Cabin Heat: A New Adult and College Romance (The Billionaire Romance Redemption Series Book 1) (4 page)

Could that woman be more obvious?
Andrew got to the walk-in closet in his room to find some extra clothes. He would have to keep away from that one. He gathered up six neatly folded t-shirts, a package of athletic socks, and six plaid, flannel pajama sets, still wrapped in their original packages in the bottom drawer. It was the comfort gift his father would give every year since Andrew’s mother had left them when he was at medical school. Somehow, it became a tradition, except Andrew never had much use for them. He preferred sleeping in the nude, even here at the cottage.

He walked out to his guests, his arms laden with the clothing and a large comforter for Abby. He hoped that other woman would tone it down for the rest of their unexpected stay.

“Here are some clothes. Help yourselves.” He placed them on the sofa closest to the fireplace. “There’s also a comforter for you, Abby. These clothes may not fit you ladies, but it’ll keep you warm. I’ll put the kettle on and get you something to eat. You must all be hungry.”

He looked at the group of them, exhausted and soaked to the bone. Only the blond man seemed to have any energy left. He would have to do if Andrew was to get any help from his new guests. “Rob, is it? Grab a change of clothes and change quickly in the powder room down the hall, will you? You can help me get your friends some water to drink? After you all eat, I’ll show you to your rooms."

ABBY couldn’t believe it. From one moment to the next, they had gone from very likely not to survive the night, to crisis averted. It was one of those mini-miracles that she had never been familiar with, but remembered praying for one before her mom had passed away. Here they were, finally safe, indoors, and warming up in the spacious home of this handsome stranger. The second she had looked into his eyes, she felt something. Was it relief? No, it was something else. Something more potent but harder to express. Something elemental.

Her breath hitched thinking back to when he picked her up so effortlessly into his arms. In her exhaustion, she had let herself lean onto his warm chest and rested her head on his shoulder as he carried her inside. She had not been this close to a man—let alone a complete stranger—since she broke up with Cole two summers ago, not a difficult breakup because they had dated for only six months.

Cole was the only male student in her undergraduate nursing program, and for whatever reason, he had gravitated to her. After six months of dating, there was still no spark. At least, she didn’t feel one. It was the sensible thing to do, and when she barely missed him after the breakup, she knew she had done the right thing.

“Is he hot or what?” Barb declared as Andrew left the room with Rob. It made everyone uncomfortable.

“Shhh,” Ruth said softly, stepping out of her jeans. They were soaked all the way up to the knees.

“I’m positive he heard that, Barb,” Trina agreed, picking up a set of clothes and removing the wrapper to check the size.

“So what? The guy’s fucking hot,” Barb added. “And a doctor, too? In this massive house? Let me be the first to say, I think we hit the mother lode.”

“Seriously, Barb.” John was apprehensive as he continued. “I might be treading on thin ice here, but I’ve got to side with the ladies. This guy just let six complete strangers in his house. Can you lay off so we don’t get kicked out and back into a blizzard? As a dude, even
I
think you were hitting on him hard. Give the guy a day or two to get his bearings or something. Sheesh.”

“And anyway, he looks like he’s hot for Abby,” Trina added snidely.

“Why would he like her over me?” Barb was already agitated. She tugged off her jackets and layers of sweaters before ripping opening the wrapper of one of the plaid pajama sets. “God. Plaid
and
flannel? Now I really feel like we’re out at the cottage.”

The rest of them looked at one another and shrugged off Barb’s impossible behavior.

“I’ll help you get out of those wet clothes, Abby,” Ruth said, seeming to want to change the subject.

She pulled jammies out of their wrapper and placed the pieces and the comforter beside the fireplace.

“It’ll help you warm up faster, as you can’t stand close to the fire.”

“Thanks, Ruth.” Abby was grateful for the help.

Her hair was soaked so she pulled the pins out of the bun and let her hair cascade down her back. It was a wonder Rob wasn’t interested in Ruth. From everything Abby had seen, she was a kind person, not just on this trip, but since she had gotten to know Ruth when they travelled home together for the holidays, there were more examples of her thoughtfulness. Yes, she was a little quiet, and maybe somewhat enigmatic. But to think Rob was more attracted to Barb defied any logic.

“Turn around, John,” Trina covered his eyes as Ruth gently pulled off Abby’s wet jacket and layers of t-shirts and sweaters.

“You know it’s only your body I want to see tonight, baby,” John answered softy.

