True Love's Fire: A Red Hot Valentine Story (Hell Yeah!) (4 page)

Finally, he said, “I think it’s colder in here than it is in the icebox.”

“Icebox.” She laughed. “That’s what my grandmother used to call our refrigerator.”

“Yea, my mom did too. She was a bit old-fashioned.”  He pointed to the water. “I could have done that, if you’d just told me.” He felt a bit inadequate. “I’m not helpless, just out of practice with the small stuff.”

Like common sense?
Men.
“No problem, I don’t mind.”

She stood next to him, still bundled up and unrecognizable as a female except for those full, long lashes framing gorgeous green eyes. “Why didn’t your husband, Elvis, come out in this weather?” At his question the dog made a ra-woof noise, half yawn, half bark.

A small giggle slipped through the woman’s lips. “There is no husband. Elvis is my dog.”

“You let Elvis stay inside at your house?”

Immediately, she wheeled on him. “Yes. You don’t like dogs?” People who didn’t like animals couldn’t be trusted.

“I like dogs, but they have a place. Like a woman has her place.”

If Lia had bristles like Elvis, she would have raised them. “Let me guess. A dogs place is outside and a woman’s place is in the kitchen.”

Scott chuckled. “Yes, on the dog. No, on the woman. Her place is in bed.” He thought his sultry answer would get a rise out of her and it did.

She laughed. “Oh, really.” And then she laughed some more. Glancing at the dog, she said, “Stay.” Then meeting his gaze, she adjusted her scarf. “Come open the door, Romeo.” Picking up pot of boiling water with some dish towels, she began walking slowly. “Where are you from?”

Staying up with her, watching her careful progress, he answered, “Austin. I had no idea the weather was going to be like this. I let someone else make the reservations, but she cancelled at the last minute. Work had me preoccupied.”

“If you like to look at snow, you’ll be happy.”

“Not exactly what I had in mind,” he drawled, but there was no use shocking the little woman with the truth. “Don’t you want me to carry that?” 

“No, I have it.”

Scott opened the door and icy air hit them like a wet blanket. “Jesus.”

“I’m sorry about all of this.” She apologized. “I was planning on coming by early in the morning. I didn’t know you were arriving tonight.”

“I called and asked if it would be okay for me to come in early.”

“Well, Mary neglected to inform me. But she’s got family problems.”

“Why don’t you let me do this?” It was dark, she was small and surely there were bears in these woods.

“No, you’d probably get lost,” she remarked dryly. “I’ll just be a minute.” 

Outside, Lia let out a long breath. She needed to get out of here. Mr. Walker was easy on the eye, but annoying as heck.

“What’s wrong?” His voice caused her to jump and slosh some of the water in the snow, melting a spot everywhere it touched.

“Mr. Walker!”

“Scott, call me Scott.” He steadied her. “Did you burn yourself?”

“No, my gloves are insulated.” She hurried and poured the water over the fan blades. “You didn’t even get your big coat. You’re going to catch your death.” Finishing, she grabbed his hand. “Hurry! Let’s get back in to the fire.” They dashed back around the corner, but when it came to the steps, they had to take their time and Scott still slipped and she had to grab at him. “Easy, grace.” She snorted.

“I fell so hard earlier, I almost broke my tail bone.”

“I would’ve paid good money to see that.”

“You’re mean.” He chuckled. By the time they got to the door they were both giggling.

“Made it!”

“Whoooooo,” she squealed and rushed to the thermostat, turning it on. Elvis barked, helping them celebrate. When it fired up, she cheered and then raced to the fire.

“We did it!” Scott helped her be happy. “Is this normal winter weather for these parts?”  

“No, we haven’t had a storm system of this magnitude in a long time, and the brunt of it hasn’t hit yet. The ice is accumulating so fast on the tree limbs, there’s no way we’re going to avoid a loss of electricity.” 

“Great.” He rolled his eyes.

Lia looked up at him. “We’re supposed to get another foot of snow.”

“Crap. I don’t know what I’m going to do. That damn Lexus isn’t going anywhere, not after the storm hits.”

