Page 45 of Snowed In on Valentine's Day

“Hazel,” he said firmly, putting his hands up at the level of his chest. “I don’t want to argue. Let’s just clean up and get ready for bed—”

My eyes were wide as I scoffed. “I’m not going to bed with you!”

He sighed, frustration seeping out of every pore. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

“I don’t know what you’re trying to say, but let me just say this again.You can’t decide for me.” I swallowed a couple times. “I’m leaving. And that’s final.”

He shook his head and stared at me. “No.”

“Yes, I am,” I said while stomping out of the kitchen. I practically ran down the long hall to the sitting room, barely noticing the fact that everything looked quite different—that is, not creepy—with more lights on and the familiar whirr of devices.

A minute or two later though, he appeared in the room as I was kneeling on the floor by my bag. “Hazel, please.”

I inhaled and exhaled slowly. “Just stop. I don’t want to argue with you.”

“I don’t want to argue either. I—” He paused, his eyes uncertain but holding contact with mine. “I’m sorry.”

My face softened a bit. It was strange hearing an apology from him, and I guessed he did so only rarely. I nodded before throwing my sleep cap and extra socks back in my bag. “Haveyou seen my slippers? I thought they were over here by the couch, but I’m not seeing them.”

He shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll find them tomorrow.”

My eyes snapped to his. “Why would I come back here tomorrow?”

His eyes narrowed to slits, and a muscle in his jaw tightened.

“Are you serious? You still think I’m staying here?” I accused, marching up to him with a scowl.

When we were almost eye to eye, he inhaled sharply but blew out his breath slowly. “It’s not safe,” he ground out, his teeth still clenched.

My face was hot with rage as I pressed my lips together before opening my mouth to speak. But the words wouldn’t come, and we just stared at one another, anger thick in the air.

Finally, I exhaled loudly. “Don’t youwantme to leave?”

His eyes held mine with an intensity that shocked me. “No,” he barked.

I blinked rapidly as my eyebrows scrunched together. “What—I don’t get it.Whynot?” I stopped to catch my breath. “I’m doing you a favor by leaving. Why are you being so stubborn and … I don’t know, is this you being overprotective?”

His face was stoic as I stared at him, waiting for him to say something—anything—that made sense.

“You know what? It doesn’t matter. You can disagree with me, but you can’t stop me. I’m going.”

He just glared back at me, not moving a muscle.

“I just have to get a couple things from the bathroom, and then I’m leaving.” I waited for a response or even some indication that hemightrespond but found none. Tearing my eyes away, I turned on my heel, bent down to grab my bag, and walked as calmly as I could to the bathroom.

My heart was racing, and I felt torn between wanting to scream and wanting to cry. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been this emotional. Scanning the bathroom counter, I tried to breathe steadily as I found the few toiletries and a toothbrush I’d brought and then stuffed them into my bag.

“Goodbye, Peter. Thanks for letting me hang out here,” I called out from the hallway, not bothering to stick my head in the room where he stood, stock still. There was no point. But I could at least be polite.

Reaching the front door, I saw that my coat and snow gear were dry, clean, and laid neatly on a broad chair. Well, at least he was thoughtful. Once I was bundled up as best I could, with my bag over my shoulders, I took a deep breath and tried to mentally prepare for the trek back home.

Finally, I opened the door and was immediately struck with the beauty of the glistening white landscape that lit up the night. I marveled at how something so disastrous and potentially destructive could produce something so utterly beautiful. Before I could ponder further, I took a deep breath and stepped outside, glancing behind me just briefly as I took hold of the door.

He was there, a small figure much further down the hall, but I knew he was watching me. I shivered, darting off into the cold.

Chapter 12

Amazingly, the dripping faucet trick worked. The pipes didn’t freeze. And I was reaping the benefits now as every part of my body submerged in the bath was cooing with delight. The heat was seeping into my bones, into my soul.

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