Snowed In With The Prince (Forest Grove Series Book 1) Read online

  He shrugged. “Sure.” Used to having an immaculate house, thanks to his servants, Gabe found that he had to keep the cottage neat as a pin, or it made him feel crazy. He knew she’d find a tidy, cozy room on the other side of the door. He followed her in, watching as her eyes took in the queen-sized bed and the stone fireplace. One thing he loved about the bedroom was that it was entirely made of wood and stone, save for one tiny window. When he’d looked for a place to live, he immediately fell in love with this room. A man could sleep like the dead in here.

  “This is our room,” Genevieve said. “It’s smaller than the living room and only has that small window.” She pointed to a door in the corner of the room. “Is that a bathroom?”

  Gabe nodded. “It is.” He paused. “This is our room. So... we stay in here together?”

  “If the power goes out, yes. As long as we have power, I can stay in a guest room like normal.” She glanced out the small window. Snow pelted the glass. “I don’t think we will have power for too much longer.” She shook her head. “First, we need to charge up our cellphones and your computer. Then, let’s fill up as many jugs with water and make sure you have all the faucets dripping water.”

  He couldn’t help but grin. I kinda like that she bosses me around. I’m not used to that from a woman. He then set about following her orders. Being snowed in with the pretty librarian didn’t sound too bad.

  Chapter 6

  Genevieve tried to calm the butterflies in her stomach. Be grateful you aren’t stranded in your car. She shuddered at the thought. I could have died. Being so far up the mountain, no one would have saved me. She bit her nails. She glanced down at her hands. Stop it. It was such a hard habit to break. Her mind flashed back to the image of Gabe shirtless in nothing but a towel answering the door. Those rippling muscles, that smattering of dark hair on his chest.... her mouth suddenly went dry. She shook her head. No time for all that. Remember what happened last time you let a pretty face steal your heart. She sighed. Jeffrey. She hated to admit it to herself. Hated to admit how blind she’d been. How had she not seen the signs that he was hiding something?

  She jumped as a hand brushed her arm. Gabe held up his hands. “Whoa, I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “You’re fine, guess I was just thinking about the storm.” And how sexy you looked without a shirt on.

  “So, you know how I checked out those cookbooks from the library?” His dark eyes looked so deep and luscious she thought she might get lost in them. She nodded. “Well, I thought I might be up here by myself and wanted to try my hand at some fancy recipes.” He hesitated before giving her another sheepish grin. “Problem is, I don’t cook. At all. I do good to make myself a sandwich.”

  Something about the way he looked so helpless had her fighting the urge to pat him on the head, like a little boy. “So, you decided to just dive in headfirst?” Adventurous and wants to learn new skills. I like it.

  He shrugged. “Go big or go home, you know?”

  She laughed. “Okay, Emeril, let’s see these recipes.” She tried not to look too taken aback when he whipped out recipes for risotto, beef bourguignon, reine de saba, potato dauphinoise, and steak Oscar. She shuffled through the pages he’d earmarked in the cookbooks, trying to wrap her head around his taste. She’d taken him for a hamburger and french fries, beer with the boys type of guy. She didn’t peg him as someone who wanted fine dining. “These look delicious.” She bit her nail. “I like to cook, but I’ll be honest, I don’t cook such... well, such fancy food. But we could do it.” She paused. “But I’m not making any promises on how it will turn out.”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “Let’s just try it.” He smiled. “We don’t have much else to do.”

  Genevieve nodded. “That’s true.” She tilted her head and looked up at him. “What’s got you so keen on cooking?”

  He looked down at his feet. Is he blushing? “Well, let’s just say growing up we always had people who worked for my family, cooking and cleaning. There are things I never learned to do that I’d like to learn.”

  Her heart melted a little. Definitely not a spoiled brat. “Well, then we will work on these.” She flipped through the recipes. “Hmm... the risotto looks like it might be the easiest of all these. How about we try it?”

