Chapter 1

“The storm is ramping up out there,” Jack said with concern in his voice as he handed me my second cup of spiked coffee. “You should be hitting the road before long here.” His blue eyes were warm. “I think some staff are even heading home early since many guests are clearing out.” His lips captivated me again, just as they had every night this week. He’d been giving me tasty drinks nonstop, but what I really wanted to taste was that mouth of his.

“I know. I’ve been on the fence all day wondering if I should stay and finish this story, or if I should hightail it home.” The problem was, I didn’t want to go home. It only reminded me that Lance had left me. It had only been two months, and I still couldn’t get used to walking in the door knowing I’d be the only one home.

“Well, alcohol-laced coffee is probably the worst precursor to storm driving on the planet,” he scolded sternly.

“Maybe that’s me subconsciously getting myself to stay,” I said plainly. “Or you’re just that good at making drinks.”

He scoffed. “Coffee plus a pour hardly qualifies as ‘making drinks’.” Even his smirking was sexy, the crinkles around his eyes deepening. He wasn’t just alluring to look at, he was my first choice to chat with, and that included my best friend Marla, who had just left the lodge. Our girl’s weekend had been flanked by days of solitary...