Lia felt sorry for him. “No one will.” She thought a second. “Look, if you want to leave tonight, maybe I could pull you to the highway. There’s a chain in my truck.”

“That might be best. If you don’t mind.”

An odd wave of disappointment hit her. “Come on, Elvis. Let’s go. Just leave the groceries, I’ll get them later.” Walking to the fireplace, she turned it off and shut the door. “Grab your stuff and I’ll set up the tow line. We’ll have to go really slow, but if I make the chain short enough, I can keep you out of the ditch.”

“Agreed.” He ran to the room and reloaded all of his gear back in the duffle. For some reason there was a tugging urge in his gut to stay, but he normally operated on logic and logic told him he needed to go. When he returned to the living room, she was already out by his car.

Joining her, he noticed Elvis was playing in the snow; he would run and then bite at the powder thrown up by his feet. “I’m going to angle in front of you and use the tow hook.” She showed him the little cover she’d removed to put the chain in place.

“Let me do this.” He fussed. “I grew up on a ranch. I drive a truck. You don’t have to take care of me.” He knew he sounded grumpy, but he couldn’t help it.

“Sure.” She stepped aside. “Didn’t mean to bruise your ego. Let me move my truck into place.”

Lia left him and went to her pick-up, carefully moving from the back of his vehicle to the front. He could hear her tires grasping to the snow, and slipping. But she had chains on them, which made all the difference. Getting into place, she hopped out. “Okay, let’s do this,” she said.

“The weather isn’t getting any better.” He bent over to attach the chain.

She was standing just to the right of his car, holding the heavy links up off the snow. Lia’s hands were cold, even in the gloves. “You’ll need to be really careful heading down toward Little Rock, the forecast is getting worse. I was just listening to it on the radio.”

“Are you going to be okay here? Do you live alone?”

She started to answer him, but there was a tremendous CRACK! The security lamp next to the cabin didn’t give a lot of light, but it gave enough for her to realize what was happening. “Scott…move!” She jumped up, throwing herself toward Scott. Above them, a huge oak limb, heavily laden with ice was breaking and falling from the tree. It happened quickly, but to Lia it seemed to be in slow motion as she flung herself against the big man. A crushing blow hit her leg. The limb clipped her as one end of it fell squarely on top of her truck, crushing the front hood like a tin can. Lia gasped with pain before falling and hitting her head on the ice—hard.

CHAPTER TWO

I fell so hard

You know it’s true

I fought it, I denied it

I don’t want to want you

A small whimper was the only sound she made. “Christ!” He knelt and gently picked her up, then he had to walk around the gigantic limb. The base of it had to be at least a foot in diameter and it forked out in several wide, heavy branches. Looking down at her, the scarf over her nose and mouth had slipped, revealing a very pretty face. He wanted to bellow his fury. “I’m so, so sorry.” The killer end of the limb had been aiming for his head, but she’d thrown herself into the danger zone to save him. Scott felt humbled. “How badly are you hurt? Talk to me, you hit your head when you fell.”

“Ow, ow, ow,” she grumbled in a weak, grouchy little voice. “I’ll live to cause trouble another day.” She wiggled a little in his grasp. “It’s my ankle, but I think I can walk.”

“Not a chance.” Scott made his way to the porch. “Come on, Elvis. Let’s get in.”

Lia choked out a giggle. “You’d best let me hop. You know how clumsy you are. You’ll just slip and we’ll fall in a muddled mess.”

“Shhhh, maybe not, I’ll be careful.” He promised and kissed her on the top of the head. The simple caress felt so right, he did it again.

“Stop kissing me, you’re ruining your image.”

”What image?”

“Of a grumpy, know-it-all dickhead.”

Scott couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m not a dickhead.”

When they got to the door, she opened it. “See, I’m not helpless.”

“I would never presume you were, but you are delicate and in need of my help.” Scott headed to the couch and sat her by the end table, turning on the light, ignoring her protests. “Now, let’s see where you’re hurt.”

“I’m not hurt,” Lia grunted. “If you’ll give me a minute to catch my breath, I’ll hike off down the road to my house.”

