“I wouldn’t have taken you to be the dramatic type,” she teases back with a smile. “What are we making?”
I pass over the half-chopped onion, and she takes over with ease. “Chicken stir-fry. Any food allergies?”
“Thankfully, none,” she replies. “What can I do next?”
I point to where I had stored some vegetables, and soon, she’s busy chopping away while I handle the chicken.
While this has been quite an eventful day, I’m hoping the owner will get back to us tomorrow so I can resume my weekend getaway in Silver Valley without any more surprises.
2
Jane
Being double-booked with a stranger isn’t even the weirdest thing to happen to me this week. This is supposed to be my honeymoon with Daniel, albeit a short one due to his work schedule. I’m supposed to be Mrs. Pearson right now. But instead, I’m the pepper-spraying crazy lady who ran away from her wedding and is currently in this snow-covered rental with a hot detective.
Yes, I noticed.How could I not?
Andrew is very fit with muscles testing the fiber strength of the T-shirt he’s currently wearing. I would imagine a host of abs are hiding beneath it. He’s tall, and his warm brown eyes and ridiculously long lashes draw your gaze to him, and that killer smile finishes you off.
“So, you cook?” He flips the chicken in the pan.
“Normally, I’m too busy chasing the next story, but I love it when I can.” I look up to meet his eyes when I notice him oddly examining my face.
“You’re a journalist?”
“I am. I’m betting you love my kind in your line of work,” I offer back, with a challenging arch of my brow.
“Journalists are…both friend and foe to those of us in blue. Several times, their writings have helped bring in new leads to an investigation, and other times, it’s thrown up roadblocks. I’m sure, like all careers, some are great at what they do but some…need an attitude adjustment,” he says carefully.
“That was super diplomatic.” I roll my eyes.
“I am snowbound in a house with you, for who knows how long, and have already experienced how you will defend yourself should I say anything untoward. I’m going the kind and friendly route solely out of self-preservation,” he teases.
“Good idea,” I laugh.
He grins at my response, his dimples making a mischievous appearance. “So, why journalism?” he asks, leaning against the counter with his arms folded across his broad chest.
I shrug, my eyes glinting in thought as I stare into the cozy glow of the fire. “I guess I’ve always had a knack for asking questions, and I enjoy storytelling. And why not use that to, hopefully, make a difference.”
“I understand that—making a difference.”
“Is that why you’re a detective? Wanting to make the world a better place?”
“I want to help and serve the community. While I’m only one man, everyone on the force, as a team, makes a difference.”
“Teamwork makes the dream work.” I chuckle and so does he.
“Something like that.”
A comfortable silence envelops us. For a moment, I forget about Daniel, about the wedding mess I left behind.
The next hour goes by quickly, and the day comes to an end. We both retire to our rooms for the night. While Andrew seems like a sweet-guy-next-door man, he could also be the turn-to-the-dark-side kinda cop. That’s why I didn’t give him my real last name. So, I lock my door and wiggle the desk chair underneath the handle.
Better safe than sorry.
The bedroom is beautiful. The décor matches the rest of the house with a rustic but elegant feel: a queen bed centered on the wall with Christmas sheets and pillows, pretty white curtains, and a small desk in the corner.
There’s a bathroom connected, which also looks freshly renovated, and while it’s all white, the colored towels, rug, and accents make it charming. It has a large soaking tub, which I fully intend to take advantage of. A relaxingcandle-lit bath and a good night’s sleep sounds like the perfect end to this eventful day.
