“I love you,” he mumbles.
I lift my head to look at him, but he’s flat out asleep.
I snuggle back down, and as I feel sleep start to pull me under, I have the fleeting thought I’m going to be seeing Tom sooner rather than later.
Chapter 15
Rona
The following morning, I wake alone. Wondering where Cade could have gone, I climb out of bed to the most beautiful winter’s day. Everything is covered in deep snow. I reach for my camera and snap a few photographs.
With one, longing glance through the window, I head for a really quick shower. I’m so impatient to find Cade.
Dressed in my new red skinny jeans, and black turtleneck sweater with my usual thick socks, I head downstairs.
The house is silent, and even before I reach the kitchen I know there isn’t anyone around.
In the kitchen, I feel the coffee pot with my palm—still lukewarm. As I pour a cup, I try to fight the upset threatening
to surface. Cade isn’t around after our night together. He hasn’t even left me a note saying where he’s disappeared to.
I just hope everyone is okay.
Leaving the half-cup of coffee on the side of the sink, I walk over to the front door and pull on my new thermal boots, coat and gloves before heading outside. Wow, the sight that greets me is like a winter painting. I can’t wait to make a snowman! Everything is thick with snow coming down, making everywhere I look, magical.
Not two minutes later, Cade and Jake pull up in their respective trucks with an older couple in Cade’s.
“Morning, Rona,” Jake says, climbing out of his truck. “We have plenty of snow for you today.” He runs over to me and, wrapping his arms around me, twirls me around in a full circle.
“Well, not only is there plenty of snow for me, it looks like some of the excitement has passed on to you.”
He puts me down. “Now that might have something to do with a little lady who we won’t mention right now,” he whispers, and then winks, as he turns to his dad’s truck where he runs around and opens the door for the woman in the front seat.
Cade’s out of his truck, and it only takes one hot glance from him to have me ready to incinerate. No sooner have I noticed the passion in his eyes for me, than a blank look crosses his face as he turns to the woman and man who are with him.
“Isn’t someone going to introduce us?” she asks.
“Um, sorry.” Jake gives his dad a quizzical look before turning to me.
“This is Susan and Bill Grady from just outside of town. Their power line has come down so we brought them over here for breakfast. I’m going to take them back later and fix the generator for them. They’re my grandparents on my mother’s side,” Jake tells me.
“Hi, you must be the guest we’ve heard about from Anna.” Susan walks over to shake my hand.
“Yes, she is,” Cade agrees, but looks pained.
“Hi, Susan, Bill, it’s nice to meet you both.” I look to Cade for direction, but he ignores me.
What the hell is his problem?
“Why don’t we go inside, it’s warmer in there,” I add when I notice Susan shiver, rubbing her arms.
Back inside, we hang our jackets up and before I can get Cade alone, he’s in the kitchen pouring everyone coffee.
I feel awkward, as though I’m a total stranger to everyone in the kitchen, not a nice feeling.
Cade passes Susan and Bill their coffee, and then turns to me. His eyes widen as though he wasn’t aware I’m in the room with them. “Oh Rona, I didn’t know you were here with us. Would you like a coffee?”
I glare at him, speechless.