Fat Cat Liar

My eyes bulge at his blatant disregard for a man that could possibly freeze to death on our property, that man being the father of my unborn child. “Is this your way of killing him without the likelihood of going to jail?”

His roar of laughter fills the room, and his face lights up in pleasure. “Trust me, Greer, he’s not going to freeze out there. I made sure of it. And I’d like to believe he’s a resourceful man. If you’re thinking of going out to see him, he’s not there. His truck hasn’t returned from town yet. Don’t worry. Just give me a few more hours of making memories with my baby girl. This will be our last Christmas with only the two of us.”

At the term ‘baby girl’, my heart melts and I run my hand over the small bump. My eyes move to the window once more before I suck in a deep breath and flash him a smile.

“Okay, climb the ladder and I’ll tell you where to place things.”

I turn up the Christmas music and hum along, the heaviness from our conversation disappearing. Thoughts of my mom fill my head, and I finally understand what she tried to explain all those years ago.

Beneath the overgrown, protective, and intolerant tycoon of my father, he has a soft side that runs deep.

•8•8•

I sit in shock, staring at the wooden structure on the edge of the camping site.

Trust me, Greer, he’s not going to freeze out there. Dad’s statement starts to make sense now that I see he built a cabin.

It’s not overly large, built to match the bathrooms with log façade on the outside. There’s a stone chimney at the end with smoke flowing out, which gives me some peace of mind that Lawson at least has warmth inside.

The door swings open, and soft light illuminates Lawson’s body as he fills the doorway. My heart lurches in my throat at the sight of him. He’s wearing jeans and another favorite sweatshirt that I’ve missed. His beard is fuller and thicker than weeks ago when he was in my office. Even in the darkness, I can see the glow of his eyes behind his glasses as he stares at me.

God, he’s still the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on.

I turn off the ignition, preparing to face him, and at the same time not sure what I’m going to say.

“What the hell are you doing?” His angry growl comes from the outside of the plastic enclosure. I jerk my neck back, eyes growing wide at the aggression. Before I can get a word out, he’s unzipped the plastic and is hauling me out of the seat.

He stalks to the cabin, kicking the door closed, and stops in front of the fire. His hold on me tightens as he drops his mouth to my ear. “Baby, it’s fourteen degrees outside with a wind chill of zero. The wind is ferocious. What are you doing out here?” The anger is now gone, replaced with a soft concern.

His tone sends a warm comfort through me, and my mind goes blank. I’m temporarily lost in this moment. Him holding me close brings back memories that I tried to repress but can’t ignore.

“I don’t know.” My voice is raspy and full of uncertainty. “I don’t know what I’m doing out here.”

A faint groan rumbles from low in his throat, and he nuzzles deeper into my neck.

“I was worried about you. I couldn’t stand the thought of you sleeping out here in a tent.” I finally find some clarity as the haze lifts from my mind.

He chuckles, the warmth of his breath coating my skin “I came prepared. I’d sleep in my truck if I had to. Luckily, I didn’t have to.”

“I can see that. Seems like my dad is full of surprises.”

“That’s one way to put it.”

I start to wiggle. Between the fire on one side and Lawson’s heat on the other, it’s becoming too hot. “You can put me down now.”

“I’m not sure I can.” There’s despair in his tone that rips at my heart.

“I’m roasting,” I explain gently.

He steps back, lifting his head and giving me a full view of the room. Bed, nightstand with lamp, stone fireplace, and a small area in the corner with a sunken sink and vanity. There are three windows that face south, which is the direction of the house. It’s completely rustic and at the same time charming.

Lawson sinks down onto the edge of the bed, and it’s then I notice his oversized bag in the corner.

“How much did you bring?”

“Enough to stay a while.”

I lean back to see his face. “How long is a while?”