He made point to turn and face the fire and Trina snuggled up closer. The two had picked out matching pajamas, so they looked like a plaid-clad Siamese twin standing together.

Abby made a concerted effort to stand on one leg so Ruth could help her get out of the wet jeans without hurting the ankle. As Ruth pulled the jeans off the other leg, Andrew re-entered the room. Standing there in only a bra and panties, barely able to balance on one leg, all Abby could do in the split second was wrap her arms over her breasts and stomach.

“Oh sorry,” Andrew said, turning away quickly but gingerly with the tray of soup bowls and sandwiches. “I’ll just place the food over here and come back later with the drinks.” He set the tray on one of the end tables and quickly retreated down the hallway.

“It’s okay,” Abby called out to him as he left.

Ruth giggled and her laugh made Abby chuckle a little. Yes, it was embarrassing that he saw her almost naked, but she didn’t mean to make him uncomfortable in his own home. Still, it was strange for a former doctor to react that way to a semi-naked body.

Ruth rushed over to the fireplace and took the comforter to drape over her. “Here. Sit and cover up with this. I can get the pajama pants on first while you’re seated, then you can just slip on the t-shirt and top after.”

“What’s the big deal?” Barb said in a huff. “He saw you naked. I’m sure he’s seen lots of naked women before. Why would he run for the hills like that?”

“It’s not a big deal, Barb.” Abby defended him, standing up to pull the pajama pants to her waist. “Maybe he just wanted to be polite.”

“Don’t worry,” Barb retorted with a devious smile. “I can help him get over
that
issue real quick.”

“Get over what issue?” Rob asked, walking in with a second tray with bottled waters and mugs of steaming hot tea.

“Never mind Barb, Rob,” Trina answered. “I’m dying of thirst. Let me at one of those bottles.”

“Whatever,” Rob said distractedly. “Guys! You have to see this place! The house is definitely a mansion. I got changed in the powder room down the hall. It’s no powder room, it’s freaking massive. And you could fit my whole house in his kitchen. Hurry up and eat, guys. He showed me the bedrooms upstairs and all we have to do is make the beds. All the bathrooms have fresh towels, spare toothbrushes, and pretty much anything we need.”

“What, he’s not showing us to our rooms?” Barb asked.

“You probably scared him off, Barb.” Trina didn’t sugarcoat the assertion. It was safe to say everyone was tired of Barb by then.

Rob sat and had something to eat with them. “I think he turned in. He told me to leave the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and he’d take care of it later. It didn’t sound like he was planning to come back out.”

“That’s too bad,” John remarked pensively. “Did we even thank him?”

“I did,” Rob said. “Several times. He’s cool. Just a little quiet, is all. By the way, I call the master bedroom upstairs. It’s spoken for, so don’t any of you even bother to try and claim it because we’ll have to throw down for it.”

“If it’s that nice, maybe you want to give it to me, Rob?” Barb purred, twirling the end of her hair, still wet and slicked down on her head from the melted snow.

“Nope.” He smiled. “Not even you can wrestle that room from me, Barb.”

“Does he have a working phone we can use?” Abby felt she should call her father to let him know about the car, and where they were staying.

“Yeah,” Rob said between bites of his sandwich. “He said there are landline phones in every room. If they’re not working because of the storm, he’ll leave a sat phone in the kitchen tomorrow.”

“That’s a relief,” Abby answered. Her dad could wait a night to hear from her. Slumping back in her chair, she slurped up the vegetable soup, relishing each spoonful. Thankfully, the only news she’d have to share with her dad was about the car, not about almost having to brave the elements camping outside on a night like that.

Abby noticed the room had become quiet. Everyone seemed trapped in his or her respective thoughts, just as she had been.
We’re all counting our blessings too
. The night could have ended in a thoroughly different way. She shook her head, trying to chase away the images of them huddling together in some snowy clearing, or breaking into a vacant cabin, if Andrew had not found them. Looking at each face in the room, she seemed to see a communal relief at their good fortune. She smiled when she noticed all the plaid pajama sets.
We must look like a comical bunch
.

“Come on, Rob. Show us our rooms,” Trina and John stood up and set their dishes back on the tray. “We’re beat.”

“Me too,” Barb conceded. “I hope I don’t have to share with anyone.”

“No need,” Rob answered. “There’s like eight bedrooms up there. I lost count after I saw the master bedroom. Deep soaker tub with jets! And yes, I still call it.”

