LITMIR.BIZ

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bad Ashley had taken such an active dislike to him. If she would unbend a little where he was concerned, they could have a great week here. Somehow he didn’t see that happening.

      By the time the sun settled behind the peaks, the group was more than ready to call it a day. They headed for the lodge, hoping to have some hot beverages and a chance to warm themselves in front of the oversize fireplace that dominated the cavernous lobby at the lodge.

      Ron met them at the door, waving them inside, and listened to their tales of spills and near misses. They settled around the fireplace as soon as they had hot drinks in their hands. Nick sat down next to Ron and listened to their stories with a contented smile. He’d enjoyed the afternoon. He’d had no problems with Ashley other than the fact she treated him as though he were invisible. He could already feel some of his muscles protesting and wondered if he was the only one.

      “I don’t know about the rest of you,” Derek announced, “but I, for one, vote for an early night. This has been a long day. Don’t forget we’re on eastern time. That’s a two-hour difference and my body’s already letting me know it!”

      “You’re just out of shape,” Craig said. “I’m ready to party tonight.”

      “Sure you are,” Trish said. “Who was complaining about already getting stiff before we ever left the slopes?”

      Everybody laughed. He shrugged good-naturedly. “Okay, so I lied.”

      Erin spoke up. “Why don’t we have an early supper and go back to the chalet? A hot bath sounds like just the thing to me.”

      During dinner Nick was amused at how quiet everyone had become. There was very little conversation while they ate. He drove them back to the chalet, listening to them discuss who would use which tub first. Luckily there was a bathroom with each bedroom. He and Ron had the use of another one downstairs.

      Now if only the hot water holds out, he thought as he watched them go inside.

      He turned on the television in the den and stretched out on the sofa he’d chosen to watch the national news. It was the usual stuff—tension in the Mideast, increased drug problems along the southern borders, a terrorist group protesting the jail sentence of one of their leaders, increased drive-by shootings in L.A.

      The weather looked a little more interesting. A storm in the Pacific Northwest would be heading into the Rockies by late tomorrow. That might curtail some of their ski activities. The lifts closed whenever the weather turned bad. Perhaps the group would have to find another way to keep themselves entertained tomorrow.

      He waited until it was quiet upstairs, then went in to take a shower. When he came back, Ron had made up the other sofa and was watching a sitcom.

      “Now this is the life,” Ron said. “A nice fire—thanks for rebuilding it, by the way—a beautiful view and a comfortable bed. This is one assignment you won’t hear me complaining about.”

      “Glad to know you’re enjoying it. I was afraid you’d be bored sitting around inside all day.”

      “Not so far, but I’ll let you know. Although I have to admit I’m feeling the altitude a little. It takes some getting used to.” He clicked off the television. Now the only light came from the fireplace.

      Nick found the extra bedding and made up his bed, glad to stretch out. He was tired, but it was a good tired.

      He found it amusing, or maybe ironic, the way things had worked out. Here he was back in the mountains of Colorado, only a few miles away from the family cabin where he’d spent many an enjoyable visit with his family. Coming to this area was almost as good as coming home. He just wouldn’t see his parents this trip—or his brothers and their families.

      Maybe he’d call his folks tomorrow and let them know he was at least here in Colorado, even if he’d missed having Christmas with them. He wished he could figure out a way to get up to Casper to see them. Both brothers and their families would be going home the first of January, the same day this group was scheduled to return to Washington.

      There were times when he envied his brothers their normal lives. Times like tonight, when he had too much time to think about the roads not taken. Ron was a good example of how the opposing pull of work and family could tear a man apart. Most of the time Nick refused to allow himself to think about what he could have had.

      It was a waste of energy. He had a hunch it was his strong attraction to Ashley Sullivan that had him fantasizing about a wife and family. He smiled to himself. He certainly didn’t have to worry about that fantasy coming true.

      The woman disliked him too much to ever consider a relationship with him. Therefore, she was one temptation that would be easy to resist.

      Chapter 4

      Rocky Mountains, Colorado

       Tuesday, December 29

      “They sound like a bunch of birds up there, don’t they?” Ron said, seated across the table from Nick. It was early morning. The two men had already finished their first pot of coffee and were working on a second one.

      Nick glanced up from his serious study of the steam slowly rising from his coffee. He’d never been one for early-morning conversations. Thank God Ron seemed to share his aversion. This was the first time either of them had spoken in the hour they had been sitting there.

      “Birds?” He turned his head slightly, trying to focus his mind on the present. After a moment he smiled. “Sounds like a herd of elephants trampling around, if you ask me.”

      Ron grinned, his teeth flashing in his dark face. “No, I mean in how it was quiet for so long and then…” He shrugged his shoulders, settling back into the com fort ably padded banquette that formed a U around the large table. “I guess I was reminded of the times as a kid when my dad used to take us camping.” His gaze softened as his thoughts turned inward. “We’d wake up before dawn. I can remember being amazed at how still everything was. I’d lie there listening and watching as the sky gradually lightened. Then I’d hear sounds of rustling in the bushes. Finally there would be the sound of a lone bird—just one—and it was as though his call was the signal for everything out there. The whole area would suddenly be alive with all kinds of bird noises and songs.”

      Ron glanced out the kitchen window. Nick followed his gaze and noticed that the sun was, indeed, peeking between the mountains.

      Ron went on. “The house was quiet this morning, neither of us talking, and then I heard a voice speak softly upstairs. As though that was a signal, all of them began talking at once, just like birds in the wild.”

      They were sitting in companionable silence when Trish bounced into the room.

      “Mornin’.” The jeans she had on today were even tighter than those she’d worn on the plane yesterday. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving. Is there anything to eat in this place?”

      “There’s some fruit and a few snacks, but nothing substantial,” Nick replied. “I suppose I could do a run for groceries, or we can all just go over to the lodge for their buffet.”

      “Oh, that sounds even better. No cooking, no cleaning. I’m all for that.” She reached for a cup. “Thank God there’s coffee.”

      Ron chuckled. “Nick had made a pot by the time I woke up this morning.”

      She turned from filling her cup and gave Nick a very sultry smile. “You are definitely my kind of guy,” she said in a throaty voice.

      Ashley appeared in the doorway. “Yours and a dozen other women’s, I’m sure,” she said sweetly. “I bet they all line up for a chance to be with our noble protector, don’t they, Nick?”

      She was dressed for the slopes, her red jacket unzipped to reveal a snug-fitting black turtle neck sweater. He had to admit that the color was very flattering with her hair and skin coloring.

      “Not so I’ve ever noticed,”

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