Awakening Love by Reina M. Williams

Author:Reina M. Williams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: modern fairy tale retelling, Sierra Mountains, Christmas romance, holiday romance, forced proximity, cat
Publisher: Rickrack Books
Published: 2018-05-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

SHE BARELY HEARD FLORA and Merry as they spoke, showing her upstairs, pointing out the pictures and paintings on the walls. She listened instead for Philip’s footsteps. She heard them, at a trudge behind them.

Why had he asked her to stay—he’d seemed surprised and upset by her acceptance. Had Flora made him do it? She’d thought him strong, his own man, but maybe she misjudged him. Then she mentally kicked herself—why did it matter what he wanted? She was her own person, and instead of sticking to her resolution to not get anyone else involved in her situation, here she was, possibly endangering these good people. If she were going to sabotage herself, that was one thing, but she wasn’t going to do it to others. But now she’d accepted. She’d just have to hope she could reach Brooks and figure out the next best move.

They walked into the upstairs hall. The large house seemed welcoming somehow, maybe just the even temperatures after the hot and cold at the cabin. But she knew it was more than that—it was the company. She wanted to be here. When they’d all sung together—well, except Flora—it was...magical.

She needed some magic in her life. She wanted to be here. She wanted to spend Christmas here, with Philip.

“Your rooms are down here. Around that corner is the other wing, where our rooms are. Philip’s is closer, but yours is larger, a guest suite.”

“Thank you.”

Flora showed her into a room to the right, across from a window seat in the hall. The room was large, with a high bed, a fireplace—with a fire already crackling lowly—a dresser, a small desk and chair, two windows with a curved-leg low table between them with a bowl of paper whites peeking their white pointed heads out. The muted blue rug echoed the colors in the room, one that would be comfortable for anyone. They glanced in the bathroom, stocked with fluffy towels, a robe, and bath products. The wide tub beckoned her—she hadn’t taken a real bath in years, only quick showers.

“This is wonderful.” She noticed Mal curled on a padded loveseat across from the fire. “I see my cat has made herself at home.”

“As we hope you will,” said Flora.

Ashley smiled. It would be fine, surely, a couple of days respite. Flint wouldn’t find her here. She could be safe, sink into the comfort and happiness she could feel here. She deserved it. And she wanted a chance to make things right with Philip again.

He waited by the doorway, watching her. He looked away when she turned to him. His voice surprised her earlier with its lightness and warmth. Their brief line together made her want more, to hear how their voices blended, complemented, embraced.

“Philip, you left your bag downstairs,” Flora said in a slightly scolding tone. Ashley wondered if she’d been a teacher, or a soldier, or if she’d done something unlike either, something that didn’t seem to fit her outward persona. People often surprised you. Flint had.

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