“Not happening. Your skull took a good lick. I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

Oh, no.
“Scott, I have an extremely hard head.”

“I’m beginning to realize that.” He knelt beside her. “Can we peel back some of these layers so I can check your pretty noggin?”

Lia grimaced at the word ‘pretty’. “Sure.” She leaned up and together they removed some of her outer layers.

When a cascade of long, dark hair tumbled to her waist, Scott held his breath. Then the padded parka was tossed aside and he was treated to one of the most sweetly feminine figures he’d ever seen. Lia was delicate, but her breasts were generous. He swallowed back a groan. “How about your snow pants?”

“Yea, let me stand up.”

“No, just lift your hips.” She did, and he put his hands to her narrow waist and pulled the pants over rounded hips and down long legs encased in skin-tight jeans.
Holy Mother of God.
Lia was hot. He tried to tamp down the man and call forth the doctor, but it was hard. Taking her head in his hands, he tenderly ran his fingers over her scalp. “You’ve got a good size knot here. Look at me.” She did so. Damn, her eyes were gorgeous. “No dilation. Do you feel dizzy or nauseated?”

Dizzy from being near you.
“Your being so nice to me is a little nauseating, Mr. Keeping Women in their Place.”

Scott roared. “I like you, Lia Houston.” She didn’t take any crap off of him. “You’re cute as a button.”  

“I’m not cute,” she grumbled. “I’m ferocious.”

He had to bite back the ‘awwww’. Lia was like a kitten, absolutely adorable. “Now, which ankle?” 

“Left.” She winced as he began taking off her boot.   “My truck’s not going anywhere for sure, and neither is your car.” She looked at him with regret. “You may be stuck here for several days. I’m so sorry.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Gritting her teeth, she did whimper as he eased off her sock. Her ankle and a portion of her foot were turning a myriad of interesting colors—from brown to purple to black. The pain wasn’t fun, but she could wiggle it, and the concern on Scott’s face while he examined her ankle was worth any discomfort. His hands were gentle and warm and all she could think was how other parts of her body would appreciate the same soothing touch. “Well, what’s the diagnosis, doctor?”

He confirmed her suspicions. “It’s not broken, just badly bruised. Thank God.”

“Great, let me rest for a little while and if you’ll find me a large stick to lean on, I’ll get out of your way.”

Whoosh! The guy could move fast for a big man. Within the blink of an eye, he had a hand on either side of her hips and his face was just a breath away from hers. If she’d wanted to kiss him—which she did, badly—all she would’ve had to do was pooch her lips and she could know what he tasted like. Quickly, she pulled her lips inside her mouth, avoiding the temptation.

“If you think you’re leaving this cabin anytime soon, you’re sadly mistaken.”

Gulp, a tiny smile. “You’ll change your mind.”

Scott snorted. “Why?”

“‘Cause, I can be very annoying.”

He laughed. “I don’t doubt that for a minute. We’ll have a contest to see who can be the grumpiest.”

They locked gazes and he smiled. And swear to God, she heard birds sing. All she could think about was the song she’d wrote years ago—
His Smile
. “Okay, you’re on.” She winked at him, realizing that her walking home was a stupid idea. “Did you get Elvis in?”

“Yes, he’s by the fireplace hinting for me to relight it.” He sat back on his heels. “I can’t tell if you’ve torn any ligaments or not, but the bone isn’t broken.”

“That’s a relief.” She tried to wiggle it again. “Ow!”

“Easy, cutie-pie.” Scott steadied her leg. “Let me put some ice on your ankle and you can put your feet up and boss me around for a while.” He smiled to himself, his ‘bedside’ manner was improving. Or maybe it was because he could easily picture this woman in his bed.

“Yes, Dr. Walker.” At his knowing smile, she cringed. “You’re not a real doctor, are you?”

“Actually, yes. Don’t move.” He went to the kitchen to make an ice pack, rummaging until he found a plastic bag. Filling it with ice, he secured it and returned. 

