Chapter 18
CHAPTER 18
M allory
The crisp air assaulted my senses and brought an immediate smile to my face. I took a deep breath, holding the air in my lungs. When I blew it out, Jax’s tail swished back and forth before he jumped into the air to bite the frost I expelled.
Why was it that at this moment all I could think about was painting my life with bold colors? No, the timing sucked, but there was something so innocent yet inviting about a recent snowfall that I’d always felt as if there was nothing I couldn’t do.
I’d craved passion and something wild for as long as I could remember, finally indulging in beautiful, kinky acts I’d only managed to fantasize about. My ex hadn’t been interested. At all.
In the two days, I’d felt a needy tug of something dark inside of me. While I’d tried to shove it back into a dark corner or padlock the desires away, I’d failed. Every time I looked at Beckett, the darkness feasted on a little more of the light resonating inside of me.
A moment of forbidden heat pooled between my legs as I walked further from the house. The snow was even deeper than I’d realized, crunchy under my feet. Jax leapt from the shoveled pathway to the packed landscape of snow, already doing zoomies back and forth across the yard. I had to climb, laughing at myself for being winded once I’d safely maneuvered my way to the surface.
I turned around in a full circle. The view was more incredible than I’d imagined. Every tree was covered in ice and snow, every shrub lost in a sea of white. There was no sound whatsoever and a peaceful feeling rushed through me. Jax ran closer, challenging me by dropping down until his elbows were dragging the snow.
Woof.
“What, baby? You want to play? Then let’s play.” I took off running, or attempting to run, struggling from minute one for the energy it took to take three steps. It had been a long time since I could consider myself a mountain girl.
At least I wasn’t crunching all the way through the foot and a half of snow, the heaviness of the snowfall and ice mixture keeping me close to the surface.
Woof. Woof!
Jax was having no issues whatsoever. He bounded back and forth, daring me to keep up with him.
“You are without a doubt the most disobedient woman I’ve ever met.”
Even from where I stood, I could see his dark, glinting smile. He’d caught me in a disobedient act and was happy with himself.
I laughed and turned toward the sound of Beckett’s voice, marveling at how it echoed in the dense atmosphere. “I didn’t go far. Trust me. I don’t think I could if I wanted to.”
He stormed toward me and I instantly realized why he’d gone down the hallway.
To retrieve a weapon.
While it no longer troubled me in the same way the knowledge had initially, I still took a few seconds scanning the perimeter. There was no one within miles. The snow was fresh and unblemished for as far as the eye could see. Perhaps I didn’t know the exact location of his house, but I did know Mount Mansfield.
With the stunning rises of peaks and valleys crowded around us on all sides, there was a single road leading to the top. It was steep and elevated, offering panoramic and unhindered views every half mile or so. While to anyone who didn’t know the area the small mileage might seem easily doable, when covered in ice and snow, it would be easy to drive off the mountain.
There were a few houses and primitive cabins, but given the state of utilities, it required significant funds to make the location up to par with homes in the valley.
That’s why the incredible home he’d purchased had always been the talk of the town. There was no telling how much money the Ryans had spent in creating an electric hub and establishing running water and sewers. There was likely a private drainage field well system. Still, that in and of itself had to cost a fortune.
“That wasn’t the point. Was it?” His voice boomed more than it had before as he walked closer. I shouldn’t have been surprised when he hopped up the foot plus onto the thick carpet of snow, his long legs easily bringing him toward me. When his boot collapsed in an area of soft snow, I burst into laughter.
“Be careful, big man. You’re a little bit heavy. You’re going to sink.”
“You think so, huh?” he threw back at me.
“Oh, I know so. Come on. Let’s see what you can do.” When he trudged forward again, I cringed, noticing he wasn’t having any further issues.
He kept coming closer.
And closer.
I crouched down, digging my thinly gloved fingers into the snow. I was surprised when I caught him off guard by pitching a snowball in his direction. When it splattered against his shoulder, I could tell it was a solid and possibly painful hit by the way his body was jerked backward.
I grabbed another handful, now both hands filled with the rounded balls.
“What are you doing?” he asked, but as usual, his tone was demanding.
“What does it look like?”
“Starting a fight.” He trudged even closer.
