A Flurry of Love

I stare up at the handsome stranger, my breath leaving me for a whole other reason than the cold this time. It’s too dark for me to make out the color of his eyes, but I guess they are dark green for some reason. He’s got a hood up, hiding half of his face, but the size of him can’t be missed.

“They’re all I have.” I lick my quickly chapping lips, and another deep grumble comes from him as he rights me on my feet.

“Evie!” someone calls before the door swings open. “We’re picking cabins, so you better get in here. Carter is trying to get you in his,” Paige informs me, knowing I’ll object to that. She doesn’t want me anywhere near Carter if she can help it. “Oh, and who are you?” Paige's voice completely changes to smooth and sexy. How does she do that? It really is a talent.

“We’re not doing girl cabins and boy cabins?”

“We’re not twelve, Evie. We’re all consenting adults.” She winks at the man who still has his hand pressed into my back.

“Boyfriend?” the man asks.

“Don’t have one,” Paige answers with a smile.

“I meant, is that Carter boy your boyfriend.” He gives me a pointed look, letting Paige and me both know he’s talking to me.

“Nah, Evie is hanging on to her virginity like she’s going to win a prize or something.”

“Paige!” I hiss, heat rushing to my face. Kill me now.

“The dramatics again? Really, Evie? It’s getting old.”

“Whatever.” I walk past her to get into the office, and to my surprise the man follows me. Probably to make sure I don’t fall again for fear I’ll sue or something.

“Evie, you’re bleeding,” Tyson says when I step inside.

I glance down, getting a better look at my knees now. My stomach turns at the sight of the blood, and black spots dance in my eyes. I know I’m going to pass out because I always do when I see blood.

“Catch her!” Tyson shouts.

The same two arms wrap around me, only this time he pulls me into his body. “Got you.” His words come out sounding like a curse.

“Green,” I whisper, staring up into his eyes before it’s lights out.

Chapter Four

CONNOR

“What the hell did she just say?” the boy at the counter asks as he pushes his way over to her.

I think she said something about my eyes being green, but I can’t be too sure. Instead, I pick her up and carry her over to the small couch next to the check-in.

She looks like she’s already coming to when I set her down on the cushions, and I breathe a sigh of relief. “Nat, can you call the medic?” I say over my shoulder, and I hear my cousin say she’s already on the way.

“Evie, can you hear me?” I say softly, and her eyes move like they’re trying to open but are too heavy.

Glancing down, I can see the blood soaking through her jeans so she must have busted her knees pretty good. Damn it, why can’t she be more careful? Little thing like her could just fall off the side of a mountain if someone wasn’t watching her. Great, now I’ve gotta keep my eye on this little duckling all weekend so she doesn’t wander off. And I’ve got to find her some warmer clothes if she’s planning on walking outside her cabin for more than twenty seconds. Who the hell comes to the mountains in a threadbare sweater and boots frayed at the soles where water could get in?

“Natalie,” I call out again, and she’s by my side.

“Is she okay?”

I nod and try to ignore the group of kids behind me. “After the medic checks her out, can you run and grab me a jacket and boots? She looks to be about your size.”

“Sure thing. I can take them to her cabin.”

I feel my cousin move beside me, and I have the urge to block her view. I want to lie across this little duck and keep her out of sight from anyone. “Where’s Betty?” I bark, and Natalie's eyes snap to mine.

“I said she’s on the way.”

“W-what happened?” We both turn when we hear her speak, and I keep her from sitting up too fast.

“Easy does it,” I say and push back on her shoulder. “Stay down until we get your knees patched up. Don’t look.” I hold her still when she tries to glance down at them again. “I think it’s better if you lie back and just wait.”

“Okay.” She swallows hard, and Natalie is there with a glass of water.

“I’ll do it.” I take it from her and help Evie turn her head to the side so she can take a few quick sips.

Just then the bell over the door chimes, and Betty comes in with her medical bag. “Do you need me?” she asks, and I wave her over.