Page 9 of Snowed In with Four Firemen
He still looks doubtful but nods, stepping back to let me out. Even though I’ve reassured him, he stays close, his arm hovering protectively behind my back as we walk.
It’s a sweet gesture, and despite everything, I can’t help but feel a tiny flicker of warmth in my chest—not from the truck’s heat, but from Jace’s unwavering care.
As I step out of the truck, Tanner appears on my other side, grinning like we’re all just out for a casual stroll.
“You sure you’re good?” he asks.
“Don’t worry, I’m not about to swoon on you. I think I’ve used up my damsel quota for the day.”
Tanner chuckles, giving me a friendly nudge with his shoulder. “Good to hear. I was starting to think we’d have to fight over who got to carry you inside.”
Jace shoots him a glare. “Tanner, she’s had enough.”
I glance at Jace. Does he think he’s still my boyfriend or something? “I said I’m fine.”
Being this close to him again stirs up all sorts of memories and feelings I’m not ready to face, but right now, I’m too tired to think too much about it.
“So, any chance you’re going to let Raffle carry you the rest of the way?” he teases, glancing down at the dog who’s practically glued to my side.
I laugh, the sound a bit shaky but real. “Honestly, at this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried. He seems to be taking his job pretty seriously.”
“He does,” Blue Eyes says, a hint of amusement in his voice. He’s a little older than the others; there’s a streak of gray in his hair that just makes him hotter, in my opinion. “Raffle’s a good judge of character. If he’s sticking close to you, that’s a good sign.”
I glance at him, and my heart skips a beat.
“Axel is always partial to Raffle. That’s his kid.”
Axel? So, I finally have a name. That’s three of them. The brooding, tattooed guy is the only person who hasn’t tried to introduce themselves.
As we approach the entrance of the lodge, I’m struck by how expansive and inviting the front porch is, even in the dim light of the stormy evening. The porch wraps around the entire front of the building, with thick wooden beams supporting a wide overhang that shelters us from the last of the falling snow. The floorboards creak slightly underfoot, and there’s a rustic charm to the place, with rocking chairs positioned strategically around the porch, each one facing out toward what I imagine is a breathtaking view on a clear day.
Before I can take in more of the surroundings, the lodge door swings open, and a woman steps out onto the porch. She’s a portly woman in her early forties. Her brown hair is pulled back into a neat bun, and she’s wrapped in a thick, cozy sweater.
“Oh, I didn’t realize more guests were coming up tonight!” she exclaims, her voice filled with surprise as she takes in our disheveled, snow-covered appearance. “Look at the state of you!”
Jace steps forward, his hand still resting lightly on my back as if he’s afraid I might topple over at any moment. “We got caught in the storm,” he explains, his tone calm but laced with a hint of weariness. “We were lucky to make it up here.”
The woman, who I assume is the lodge manager, gasps softly, her eyes widening as she processes what he’s said. “Caught in the storm? Oh my goodness, I’m so glad you made it up safely. You must be freezing! Come inside, all of you, quickly now.”
She gestures us toward the door, ushering us inside with an urgency that’s both motherly and professional. As we step over the threshold, the warmth from inside the lodge hits me like a wave, and I can’t help but sigh in relief.
She hurries ahead, her steps quick and purposeful. “I’m Collie Braverman, by the way,” she says over her shoulder. “We weren’t expecting anyone else tonight, but I’ll make sure you’re all taken care of.”
I nod mutely, too tired to respond, but grateful for her quick action. Jace gives her a grateful smile. “Thanks, Collie. We appreciate it.”
Collie’s eyes soften as she glances back at us, her gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than the others. “No need to thank me. Just glad you’re all safe. Now, let’s get you all warmed up and settled in.”
CHAPTER 4
JACE
The lodge’sentrance is warm and welcoming, a stark contrast to the icy death outside. I shrug off the last of the snow off my boots before kicking them away. Jesus, my feet are fucking freezing. I can only wonder how Emily is feeling right now. She was almost blue when we found her. And the very first moment, before she opened her eyes, I thought something had happened to her…
I shake my head. I don’t want to think about that right now.
The walls are paneled in rich, dark wood, giving the space a rustic, cozy feel. Large windows, now frosted with snow, offer what I’m sure is usually a breathtaking view of the mountains. The floor is covered in thick, woven rugs, the kind that look like they’ve been here forever.
I’ve been here before, but it’s been a while.
