Cypris Chat

Moonlight on Snow
By Joan Reeves

http://www.romantic4ever.com/romance-novel/index.html

Chapter 12

Haley tried to collect herself as Jeff returned to his desk chair. When he was seated, she opened her briefcase and pulled out a thick folder then slammed it down on the desk in front of him.

“Here are your lousy notes. I certainly wouldn’t want you to file a lawsuit against me.”

“Haley, let me explain.”

“What’s to explain?” She interrupted, letting the anger she felt obscure the pain.

“But, the letter. I sent the letter just to….”

“Just to what? Add insult to injury?”

“No.” Jeff rubbed the back of his neck. He stood. “You sit. Let me get you some coffee. Let me explain….”

Haley remained standing. “I don’t want to sit down, and I don’t want any coffee. And I certainly don’t want any of your explanations. Let’s just call it even, and I’ll be on my way.” She turned as if to leave, all the while hoping he would say something to stop her.

Jeff leaped to his feet and raced to the door. Arms and legs outstretched, he barred the in dramatic fashion. “No. If I let you walk out that door, I’ll be making an even bigger mistake. And so will you.”

Haley’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t make me hurt you, Jeff. I know karate.”

“Go ahead. Hurt me.” His eyes gazed deep into hers. “Whip me, beat me. Make me listen to techno music,” he joked. His gaze darkened as he searched for a sign, any sign, that she had some feeling for him. “Do whatever makes you happy as long as you love me.”

Abruptly, Haley turned. Stiffly, she walked away, back toward his desk.

Jeff followed. When she reached his desk, unable to go any farther, he reached out and clasped her shoulders with his hands. Gently, he turned her to face him. Tears sparkled in her eyes. Pain stabbed him. “Sweetheart, what is it?”

“Don’t joke. Not about love.”

“I’m not joking, Haley. Sweetheart, I sent that stupid letter of demand in hopes you’d call me to bawl me out, and I could tell you how I felt. It was dumb, but I was desperate. I didn’t know what else to do. I don’t want your notes, no matter how brilliant and detailed they probably are. I want you.”

She raised her head. Her gleaming eyes met his. In a husky whisper, Haley asked, “What are you saying?”

His phone buzzed. His eyes never left hers as he punched the intercom button. “Yes, Marge?”

“I have that reservation to Montana. Do you still want it?”

Haley’s eyes widened. Jeff smiled. His gaze never left hers. “No, Marge, why don’t you change it to a reservation for two to Las Vegas.”

Haley’s heart seemed to swell inside her breast. If she lived to be a hundred, she’d never forget this moment. “You were coming back to me?” She couldn’t stop the tears from falling now, but they were tears of happiness.

Jeff caught them on the tips of his fingers and brushed them away. “Yes, sweet Haley.” She offered no resistance when he pulled her into his arms.

“Why?” she breathed, wanting to hear the magical words. She wanted to hear them, and she wanted to say them to him.

Jeff understood. “Because I love you. And I think you love me.”

* * *

By the time, Haley and Jeff had checked into their private villa in Acapulco, she was severely jet lagged and completely exhausted. In the space of a day, she’d flown across the country. Twice. Been married in Vegas. Then caught a plane to Mexico.

Once their bags had been unloaded at the glistening white-walled villa, Jeff had kissed her and ducked out on some mysterious errand. She’d waited a bit, but when he hadn’t returned in an hour, she’d been a little miffed. After all, this was their wedding night. Or was it wedding day? The sun was already baking the golden sand when they’d arrived at the resort. She shrugged, certain Jeff had a good reason for leaving her. She smiled when she realized the old insecurities had lost their power over her.

Perhaps, Haley decided with amusement, Jeff was being considerate. He knew how tired she was. She decided to take a shower then turn in until he came back to her.

The hot water soothed her travel aches. Haley stayed under the rain-shower stream of water until it began to run cool. She turned the water off and stepped out onto the pale green bath mat. All she really wanted was sleep, she decided. Yawning, she lazily applied the thick luxurious towel. A flash of red caught her attention.

“Oh, how beautiful.” Lying on the velvet-covered vanity bench was a filmy red negligee. So that was Jeff’s mysterious errand!

