Читать книгу Wrapped In Red: Mistletoe Mantra / White Hot Holiday - Sherelle Green, Sheryl Lister - Страница 15

Chapter 6

This was insane and Linc knew it. But, as he was quickly learning, there was no deterring Nomi from something she wanted to do. She was too damn stubborn.

“You know, you didn’t have to drive me.”

He slid her a glance. “Yes, I did.” It was the only way to keep her out of trouble. “The roads are a mess out here from the last snow, and you don’t actually have a car, so what were you going to do, walk?”

“If it meant getting here ahead of Amber, then yes.”

“What is the competition thing with that girl anyway?”

Nomi sighed and wiped away the fog on the passenger side window. “She’s hated me since I started at Sassy.”

He would never understand the dynamics between women. “Girl jealousy bullshit?”

She shrugged. “Something like that. I know I can come off a little strong, but she hated me on sight.”

“You? Come on strong?” he teased. That earned him a shove in the shoulder.

“I know I’m driven and that puts people off.”

“I dunno. I think it’s sexy. You know what you want and nothing stands in your way.” It also scared the shit out of him, because if anyone could find Nolan Polk, it was her. Hell, they were here, at his cabin.

So stupid. He couldn’t risk her knowing who he was just yet. His contract with Melanie was up in a little over a week. He had that long to determine if Nomi could be trusted. If she hung around that long.

He couldn’t wait to live his life again without Melanie clouding every decision he made. That was if he even felt like picking up a camera. It had been months. Though, sitting here with Nomi, with the sunlight streaking in, highlighting the reddish tones in some of her braids, he itched to capture it.

Her laugh was low and throaty. “You would be the only man on the face of the earth that finds my relentlessness sexy. Sometimes I feel like I repel guys. It’s okay, though. I’m about to be the youngest senior editor in the history of the magazine if I can pull this off.”

His gut clenched. The way she said it—as if it was the thing that would make her whole life—a part of him wanted to give it to her. “I think you’re wrong, but it’s a moot point. Anyway, we’re here.”

She sighed. “It’s kind of peaceful.”

“Don’t tell me the city slicker girl is missing her small hometown.”

“Don’t get it twisted, I love the city. The hustle and bustle. Los Angeles has a way different energy than Virginia does. But I do like my quiet moments. It must be easy to be creative out here with all the solitude. Nothing to do but listen to your imagination.”

It was peaceful. That was why he liked it. He could get away from the noise and just be himself. Granted, he hadn’t been here in a while. No need.

Nomi opened her door and a gust of icy wind blew in, chilling him to the bone. Right about now, LA didn’t sound so bad. He’d never been. An added bonus—Nomi lived there. Sap.

He followed her up the front stairs of the cabin, her tight ass sashaying in front of him in her leggings. She’d tossed the impractical boots she’d worn yesterday, and opted for flat ones with sheep’s wool lining.

Nomi knocked on the door and waited as patiently as she could. After only a brusque knock, she was peering into the windows.

He ignored the twinge of guilt. He knew no one was coming. “Looks like no one is home.”

She tsked at him. “Linc, you give up way too easily. Where is your determination?” She hopped down the stairs and started around the back.

“Where are you going? You need to be careful.” He could only imagine how pissed she’d be if she slipped on some ice and twisted an ankle.

“I’m fine. I’m not some west coast rube who’s never seen snow or ice before.”

“Still, it’s a long time since you’ve been here, Nomi.”

She shrugged. “Last I checked the stuff doesn’t change. Cold, slippery, wet.”

“Suit yourself.” He couldn’t help the smile as she had to check her balance more than once.

At the back of the house, she looked inside the windows again, then frowned. “I don’t see anything.”

“Nomi, the guy’s not home.”

“Yeah, but maybe he’s fallen down and can’t get up and he needs our help. Listen.” He stilled and she added. “You can almost hear him calling out.”

He rolled his eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Surprisingly not the first time I’ve been told that.” She scooted around him. “Come on, I need a better view of the whole place.”

Linc stared at her. “You can’t break in.” Not to his place she couldn’t. “Nomi!”

Her laugh rang from around the corner. “Relax, I’m not breaking in. Think of me as more of a Peeping Tom.”

He joined her at the side of the house and cursed. She was trying to climb a stack of slippery logs to look inside. Linc stepped up behind her and dragged in a breath of chilly air. I’m just giving her a lift. No need to get all excited. It’s only for a second. The problem was getting his hands on her was all he could think about.

Nomi looked over her shoulder. “What’s the matter? I swear, I only want to have a quick look around. See if there’s any indication he’s been here or if this is even his cabin.”

Linc knew she wouldn’t find anything. He’d paid Hanna, the owner of Faith Woods Cabins, for a cellar to be added. Hell, he’d even brought in the crew and paid for all the work as a donation so he’d have somewhere to store all his equipment and files. “Fine, let’s get this over with.”

It wasn’t the safest move in the world to touch her since it was all he’d been thinking about since he’d picked her up from the train station. He might not be able to stop.

Nomi planted her hands on the sill and he hoisted her up easily. She might have been tall, but she didn’t weigh much. And, added bonus, she smelled heavenly. Like chocolate and something else. Something spicier. He gritted his teeth. All he had to do was not breathe in. “Do you see anything?”

“No,” Nomi panted. “Freaking nothing. For a photographer, there isn’t a single camera lying around, or even a photo. No photography books, no nothing.”

“Maybe we have the wrong cabin. Or maybe he was never a guest here at all.” He hated the disappointment he heard in her voice. A snake of guilt slithered over his skin.

“I’m starting to think I’m on a wild-goose chase.” She sighed. “Okay, coming down.”

It would have been an easy task to bring her down slowly. Should have been. It would have been no big deal. Should have been no big deal. It should have been simple. Should have been. But she let go of the windowsill and her shift in weight unsettled them.

Next thing he knew they were falling backward and Nomi gave a little squeak of surprise. Linc wrapped his arms around her and cradled her inward to protect her body as he landed on his back on the snow-packed grass. His teeth clinked together as he took the brunt of their fall.

“Oh my God, Linc. Are you okay?”

He did a quick mental check as his teeth rattled and a jolt of adrenaline spiked his blood. His back had a residual ache he’d likely feel for days. But for the most part, he could feel all his fingers and toes. He was fine. Except...Nomi was now plastered against his body. Her ass nestled right in his lap. He wasn’t sure if he was in heaven or hell—either way, his body loved it.