Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
G enevieve jumped up out of the chair, spilling tea on the front of her shirt. “What was that?” They both ran to the window. It was difficult to see with the heavy snowfall, but she saw sparks shooting up high above the trees.
Gabe’s mouth dropped. “What in the world...?”
“I think the transformer blew.” She glanced at the clock on the microwave. Nothing. “Looks like we’ve lost power.” She sighed. “Let me change shirts and then we can move to your room. Looks like our adventure starts now.”
As soon as she said the words, heat flooded her face. “I mean, the snowed in with no power, kind of adventure.”
Gabe grinned. “I knew what you meant.”
She retreated quickly to her room and changed. What is wrong with me? I’m falling all over him like a schoolgirl. And what was that in the living room just now? She splashed some cold water on her face. I’m not falling for this guy. Not after what Tim did to me. I’m done with men. She pulled on a clean, grabbed a flashlight, and walked to Gabe’s room. Hesitating for a moment, she took a deep breath then knocked on the door.
Gabe was lighting candles in the room, giving it a soft, romantic glow. He turned toward her when he heard the door open. If he hadn’t known they were in the middle of a snowstorm, he would have thought this was the start to a romantic evening. I’m not used to romance. More like a quiet fling here or there. He looked at the candlelit room. Maybe I could give romance a try.
“I figured since we weren’t sleepy, we could sit up and talk.”
She nodded. “Okay.” She paused, as the wind rattled a tree branch outside the window. “I don’t think we will go to sleep anytime soon with this storm.” She pulled the thick comforter back and slid beneath the sheet. Gabe inhaled sharply. She’s so pretty. He shook his head slightly, reminding himself that she was his guest. His mind flashed back to the last girl he’d properly dated. The one who broke up with him when he said he might abdicate the throne. I’m not here for romance. I’m here for independence.
He glanced hesitantly at the bed. He suddenly felt nervous and tried to clear his throat. “Are you sure you are comfortable with us sharing a bed? I can sleep on the floor. ”
“You are not sleeping on the floor! I showed up unannounced at your house, and you’ve been so generous and kind to me.” She paused. “If anyone is sleeping on the floor, it’s me.”
Gabe held up a hand. “Absolutely not. What kind of man would I be making a lady sleep on the floor?” He paused. “If you don’t mind, we can share the bed.”
Her eyes looked big as saucers. “I don’t mind.”
He slid into bed beside her. His leg brushed the smooth skin of her leg. Gabe gulped. Be a gentleman. He scooted closer to his side of the bed, giving more space between them. He propped pillows up behind him, so he was sitting up. She mirrored his actions, and they both looked at each other for a moment. Think of something to say before this gets awkward. “So... tell me more about you, Genevieve.”
She shrugged her shoulders. “Not much to tell. I’ve lived in Forest Grove my whole life. I’m close to my family and friends here.” She paused thoughtfully. “I love working at the library and helping people expand their world through reading. That and writing are my passions. ”
He nodded. “Expanding their world through reading... I like that.”
He paused. “Do you travel much?”
She shook her head. “I’m deathly afraid of flying. I’ve gone on a few road trips, but nothing too far away. What about you?”
“I’ve traveled a lot. For business, mainly. But there are very few places I’ve been that are as beautiful and friendly as Forest Grove.” He smiled. “Or maybe it’s just the town librarian that is so beautiful and friendly.”
She rolled her eyes and swatted a hand against his chest. “Please... does that line work on anyone else?”
“I’ve got you in bed already, haven’t I?”
She laughed at that. The rush of satisfaction he got from making her laugh surprised him. She grabbed the pillow behind her head and leveled it directly into his face. “You have me in bed because of a snowstorm, smarty pants.”
“So, we’re doing this, huh?” He grinned and walloped her back with his pillow. A full-on pillow fight ensued. Genevieve jumped off the bed and ran to the corner of the room. Gabe chased after her, holding a pillow in front of his face for protection. He held out his hand, still covering his face with the pillow. “Truce?”
Her small hand slipped into his. “Truce.” He dropped the pillow just in time to see her pillow smash into his face.