Smiling happily, she picked up the gossamer creation and slipped it over her head. Lace straps supported a lace bodice that hugged her breasts. The length of delicate flame-colored silk drifted to her ankles. Haley stared at her reflection. She felt incredibly sensuous. And beautiful. She twirled, eyes closed, admiring her reflection in the mirrors and enjoying the glide of silk on her skin.

When she opened her eyes, she noticed a neat stack of one dollar bills on the vanity. “What on earth?”

Puzzled, she picked up the money. Looking down at the bills in her hand, she opened the bathroom door and called out, “Jeff?”

As if on cue, a slow, jazzy song, heavy with saxophone, began playing. Startled, Haley looked up from the money in her hand and saw Jeff. Her husband. Clad in his suit trousers and with a red bow tie around his neck. He began undulating toward her, doing a pretty good bump and grind dance routine.

Giggling, Haley watched him rock his lean hips side to side to the beat of the drums in the song playing in the background. When he stopped in front of her and pulled her close, Haley peeled off a couple of the dollar bills and tucked them into the waistband of his trousers. She loved this man. She could look ahead and see a future bright with love and passion and companionship. But she planned to live it one day at a time, savoring her life with Jeff.

“Tired, Dr. Gant?”

“That’s Mrs. Talent to you,” she said, tossing the rest of the dollar bills over her shoulder. With his eyes on her, admiring her, loving her, Haley knew she wasn’t that tired.

“So, tell me, Jeff.” She kissed his lips lightly. The music ended. Her mouth curved into a smile as she slid her hands down to his belt buckle.

“What do you do for an encore?”

THE END

Moonlight on Snow
By Joan Reeves

http://www.romantic4ever.com/romance-novel/index.html

Chapter 11

Jeff gazed out the wall of windows at a world that looked like a snow globe. Even New York’s winter conspired against him to keep Haley forever in his thoughts.

“Jeff? Hey, boss!”

Jeff shook his head as if to clear it and turned to his secretary. “Sorry, Marge. What did you say?”

“Is that all you wanted to say about Dr. Gant’s project?” his secretary asked.

“Oh. Uh, I don’t know. Where’d I stop?”

She read the last sentence he’d dictated. Jeff tried to focus on the summary he’d written based on the project report Haley had mailed to him last week, but it was no use. Every time he said Dr. Gant, his heart squeezed. He’d finally fallen in love, and the fall had devastated him. Well, not the fall, but what had happened afterwards. He lapsed into thought again, recalling the hours they’d spent snowbound in the cabin.

“Maybe we should finish this in the morning?” Marge suggested, bringing him back to the present.

“Sure, Marge. No problem. Maybe I’ll be sharper tomorrow.”

“You might try getting some sleep. That’d help.” With a tsk tsk, she added, “You could pack clothes in those bags under your eyes.”

“Get out of here,” Jeff said. “Next thing I know you’ll be complaining about my personality.”

“Now that you mention it, you seem to have left your sense of humor out west.” Marge grinned. “Maybe you should go back to Montana and find it.”

Jeff waved his hand at her, shooing her out of the office.

“Okay. I can take a hint. I’m going. I’m going.”

Jeff listened to her soft chuckle as she closed his office door. Marge knew him too well. He’d brought her with him from company to company. They were a good team. When he’d accepted the EnviroMed position, she’d been more thrilled than he. The woman was honest to a fault. Trouble was, she was right. He’d been a pain in the neck for three weeks now.

Three long weeks.

He realized now that he should have made Haley listen to him that day. But he’d been so hurt by her accusations. By her lack of faith in him. Then when he’d got back to New York, his hurt transformed to anger.

After another week had passed, the anger and hurt turned into a loneliness he’d never felt before. He missed her. He should have tried harder to make her listen – to convince her that he was more interested in her, the woman, than in her as a scientist. A heavy sigh escaped him. He’d made mistakes every step of the way. Last week, he’d sent her a demand that she turn over all her project papers. He’d hoped that would at least get her to talk to him on the phone. Instead, she’d sent a terse report with no supporting documents. Not even a cover letter. His plan to get a dialogue going must have just incensed her. Morosely, he thought his order had been the nails in the coffin of their fledgling relationship. He should just email her and tell her how he felt about her. Would that work now? He sighed again. Probably not.