“I’m just grateful for a roof over our heads and a bed to collapse in,” Ruth added.

“Speak for yourself,” Barb snapped. “It’s bad enough you got us in this mess. And shit, we’re in these flannel getups. I had better be sleeping in at least three hundred count Persian cotton tonight.”

Ruth looked away, her expression somber and apologetic. “I feel so bad putting you all through this. I’m sorry, everyone.”

“You don’t need to apologize, Ruth.” Trina walked over and rubbed her shoulder. “We all agreed we’d take this route, and none of us knew the storm was coming.”

“I’m with Trina, Ruth.” Abby tried to console her as well. “Who knows what would have happened if we had gone across Highway eighty? We’re fine now, and that’s what matters.”

“I guess.” She was still as morose as before.

“Abby’s right,” Rob agreed. “Come on, let’s all head up. I’ll take care of the trays after. And Abby, I’ll show them upstairs and then come back to help you to your room, okay?”

“Sure. Thanks, Rob,” Abby answered. “Good night, you guys.”

After they left, Abby removed the ice pack from her leg. She leaned back in the easy chair and pulled the covers up around her shoulders. Her body ached and her ankle throbbed. She couldn’t keep up the strong facade now that she was alone. As she closed her eyes, a powerful wave of fatigue came over her. Images of gripping the steering wheel replayed in her head.

It was a fight against the storm, trying to keep control of the SUV as she drove though the blinding blizzard. Slowly, those thoughts were replaced with images of Andrew holding up his lantern, his eyes piercing through to her mind, and then carrying her over his threshold. A light sleep welcomed her for a few minutes.

Andrew walked down the back stairs with care after showing Rob where to find everything for the bedrooms. The pain in his knee was almost unbearable. After having trekked out for firewood, it was a wonder it didn’t buckle under him. And he topped that off by going out to find the group of strangers who now occupied his house, He let out a barely audible groan just thinking about them. He was already dreading that they would be with him for days, at best.

Already,
they
didn’t include Abby. She was different somehow. He had barely felt any pain at all when he brought her in from the cold. He could carry her everywhere.
Why do I feel like I know her?
He guessed she may have done a nursing stint where he did his residency.

Residency. Those were some of the best days. That was all before it happened. It seemed like he had partitioned all his memories into two groups—before and after the accident. There weren’t many good ones in the “after” category. Andrew sighed and did his best not to think about it. Not that he had any choice. A night much like this in New York. A blinding blizzard. That God-forsaken, frozen, icy bridge.

His left foot hit the floor at the bottom of the stairs beside the dining room, and the warmth of its radiant heating yanked him back from the past. He cursed the memory for the billionth time, hoping to ban it from his mind, at least while these guests were around.

As he walked through the kitchen to the main hallway, Andrew could hear Rob and his friends upstairs. He had mentally nominated Rob as the visitors’ representative. Rob looked like the most laid-back of the group. The least likely to ask questions. So far, Andrew had been right. The fewer questions about his past, the better.

As Rob was still busy upstairs, Andrew walked to the living room to check if Abby needed help. She would probably need the most attention of the group, yet she already seemed the least demanding. Andrew chalked it up to her nursing background. He stood at the wide doorway before entering, hoping for a little more than a brief glance at her. She was asleep.
Maybe it will help me remember how I know her
. He tried to rationalize his staring, knowing full well that what he really wanted to do was admire her from afar. There was just something about her that he found to be…captivating. He shook his head to push the thought away. Now was not the time to fall for anyone. Maybe never. He didn’t deserve love anymore.

Andrew noticed Abby wincing in her sleep and decided to wake her. Her ankle would be better off stretched out in a bed instead of propped up on an ottoman. He walked to the side of the chair.

“Abby.” He said her name in a little more than a whisper.

When she didn’t respond, Andrew debated leaving her for Rob to help. He held back from touching her, as he had felt shock waves of electricity charging through his hands while he examined her ankle.
I just need to get laid,
excusing what he could to dismiss his deeper feeling. It had been a long time since he had touched a woman. But he knew she was different. It was more than just sexual arousal that he had felt.

After fighting his inner dialogue about the question of whether or not to help her, he sighed and tapped her lightly on the shoulder.

“Abby,” he called again, and noticed her slowly waking up.

“Oh, sorry,” Abby said, looking up after a slight yawn. “I must have dozed off.”

“No problem. How’s the ankle?”

