Chapter 2
Ginny
“Who are you?” He is still frowning down at me.
I’ve dealt with my fair share of grumpy old professors. But I've never seen anyone as tall, broad shouldered as this guy. And he is younger than I expected.
All that muscle and strength. Wild hair months past needing a haircut.
And deep brown eyes that look like they are lit by an inner glow in the orange light of the cabin.
Looking up at him I feel a little thrill race through my veins.
See, I’ve always had a thing for big, tall, grumpy men.
At university I'm surrounded by tweed wearing, balding, men who have spent a lifetime hunching over books.
This guy is tall, strong and sexy. The dark frown and gruff appearance only adds to his appeal.
“Ah, I’m Ginny Voss. I’m looking for Professor Thomlinson?”
He hooks his thumbs in his jeans pockets. “No one here by that name.”
“Oh.” I’m clutching my bags against my chest. Awkwardly searching for the address, pulling out the scrap of paper, I show it to him. “I was told this address.”
He glances at the paper and shakes his head. “You want Starfall Valley Drive. This is Starfall Mountain Drive. Lady, you’re on the wrong side of the mountain.”
Crappity crap. I was really hoping this big, burly, darkly handsome man might have been who I was looking for.
Here I was, imagining us huddling over research together, when in fact I’ve got the wrong address and he is just some handsome stranger who I have bothered in his little cabin.
But I’ll be taking the image of him with me to fantasize about as I drive off around the mountain.
I apologise for disturbing him and turn to leave.
“You can’t be driving around in this storm.” He glares out at the dark clouds. “I guess I’m stuck with you.”
He shuts the door. His glance sweeps over me and I get the idea he is not impressed with what he sees. “You can put your bags over there on the table and then get yourself in front of the fire.”
I ignore his order and stand there looking around. The fire does look nice and warm, with a big comfy lounge and armchair directed at it. The table he indicated is in a little kitchen area. The place looks like a cozy little home. No axes hanging from the ceiling. No chopped up body parts.
My clothes are wet and dripping water on the floor. But I put my shoulders back, look him up and down. He may be good looking. And he may cause an excited tingle in my body. But I know my over-active imagination can get me in trouble and I’ve learnt to put my safety first.
Re-adjust my glasses and then with a deep breath. “I didn’t catch your name.”
“Magnus.”
“And what do you do for a living, Magnus?”
He frowns. He obviously doesn’t like questions. “Lady, I’m just offering shelter from the storm. I’m not looking for us to become best friends.”
I frown right back at him. “What I need to know is if you are a serial killer, or some other danger to me?”
He holds up his hands. “Just a place to wait out the weather. You don’t have anything to worry about with me.”
We hold eye contact for a moment. Me weighing up my options and deciding that he was the lesser risk compared to getting lost in the rain and driving off a cliff.
He keeps his expression blank. Just that frown, his arms now crossed over his chest. Waiting for my decision.
I’ve got pepper spray in my bag. And I really don’t want to be driving on mountain roads in this weather.
Also, there is something about him frowning at me…
it’s like being in trouble with the sexy teacher. To me it’s a thrill.
And a challenge.
I’ve years of experience dealing with grumpy old men.
Not just my professors but my grandfather used to be like this.
On the rare occasions we stayed with him, I always saw it as a challenge to make him laugh.
And if I’m going to write a paper on happiness, maybe this guy can help me after all.
He could be a test subject. Or offer an objective opinion.
Plus, it doesn’t hurt that I’m wondering what it would be like to be held in those strong arms. Kissed by those firm lips.
“Okay. I’ll stay.” He shrugs and points towards the fire as he walks off towards a door at the back of the cabin.