I’ll make the best of it. Maybe he’s just misunderstood.”

“Doubtful.” He grimaces like he’s recalling a particularly bad memory. “Can I get your number? For the parties, of course. Or… if you want to go out sometime.”

Some anxiety lessens in my chest and we bump phones to exchange info. A giggle escapes at his goofy profile picture, flicking off the camera, and he shrugs. “Yeah… I guess that’s what I’m known for. Do you want to get out of here? Go back to my place?”

My eyes widen at his forwardness. I can picture it. Probably smoking some weed along the route to his stinky apartment. Maybe he has roommates. And dirty socks in his bedroom corner. Just like the frat guys back home. There definitely won’t be any toilet paper.We’d make out, and then I’d put a stop to things because I’m waiting for therightone to come along…

And Blaze isn’t it.

Perhaps he’d get annoyed with me, but I’m sticking to it. I’d gone pretty far with my college boyfriend last semester. But not all the way. It’s why he broke up with me. And then I decided I wouldn’tdateunless I knew it would mean something. That the man would cherish me. My grandmother always said if a boy can’t respect my boundaries, he’s not the one for me.

“No, thanks. I want to stay until the end for my best friend. And then I’ll probably be so tired I’ll want to just sleep until Monday!”

His blue eyes crinkle with a smile. “I’m down to stay. Let’s dance instead then.” Biting his lower lip, he grips my hand and pulls me into the center of the floor as I giggle. And we have a great time the rest of the night.

I even catch the bouquet that Winter tosses. Maybe true love is waiting for me…

Blaze kisses my cheek and bids me goodnight as the newlywed couple depart for a honeymoon in a limousine. The elderly lady I sat next to for the ceremony pats my shoulder asshe passes me on the way to the parking lot. “Itwasromantic, I agree.”

My rental car takes forever to get warm and is barely blowing tepid air by the time I reach the Langford Motel, where I checked in yesterday. It’s just on the outskirts of town and affordable. Fortunately, I’ll only be staying one more night. With its mildew smell and hard mattress, I was hoping for something nicer at the bed-and-breakfast I’ll stay and work at for the month.

Winter offered me a place at their gorgeous house, but it would bewaytoo awkward to stay with them while they are busy getting busy. They need their privacy, and I don’t want to walk around embarrassed.

On Sunday, I familiarize myself with Main Street. Breakfast at a local diner is fantastic. Coffee in a corner shop is also stellar. I find some local trinkets for my parents and little brother. After a day of shopping, I visit the lodge, but don’t ski. It’s too expensive for a lift ticket and I haven’t been before. I’d like to go before I leave town, though.

By the time Monday morning rolls around, I’m up and eager to get started at my new place, despite the tales of woe from Blaze. Everyone deserves a clean slate and a fresh start.

Fluffing my wavy blonde hair in the mirror, I forgo makeup, other than a little pink gloss on my lip and mascara. I choose jeans over thick boots and a warm white cable-knit sweater. Underneath is my new tourist Crystal Frond T-shirt. My puffy coat and gloves keep me warm as I attempt to start the cold engine of the rental. Tossing my suitcase in the trunk, I wait for a bit until the heater finally warms up enough for me to drive away without shivering.

My phone’s navigation system directs me along a winding narrow road, twisting around Mount Topokai. Icicles dangle from the bare branches, creating prisms in the pale morninglight. The car’s tires barely cling to the slick asphalt by the time the two-lane turns to one, and the altitude takes my breath away.

All that’s around are evergreens and a large drop off the side of the mountain. My heartbeat races until I reach the drive toward the inn. A ramshackle wooden gate crosses over the gravel drive, where it seems a fancy iron arbor once stood. Perhaps something gorgeous once covered it, welcoming guests to a cozy cabin.

Along the tree-lined driveway, my car dips into cavernous pot holes, but makes it to the front of a dilapidated, but breathtaking view.

Across an ice pond stands a log and stone manor house with large windows overlooking the mountaintop. When I get out and peer over the land, my breath catches in my chest as my eyes heat from emotion. The beauty and calmness are awe-inspiring. Sure, the place definitely needs work, but I can see the potential in every timber.

A blast of heat warms my face when I open the glass front door and step inside. Scrubbing my boots on the large rug, I knock off as much snow as I can, then glance around the wide foyer for where to go next. There’s no sound of anyone else here, and I call out, “Hello?”

Wandering to my right, I find an open area with a tall counter that contains an old cash register and an open guest log. This must have been where people had checked in previously. The room was probably quaint and still has lots of cushy chairs and side tables. A large bookcase filled with old paperbacks takes up one wall.

While my back is turned, footsteps approach, and I startle as someone calls, “Can I help you?”

Spinning, my eyes behold the rude man from the wedding reception. The bearded giant that snubbed me harshly. “M-Mr. Grant? I-I’m your new employee.”

His shoulders slump as he scans me over, then his jaw tightens with recognition. “Oh, fuck.”

Two

JUSTIN

The demon seductress stands there looking perky, young, andfertile. Immediately, my cock rages to a painful erection, pressing on the zipper of my jeans. My hands run through my salt and pepper hair, then tug on the ends with frustration. Just to keep them off her. To stop myself from running over there andtakingher.

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