Sighing, I looked from one hand to the other, shrugging more to Jax than to the man approaching like a big bad bear. I had a competitive side to me that few people knew about or understood. When I pummeled him with both snowballs, my aim was spot on. One hit him directly in the chest while the other caught him in the face.
“Oops,” I said, but immediately crouched down to form several others.
Beckett toppled all the way over, his head thumping against the snow. I stopped short, staying right where I was as I attempted to figure out whether I’d seriously injured him. He had his eyes closed.
I glanced at Jax and motioned the pup to check on his master.
Jax trotted over, happy as could be, peering down at Beckett then giving the man’s face one solid, long lick.
Beckett sputtered, reacting immediately as if the dog’s lick had hit the on button. Within seconds, he was on his feet, scooping up snow. When he lifted his head, he had an evil grin on his face.
“You asked for it, Doc.”
Before I had a chance to react, he tossed a snowball. I was too quick for him, anticipating the move, swooping to the side just before the icy ball got to me. I threw both nestled in my hands, marveling how I’d achieved my target all over again.
“Yes. Yes!” I pumped my fist into the air, spinning around until my foot suddenly broke through the ice and snow just like Beckett’s had done. Down I went, ending on my butt in the snow.
He was still grinning, wiping his hands together as if a job well done.
“Oh, you are so going to get it.” I didn’t hesitate, fighting to get back onto my feet as I tossed one snowball after another. I was laughing so hard after a few throws that I didn’t notice he’d closed the distance significantly.
I had to run, or I’d never keep the game going.
He was growling like some bear as he lunged through the snow behind me. I almost fell on my face more than once. I was also sucking down breath so quickly I was lightheaded. But I refused to stop, forming ball after ball and hitting my target two thirds of the time.
“I’m coming to get you.”
“Catch me if you can.” I tried to run again, but was running completely out of energy. Panting, I had to stop and rest, using it as an excuse to gather two more snowballs.
I never got a chance to use them, suddenly tackled face first to the ground. Even with being halfway buried in the snow, I heard Beckett’s deep laugh. If I could smile, that’s what I’d be doing.
He was having fun.
I’d accomplished my goal.
The craziest thing happened. I should be freezing even with wearing one of his bulky sweatshirts and thick socks, but I wasn’t. I was tingling with warmth all over from my core to my inner thighs, a burning white-hot heat floating up through my chest.
When he rolled me over, we were both panting.
And laughing.
There was a moment, that moment, the one in movies and books where the hero and heroine were locked in their own measure of time. No one could interfere. There were no other lights or sounds. Just the two of them basking in a beautiful experience.
His smile faded slowly as his eyes were tinged darker.
I pressed one hand against his chest, kneading his jacket in my fingers. Seconds ticked by and my heart continued to flutter. What was the sudden array of emotions? That wasn’t like me.
He was leaning over, his hands resting in the snow. “You’re so… Damn, woman.”
“Good at what I do?”
“I wouldn’t say that.” He leaned over and I was mesmerized by his flushed cheeks. Even his eyes were sparkling.
“You’re smiling and admit it, you’re happy and having a good time. That means I’m like a queen of good times.”
Woof. Woof!
Jax was beside himself, hopping from one side to the other.
“A queen, huh?” He scooped up some snow, holding his arm over my face. “That makes me your king. Just admit it.”
“Never.”
He arched his arm and cocked his head, lifting a single eyebrow. “You need to rethink that, Doc.”
“Or what?”
Woof!
I gave the pup a look, winking at him. He growled and hunkered down, enjoying the show as much as I did giving him one.
“Or.” He almost managed to pummel my face with the icy mess, but I shoved his arm aside, even able to roll him over onto the snow. When I straddled his waist, he acted as if he was shocked, but I knew better. He was allowing me to believe I was winning.
Bastard.
His full-fledged grin had returned. He was enjoying himself.
“You’re something special, Doc. You really are.”
“I knew I could get you to smile. I am a doctor after all. Speaking of which. How is your wound?”
He rolled his head in the snow, his frosty breath spilling across my face. “We just had a snowball fight and you’re asking about my injury?”
“Well, you never allowed me to tend to it, insisting on handling it by yourself.”
“I’ve been doing that for years.”
