Page 10 of Snowed In with Four Firemen
Collie Braverman ushers us through the entrance hall and into the lounge, where a massive stone fireplace dominates the far wall. The fire crackles merrily, casting a warm, flickering light across the room. Plush armchairs and sofas are arranged in a loose circle around the hearth, inviting us to sit and thaw out.
“Sit down, all of you,” Collie insists, her tone gentle but firm. “I’ll fetch something warm for you to drink. Just relax and get those bones warmed up.”
I’m about to guide Emily to one of the armchairs when I notice her shivering, her teeth chattering despite the warmth. Even with the blankets we’ve bundled her in, the chill hasn’t completely left her. A flash of concern hits me—then, unbidden, a memory of the first moment I saw her tonight, when Axel pulled her from the wrecked car.
She looked so small, so vulnerable. When she opened her eyes and called Axel her guardian angel, something twisted inside me, something unpleasant and unfamiliar. Jealousy, I realize now, though I’d been too preoccupied to admit it at the time. I hated that Axel had been the one to save her, to be her hero, when all I wanted was to be the one to protect her. I know it was probably just out of sheer relief, and that she just wanted to thank him for saving her, but hello? I was there as well. Not that it seems to matter to her. She even refused to let me help her to the door.
I’m about to step forward, to do something—anything—to comfort her, but Tanner beats me to it. He strides over, a blanket draped over his arm. “Got this from the reception,” he says with a grin, spreading the blanket over Emily’s shoulders. “Hope Collie doesn’t mind.”
Emily smiles up at him, her gratitude clear in her eyes as she pulls the blanket tighter around herself. “Thanks, Tanner.”
“No problem,” Tanner replies, crouching in front of her. “Here, let me show you something.” He takes her hands in his, showing her how to rub them together briskly to generate more heat. “Like this. Keeps the blood flowing, warms you up faster.”
Emily watches him, following his instructions, and I feel that ugly twist in my gut again. I know Tanner’s just trying to help, but I can’t help the surge of jealousy that rises as I watch himwith her. I should be sitting with her, showing her how to warm her hands, reassuring her that she’s safe now.
The room is filled with the crackle of the fire and the soft sound of Emily’s hands rubbing together, and I’m just standing here, useless, while Tanner takes care of her. I try to push the feeling down, to remind myself that what matters is that she’s okay, but it’s not easy. I’ve never been good at hiding how I feel, especially when it comes to Emily.
“You know, it’s kind of unfair that you know my name, but I don’t know yours yet.”
“Well, I don’t know his,” Emily says, pointing at Ben.
“That Benniehaha,” Tanner says.
“Just Ben,” he says, looking annoyed.
“Okay Ben. And Tanner. And Axel.” She glances at me but doesn’t take my name. “I’m Emily.”
“Cute.” Tanner gives her a reassuring smile. “You’re doing great, Em. Just keep at it, and you’ll warm up in no time.”
Em? Seriously?
I clench my jaw, trying to ignore the way my chest tightens every time I hear Tanner’s voice, every time I see Emily look at him with that small, grateful smile. I need to get a grip, but it’s hard when every instinct I have is screaming at me to shove Tanner away, but that’s ridiculous. Tanner flirts with any moving thing. Emily has to know it doesn’t mean anything to him. And why am I getting so bothered over it? It has been more than a decade since we broke up.
Before I can think of something to say or do, Collie returns, balancing a tray with steaming mugs of what smells like hot chocolate. “Here we go,” she says, setting the tray down on the low table in front of the fire. “Drink up, and you’ll be warm in no time.”
Emily reaches for a mug, her hands still trembling slightly, and I finally manage to move, sitting down beside her. “Here, letme help you,” I say quietly, taking the mug from her before she spills it. Our fingers brush, and I feel that spark again, the same one I’ve felt since the first time we touched.
She looks away, but not before I catch the flicker of surprise in her eyes. I know she felt it, too, that familiar jolt of awareness. It’s like nothing has changed between us over the years.
I look up. Tanner is looking at me curiously. I’ve told them about Emily but they don’t know who she is, yet. It won’t take them long to make the connection, however, even if I don’t tell them. But will that be enough to make sure they back the fuck away from her? And is Tanner the only person who’s interested in her?
“If I could get your names, please,” Collie says politely. “I’ll run it with the wedding guest list and check you into your allotted rooms.”
While Axel rattles off our names, I sit beside Emily, handing her the mug of hot chocolate. I can’t help but notice how Axel’s eyes keep flicking over to her. It’s subtle, but it’s there. Every time she shifts or speaks, Axel’s gaze is right there, sharp and assessing. He’s usually the most focused guy in the room, but tonight, his attention is split, and it’s obvious what—or rather, who—has caught his interest.
Ben, too, who normally stays in the background, is acting differently. He’s quieter than usual, but I catch him stealing glances at Emily, his expression thoughtful. Ben’s always been hard to read, keeping to himself even when the rest of us are joking around, but there’s something about the way he’s watching her that sets my teeth on edge. It’s like he’s trying to figure her out, and the idea of him sizing her up just adds to my growing dismay.
Emily’s focused on warming up, her hands still trembling slightly as she holds the mug. She doesn’t seem to notice theattention she’s getting, or if she does, she’s too worn out to care. But I notice, and it’s driving me crazy.
“Feeling any better?” I ask her, trying to keep my voice steady.
“A little,” she replies, her voice soft. “The hot chocolate helps.”
Axel steps closer, his expression unreadable. “You’ll feel better once you’ve had some rest,” he says.
“I can’t believe you got caught in that storm,” Ben says. He seems surprised by himself that he spoke but he continues. “You’re lucky we found you when we did.”
“Yeah, I guess I am. Or maybe it was fate, but I guess I’m thankful either way,” Emily murmurs, glancing up at Ben. There’s nothing flirtatious in her tone—just gratitude—but that doesn’t stop the pang of jealousy from hitting me square in the chest.
