Page 21 of Snowed In with Four Firemen
“You think I don’t know how to be careful?” Tanner barks at Axel, his fists clenching at his sides. “You’re not the only one with instincts, you know.”
“I sure as hell wouldn’t be out here in the middle of a storm with a lady.”
“And yet you all are here, putting your nose up in my business,” Tanner says.
I try again, louder this time, “Hey! Can you all just stop for a second?”
But it’s like I’m invisible. They’re locked in their argument, Tanner’s face flushed with anger, Jace’s eyes blazing, and Axel standing firm with a look of exasperation. The more they argue, the more it seems like this is less about the walk and more about…what? Protecting me? Or maybe something more?
Frustration bubbles up inside me. I can’t believe they’re ignoring me, standing out here like idiots in the snow, fighting like schoolboys. I’ve had enough.
“Fine, you know what? I’m going back inside,” I mutter, more to myself than to them. I turn on my heel and stalk off, snow crunching under my boots as I leave them behind. If they want to act like children, they can do it without me.
As I stomp away from the guys, I head in what I think is the direction of the lodge. The snow crunches under my boots, and the icy wind bites at my face, but my frustration keeps me warm.
I keep walking, but after a few minutes, I realize I don’t see the lodge. I pause, squinting into the darkness. It’s so dark that I can barely make out anything beyond a few feet in front of me. The snow is coming down harder now, swirling around me in a disorienting flurry.
CHAPTER 8
BEN
I stand back,watching the spectacle unfold before me with a mix of amusement and disbelief. Jace and Tanner are practically circling each other now, tension rolling off them in waves.
Then I catch sight of Emily stomping off into the darkness, her expression set in a furious glare. I watch her for a second, my amusement fading into concern. She’s really pissed, and I can’t blame her. This whole scene is ridiculous. But damn, she’s fiery. I like that about her.
I hesitate, feeling the urge to follow her, to make sure she’s okay. But something in her posture, the way her shoulders are set, tells me she needs space.
So, I let her go, even though part of me is itching to run after her and make sure she’s safe.
I turn back to the guys, who are still at it. “Enough, you two,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady and calm. “Seriously, cut it out.”
Tanner’s glaring at Jace, his fists clenched like he’s ready to throw a punch. Jace isn’t backing down, his jaw tight and eyes flashing with anger. There’s something there that’s more than just a mere argument.
Does Jace like Emily? And does Axel? I’ve seen his gaze linger after Emily, and I remember how weird Jace was acting around Emily. She’s Hailey’s best friend, so he must have known her for a long time. I’ve never heard him mention her, though. At first, I had assumed they were simply not close. Now I wonder if there’s more to it.
“I don’t get what your problem is, Jace!” Tanner snaps. “I’m just trying to have a good time, and you’re acting like a damn guard dog.”
Jace steps closer, his voice low and cold. “My problem is you treating Emily like she’s just another girl for you to fool around with.”
I knew it. They are both into her—hell, who wouldn’t be? Emily’s got this natural charm, that girl-next-door vibe mixed with a feisty spirit that makes her stand out. I definitely noticed some tension yesterday. But I didn’t expect it to blow up like this. Not so soon, anyway.
Jace, Tanner, and even Axel are all circling the same thing. They all want Emily but don’t know how to handle it. Hell, I want her too. She’s gorgeous and smart, and something about her pulls you in.
But I know my place. I’ve been down this road before, and I’ve learned the hard way that sometimes it’s better to just step back. I’m not going to make a move on Emily, not with these guys already in some twisted competition over her. It’s not worth it. And yet, knowing that doesn’t stop the frustration from building up inside me.
“Look, we’re all tired,” I say, keeping my voice as calm and logical as I can. “We’ve had a long day, and it’s late. Let’s just get back to the lodge before someone gets hurt.”
They both turn to look at me, still bristling with tension, but at least they’re listening now.
“If you keep acting like rabid animals, it’s not exactly going to endear yourselves to her,” I say, stepping closer.
“Where’s Emily?” Jace asks.
“She left, obviously,” I say.
“And you just let her go?” Axel says.
“Well, she was incredibly pissed, for one,” I say, frowning slightly. “I don’t think she needed me to make it worse.”