  Gabe’s face lit up. “Sounds perfect.” His dark eyes sparkled, and Genevieve found herself staring at his mouth. The desire to kiss him overwhelmed her. Her desire for him scared her, not only because she’d sworn she wouldn’t get involved with anyone ever again but also because she couldn’t imagine why Gabe would want her.

  She clapped her hands together. “We have more things to do. What about firewood in case the power goes out?”

  Without saying a word, he grabbed her hand. His touch caught her off guard, causing her breath to catch in her throat. He led her to another room in the house, and it surprised her that her jello legs could even move. He pulled open a door to a large room that was a combination mudroom and laundry room. Against one wall was stacks and stacks of firewood. That’s enough firewood to last us for several weeks.

  Gabe grinned. “I went a little overboard.” He shrugged. “At least we will be warm.”

  Genevieve smiled at his eagerness. His hand still firmly clasped hers. “I think that’ll be sufficient.”

  After giving Gabe a few more things to do, she studied the recipe. Risotto. The man was surprising her.

  Chapter 7

  Gabe looked at all the ingredients on the counter. What am I doing? Why didn’t I start with something simple? How about learning to boil water? He shrugged. Oh well. I’m in it now. Genevieve popped back into the kitchen, holding up a small duffel bag triumphantly. “Guess it pays to be lazy.” She rummaged through the bag, pulling out clothes. “I visited my Aunt Tracey this past weekend and hadn’t gotten around to getting my bag out of the car.” She frowned at the clothes. “I’ll toss these in the wash, so I at least have a few things to wear.”

  Gabe led her to the laundry room where she quickly put the clothes in the washer. She smiled at him. “Let’s get cooking.”

  The wind roared across the heavy logs of the cabin. Gabe watched as the snow continued to stack up against the large windows in the kitchen. It was almost completely dark now, and the thought crossed his mind that he would be much more worried if Genevieve hadn’t shown up on his doorstep. It seemed like she knew how to handle any situation. He studied her across the kitchen, as she scrutinized the cookbook that he’d borrowed from her library. She would make an excellent queen. He frowned. Queen? Where had that come from? He shook his head and focused on the ingredients spread across the counter. “I think I’ve got everything we need.”

  Genevieve didn’t even look up. She nodded, continuing to read the cookbook. Her reading glasses slipped down her nose, and she pushed them up in one absentminded maneuver. She looks so cute and smart, just like the little librarian that she is.

  “You got Arborio rice, right?”

  Gabe felt like he’d just been called out by a teacher for not paying attention in class. He fumbled for the bag of rice before reading the label. “Arborio.” He held the bag up and grinned. “Got it.”

  Genevieve looked up from the recipe. “Well, this doesn’t look too bad. Why don’t you put the chicken broth on low heat while I chop these onions?”

  Chicken broth. He grabbed the carton of chicken broth and one of the brand new large pots Gerald insisted he purchase. “How much do I use?”

  Genevieve opened drawers, rummaging for something. “We’ll need six cups. Do you have any measuring cups?”

  “Yeah, they’re up here.” He walked over to her and opened the top cabinet, retrieving several measuring cups. He stared down into her chocolate eyes, noticing the amber ring around her pupils. He glanced at her full lips, then took a deep breath. “Okay, six cups.”

  She smiled at him, which made him even more distracted. He turned knocking some garlic and onions off the counter. “Bugger...”
He bent to retrieve the vegetables at the same time as Genevieve and ended up knocking her down. He tripped over her leg, sprawling on top of her. He could feel the cold floor beneath his hands and her warm body beneath his. She smelled like peaches again. He couldn’t seem to move but was transfixed by a lock of her dark hair. He ran his hand gently over her hair, feeling the silk slide through his fingers.

  “Gabe...” She looked up at him, her eyes wide and dark as night.

  “Hmmm...” He leaned forward slightly. He looked down at her lips, so close he could almost touch them.

  “Gabe, I can’t breathe.” She took a shallow breath, and he realized he was putting his full weight on her. He shifted to his side, embarrassed.

  “I’m so sorry.” He stood, offering her a hand. He pulled her to her feet. “Somehow I’ve ended up on top of you twice in the few days I’ve known you.” He winked. “I think I’ve set a new record.”