Tiredly, Jeff picked up his briefcase and opened it to pack away the work he should have done at the office. Staring at the expensive leather case, he grimaced then slammed it shut. Why take any work home? He knew he wouldn’t be able to focus on it any better there than he had here. He rubbed the tense muscles at the back of his neck, straightened and stretched and walked to the window. Snow continued to drift past the glass. Was it snowing in Montana too?

* * *

Haley stared out the cab window at the black glass skyscraper. Weak morning sunlight ricocheted off the top of the building. If her timing was right, Jeff should be seated at his desk, having his morning cup of coffee.

She stepped out of the cab and shivered. Somehow New York seemed colder than Montana. Of course, in Montana she dressed like a lumberjack. She shivered in her charcoal wool pants suit. The high-heeled boots looked great, but they weren’t nearly as warm as her fleece-lined work boots.

Still, freezing her toes off would be worth it if Jeff thought she looked good. She wanted to be sophisticated and cool, not frazzled and needy, when she told him what she thought about that demand letter he’d sent.

* * *

Jeff stared at his coffee. Anger coursed through him. Enough was enough. He was tired of giving Haley space. That had been a mistake, and it was time to correct it. He nodded emphatically, picked up the cup and drained it. For the first time in weeks, he felt clear-headed and decisive. He rose and went out to Marge’s desk.

“Get me a reservation on the first flight to Montana.”

“Good morning to you too!” Marge grinned up at him.

“It is a good morning,” Jeff said heartily. “Or it will be once I get back there.”

“Looks like you had an epiphany during the night.”

“You might say that.” Jeff winked. “I decided to go back and find my sense of humor.”

“I’ll let you know when I have your reservation.” Marge said with a sly grin. “You sure you don’t want to tell me about what happened between you and Dr. Gant during that blizzard?”

“That’s for me to know and you to wonder about.” Whistling, Jeff turned and went back to his office. He’d just sat down when the phone buzzed.

“Got that reservation already?”

“Not yet, Mr. Talent,” Marge said, formally. “You have a visitor. Dr. Haley Gant.”

Jeff dropped the phone and raced to the door. When he jerked it open, the woman standing next to Marge’s desk turned.

Gone were the ponytail and jeans. No thermal knit undershirt peeked from the vee opening of a plaid shirt. Instead, red lipstick outlined Haley’s mouth to perfection. Her hair was coiled in a simple twist. She looked as cosmopolitan as any woman in the city. But the gray eyes sparkling with some unnamed emotion were unmistakably the same.

Jeff couldn’t suppress his grin of delight. “Haley! You’re not in Montana!”

“How astute you are, Mr. Talent.” Haley arched one dark brow as she walked toward him.

Jeff devoured her with his eyes. She was wonderful this way too. Her eyes held his gaze. He realized what emotion shimmered in her beautiful gray eyes. Anger.

Cautiously, he stepped back. “Why don’t you come in and tell me what’s on your mind?”

She breezed past him. He caught the scent of perfume, a fragrance that made him think of tropical flowers. His imagination took a short leap to his favorite fantasy – Haley and him and miles of golden sand. Coconut-scented suntan oil. Her luscious body with no flannel shirt, no jeans, no longjohns, no blanket between her skin and his.

“You can wipe that silly grin off your face,” Haley snapped. She clenched her hands around the slim briefcase she carried. If she let go of the case, she knew she’d make a grab for him. Why did he have to look so good?

His was the face she saw in her dreams. He was the man she wanted, but it was obvious from the nasty demand letter he’d sent that he had no thoughts about her other than ones related to EnviroMed’s project.

Jeff realized he was still holding the door wide, and no doubt, she was right. He probably did have a silly grin on his face. “Sorry,” he said, closing the door and walking toward her. He didn’t know how to begin. He’d made a mess of things before, and he didn’t want to blow it again. What could he say to make her forget what a jackass he’d been?

What could he say to make her fall into his arms? That’s all he wanted. Haley in his arms again.

Moonlight on Snow
By Joan Reeves

http://www.romantic4ever.com/romance-novel/index.html

Chapter 10
Silence awoke Haley sometime before dawn. The storm had died. The wind had abated. No icy pellets bombarded the windows. She listened to Jeff’s breathing and smiled. He slept on undisturbed. She’d never forget her night with Jeff. They’d talked until well after midnight. He’d told her how his dedication to work had ruined one relationship after another. She’d told him of how she’d dedicated her life to her research but that she had always longed for more than that.