As she watched him walk away, enjoying the way his ass looked in those tight jeans, she didn’t have any intention of moving anywhere for a little while. “Yes, sir.” 
Great. A doctor. I should’ve known.
A hint of the insecurity Dylan caused crept back into Lia’s mind.
No.
She closed her eyes tightly.
Keep your cool. Just get through this.
“What kind of doctor are you?” 

“I’m a neurobiologist and a neurosurgeon.” Lifting her foot on the ottoman, he wrapped her ankle in a couple of dishtowels and applied an ice-pack.

“Gracious me, you’re a brain.”  

“I study the brain, and I perform brain surgery, but I’m just a man.” Yes, he was a man and she was a woman. Scott had never been more aware of the wonderful biological differences in the two sexes than now. Lia was cute, smart, and incredibly sexy. His cock was hard and throbbing.

“A very sexy man.” When he looked at her with a satisfied smirk, Lia realized she’d said the words out loud. “Dammit. I think the trauma to my head is worse than I thought.”

Scott roared with laughter. “Are you talking out of your head or are you always nutty?”

“I’m brain damaged, apparently.” She huffed her consternation. “Don’t pay any attention to me.”

“Don’t ask the impossible.” All of a sudden, Scott was having a good time. This might not be a wasted trip after all.

*  *  *

Scott offered to feed her and Elvis, but she informed him they’d already ate, so he prepared himself a grilled cheese and some tomato soup. Remembering he had a coconut pie in the car, he grabbed his coat and went to get it. After he’d eaten, he saw that she was looking tired. The hour was getting late, so he helped her to the restroom, found something of his to sleep in and made her comfortable on the couch. All the while, he was more turned on and sexually revved up than he’d ever been in his life. The ache was becoming almost unbearable.

“You go on to bed. I’ll be fine in front of the fire.”

“No, I’m making a bed right here in front of the hearth. There’s no way I’m leaving you alone.” He informed her in a gruff voice.

“I’ll be fine, Cranky.” Lia was beginning to feel guilty about all of this. She’d come over to help him and now she was just being a nuisance.

“I’m not cranky.”
I’m horny.
“I’m concerned.”

“All right.” There was no use arguing. As he stacked cushions and blankets, she tried to make conversation. “What were your plans? I’m sure you didn’t count on this weather.”

He gave her a half-grin. “Snow was not on my agenda. A woman was supposed to accompany me, but we had a difference of opinion.”

Lia couldn’t help it. She laughed. “Why am I not surprised?” 

“I don’t know how you’ve formed such a poor opinion of me in such a short time. Women love me.”

“Oh, I’m sure they do. What was this woman like who abandoned you in your hour of need?”

Need. Don’t say need
. He’d held a damn pillow in front of his crotch for the past ten minutes. It was a wonder she hadn’t called him on it. “Well, she’s tall, blonde, pretty, the type who loves to shop and eat at five-star restaurants. If she were here, in these circumstances, Sandy would be throwing a fit. She’d be absolutely miserable.”

She wasn’t surprised at what he said. The woman he described was certainly his type, unlike her. “You can get a refund. I’ll talk to Miss Mary about it. This is certainly no vacation for you.”

Turning off all the lights, he made his way to the pallet. “I don’t know, maybe we can salvage something from the ordeal. Why don’t we try and make the best of it?”

“I agree, but just as soon as the weather clears, I’ll get you some help.” She held out her hand. “Deal?”

He’d arranged himself right under the couch. If the two surfaces were level, they’d be lying side by side. Scott reached up to clasp her small hand and as he enveloped it in his own, he felt a tingling wave of sensation sweep up his arm, down his torso and slide right into his cock. He turned her hand loose like it was hot, blinked, then noticed she’d pulled hers up to her chest. She’d felt it too. “I think we shocked one another.”

“I think we did.” She covered up quickly, all the way to her chin, unnerved by what had happened. 

It was quiet for a few seconds. The only sounds were the crackling of the fire, and the rustling of the wind through the trees. “Do you live near here?” Scott asked. 

“Pretty close as far as the crow flies. I live on Ladygrey, near Hawksbill Crag. By the winding road it’s about five miles away.”

“Way too far for you to have even considered trying to walk,” he chided her.