  She picked up the dish towel and threw it at him, laughing. “Why don’t you measure that chicken broth, stud? Make yourself useful.”

  He grinned and obeyed. They took turns stirring the rice until the smell of the risotto filled the house. He painstakingly chopped lettuce to make a simple salad, and Genevieve gathered bottles of olive oil, white wine vinegar, and pepper.

  Gabe frowned at the bottles. “What’s all that for?”

  Genevieve poured the olive oil in a small glass bowl. “You can make a great salad dressing with just a little oil, white wine vinegar, and pepper.” She stirred the ingredients, then held the bowl up to him. “See?”

  Gabe nodded. “How do you know how to do that?”

  “My grandmother taught me. Nana is an excellent cook.” Genevieve’s eyes glowed. “She’s truly the best. I’ve cooked with her ever since I was a little girl.”

  I wonder if Gram can cook. He’d never asked. The Queen Mother didn’t need to cook; she had servants who did that for her. Still, he’d be interested to know. “I’m impressed. She sounds amazing.”

  “She really is.” Genevieve held a small spoon up for him to taste the dressing.

  The tartness of the vinegar mixed with the rich oil made for a lovely combination. “It’s perfect.”

  Genevieve grinned. “And so easy.” She pulled open different cabinet doors and drawers, finding the new dishes and silverware his father’s valet, Gerald, had purchased for the house. Gerald was nothing if not organized. In no time, she’d set the table, scrounging up cloth napkins and placemats from somewhere, and finished the décor off with two brass candlesticks with tall white candles. Gabe shook his head. Gerald thinks of everything.

  Gabe pulled out her chair. “Sit,” he said, smiling easily. “Let me serve you.” He gingerly picked up the skillet, serving her a heaping helping of risotto, then filled his own plate. He poured them both large amounts of red wine, lit the candles, and then sat down.

  The candlelight gave her a soft glow. She looks like an angel. His pulse quickened. “I’m rather glad you found yourself stranded here tonight. This has been fun.”

  She tipped her glass toward him. “Well, thank you for the kind hospitality.” She smiled. “Now, let’s eat.”

  * * *

  After cleaning up the kitchen, they set about more practical matters. Gabe filled up the water jugs, while Genevieve organized the canned goods. She turned each can so the label showed clearly on the front. It was a quirk of hers. Her pantry was always organized within an inch of its life. She looked at all the canned food. She chuckled under her breath. Starvation isn’t going to be an issue.

  Genevieve thought about what her dad usually did when they faced winter storms. He’d always say fill the tubs. When Gabe finished filling the water jugs, she turned to him, reminding herself not to bark orders. “We need to fill the bathtubs up with water to use in case we need it to help flush toilets.” Not the sexiest statement that had ever come out of her mouth but necessary.

  His brow furrowed, then understanding dawned on his face. “Will do, boss.” He started to walk away.

  “Wait,” she said. “I better take a fast shower. Just in case it’s the last one I get for a while. I’ll be quick.” I don’t want to look like a greasy hot mess around him. Did I put a bottle of dry shampoo in my bag for Aunt Tracey’s? She hoped so, in case the pipes froze. Her hair only looked good unwashed for two days max.

  Gabe nodded. “Okay, I’ll fill up the tub and sink in my bathroom. Anything else I need to do?”

  He looked so eager to help. He really is such a nice guy. “Just make sure we get candles and flashlights in one place. We also need to get extra blankets for your bed and stack plenty of firewood in the bedroom.” She smiled at him. “I think that will cover most of the bases.”

  Gabe nodded. “Sounds good to me. I will put all the candles and flashlights in the nightstand in my room, except for one of each in the guest room.”

  Genevieve felt safe and calm being with him. The storm felt more like a fun adventure than a weather disaster. She thought that might mean something but didn’t want to analyze it further.

