When he lifted her from the truck seat and set her on her feet, he kept his hands resting at her waist as he gazed into her eyes. Her breath caught and her pulse sped up. He was going to kiss her again and heaven help her, she wanted him to do just that.
Mesmerized by the heated light in his incredible brown eyes, she could only watch as he slowly began to lower his head. But just when she thought his lips would cover hers, he took a step back and smiled down at her. “Silas is expecting us.”
Not entirely certain whether she was disappointed or relieved that he hadn’t kissed her, she blinked. “Silas?”
He nodded. “I think I’d better warn you,” he said as he put his arm around her and guided her toward the steps. “The housekeeper here is ornery, opinionated and downright disagreeable at times. But the old cuss has a heart of gold and if he thought you needed it, he’d give you the shirt off his back.”
“Does he know...about us?” she asked hesitantly. She’d only told a couple of her friends at work about what had taken place on her Las Vegas vacation. But he hadn’t mentioned telling anyone.
Blake nodded. “Keeping anything from Silas Burrows is damn near impossible. But don’t worry. He’s won’t say a word to you about it, unless you bring it up.”
She doubted that would happen, but she forgot all about her concerns or the housekeeper’s opinion when they reached the entrance doors. Hand-carved images of black bears and pine trees overlaid the glass and added to the appeal of the lodge.
But when Blake opened the door and they stepped into the foyer, Karly couldn’t believe the rustic beauty of the home. “This isn’t just a log home, it’s a mansion,” she said as they walked into the great room.
With a vaulted ceiling and massive fireplace made of river rock, the room had a surprisingly cozy feel for such a large space. But when she noticed the panoramic view of the mountains through the wall of windows on the opposite side of the room, it felt as if the room opened up to the landscape beyond.
“Do you like it?” Blake asked.
She nodded in awe as she continued to look around the room. Even the interior walls were made of logs. “It’s gorgeous.”
“I’ll give you the grand tour after supper,” he said, smiling as if her approval pleased him.
“I’d like that.” As an afterthought, she added, “As long as you don’t think the owner would mind.”
“Not at all.” Blake’s sexy grin sent a shiver up her spine. “Trust me, he’ll be fine with it.”
“Supper’s ready and if you want it hot you two better get in here.”
Turning, Karly spotted an older man who looked like every child’s favorite jolly old elf. On the portly side, his thick hair and long, full beard were snow-white and although he wore jeans, his green suspenders and long-sleeved red shirt would have convinced young and old alike that he might very well be Santa Claus.
As they walked toward him, Blake made the introductions. “Karly, this is Silas Burrows.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Burrows,” Karly said, extending her hand.
He stared at her for several moments before he gave her a wide grin as he shook her hand. “Just call me Silas or Si.” He motioned for her and Blake to follow him. “I fixed beef stew and sourdough bread for supper. It ain’t fancy, but it’s hot and there’s plenty of it.”
“If it tastes half as good as it smells, I’m sure it’s going to be delicious,” she said when they entered the kitchen and the smell of baking bread and the rich aroma from the bubbling pot on the state-of-the-art range assailed her senses. “Is there anything I can do to help you finish getting it ready?”
Silas shook his head. “Not really much left to do. While I slice the bread, I’m gonna let Blake pour us all glasses of iced tea and we’ll be ready to eat.”
After Blake guided her over to the large oak table across the room and held her chair for her to sit down, he whispered close to her ear, “It looks like you’ve got a fan.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, barely able to keep from shivering when his warm breath feathered over her sensitive skin.