Anticipation kept a running current of excitement humming through her body. She kept glancing at the clock, anxious to see Garrett again. Was she falling into the same trap her mother had fallen into? Was she doing what she had tried all her adult life to avoid—falling in love?
A text message broke into her thoughts.
Are you home? I’ve been worried about you. All OK?
She fired back an answer.
I’m home, Edgar. Flying to Colorado tomorrow to ski with Garrett. Back Sunday. Don’t worry about me. Go to bed.
Minutes after she sent the text, her phone rang. “Edgar, do you know what time it is?”
“I know you’re still awake,” he answered. “I hope you keep in touch. Sophia, this isn’t like you. How important is Garrett Cantrell to you?”
“I like the guy and we’re becoming friends. I can do that,” she said, hoping she could hold true to her words. “We’ll be back home early Sunday evening.”
“I just want to keep my promise to your mother.”
“Stop worrying. Mom had no idea you would take her request to this extent. I’m grown, Edgar. I can take care of myself.”
“All right, I’ll buzz off. Let me know when you’re back in town. You can tell me all about your weekend.”
Smiling, she put away her phone and climbed into bed.
Just a few short hours later, Garrett was at her door. As he stepped inside, his gaze roamed over her.
She smiled while her heart jumped. Each time they were together, she thought he was more handsome than the time before. Dressed in a cable-knit navy sweater and jeans, he took her breath away.
“You look gorgeous,” he said, wrapping one arm around her waist and leaning down to kiss her. She wound her arms around his neck to kiss him in return.
With an effort she moved away. “This is not a weekend for seduction,” she said with a smile.
“That’s simply a good morning kiss,” he said. “And I know what I promised you. We’ll keep things light. Unless you change your mind,” he added with a grin. “The weather report is good so we’re on our way.” He picked up her skis, shouldering her bag as she gathered her purse and jacket.
“Sorry, the tour of my house will have to wait,” she said.
“Something to look forward to in the coming week. Perhaps Monday night.”
She laughed at his attempt to make plans with her for Monday even though they hadn’t even gone away for the weekend yet.
At the airport, they boarded a waiting jet that was far larger than she had expected. Its luxurious interior made her forget she was on board a plane for a few moments.
As they flew, Garrett sat facing her, their knees almost touching. It was difficult to keep her mind on the conversation because she was lost in looking at him. She still marveled at her reaction to him, alternating between enjoying it and being concerned by it. Remember, it’s just a fun weekend, she told herself.
Far sooner than she expected they were driving through the small Colorado resort town to Garrett’s condo.
His condo was built of stone with panoramic mountain views. Polished plank floors gleamed beneath high, open-beamed ceilings. Garrett built a roaring fire in the massive stone fireplace.
“What a change this is. It’s a picture book,” she said, looking out the window that covered almost the entire front wall.
Garrett stood behind her with his arms lightly around her. “We can hit the slopes or wait, if you prefer.”
“We came to ski. I vote to ski.”
“All right. I’ll meet you back here in twenty minutes.”
She went to the bedroom she had selected on the opposite end of the hall from Garrett’s, which had made him smile. She changed into her gear, finally gathering her parka, sunglasses and gloves. They spent the rest of the day on the slopes, discovering they were well-matched skiers. They returned as the sun was setting.
“When we’re changed, I’ll take you to my favorite restaurant,” Garrett said, stomping snow off his feet inside the entryway.
“Sounds good to me—I’m starving.”
“Meet you here in, what?”
“Give me thirty minutes,” she replied.
Certain he would be ready in far less time, she hurried. Thirty minutes later she made one last check. Her red wool pants and sweater were warm, as were her fur-lined boots. She let her hair go unpinned. With a toss of her head to get her long hair away from her face, she went to meet him.
As she entered the room, only one small lamp burned and she could see the view of the sparkling lights through the picture window. The view was spectacular with twinkling lights below spreading out toward the snow-covered mountains that glistened beneath a rising full moon. But when Garrett entered the room, she only had eyes for him. He wore a bulky sweater that emphasized his broad shoulders, tight jeans and Western boots. He stepped closer and his direct gaze held her. Desire shone in the smoky depths of his eyes.
“Now this is best of all,” he said. “You look beautiful. I love your hair down.” He wrapped his fingers in her hair and his arm circled her waist as he pulled her close. “This is perfect,” he whispered before he covered her mouth with his.
Ending their kiss, she tried to catch her breath, noticing that his breathing was as ragged as hers. Taking his cue from her, he stepped back.
“Shall we go?” he said in a husky voice while he caressed her nape.
He held her parka and she pulled on her gloves as they went downstairs to the car. During the ride she looked at the charming snow-covered town, but her thoughts tumbled over the excitement of being here with Garrett and the worry of how important he was becoming in her life.
At the restaurant they sat close to a blazing fire while piano music played softly. They ordered cups of steaming cider and hors d’oeuvres. Garrett had been famished when he finished dressing, but now his appetite had dwindled. He longed to hold Sophia, to kiss her. He ached to just touch her, to physically keep contact. Her hair fell loosely over her shoulders and around her face. Her luminous brown eyes were thickly lashed and captivating. And she looked happy.
Which made what he had to do even harder.
This withholding of information had gone on long enough. The closer they got, the more important it was to be honest with her. He had never been devious in his dealings before and he didn’t want to start now.
It was a miracle she hadn’t already discovered his connection with the Delaneys. But he was certain he would know when she had.
How he wished he didn’t have this big secret. If only he were free to pursue her honestly the way he wanted, in a manner he had never dreamed of before.
Candlelight
