Page 27 of Scotch & Shortbread

“Thanks,” she said, and he clanked his glass to her bottle before lumbering down in the chair across from her.

They both sat for a time in silence.

“I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful earlier,” she said thoughtfully, not looking up.

Alex glanced at her.

“I suppose I just hadn’t considered things. I don’t know what I thought really. I’ve never been snowed in anywhere. This is a new experience for me. It’s weird to be stuck somewhere because of the weather,” she said, taking another sip of her beer.

“It’s nothin’ to worry about lass. It’s part of life in the mountains.”

She nodded, and Alex sensed that she seemed to relax a bit.

“What’s your name?” she suddenly blurted out.

“Sergeant Mackenzie,” he stated pointedly, sipping his whisky.Keep it professional, he thought until he saw her exaggerated eye roll.

“I’m in your home, and you don’t want to tell me your first name,Sergeant?”

What was it about this woman that both infuriated him and made him want to kiss that disdainful little look off her face all at the same time? Glaring at her for a moment, he replied stonily, “Alex.”

“Quinn West.” She grinned with her dimples on full display like the cat who got the cream.

Lord, help him. “Aye, I know that,” he said, reminding them both of their rocky history to date.

“Oh right.” She bit her lower lip, snagging his attention before taking a long slug of her beer.

Alex swallowed, wishing he’d stop noticing her full lips. He shifted in his chair quelling his untoward thoughts. “Are ye warmed now?” he asked in an attempt to stay on safe ground.

“Oh, so warm and toasty.” Those lush lips curved up into a smile. “The fire is heavenly.” She sighed blissfully.

“Aye,” he agreed, tearing his gaze away from her and back to the fire. He never knew someone to find such pleasure in the simplest things. When he pulled her over, she’d had that same dreamy look in her eyes about the snow. Pensive, he sipped his scotch. God, it was good. Took him back home. He wondered what the lass would think if she actually gave it a chance. Would she appreciate it like she seemed to other things? Would she get that blissful look in her eyes?

“I need to thank you.” Her softened voice pulled him from his reverie. “If you and Bear hadn’t found me…” Her voice trailed off.

There was worry etched on her pretty face. He didn’t want her to think about what could’ve happened. Protectiveness surged through him, and he had to remind himself that the feeling that roared through him was likely because he was a police officer. That, and his parents raised him to be a good human. As much as he might be swearing off women, he certainly still had a heart. He hated the thought of what could’ve been, but he also hated that she felt the heavy weight of it too. The lass had been through a lot tonight, and he could see it troubled her.

Needing her to know she was safe with him, he reached over and put a reassuring hand on hers. “It’s okay, Quinn. You’re here now, safe and sound.”

His hand was warm and comforting on hers. She knew what he said was true. She was safe now, safe with him. He was a cop, after all. That was their duty, to serve and protect. At least she didn’t have to worry that she’d been rescued by some opportunistic axe murderer or sexual predator. Nope, even if he was a rapist, she’d be safe because he’d already made it crystal clear she was the last woman he’d ever want to sleep with. With that thought, she slid her hand out from under his and changed the subject.

“I love your cabin,” she said, sweeping her eyes around the open space. Despite being an open layout, it was cozy with the log walls and rug-covered slate floors. The river rock fireplace was floor-to-ceiling, making it a ruggedly beautiful focal point.

“Aye, ’tis pleasant, I suppose,” he said as if it never occurred to him before how nice it was.

“How long have you lived here?” she asked curiously.

“Two years.”

“It must be heavenly to be able to escape the world to this wonderful cozy cabin.” She sighed contentedly at the very idea. What a great place this would be to just sit and write. Dang. She wished she had her laptop with her.

“So what brought you here? To Canada, I mean.” Quinn found her curiosity budding. He’d tentatively answered her questions which she took as a good sign. Hopefully, they could actually have a proper conversation for a change.

“That’s a bit of a long story, lass.” Alex deflected, standing up to take his empty glass to the kitchen.

Quinn recognized his stonewalling immediately and decided there was no point in pushing. She yawned, feeling a deep weariness in her bones.

“I guess we should call it a night then,” she said, coming up behind him with her empty beer bottle.

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