Chapter 10 #2
The weather grew steadily worse and her nerves stretched to their breaking point.
If the truck hadn't been a four wheel drive they might never have made it, but finally Mason turned off the main highway onto some kind of track.
The trees along the sides were so laden with snow Rebecca feared a branch would fall off at any moment and pin the truck beneath it.
Finally they came to a small clearing and could make out a log cabin nestled on the edge.
Mason pulled the vehicle as close as possible to the porch and got out, leaving the truck running for warmth.
If Rebecca hadn't been so cold and tired she might have tried to drive off and leave him in this winter wonderland, but the roads were so bad she didn't think she make it to the motel they passed a few miles back.
Mason sprinted through the deep snow and fished a key out of his pocket.
Cold icy wind surrounded him but he breathed a sigh of relief when he unlocked the door and a rush of warmth met him.
Flipping on a nearby lamp he quickly returned to the truck for Rebecca, opening the passenger door and lifting her out.
For once she didn't struggle in his embrace and let him carry her through the deep snow to the cabin.
Already snow dusted the floor and Mason used extreme caution carrying her to the couch and laying her on it.
She sat huddled in her blanket as he returned to the truck and brought in several boxes of provisions.
When he finally retrieved everything he thought necessary he shook the snow off his coat.
The glow from the small lamp made his wet hair look soft and shiny.
Rebecca watched as he went to the fireplace and began to lay a fire.
His shirt pulled tight across his back, his tight fitting jeans hugged his long legs as he knelt down to work and Rebecca turned her head away, forcing herself to study her surroundings.
They were in what appeared to be the main room of the sturdy structure.
Large beams ran across the ceiling and the walls gleamed in the flickering light of the fire.
Polished floors were covered here and there by scatter rugs and a large braided rug was before the fireplace.
The place was obviously well cared for and she was thankful that at least it hadn't been stone cold upon their arrival.
Mason stood in front of the fire, warming his hands.
He still hadn't spoken a word and she wasn't sure she wanted to break the uneasy silence either. Looking at him and watching the outline of his large frame in the fire’s glow Rebecca huddled under her blanket.
When he left the room she breathed a sigh of relief and her eyes drooped as the heat he'd been blocking reached her.
She could hear him moving about in another room, the sound of water running, but she was too tired to care what he was doing.
She must have dozed off for the touch of his hand softly brushing the hair off her forehead startled her.
“Come on honey, I've got a hot bath running for you and when you’re through I figured I'd scramble up some eggs or something quick to eat.”
Rebecca yawned and turned over, reluctant to leave her warm cocoon. “Mason I'm tired, hungry and cranky. All I want to do is go to sleep.”
“Tired and hungry I can believe,” he smiled, taking the cover away from her in a quick swipe and pulling her into a sitting position. Going down on one knee, he removed her boots and then stood pulling her to her feet.
“But you, cranky? Never.”
“Very funny,” she yawned again. “Now give me my blanket and let me go back to sleep.”
“Nope. You’re getting out of these damp clothes and into a hot tub. I could kick myself for not thinking of your coat. You'll probably catch pneumonia. Come on.” He began drawing her with him out of the toasty warm room.
Her protest weakened; the prospect of a hot bath became more appealing as she left the warmth of the fire.
Her nylon clad feet were freezing after being in her warm boots all day.
The bathroom held a big old fashioned claw-foot tub that was rapidly filling with hot scented water.
Thick brown towels were stacked on a stool over the register and a soft brown carpet covered the floor, warming Rebecca's feet.
Turning her so that her back was to him, Mason began to unbutton her soft green dress, refusing to give in to her protests.
“Give it up, Rebecca. I've seen it all before, and your virtue is safe with me. For tonight at least,” he added smiling confidently when her expression registered disappointment before she could stop it.
Catching the look in the mirror Rebecca realized what she'd just revealed and pulled sharply out of his arms, further angered when her dress gaped away from her revealing the wispy black bra she wore. Mason laughed in genuine delight.
“I'm perfectly capable of taking a bath by myself,” she informed him tartly, holding her dress in place. “Please leave.”
“Fine, just don't go calling me in to wash your back, or I'll be joining you in that tub. I think it's big enough for two,” he said wistfully, eyeing the tub.
Rebecca put her hand on his chest and pushed firmly until he backed out the door.
“Not a chance. Why don't you go do something useful in the kitchen, like stick your head in the oven and check for a gas leak,” she told him finally maneuvering him far enough out that she could shut the door with a bang.
Mason laughed when he heard the key turn in the lock.
“Just don't fall asleep in there,” he warned, serious now. “I'd hate to have to explain a busted door to Maggie.”
The door immediately opened back up. “This is Maggie's cabin?”
“Well, it belongs to her folks, but she has use of it anytime she wants.”
“Maggie was in on this?” Rebecca asked, feeling disappointed in her friend.
“Not exactly. I told her I needed to get away for a few days and sort things out and she offered it to me. Though by now she knows you’re with me. Nick promised to stop over and tell her so she wouldn't worry when you didn't show up or answer your phone.”
“You've thought of everything haven't you,” she asked sarcastically. “Everything except my job. Or have you taken care of that too?”
“Actually, Sara is going to cover for you until we get back. She thought you needed a break.”
“Great,” she shouted slamming the door. “Nick and Sara too,” she yelled through the thick wood, almost tearing off her clothes. “I'm surrounded by traitors.”
“Not traitors, friends,” Mason replied too softly for her to hear and headed for the kitchen.