“Throbbing a little, but much better than it would be if we were still out there. I can’t thank you enough for helping my friends and me. I don’t know what would have happened to us if…” Abby looked away.

“It’s all right,” he said.

“I should have just headed back to Highway eighty after we picked up Ruth.” Abby seemed to relive the entire afternoon in her distant stare.

Andrew was familiar with reliving past tragedies. He could relate. And he recognized the vacant look in her face only too well.

“Hey,” he called to get her attention. “Don’t worry about it. Except for that ankle, you’re all fine now.”

“Thanks.”

He stood silently for a moment, staring at her face, and then remembered why he had woken her up in the first place.

“You’d probably be better off sleeping in my bed…um…I mean in the bedroom beside my room,” he stammered nervously, cursing to himself after making the slip.

“I could probably use some sleep.” She appeared not to notice his blunder, although she was probably being polite.

“I’ll help you. It’s easier if I just lift you, okay?”

“Um, sure.” Abby leaned forward as he put out his hand to help her stand.
More sparks. I wonder if she’s feeling that too?
He quickly dismissed the thought when she smiled at him. Andrew bent forward and gently scooped her up in his arms with ease. She had a slight frame, and even with her height, her slender, athletic body was easy to carry.

He thought of how he had seen her in just her bra and panties when her friend helped to dress her. Even though he had just gotten a glimpse, the image of her long, silky hair swaying near her waist as she tilted to get a leg in her pajama bottoms had permanently imprinted on his psyche.
God, how I’d love to run my hands through it right now
. Pushing away the thought, he made idle conversation.

“It’s just down the hall,” he informed her as he carried her into the hallway and past the entrance to the kitchen.

“Okay,” Abby said with a slight nod of approval.

Andrew noticed her right arm wrapped around his neck as he walked. Her hand had come to rest on his opposite biceps. Her touch was electric, and he hoped she wouldn’t notice the erection that was growing without his permission.
Get a grip, Andy.
His silent order did nothing but make his cock twitch as he held her provocative body in his arms. He was relieved when he finally made the last turn and saw the door to the guest room.

“It’s this door here.”

He was nervous and heard it in his own voice. He shoved against the door with one leg so it would open wide enough to walk through. As he carried her over to the bed, he couldn’t shake the feeling of dismay, now that he had to let her go. With the utmost care, he lowered her to sit on the bed.

“Thanks,” she said. “Um-I’m sorry to mention this, but can you help me to the bathroom? It’s been a few hours.”

“Of course. Sorry,” he answered, swearing under his breath that he could have been so neglectful. “There’s one just beside your closet so you won’t have to leave your room.”

“Awesome. But this time, you don’t need to carry me. Not that I’m not grateful for your lugging me around, but I’ll need to figure out limping and hobbling sooner or later.”

“Not a problem.” His body tensed up as he looked away, embarrassed that she had probably felt his cock twitching when he carried her. Trying to shake off his shame, he offered his arm on her injured side, so Abby could support some of her own weight as she walked.

“The bathroom counter runs the length of the room,” he explained as they got to the door, “so you should have enough support.”

“That’s great. Thanks.” She took a swift limp-step inside.

“I’ll just wait right here…” She shut the door. “Shit.” Andrew cursed softly, certain he probably sounded like a teenage buffoon, the way he drooled after her. He waited at the foot of the bed, not sure whether to stand outside her bedroom or leave completely. He didn’t know what to do with himself, and that was even more unsettling than his attraction to her. Just as he turned to leave, he heard the bathroom door open.

“All good?” He spun around and rushed to her side.

“Perfect. Now I can sleep.” She accepted his arm to get to the bed.

I’d love to join you
. It was clear his urges did not want to remain trapped in his subconscious. He walked her to the side of the bed, willing himself not to get too sucked up in any idle fantasies.

“There you go. Need anything for tonight? Water, extra pillows or blankets?”
Or maybe a horny widower who finds you irresistible?

“I see bottled water here,” she pointed to one night table. “And I think the four pillows and comforter on the bed should suffice. Thanks for your help, Andrew.”

“Okay. You’re welcome.” He stood for a moment, lost in her eyes.

“Well, have a good sleep,” Abby said, pulling Andrew out of his daze.

“Yes. Have a good night,” he said abruptly and hurried to leave.

