In the Dead of Winter by Karen Chester

Author:Karen Chester [Chester, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Unknown
Published: 2016-12-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“Hey, honey.” Owen wrapped his arms around Emma. “Surprised?”

“You have no idea,” she muttered weakly.

He lowered his head to kiss her. She’d been dreaming of this moment, but now it had arrived, she couldn’t enjoy it. She wanted to tell Owen about Rowena, but on her own terms, not with Rowena present. Where was the woman anyway? She glanced over his shoulder, scanning the cottage for any signs of life.

As if sensing her distraction, Owen drew back with a slight frown. “Sweetheart? What’s up?”

“Uh, nothing. I’m just pleased to see you.” She looked more closely at him for the first time, noting his sturdy boots and thick sweater coupled with the three-day growth stippling his jaw. Her stomach fluttered. She’d missed him more than she’d realized, but her pleasure was tempered. “You should’ve called to let me know. I would’ve been here sooner.”

“I didn’t know I was getting some time off until a short while ago, and I can only spend a few hours with you. I have to get back by ten.”

“You can’t spend the night?”

He shook his head, and the disappointment bit deeper than she’d expected. “Afraid not. So we’d better make the most of the time, huh?” His brown eyes warmed as if he were picturing how to while away his precious few hours.

He laced his fingers through hers, tugging her toward the front door, and she couldn’t help wincing as his callused palm rubbed against her injured one. Like the observant law enforcement officer he was, he lifted both her hands and inspected the scrapes, concern showing on his face.

“How the hell did this happen?”

“It’s nothing,” Emma said. “I had a close shave with an incompetent driver this morning outside the diner and had to dive for safety. My knees came off the worst.” Having reported it to the police, she had gotten over the scare by now.

“Let’s get you inside,” Owen said. “I want to see your knees.”

“Is that just an excuse to get me out of my pants?” she teased him, wanting to delay him, reluctant to enter the cottage with Rowena there.

Chuckling, he plucked her keys out of her hand and opened the door. As soon as they were inside, he stopped short.

“Jeez, what happened here?”

The downstairs living room and kitchen were in the usual chaotic state she’d come to expect from Rowena. Bedcovers heaped on the couch, dirty mugs and plates everywhere, crumbs on the table. The fire was almost out, the gray ash piled high. There was no sign of Rowena. Emma glanced toward the ceiling, wondering if the woman was hiding upstairs.

“Er, I can explain.” But first she should find Rowena. “But I need to go upstairs for a minute. I’ll be back soon.”

She dashed upstairs. It took all of five seconds to ascertain that Rowena wasn’t there. She hurried back down and peered out the windows. Maybe Rowena had spotted Owen’s car approaching and run out into the woods to hide. How long had Owen been waiting outside?

Owen picked up an empty wine bottle and raised his eyebrows at Emma.

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