A Billionaire's Holiday Love - Posey Parks Page 0,4
face lit up. “Smart. Still take it easy on these roads. This snow is really coming down.” He pulled the navy beanie snug over his ears, forcing his brown hair to rest on his forehead.
“Ok. I will. Bye, Noah.”
“Have a good night, Hope.” Shit, don’t soak your panties for a guy you’ll never see again.
I couldn’t help it. The way my name fell from his sexy pink lips.
He slammed my door shut. I peeked out the side mirror and stared at the back of his dark gray pea coat. How could a man look so handsome walking away?
**P**
The white fluffy snow blanketing the road put my truck to the test. My headlights showcased the flurries, which reminded me of powder sugar falling from the sky. Driving up the mountain, I glanced at a dusty two-story log cabin in route to my little piece of heaven. It hit me was I responsible for clearing the road? On my way to the cabin, I stopped at the grocery store and picked up all the hot chocolate fixings, breakfast, dinner staples, candles, flashlights, and cleaning supplies.
The cabin came into view. The outer appearance was slightly different from the picture. I killed the engine and hopped out of the Tahoe.
Headlights lit the path behind my truck. Panic set in. Did someone follow me up the mountain? The keys fumbled in my shaky hands as I scurried to the door. Shit, my mace was in my purse in the truck.
A tall figure stepped out of the Suburban. “Hope, is that you?”
My shoulders dropped at the sound of the familiar voice. Then my heart banged in my chest. What was he doing up here?
He halted at the steps, grinning. “So this is your cabin?”
“What are you doing here? Are you following me?”
He chuckled. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
Asshole.
“My cabin’s next door. I saw your truck. Thought I’d check on you.”
My eyes narrowed as I gave him the once over. “I can’t believe we’re neighbors.”
“Me either.”
“When was the last time you were here?”
“I haven’t been here in years. Would you like me to check for raccoons or bears?”
My teeth chattered as I gripped the front of my coat tight. “Bears and raccoons? Shit, I didn’t think about wild animals possibly being inside when I bought the place.”
“Ok, unlock the door. You can either wait on the porch or stay close while I look around.”
I shoved the key into the lock, pushed the door open, then extended my hand. “I’ll wait here,” I smirked.
No problem. He strolled inside and flipped on the light in the living room.
“Bought a fixer upper, huh?”
I peeked inside. “The owner said there was light renovation needed.”
“They lied.”
My ears perked up at the sounds of the bristling trees and howls in the night. Wide eyed, I scanned the forest to the right.
“On second thought,” I yelled, running smack into his hard back. I latched on to Noah’s coat.
His deep laughter vibrated through my body. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you. We vacationed right next door most of my life. This mountain can be a bit jarring at first. Then you get acclimated with your surroundings.” The wooden floors creaked under our feet.
I glanced at the weathered red cedar walls as we walked toward the back of the house. A shiver shot through me.
“Feels like we’re standing outside.”
“I’ll start a fire for you before I leave. Do you have a kerosene heater?”
“No.”
“You need one. The fireplace will keep the front of the house warm, but you won’t feel the heat in the bedroom.
I took in the first drafty, dingy bedroom. The bed didn’t scream, you’ll have sweet dreams.
Noah flipped on the bathroom light. “Whoa, you can probably take showers.”
He pointed to the shower stall in the corner. “But that bathtub has seen better days.”
“Great, this is just what I need. I’ll have to hire someone to renovate. This is ruining my Christmas. I guess I’ll check into a hotel, get my interviews done, then head back home for the holiday.”
I slouched against the door frame, pondering on how my day turned to shit.
He stared at the ceiling and exhaled. “You and Christmas.”
“Yes, me and Christmas. My mother’s favorite holiday until the day she died.”
Noah’s forehead creased and his jaw slacked.
I shook my head and stalked toward the front door.
“Hey.” He spun me around and our gazes locked.
His strong hands gripped my arms.
“Hope, I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” I sniffled.
“I appreciate you checking for murderers and animals.”
His gentle yet firm grip held me in place. “Listen, I’ll