Page 2 of Tangled Passion

“And this is a thank you for doing your job well,” Madelyn said in her best, “don’t argue with your mother” tone.

He held both hands up and chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.”

She smiled as Matt closed the door behind himself.

Madelyn released a weary breath and sat down on the side of the massive bed. She let the silence soothe the tension she always seemed to carry. She was hoping this vacation would help. She sometimes felt she’d always had this ball of fiery pressure in the middle of her shoulder blades, and she used to tell herself it was normal to get headaches every day.

It wasn’t normal, and it certainly wasn’t healthy. Her doctor, who happened to be her son, worried about her high blood pressure. He was worried enough that he had booked a night at the lodge to check on her in a week or so. As thrilled as she was to see him, he had his own life to worry about, and she didn’t want him to be concerned about her.

It would have been nice if her daughter, Amy, had been able to make it, but as Assistant District Attorney in Chicago, she had very little time to take a vacation. Madelyn was planning on visiting her in the next few months.

She stood and started putting her clothes and personal items away. She moved her suitcases to the back of the largecloset and looked around.

The light over the bathroom sink was bright. It seemed to pick up every wrinkle on her face and made her look pale. Everyone always told her she looked decades younger than her forty-nine years, but all she saw were her flaws.

She liked her shoulder-length hair, which was thick and curly. She admitted she got help from a stylist to remove the grays, but she always kept the dark red color as true to her natural one as possible.

Madelyn took a few steps back and surveyed her body. She wasn’t as slim as she’d like to be, but she’d always been a woman with curves. From her breasts to her hips, she had a generous amount of flesh. She had tried and failed to diet on and off several occasions, but most of the time, she ignored it. She’d been too busy taking care of the family.

She had hoped with the extra exercise she’d get on her vacation, she’d be able to lose a few inches.

She washed her face and hands and combed her hair. After a quick look around the room, she decided to explore a bit before the dinner they started serving at five o’clock every night.

What she had seen so far thrilled her, and she knew there was much more.

Chapter Two

Madelyn made her way down the stairs and through the lobby toward the large living area she’d spotted when she had checked in. She waved and smiled at Daisy as she passed.

Her eyes widened at the size of the room. There were five or six seating areas with sofas and chairs. There were two fireplaces, one on each side of the enormous room. She could see a few pool tables and arcade games through a large doorway. On the other side, she could see tables and chairs in what she guessed was the dining room.

Her breath caught in her throat at the beautiful vista through the large windows. There were miles of woodlands, and in the backdrop were the white-capped mountains. The views were so stunning they looked like artwork.

She knew there was an indoor pool but hadn’t asked where that was yet. She had brought her swimsuit but didn’t know if she’d have the guts to wear it in front of people. Although she enjoyed swimming, it had been many years since she’d had the chance to. She just hadn’t had the time.

“Are you getting settled in, Mrs. Freeman?”

She turned and smiled at Daisy, who had come up to stand beside her.

“Please, call me Madelyn.”

Daisy grinned. “Thank you. I will.”

“I have already put my things away and am ready to explore now.”

“There is a lot to explore. What do you think so far?”

“The drive up was spectacular, and then you come to this place.” Madelyn paused and drew in a soft breath. She threw her arms out and smiled. “It’s the most beautiful place I have ever seen.”

Daisy grinned and nodded. “I’ve always thought so, too.”

“How long have you worked here?”

“Since high school.”

“You still look like you could be in high school.”

Daisy laughed. “Yeah, I get that a lot. My mom says I’ll appreciate it when I’m older.”

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