He’d told her about his parents and about his life growing up with three brothers and a sister. She’d told him, haltingly, of her lonely childhood spent with a father left bitter by his wife’s betrayal.

On and on they’d talked, sharing intimacies. They’d shared everything except sex. She’d been willing. More than willing, but Jeff was the one who called a halt. Finally, she’d fallen asleep in his arms.

Why hadn’t they made love? She lay on her side with Jeff spooned to her back and savored his warmth, his closeness and wished it could always be this way. Was it possible to fall in love in a few days time?

Lying curled next to Jeff, she felt a contentment she’d never found anywhere. Not in her work. Not in her other relationships. Jeff’s arms were her refuge. She felt at home. A lump filled her throat painfully. If only she knew how Jeff felt about her. With no storm to imprison them, would he demand her findings about her research and then leave? She felt insecurity sink its claws into her.

A shaft of silvery moonlight peeked through the front windows. Moonlight on snow was a sight worth losing a little sleep. She started to wake Jeff so he could see the simple, elegant beauty that drew her back here time after time. She lay her hand on his cheek, intending to wake him. Just that simple touch made her shiver.

When he turned his face into her palm and kissed her hand, she forgot all about the natural beauty she’d wanted to show him. As he pulled her back into his arms, she prayed that there was something real between them. Something special. She only hoped they had enough time together for him to feel it too.

When she awoke again, bright sunlight streamed through the windows.

“Well, good morning, sleepyhead.”

Haley moaned and pulled the covers over her head.

“Uh uh. We’ll have none of that lollygagging in bed.”

Then the covers were ripped away.

“Jeff!” Briefly, they engaged in a tug of war for the blanket, but he won.

“All right, all right. I’m up.” Haley yawned and stretched.

“And about time too, Dr. Gant. We need to go over your project analysis. Time’s awasting and life’s awaiting.”

Haley’s heart turned over at his business-like tone. All her fears intensified. It took forever for her to dress because her hands shook.  When she appeared from behind the curtained alcove, Jeff sat at the table with two cups of steaming coffee waiting.

Feeling awkward and uncertain, Haley took her seat at the table and waited.

“Now, before we get started, I want to tell you why I arrived here early,” Jeff began.

Haley frowned and cocked her head to the side. “Listen. Do you hear that?”

Jeff frowned. “I don’t hear anything.”

“Someone’s coming.” Regret washed over Kaley. She’d lost her opportunity to be alone with Jeff.

“Hey! I do hear something.” Jeff jumped up and rushed to the door.

Haley followed in time to see a Snow Cat chug into the clearing and ease up to park near the end of the porch. “It’s the park ranger, but I don’t know the other guy.”

“That’s Etienne Roget.”

Haley could tell by his tone of voice that Roget was not one of Jeff’s friends. “Who’s Etienne Roget?”

“I guess you could call him an industrial spy. I’d heard he was after you and your project. Looks like I was right.”

Realization dawned on Haley. “I see. So that’s why you’re here early. Afraid I’d tell him about the project I’m working on?”

Jeff flushed. “Not exactly. You hadn’t filed any reports, and I didn’t know if I could trust you. I mean I didn’t know you. Then. But I did know how Roget works. You wouldn’t have been the first woman who revealed her secrets to that French Don Juan.” He shrugged. “I felt it was in the best interests of the company that I check on you.”

“You mean check up on me!” Anger burned through Haley’s uncertainties. What a fool she’d been! She felt mortified by every kiss they’d exchanged. He’d been playing her until he got that final report on her project. He wanted to ensure her research went to his company instead of being sold under the table to a higher bidder. Not only did he think she had no scruples about her work, he obviously thought she had none where her personal life was concerned either. Why hadn’t he made love to her? Bitterly, she decided he hadn’t wanted to go to that trouble when a few kisses and pillow talk would take care of her.

“I’d say you know a little about romancing women too.”

Jeff turned and leveled an indignant look at her. “What exactly is that supposed to mean?”

“I think you know very well what it means. You’ve been cozying up to me since you arrived. Kissing me! Complimenting me! Acting as if I had enchanted you.”

“I want you. I’ve made no secret of that.”

