‘If the storm’s as bad as I think it is, he won’t be allowed to fly out at all. And if he does, you’ll be risking everyone getting stranded—’ The sound of her phone ringing interrupted us. ‘I bet that’s him now calling to tell you the same thing.’
With an icy glare at me, she answered. ‘Hello?’ She listened, her expression growing tighter by the second. Any moment now, I expected her to snap at her pilot to come, regardless of the procedures. But, surprising the hell out of me, she nodded. ‘Fine. If you can’t fly, you can’t fly. Let me know as soon as you’re given the all-clear.’
She hung up and, for a moment, I caught a lost expression in her eyes. And then she was back to glaring at me. ‘So what now?’
A low hum of electricity vibrated through my bloodstream. ‘My cabin is ten miles away. Provided the dogs cooperate we might beat the storm.’
Wariness crossed her face. ‘And if we don’t? What happens if we get caught in the storm?’
‘We might catch a bit of it, but don’t worry, if we need to stop, I’ll keep you safe.’
Again, a raw expression crossed her face, but it was quickly stifled. ‘If that’s our only option...’
It wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsement, but it was enough. I was prepared to risk getting us inside four solid walls rather than braving the elements, no matter how many sparks had flown in our tent. Before I’d ruined it.
I checked my watch’s GPS tracker to make sure we were headed in the right direction and whistled at the dogs.
They responded immediately, eager for brisker exercise, and turned east, towards the isolated cabin I’d been using for the last two weeks. The thought of Graciela in my personal space, alone with me under my roof, heated my blood, hardening my cock despite the possibility that she wouldn’t move from her stance of clearly not wanting anything to do with me.
For a moment, I mourned refusing the blow job she’d offered last night. Bloody hell, how I wish I’d taken her up on it. Then I wouldn’t be so fucking wound up tight, repeatedly dwelling on how incredible she had tasted, how snugly my tongue had fitted into her. How much I was dying to hear those control-wrecking little noises she made when she came.
I’d passed up the chance and I only had myself to blame for my state of raging blue balls.
The storm hit much quicker than I’d anticipated, catching us out a good ten minutes before we reached the copse of fir trees that signalled the beginning of the woods leading to the cabin. The dogs, sensing the turning weather, strained at the leash, barking excitedly at the thought of being given leave to go even faster. The moment I loosened the reins, they were off.
I checked over my shoulder. ‘Hold tight.’
She nodded stiffly, although I caught a hint of excitement in her eyes as her hand tightened around the iron handlebar in front of the seat. She probably wouldn’t admit it, but she was enjoying this, being at the mercy of the elements. I knew I was.
There was something raw and unfettered about pitting oneself against nature and coming out on top. It was mostly why I’d chosen my profession.
That and the freedom it gave me once upon a time to immerse myself in something else other than the turmoil going on at home. Turmoil that had ended up shaping my life.
I relished the icy wind lashing at my cheeks, making my eyes water as the wind picked up speed. The snow came, thick and furious, falling horizontal with the force of the wind. I checked on Graciela every few minutes, confirming that she was indeed enjoying this by the hint of a grin toying at her lips. Which stunned me a little.
The only time I took Stephanie on a shoot after her endless badgering for me to bring her with me, she’d complained the whole time, demanding to go back to civilisation at the earliest opportunity.
While I wanted to enjoy Graciela’s pleasure for a few minutes, I was still relieved to spot the familiar treeline that signalled the boundary to the cabin, grateful to see an end to enduring what was quickly turning into a white-out.
Minutes later, I pulled to a stop in front of the compact log structure that comprised my cabin.
I hopped off the sled and helped Graciela off. ‘Wait for me on the porch. I’ll get the dogs squared away and bring in the equipment.’
She shook her head. ‘It’ll be quicker if I give you a hand.’
I nodded, located my camera bag. ‘Okay. Take this up with you. I’ll just be a minute.’
She grabbed the bag, lifting the heavy load without complaint onto one shoulder. Then she grabbed the blankets and sleeping bag and hurried onto the porch. I grabbed the rest of the equipment and followed.
The key was tucked into a nook specially created in one of the overhead beams on the porch. I unlocked the door and held it open for her. A full day with no heating meant the interior was icy-cold but, luckily, the electricity was still working. I turned on a couple of lamps and activated the portable space heaters we’d used in the tent. She set the stuff down next to the fireplace, and I disposed of my own load before waving her towards the wide, comfy sofa. ‘Take a seat. I’ll be back in five minutes.’
She nodded, but didn’t sit down.
When I paused at the door and looked back, she was gazing around the cabin, inspecting the large open-plan space. It was rustic, far removed from the luxury she was no doubt used to. Nevertheless, as basic as it was, something about having her here in the space I’d made my own appealed to me.
I turned away, berating myself