  Chapter 8

  Genevieve tossed and turned in the big guest bed. The wind howled outside. The small night light glowed in the dark, reassuring her that the power was still on. She wasn’t scared of Gabe or being stranded with him for a few days. Well, at least not scared of him being a dangerous psycho killer or something. It scared her that he was attractive and fun. She’d sworn no men for a long time after Jeffrey. She couldn’t risk her heart like that again. Her mind flashed back to the day she’d gotten The Call. She shuddered. Enough.

  She threw back the covers and looked out the window. She could hardly see anything; everything was white. Standing there, she whispered a prayer of thanks that she wasn’t stranded out there and hoped no one else was. She softly padded her way to the kitchen and fixed herself a cup of hot tea. Sinking down into one of the oversized chairs, she watched the snow outside. She turned when she heard Gabe’s door creak open.

  He looks so good, all sleepy and tired. His dark hair was ruffled up, and he stumbled sleepily to the kitchen. He doesn’t realize I’m here. She cleared her throat.

  Gabe turned. She smiled, holding up her hand. “It’s just me. Sorry, I couldn’t sleep.”

  He smiled. “Me either.” He rubbed his face. “Man, it’s coming down out there. I can’t believe the power is still on.”

  She gestured to the kettle on the stove. “Fix some tea. I don’t think the power will last much longer.” She grabbed a throw blanket from the couch to wrap around her. “I’m just so thankful I found your house and wasn’t stranded out there.”

  He grinned. “Me too. Plus, I don’t know if I’d be nearly as prepared without you here.” He stirred milk into his cup of tea, then sat down on the couch across from her. “So, why couldn’t you sleep? Just the weather?”

  I wish. She sighed. “I think a combination of the storm, being in a new place, and just thinking about all kind of things. My mind has a way of running away at night.”

  He nodded. “I have the same problem. It always seems my mind decides it needs to work out all of life’s problems late at night.”

  She looked at his handsome face, then looked around at the beautiful home he had. “What kind of problems?” I can’t imagine he would have any problems.

  He shrugged. “Well, you know how I told you I work in my family business?” She nodded. “My father told me recently he is ready to retire. Wants me to take over the entire business.” He looked so miserable at the idea that she couldn’t stop herself from reaching over and touching his arm.

  “Would that be so bad? I mean, don’t you have plenty of experience working with the company?”

  Gabe sighed. “Yes. Well, no. Well... yes, I guess I do, but I’m just not my father. He’s done this for so long and knows all the ins and outs of... ummm... the business. I just worry I won’t do him justice.”

  She smiled. “Well, I don’t think you have to worry about that. If your father is th
e sharp businessman that you make him out to be, then I’m sure he’s very confident in you if he’s stepping down and turning things over to you.”

  Gabe nodded and was silent for a moment. “You know, I guess I never really thought about it like that. He could keep running the business for many more years, so I guess he must feel like I could do it if he’s offering it.”

  He smiled that heart-melting smile again. Those dimples. She bit her lip, trying not to stare at his mouth.

  Gabe was quiet for a moment. “It helps to have someone else’s perspective. That actually makes me feel a lot better about the situation.”

  Genevieve smiled. “No problem. Sometimes it helps to have an outsider’s view of things.” He looked over the rim of his coffee mug. His dark eyes made her skin tingle. Her breath became shallow. What would he do if I move over by him? She knew she’d said she was done with men, but this man was tempting. As if reading her mind, he slid over on the couch so he was close enough to lean over to kiss her. He said something soft and low, but she couldn’t hear him. Her pulse pounded in her ears. He leaned forward just as the explosion went off.

  Chapter 9

  Genevieve jumped up out of the chair, spilling tea on the front of her shirt. “What was that?” They both ran to the window. It was difficult to see with the heavy snowfall, but she saw sparks shooting up high above the trees.

  Gabe’s mouth dropped. “What in the world...?”

  “I think the transformer blew.” She glanced at the clock on the microwave. Nothing. “Looks like we’ve lost power.” She sighed. “Let me change shirts and then we can move to your room. Looks like our adventure starts now.”

  As soon as she said the words, heat flooded her face. “I mean, the snowed in with no power, kind of adventure.”

  Gabe grinned. “I knew what you meant.”