“Ha! You don’t want anything except to protect the interests of EnviroMed. How dare you think I’d sell out when I’ve been hired by your company. At least I have scruples.”

Jeff’s brows snapped together in a scowl. “And I don’t? Is that what you’re saying?”

“Hey, if the shoe fits!” Haley’s voice rose. “And how dare you try to romance me to protect your lousy company’s interests.”

“That’s a rotten thing to say!” Jeff grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her close.

“Let go of me.” Haley jerked from his arms. After thirty years of leading a sane, orderly life, she’d fallen head over heels in love with a rotten, manipulative Romeo. Oh, had she been ripe for the picking!

“You can take your silly gloves and your New York overcoat and your dress-for-success wingtip shoes and go back to the city where you belong.”

“You honestly believe that nonsense you’re babbling? You don’t believe me?”

“Why should I? Give me one good reason?”

Jeff stared at her, tempted to give her the reason she asked for. But if she believed he’d shared his soul with her just to keep her loyal to his company, then she’d never believe he’d fallen in love with her.

Loud barking split the tension between them. Haley and Jeff turned as one to gape at their unwelcome foreign visitor who wrestled with an ungainly black bundle.

“What the–?” Jeff broke off.

Haley saw the Frenchman struggling to lift a huge black Labrador retriever from the cab of the Snow Cat. He sat the dog down, and the animal made a beeline for Haley. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as she stared at the clumsy puppy bounding through the snow,

Somehow, she knew that her big surprise birthday present from Courtney had finally arrived.

Moonlight on Snow
By Joan Reeves

http://www.romantic4ever.com/romance-novel/index.html

Chapter Six

By the afternoon of the first day of the new year, Haley and Jeff had settled into an uneasy, overly-polite relationship. The tension between them had begun to ebb after Haley had suggested they move the mattress from the bed to the floor in front of the fireplace. Then she had announced that the curtained-off bedroom area was the official bathroom for the duration of the storm.

The expression on Jeff’s face had been priceless. There was no doubt that he was a city boy through and through. Haley had hastily stifled her laughter. She wondered if the astronauts had suffered the same embarrassment in figuring out bathroom privileges in the cramped quarters of the space shuttle.

After placing the mattress between the sofa and the hearth, she and Jeff had retreated to neutral corners. Haley had dug out what she called her snowbound busywork, an unrecognizable crocheted rectangle, a ball of yellow yarn, and a crochet needle. She tried her best to ignore Jeff as he paced around the narrow confines of the cabin like a caged wolf.

Finally, when his restlessness began to grate on her nerves, she broke the silence between them. “There’s a basket of books in the bedroom next to the bed if you want something to read, Mr. Talent.”

“Look, this formal mister and doctor stuff is a little ridiculous under the circumstances, don’t you think?” Jeff grinned.

“You’re right. Call me Haley.”

“And I’m Jeff.”

“All right, Jeff. Why don’t you check out my little library. Reading will make the time pass faster.”

With a grunt she interpreted as thanks, he ducked behind the patchwork curtain.

To Jeff’s surprise, instead of finding botanical texts or science fiction, as so many scientists read, he discovered romance novels in the big wicker basket. Still, reading anything, while cooped up in the cabin, was better than doing nothing. He grimaced and began to dig through the paperbacks, reading the back cover blurb of each before neatly stacking them on the floor next to the basket. After several minutes, he sighed and selected one that seemed less syrupy than the others. At least it promised a mystery in connection with the love story.

Feeling more than a little disgruntled at being stranded in the remote cabin rather than sitting in a window seat of a sleek plane winging his way back to civilization, he returned to the sitting area and settled on the opposite end of the couch from Haley.

He sneaked a glance at her. She wasn’t anything like what he’d expected. For one thing, she was a lot more attractive with her shining mane of rich brown hair than he’d imagined. He’d known she was a brilliant botanist, but he was surprised by her dry sense of humor. Since he’d interrupted her solitude, she’d amused and irritated him in equal measure, but she hadn’t bored him. At the moment, she was scowling fiercely as she tried to pluck a knot from the rather strange yellow thing she was making with that ball of yarn.

He’d watched his grandmother crochet before. Gram had talked a mile a minute while her needle flew, creating beautifully even stitches as she turned out everything from afghans to baby caps. When Gram crocheted, she never had the fierce scowl that marred Haley’s features.