“How many gunshot wounds have you endured?” As soon as I asked the question, I pulled back. He wasn’t going to go down the road of his dangerous life. He’d already told me that. “I’m sorry. What about making snow angels?”
“What?” He was thoroughly confused.
“See. You don’t know everything. Watch and learn, buddy.” I pushed off, lying on my back far enough away I could spread my arms.
“What are you doing?” He rose onto his elbow, shifting so he could watch me.
“It’s called having fun.”
With a quick glance, I could tell he was more perplexed than ever before.
“That’s interesting. Are you certain you’re not having a seizure?”
“Very funny. Lie down.”
“What?”
“You heard me.”
Sighing, he thumped back on the snow. “You’re a tough taskmaster.”
“You honestly have no idea. Now spread your arms and legs. Just do it and don’t argue with me.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I looked over, biting back a grin since he was doing what I asked. We both continued the movements until I was certain he was freezing. I still had a little evil streak in me.
“Now, get up carefully. Don’t disturb the snow more than you need to.”
He looked over at me, grumbling like I knew he’d done the first time I’d met him. But he followed my orders, stepping away carefully. “It looks like a blob in the snow.”
“Back away a few feet. Then you’ll see.” I beckoned to him, so he’d do what I said.
The man had the most adorable expressions even when he was griping about whatever was going on. His brow was furrowed and he folded his arms, finally joining me a few feet away. When he turned back, I could tell the instant he figured out what he was looking at. His grin was entirely different, almost loopy like a kid would do when discovering a hidden Easter egg.
“Incredible,” he finally admitted.
“You never did that as a kid?”
“Considering until I moved to New York after I got out of the Marines, I’d never seen snow except on television, no.”
“A sand and surf boy.”
“Try a jungle and swamp kid. We moved a lot, at first anyway. My dad was always running from something.”
Interesting. I glanced up at him, uncertain whether he was telling me the truth. He was. He was also remembering something as he’d been doing when I’d found him playing music.
“Not fun,” I said quietly. “Every family has secrets.”
“Maybe so. You might be surprised how much fun I did make it. I learned how to wrangle snakes.”
“Oh, God.” I laughed, but could tell he wasn’t kidding.
I realized I was cold a few seconds later, freezing in fact.
Beckett turned his head, now eyeing me critically. “You need to dress warmer.”
“Well, if a big burly dude would have allowed me to bring some clothes with me, I’d be fine.”
“Oh, you are asking for it.” He pulled me against him using the lapels of my jacket to drag me closer. “You are freezing to death. You might need another shower.”
“You think so, huh?” I teased.
His eyes twinkled as they’d done before. “The best way to heat up.”
“I can think of other ways.”
The way he laughed sent so many shivers through me. “I bet you can.”
“You might be surprised all the filthy things my mind thinks of.” He acted like he was going to kiss me, but a sudden change in his demeanor sucked all the playful energy from me.
“I doubt it, lady. Nothing you do really surprises me. Why don’t we get you in where it’s warm and dry?”
“Did you see anything?”
“No.”
“You’re carrying a weapon.”
“I already told you why.”
Sighing, I purposely pushed away. “I know you did.” I hated the awkwardness that always occurred when I attempted to ask questions. I knew what he wanted, understood his refusal to open up about his past. He was doing so to protect me.
“Do you think the assholes who threatened both of us really are trying to hunt me down as well?”
“Yes, I think it’s a possibility. You should consider staying with a friend for a week or so when we return. That will ease the heat off you.”
“That means you’re going to continue running.” I knew exactly what he was doing, his plans. The lump I’d felt in my stomach returned, only larger this time. I hated the angst in my tone.
“I’m going to do what’s necessary to ensure you’re not caught in the crosshairs.”
“Then maybe somehow we can work together and see if anyone else is after you.”
He almost choked.
“And ruin your life? Not a fucking chance.”
“I get to decide how I manage my life, Beckett.”
“I do as well. But,” he said as he placed his glove-covered finger against my nose, “you’re not going to risk your life under any circumstances. You’ll do what I say. It’s important to me, Doc. I don’t want you hurt. Now, come on. Let’s head inside.”
I nodded, sighing as he turned toward the house. The subject was closed.