“If the weather was nice, it’d be a pleasurable hike. There is the best view of the Buffalo River right up on that ridge to the east. If the storm clears, I’ll show you.” She promised. “So, are you in a serious relationship with the girl who should be laying here instead of me?” Lia asked out of nowhere, then bit the inside of her lip. She shouldn’t have asked. It wasn’t any of her affair. 

“No, I’m not serious about Sandy. I don’t believe in marriage or commitment.” There, he’d laid his cards on the table. He waited for her reaction. Most women had a strong one and immediately set out to change his mind. 

“Smart man. Love exists only in Hallmark cards and country songs.”

Scott was stunned. He raised up to look her in the eye. The light from the fire wasn’t bright, but he could make out her features. “I thought all women wanted love and romance? Are you gay?”

Lia giggled. “No, I’m not gay. But I think they have the same right to think they’re in love as straight people.” She leaned up on her elbow and looked at him lounging so close to her. “I’m just realistic.”

“You’re cute, that’s what you are.” He couldn’t help it. Scott was becoming more intrigued with Lia by the minute.

“Flattery will get you nowhere.” She laid flat. “Let’s go to sleep. We have to put up with each other all day tomorrow, and I’m gonna be a pain.”

Scott chuckled some more.

“What?”

“I’ve just never met anyone like you before.” Scott rolled over, facing her. This was someone he’d just met, someone who’d saved—fuck! He hadn’t even thanked her. Time to rectify that mistake. “In all of our excitement, I didn’t even take time to thank you for saving me.”

This made Lia uncomfortable. “It was nothing. Anybody would’ve done it.”

He went to his knees at her side. “No, you’re wrong. The women I’ve known don’t react the way you did. They may scream or run or freeze, but they don’t put themselves in harm’s way for a stranger.”

“I couldn’t let you be hurt.”

“But you could have been injured so easily, much worse than you were. Give me your hand.”

“Why?” But she obeyed.

He took it in his, tenderly kissing first the back of her hand, and then her palm. “Thank you, beautiful.”

Lia melted, she just melted into a big puddle of girly goo. “You’re welcome.” She clutched the blanket so hard, she almost ripped a hole in it, all to keep from grabbing him by the shoulders and pulling him on top of her. 

But she controlled her feminine urges. Barely.

“Sleep well, brave girl.”

“You, too.” He lay back down and she covered up her head, embarrassed and aroused. Wow, what a night! She’d come over to bring some dipsey-doodle enough groceries to make it a few days while snowed-in, and found a man sexy enough to power her fantasies for decades. Now all she had to do was get a grip on her emotions and not embarrass herself by drooling on him or leaving a wet spot on the couch.

“I hope the rest of that big oak tree doesn’t fall, it will take out half the cabin—the part we’re lying in.”

“Go to sleep, Scott.”

“Goodnight.”

After a few minutes, Lia felt the edge of the couch give. For a moment, she thought Scott was putting the moves on her, but it was Elvis. “Come on,” she whispered, a little disappointed. He nestled close to her and she hugged him up, needing to hold on to something.

“First time I’ve ever been jealous of a dog.”

“Yea, right.” She couldn’t help but giggle. He was fun.

They settled down and the minutes ticked by. Scott couldn’t sleep. Instead, he looked out of the window next to the fireplace. The security lamp provided a little light. He was a bit alarmed. The flakes were bigger and it was coming down faster. The wind was also picking up. Lia’s forecast was proving to be correct. He stared off into the distance wondering what the view would be like when the sun came up.

Tomorrow would be an adventure with Lia. She was something else. Fearless was what she was. And adorable. He might be snowed-in and unable to go and do what he planned, but getting to know her was going to be a definite upside. Glancing up on the couch, he studied her. She was lying on her side, facing him. He could see the covers were pushed down and her shirt was pulled up. The sweet curve of a rounded hip caught his eye. Damn, she was gorgeous.

Easing over to her, he adjusted the quilt, taking note of her even breathing. She was asleep. Unable to resist, he placed a kiss on her forehead. So small. Other than family, he didn’t think anyone had ever gone out of their way to protect him before. And certainly not a woman.

*  *  *