As he exited her room and pulled the door shut, he stopped to let out a long breath. This visit would be more of a challenge than Andrew had first thought. He walked back to the living room to clear their dishes. There was no way he would be able to sleep quickly, so the extra cleaning work would be a welcome distraction.

“Oh, hi, Andrew,” said the flirtatious woman who had attempted to stake her claim on him the second she had walked into his house.

He almost bumped into her as he entered the living room, to his consternation, but apparently it was to her relief. The woman wasted no time, and immediately laced her hands around his neck.

“Pardon me,” Andrew said, attempting to subtly pull away from her insistent grasp.

“Why do I feel you and I would make a great couple?” she asked seductively.

It didn’t work on Andrew. He wanted her off, but she tightened her grip as he pulled at her forearms.

“Ma’am, what was your name?” he asked, hoping to distract her long enough to get her to loosen her clamp-like hold around his neck. By now, it was like human-size vise grips that had locked in place.

“It’s Barb.” She tiptoed and whispered in his ear.

“Miss Barb,” he started, realizing she was not going to unfasten from him without force. “Will you please release my neck?”

“Oh, don’t be so informal with the woman who’s going to share your bed tonight,” she chided him.

“Share my bed?” he shouted, dumbfounded by the assumption. He wasn’t even remotely attracted to her.

“How else am I going to thank you for your, um, your hospitality?”

Andrew knew she would not let up, so he opted for a terse rebuke.

“Look, woman, I didn’t invite you or your friends here. At best, you’re a headache. Were it not for that raging storm outside, I’d have you out of here. It will serve you to stay away from me while you’re in my house. Understood?”

“Okay, okay, I understand,” she answered in a huff. “Will you let my arm go? You’re hurting me. Unless you like it rough, big boy.”

She winked as he released her arm. He had not realized how tightly he had tugged at her forearm. His fingers left a clear red mark where his hand had been.

“Sorry,” he apologized abruptly and turned to pick up the food and drink trays. “But I meant every word I said. Stay away from me, or you can stay in the guesthouse outside starting tomorrow.”

As he turned to escape the vixen, Rob entered the room. Andrew stormed past him without a word.

“Hey, man, I was going to clean up,” Rob offered, following after him.

“Fine. Here. Take these and throw them in the dishwasher, will you?” Andrew asked, unable to hide his distress.

“Everything all right?”

“Yes,” Andrew answered. “I’m fine. Look, keep that Barb woman away from me, okay? Maybe she’ll listen to you.”

“She’s a handful, isn’t she?” Rob sounded like he was enamored by the woman.

“Wait a minute. You…you like her?” Andrew inquired in disbelief, thinking that Rob had to be insane, when he and Ruth clearly looked better suited to each other. It was damned obvious to Andrew anyway.

“I-I don’t know,” Rob answered. “I thought I did, but I’m not sure anymore.”

“Well, I’m not one to tell people what to do. But you seem like a decent guy. And that woman is clearly nuts. In any case, whatever you do, keep her a safe distance from me.”

“I’ll try.”

“Great. I’m off to sleep. If you kids get up before me, make yourselves at home. There’s lots of food in the fridge and cupboards, and there’s a pantry with more food. It’s the door beside the fridge.”

“Thanks, man. For everything. And sorry about my friend,” Rob said with contrition.

“No problem,” Andrew left the kitchen through the far door, away from the living room. When he finally got to his room, he shut the door and locked it. He had no intention of giving Barb the slightest opportunity to try anything more.
Another woman with no sense of boundaries
. He wondered whether there was something in his cologne, or his pheromones, that made women like that naturally gravitate to him. The last one was the female pharmacist who worked in town.

Janine was her name. She made sure he knew it, because she would write her first name and phone number on all his receipts, and place condoms in the bags with his prescriptions. And he had little choice but to visit the little pharmacy. It was the only one in town, unless he wanted to make the two-hour trek around the lake to the next town. What was it with women? After he lost his wife, all the wrong ones made advances to him.

Andrew sighed and laughed softly, dismissing the idea that this kind of thing only happened to him. His own sister Joy was just as relentless. She had been pursuing the same man for almost seven years. Andrew wondered how Matthew—the object of Joy’s romantic obsession—had managed to stay sane all this time. He and Andrew had been fairly good friends before Joy laid claim to him, but he completely understood why Matthew kept his distance afterward. It didn’t help that Andrew’s father had dug his claws into the Lewis family business in support of Joy’s unending need to exert power over Matthew. With all the fuss, he and Matthew had kept their distance.