Haley Gant was an enigma. Though he admired her refusal to be cowed by his authority, he still didn’t know her well enough to trust her with the real reason he’d braved the Montana winter to seek her out. Maybe she didn’t know anything about the European cartel, but then again, maybe she did. The Frenchman was known for romancing secrets out of vulnerable women scientists.

Covertly, Jeff looked Haley up and down. A slender woman with a stubborn chin and startling gray eyes. Her eyes were as changeable as the Montana weather, but he’d finally decided they were definitely gray. Not gray blue or any other fanciful color, just gray. He found them strangely appealing.

Could the Frenchman romance research secrets from her? Haley didn’t look like anyone’s picture of vulnerability. Still, he’d reserve judgment until he had more of the facts about her project. And until he knew her a little better.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. They each pretended to be deaf when either had to duck behind the curtain when nature called. Night fell early on the cabin. Actually, Haley thought, laying down her yarn disaster, night didn’t fall so much as the little daylight faded away.

She stretched and yawned loudly. “Soory. I’m bushed after no sleep last night. I think I’ll fix us a bite to eat then retire for the night.”

“Sounds good,” Jeff said, laying aside the novel he’d been reading. “What can I do to help?”

Haley shrugged. “Dinner will be canned soup and cheese toast. Not exactly the gourmet fare you’re probably used to, but filling nevertheless.”

“Hey, give me a break. Just because I’m not a country boy doesn’t mean I eat nine course meals every day.”

Haley smiled. “You’re right. Sorry. Guess I’m so bored that needling you passes for entertainment.”

“The boredom part I can understand, though once I got into the book, the time’s actually passed pretty fast.”

“Really? So how do you like the romance novel you’re reading?”

He stretched before replying. “Well, I’d never have bought this book, but it’s really quite good. It’s definitely not what I thought a romance novel would be.”

“Well said.” Haley beamed at him. “If more men read romance novels, maybe they’d find the answer to that age-old question.”

“You mean, what do women want?” Jeff grinned. “Judging by what I’ve read in this book, women want pretty much the same as men. And just as often.”

Haley blushed and decided not to pursue the subject any farther. “Why don’t you come help with the grilled cheese sandwiches.”

They worked in companionable silence to prepare the simple meal. Haley stirred the pot of soup, watching the letters of the alphabet float around the tomato-tinged broth. It was weird having a man in her cabin, but, to her surprise, he seemed perfectly at home as he cut slices from the block of cheddar, laid them on whole wheat bread, and arranged them on the old iron griddle.

“Just set the griddle next to the fire,” Haley directed, handing him a couple of thick pot holders. “The cheese will melt in a couple of minutes. Then transfer them to a plate and leave the griddle sitting on the hearth.”

“I think I can figure it out,” Jeff said.

Then to her surprise, he winked at her.

A shiver of excitement scooted up Haley’s spine. She blinked in surprise and watched him saunter off with the griddle of cheese-covered bread.

 

* * *

 

Late that night, footsteps woke Haley. She blinked and sat up, disturbing the cocoon of blankets on the mattress. The air in the cabin had a more pronounced chill than earlier in the evening.

Jeff paced back and forth in the small space behind the couch. He rubbed his arms with every step. Haley sighed. She’d known he should take the mattress next to the hearth, but he wouldn’t hear of it. She wore long johns. She suspected Jeff hadn’t had the forethought to wear thermal underwear beneath his business suit.

At bedtime, he’d vehemently insisted she take the mattress. He said he’d sack out on the small couch. Though she’d protested that she was better able to withstand the night on the couch, he’d scowled as if she’d questioned his manhood. Then he’d removed his shoes and bedded down in his starched white shirt and trousers. Now, she noticed, he wore his overcoat and shoes.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, blinking sleepily, and knowing perfectly well what was wrong.

“It’s freezing in here.” Jeff punctuated his words with slaps up and down his arms as if to keep the circulation going. He stomped his feet too.

Haley really did feel guilty now. She’d been sleeping like a baby tucked up in a warm crib as she lay on the mattress, right next to the hearth, the warmest spot in the cabin. Wryly, she said, “Let me guess. You didn’t take the time to purchase thermal underwear?”

