Kissed by Winter by Darlene Fredette

Author:Darlene Fredette [Fredette, Darlene]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Family; Small Town; Second Chance; Winter; Ski Resort; Rabbit; Snow; Restaurant; Sleigh Ride
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2020-07-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Minutes of stillness passed. The only sounds filling the cozy room were those of the cracking fire log, the tick of the clock on the mantle, and the peaceful snores from the dogs. Danielle slipped her hands back under the blanket. She’d been quite a pain for Andrew the past twenty-four hours, so she assumed he would be thrilled at the mention of her departure. Then why the sombre expression shadowing his handsome face?

“You came to do a job, and I’m sure you’re ready to start so you can return home.”

She flinched at the tone of his harsh response.

He stood to toss another log in the fireplace before sitting back on the sofa. “I had your car towed to Jackson’s brother’s auto shop. Joseph said there’s no damage to the front end. Looks as though the car just got wedged in the embankment. The airbag needs replacing. I don’t recommend driving until it’s fixed.”

“Thank you.” After being rescued, Danielle hadn’t given the car a second thought. No way would she set foot in that vehicle again. The incident had spooked her enough to avoid driving in any snowy conditions. She’d have Jackson take care of the rental, and her ride back to the airport.

Flame looked up then rested her head on the edge of the sofa.

Danielle leaned to scratch under the dog’s chin.

“Since pregnant, Flame has been guarded toward strangers, but she sure likes you.”

“What’s not to like?” Giggling, Danielle glanced at the housecoat and fluffy blanket covering her.

Andrew chuckled. “Did you have pets growing up?”

“No animals. Not even a goldfish. I begged my parents to let me have a terrier I saw in an ad for a rescue shelter, but they said travelling in a cage was no life for a dog.” Her smile faded from her lips.

His brow rose. “You travelled a lot?”

“My parents are geoscientists. Their studies have taken them everywhere. There isn’t a desert or tropical area they haven’t toured. Six continents to be exact. Dry and hot is their field of expertise.”

He nodded. “Your reason for not liking cold and snow.”

“Exactly.” She tucked her feet under her butt. “We travelled with a tutor until I grew old enough to stay home on my own. Right about the time I entered college.”

Andrew pushed from the sofa then walked to the kitchen. “Sounds like fun, visiting different parts of the world.” He pointed to a can of hot chocolate and lifted his brows.

She nodded. “Yes and no. The journeys around the globe were exciting and fascinating, but soon became tiring. We never stayed long in one place. Just as I made friends, I’d be uprooted again. I missed home and a stable childhood—where mom would bake cookies and we’d all eat supper at the dining table, sharing stories about our day.”

Andrew returned with two steaming cups.

“What is that delicious smell?” Wrapping her fingers around the handle, she inhaled the scent fogging from her cup.

“I bought extra bottles of syrup flavours to try at home. This one is caramel, my favourite.

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