Chapter 11
Amelia
As I stepped into the spare bedroom, my heart pounded against my ribcage like a desperate prisoner trying to escape. Leaning up against the door my eyes scanned the room, taking in the muted colors of the walls and the carefully chosen furnishings. A touch of Teddy's personality peeked through in the form of a vintage movie poster hanging above the dresser. It brought a small smile to my lips. His gruff exterior veiled a thoughtful and caring soul. It was these small glimmers that drew me into him.
Mixed emotions and loss clung to me like a heavy cloak. My home, the place I had hoped to rebuild my life after losing my job, was now just a memory. My heart shattered at the thought, and fresh tears welled in my eyes. No, no wallowing. I was alive, thanks to Teddy's quick thinking and bravery. An attraction had steadily grown between us like a flame fueled by our constant bickering.
“Get a grip, Amelia,” I chastised myself as I pushed away from the door and moved toward the bed. “You have bigger things to worry about right now.” I sighed, knowing full-well that my heart didn't always listen to reason.
With one last glance around the room, I allowed myself to sink into the plush mattress, surrendering to the exhaustion that beckoned me. As sleep began to claim me, my thoughts drifted back to Teddy, his strong arms wrapped protectively around me as he’d saved me from the snow-covered wreckage of my home. And for a moment, despite the chaos of my life, I’d been safe in his embrace.
The first light of dawn seeped through the curtains as I tiptoed out of Teddy's spare bedroom, my heart thundering in my chest. I hadn't slept much, but I couldn't risk anyone discovering that I'd spent the night there. The thought of Blake finding out sent a shiver down my spine—not only would he disapprove, but it might also jeopardize whatever fragile connection I was beginning to forge with Teddy.
Careful not to make any noise, I crept into the living room. As I reached the front door, I hesitated. Maybe I should leave a note? No, secrecy was paramount right now. With a deep breath, I opened the door and slipped outside.
The crisp morning air hit my cheeks like daggers of ice. My place was a disaster zone. I managed to venture inside and grab a few necessities and my big winter coat before freezing to death. My teeth chattered involuntarily. Somehow amongst the debris, I found my purse and keys. As my car engine roared to life, I prayed Teddy didn’t hear me. I wasn’t ready to discuss whatever had almost happened between us last night.
The drive to the Maple Tree Inn flew by. The streets had already been snow plowed. Luckily, I had spent many winter vacations in snowy Vail, or else this desert girl would never have felt comfortable driving in this weather.
“Ames! What are you doing out here so early?” Sydney called as she stepped onto the porch of the Inn, her eyes wide with surprise. Her red hair glowed in the soft morning light, and a pang of gratitude for her presence in my life rose within me. She was finally off bedrest.
“Syd, I need to talk to you,” I said, my voice catching with emotion. Noticing the urgency in my eyes, she immediately wrapped her arm around my shoulders and guided me inside.
“Sit down, I’ll bring you some coffee,” she cooed, rubbing my back as I sank into one of the cozy armchairs in the Inn's sitting area. A few minutes later, she brought me a hot cup of fresh coffee. “Now, tell me everything.”
“Teddy saved me last night,” I began, my words tumbling out in a torrent of emotion. “My house…it's gone. And he rescued me.
“What do you mean? What happened to your place?”
“The snowstorm, a tree blew over and crushed through my patio door last night. Then the roof collapsed. I’m lucky to be alive.”
Horror crossed her face. “Are you ok? Why didn’t you call us?”
“It happened so fast. But it's more than that, Syd—I think I'm falling for him, and I don't know what to do. He’s the enemy.”
Sydney's eyes softened with understanding as she listened, her hand never leaving mine. “Amelia, you've been through so much. It's natural to feel drawn to someone who was there for you in such a vulnerable moment.”
“But Blake can't find out,” I insisted, desperation creeping into my voice. “Not yet, anyway. I need time to sort out my feelings…and to figure out if Teddy feels the same way.”
“Then we'll keep it our little secret for now,” Sydney said gently, squeezing my hand reassuringly.
The warmth of Sydney's hand in mine anchored me as the whirlwind of emotions threatened to sweep me away. I bit my lip, searching for the right words to convey the tangled web of feelings that had taken root in my heart.
“Syd,” I began hesitantly. “I can't help but worry about what Blake will think. He hates Teddy. This would be like the ultimate betrayal.”
“Ames, you can't live your life worrying about what others will think," Sydney said. “Besides, Blake loves you and only wants you to be happy.”
“I know.” I sighed, running a hand through my blonde hair. “Teddy and I are like oil and water. We argue constantly, and yet I can't deny there's something magnetic pulling me towards him. It just doesn't make sense.”
“Sometimes the best things in life don't make sense,” she mused, a knowing smile playing at her lips. “But I understand your concerns. How about this? You can stay here at the Inn until you find a new place, and we'll keep your secret safe. That way, you'll have time to figure out what you truly want without any outside pressure.”
“Really?” Relief washed over me as I squeezed her hand gratefully. “Thank you. I can't tell you how much this means to me.”
“Of course. Now, let's get you settled in. We'll take this one step at a time, and no matter what happens, remember that you're never alone.”
As we made our way to the cozy guestroom that would serve as my temporary sanctuary, the image of Teddy's concerned gaze as he pulled me from the debris flashed in my memory. My heart ached with the uncertainty of where this unexpected connection would lead. The warm soft mattress beckoned me.
A few hours later, my phone buzzed on the side table. It was a text.
Ted: Are you ok? Where’d you go?
My fingers hovered over the keyboard, itching to type out a heartfelt response, but something held me back. It was fear—the fear of what might happen if I allowed myself to fall for Teddy, especially knowing the potential consequences for my relationship with Blake. Inwardly, I groaned at the complexity of my emotions, as love, loyalty, and uncertainty clashed within me.
“Everything okay, Ames?” Sydney knocked on my door. I opened it for her and let her in.
“Yeah, it's just…Teddy,” I admitted, showing her the text. “He's being so sweet, and it's making things even more confusing.”
“Amelia, you're allowed to feel conflicted,” she reassured me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “But remember, life is too short not to take chances. You don't have to make any decisions right now, but don't close yourself off to the possibility of happiness either.”
With a sigh, I texted Teddy, thanking him for his thoughtfulness and assuring him that I was settling in at the Inn. He didn’t reply. Was he angry I’d skipped out? Probably. Who wouldn’t be a little angry. I should’ve written that note, but I’d had no idea what to say.
I still didn’t.