“I didn’t know I’d be camping out in Siberia. I expected to be on my way back to New York by now.”

Haley rolled her eyes. She dared not use the kerosene heater. That would be lit only if they couldn’t get out and get firewood from the shed. “Okay. Throw another log on the fire and take off your shoes and coat.”

“Why? So they can turn instantly to ice?”

“No, because you don’t wear shoes and an overcoat to bed.” She turned back the cover and scooted over closer to the couch, leaving the half of the bed near the fireplace vacant. “Come on. Climb in. I wouldn’t want to be accused of homicide by winter storm.”

Jeff didn’t hesitate. He shucked his shoes and coat in record time and practically dived beneath the thermal blankets.

“Thank you,” he said fervently.

“Just two rules.” Haley arranged the blankets over her to her liking. “One, no snoring. Two, stay on your side of the bed.” She eyed him with as much seriousness as she could manage given the situation.

“I promise you your virtue is safe with me,” Jeff said with a grin as he scooted to the far edge of the mattress and closest to the hearth.

“Somehow I have a feeling I’m a distant second compared to the warmed stones of that hearth.” Haley chuckled softly.

After a moment, Jeff sighed deeply, obviously content in his new sleeping arrangement. Haley grinned. Last night, if anyone had told her she’d be sharing her bed with her fantasy dream man tonight, she’d have laughed out loud.

“Did you ever read that poem Cremation of Sam McGee?” Jeff asked suddenly.

“By Robert Service?” Haley countered with a giggle.

“I see you know the poem,” Jeff replied dryly. “Well, I swear I know just how relieved old Sam felt when he got torched.” Chuckling, he added, “A little cremation would feel pretty good right about now.”

His wry comment surprised a laugh from Haley. Despite what he considered hardship, he hadn’t lost his sense of humor. She turned on her side, facing him. She felt remarkably contented at the moment. Warm, relaxed, and cozy. Not at all the way she usually felt around attractive men like Jeff.

“What made you interested in folk remedies, Haley?” he suddenly asked. “And, why Montana wildflowers? Why not some nice warm state like Florida? Surely they have wildflowers?”

“There’s much truth in folk remedies. Maybe some poultice used by the native peoples of this continent might be the next revolution in antibiotics or antivirals.”

“I know it’d sure make EnviroMed dance for joy.”

“As for Montana’s wildflowers, that’s easy. They have colors that shout, ‘Look at me.’ In the spring when they start popping out, it’s almost like a miracle. Besides, I spent a lot of my formative years in this state. If you’ve read my file, you know who my father is. He did several research projects on Montana’s native grasses. I was usually his unofficial research assistant.”

Haley warmed to her subject. “You’d be amazed at how many wildflower varieties there are here. Montana has about twenty-five hundred kinds of flowering plants. They grow everywhere. High in the mountains under winter snow, in woods, or in the prairies. The native peoples used them to dye clothes, to heal their sick, and to eat. Berries of the kinnikinnick when cooked pop just like popcorn. Juice from the toadflax relieves the itchiness of mosquito bites.”

In a soft voice, she told how the native people had taught Lewis and Clark to eat the root of the bitterroot, the state flower of Montana.

Jeff wondered if Haley knew how sexy her voice was when she was relaxed and drowsy and warm. He liked the sound and asked questions just to keep her talking.

“Does the sound of that wind ever get to you when you’re alone here?” he suddenly asked.

“Not really. I guess I’m used to it. Does it bother you?”

“A little, though I imagine if I stayed here long enough, it would be so much background noise, like the sound of traffic in the city.”

As the night aged and the wind howled, Haley and Jeff continued talking, first about their respective careers, then about their lives.

Haley heard the note of wistfulness in his voice when he talked about the workaholic existence he’d led, moving from one corporation to another with little time for friends or relationships.

Jeff listened while Haley described life with stern Franklin Gant as a single parent. He heard the longing for family as she talked about her childhood split between battling parents. He

drifted to sleep as he listened to the quiet murmur of her voice.

After a few minutes, Haley heard Jeff’s breathing shift to a deeper, heavier rhythm. The quiet crackle of the fire lulled her. Heat radiated from his body. As she was falling asleep, Haley felt unaccountably disappointed that her virtue was safe, just as her handsome houseguest, lying mere inches away, had promised.

What would it take to change that situation?