Slay Bells - Hildie McQueen Page 0,11
moment for Gabriela to figure out exactly where she was. The cabin was dim, as she’d drawn the curtains closed the night before. Not because there were any lights outside, but more because she got a bit nervous. What if a bear or a wolf came to the window? Maybe some strange creeper would peek in the cabin window and stare at her while she slept.
She’d gotten up a couple times to double check the front door and to ensure all the windows were locked. The silence had been deafening. Even now, the only sounds were the steady hum of the refrigerator and a birdcall every so often.
How could people live like this?
The need for caffeine forced her out of the warm cocoon she’d made. The bed was way too comfortable for her liking. Thankfully the cabin was toasty warm and through her socks, the wood floor didn’t seem cold at all.
After coffee and a light breakfast, she planned to go for a walk and get her bearings around the ranch. Perhaps if she got a better feel for where things were, she’d not be so nervous that night. Her boss had sent her there, telling her to remain for as long as she needed. She hoped to write the article quickly and hopefully be done in just a couple weeks. If things went smoothly, she could be home in time to celebrate the New Year with friends and family.
An hour later, she emerged ready to face the day. Thankfully, her Uggs kept her feet warm. Her jacket however didn’t do much more than provide a bit of break from the icy wind. Gabriela made a mental note to go buy something sturdier than the coat she’d bought online because it was “cute”.
She’d made it to the open barn-looking building, took out her camera and took several pictures of the structure.
Just then Henry popped out of a side door. “Good morning Gabriela,” he greeted, waving her over. “Wanna see the inside?”
The picture of him naked the day before gave her pause. “No thanks. I’m about to head back, my jacket isn’t warm enough.”
Henry nodded. “What is it made of? Plastic?”
It was a puffy jacket made of something shiny. “I’m not sure what this fabric is.” Gabriela cringed at recalling how much she’d paid for the useless thing. “I have to go buy something warmer.”
“Chester’s in town has good ones,” Henry offered, and then turned and went into the barn.
Teeth chattering, Gabriela hurried back toward her cabin. It was early yet so she figured there was enough time to purchase some groceries and a jacket and be back in time for lunch.
Just then, a man on horseback got her attention. It was Jeremy. She stopped and stared for a long moment, taking the scene in of a handsome cowboy atop a beautiful chestnut colored horse with the snowy backdrop. In a thick jacket, gloves and skullcap, she could still tell it was him. It was like something out of a movie or on a Christmas card. She lifted her camera and took more pictures than she needed. Jeremy had stopped and bent over patting the horse’s neck, seeming to talk to it. All the while, Gabriela zoomed in and took another series of shots.
Finally, her trembling made it difficult to keep the camera steady, so she hurried to find warmth in her cabin.
“I have a hair appointment. I hope you don’t mind,” Natalie announced over a delicious lunch of grilled cheese on thickly sliced bread and tomato bisque soup. “Jeremy kindly volunteered to give you a tour of the ranch.” She smiled widely at her son.
When Jeremy looked at her, Gabriela shook her head. “Um, it’s not necessary. I took enough of your time last night going back and forth. I can wait until your Mom has time.”
“Not a problem. I don’t mind,” he said. It seemed to be his favorite reply.
His parents stared at her waiting to see what she’d say next. It was awkward. It’s not like she minded the handsome man’s company, but if she were to be honest, he made her a bit nervous. He was too good-looking, which translated to him being a distraction. What she needed to be was focused on getting every detail to complete the project.
Gabriela shrugged. “I appreciate it then, thank you. Just a couple hours of your time and I’ll do some exploring on my own.”
“Did you get a better jacket?” Henry asked in between bites of his sandwich. A piece