Unexpected Run In

    I can’t believe it. How could he do this to me? After all we have been through. I thought wildly as I sat down at my desk. I sat there for a few minutes still unable to concentrate on coming up with ideas for my latest story. This isn’t the first time I’ve tried to come up with ideas. It turns out I have a whole recycle bin full of false starts, redo’s, and whatnot. As I continued to sit there staring at the blank page I realized that I needed to do something to help clear my head. Then it hit that I should go for a walk. Getting up from my desk I walked to the window. Drawing back the curtains I looked outside. It is so beautiful here I thought. Taking in the splendor of how the tiny icicles looked hanging on the tree’s along with the white snow that was perfectly glued to them. Deciding to go out I walked over to the door and put on my heavy coat, hat, boots, and my gloves. As soon as I stepped outside a rush of cold air met my warm cheeks. I shuddered at the feeling momentarily then began walking. A little ways up the road I found a trail. I veered off onto the trail. After walking for about 10 minutes I stumbled along an old abandoned picnic table. Deciding to sit down and rest for a minute I walked over and brushed the snow aside and sat down. I guess I must have dozed off because I woke up to the feeling of my face becoming numb. Opening my eyes I noticed that it was slowly getting dark. Slowly I wiped the sleep away from my eyes. Then I cursed myself for staying up as late as I did last night going through endless trials of story ideas that never seemed to match up. Trying not to stumble I managed to get up without falling. I thought too soon. No sooner did I take a step I hit a slick patch of snow and I fell awkwardly to the ground. Dang it I thought sitting there for a minute wondering if things could get any worse. Then I tried to get up once again when I felt a sharp pain shoot up my leg. Great. First I catch my fiancé cheating on me a few days after he proposes and now I have managed to sprain my ankle or possibly worse. Resting for a minute I thought third time’s a charm. Slowly I tried to get up shifting my body weight away from my right ankle in hopes that I wouldn’t injure it any more than I already had. Finally I managed to get up with little added damage to my ankle. Being even more careful this time I took small steps as I made my way up the trail up to my cabin. All the while the wind started whipping around me. Even harder than it had before. I pulled my hood up to try and shield my face away from the wind. Seconds felt like minutes and minutes felt like hours. The farther down the trail I got the worse the weather became. The wind felt like knives peircing my skin and my vision was beginning to get blurry due to the sudden and almost instantaneous rush of snow that came barreling towards me. Within a few seconds my vision was gone completely. I couldn’t see more than a foot in front of me. Ohh great I thought can things get any worse? Apparently they can because a strong gust of wind blew through the trees and knocked me down.

    Wow this storm is getting horribly bad. Leon thought as he grabbed his gun and some of his gear off the ground. The weather channel told me that it wouldn’t hit for another hour. Ohh well I’m not having any luck. Better luck tomorrow. He whipped out his compass to find which direction he needed to travel to go home. Finding the right direction he started moving. Five minute’s down the trail he saw something up ahead. Not sure what it was he hastened his pace. As he moved closer he realized that it was a person. Realizing that he had to act and fast he began to run. When he was finally close enough to distinguish the person he noticed that it was a young woman. Dropping his gear he knelt down. Using his hands he wiped away the snow from around her. Moving the snow from around her face he realized that she was excruciatingly cold and on the verge of frostbite. Knowing that he had to do something and fast he picked up his gun and his bag and put it over his shoulder then he picked her up. All the while he thought what is a woman like this doing out here at this time of day? After about another 10 minute’s he finally reached his cabin. Carrying her inside he went to the couch and sat her down. Then practically throwing his gear down he rushed to the fireplace and started a fire. Once the fire was started he went and picked her up again and brought her upstairs to the bathroom. As he started up the stairs she came to.
“It’s alright. You’re safe. Just relax. I’ll explain it all later I promise. But right now I need to get you warmed up.” he said soothingly as he glanced down at her.
Finally reaching the guest bathroom he sat her down and walked into the next room. Walking back and into the bathroom he handed her a towel and a fresh change of clothes.
“I know it’s not much but it’s all I have. Everything you need is in the tub and as soon as you’re done I’ll wash your clothes for you.” he said. But he didn’t move. All he could manage to do was stare at her. What is wrong with you he asked himself? Shaking himself out of the trance he turned and started to leave.
“Thank you.” she said in a soft voice like that of a childs.
Catching him off guard he turned back around.
“You’re welcome.” he said then exited closing the door behind him.
Feeling cold himself he walked into his room to take a shower as well. Getting undressed he grabbed his clothes and went into the bathroom to take a shower.
The feeling of the warm water running down his body was pure torture and pure pleasure.
Once finished he stepped out and dried off. Putting on a pair of sweat’s and t-shirt he dried and gelled his hair then grabbed his clothes and put them in the hamper. Walking out of his room and down the hall he noticed that the guest bathroom door was still shut. Deciding that she was probably just trying to relax and unwind he proceeded downstairs. The smell of the chili that he had been simmering in the crock-pot for a few hours reached him and his stomach began to growl. Reaching the kitchen he turned down the temperature and walked over to the cabinet to grab some bowls and some spoons. Grabbing the ladle he began scooping up the soup into the two bowls.

    The bath felt amazing. I feel so much better. I thought as I stepped out of the bathtub wrapping the towel around me. Walking over to the mirror and wiping the sweat off of it I looked at my reflection. I look terrible I thought. Getting over myself I got dressed and put some mousse that I found in the cabinet in my hair and then hung my towel up. Opening the bathroom door the sweet aroma of something cooking reached me. My stomach began to rumble. Deciding that it wouldn’t hurt to go downstairs to see what was cooking I began walking down the hall. Then it occurred to me that I needed to ask this strange man what happened to me and how I ended up here. Reaching the bottom of the stairs I looked either way to try and find the kitchen. Following my nose I took a right and walked through the living room and into a very spacious kitchen. Pausing momentarily in the doorway I closely examined it. Cherry wood cabinet’s lined the whole north wall. The tile floor was a perfect shade of white, grays, and tan. The kitchen also contained very modern appliances that helped add a cozy and welcoming feeling to the room. Then my eyes fixed on the man ahead of me standing by the stove. Hesitating for a brief moment I examined him as well. Tall, dark hair, medium build. I then started walking towards him. He must have heard me because he paused what he was doing momentarily.
After it appeared like he was done he slowly turned around and looked at me holding a bowl with something steaming in it.
Looking like he was not quite sure what to say he seemed to say the first thing that popped into his mind, “Are you feeling alright? Can I do anything for you?” he asked looking down at the steam coming out of the bowl and then back to me.
“I’m fine. Still a little disoriented. Can I ask what happened?” I said looking at him a little closer.

“Ohh umm yeah. Here’s some chili that I made. If you wait just a second I’ll fix me up some and then we can talk in the living room.” he said looking at me.
“Thanks. I appreciate what you have done for me.” I said walking towards him still favoring my left leg. For a while there I had forgotten that I’d injured it. Finally I got close enough to get a really good look at him. He was a very handsome man. Then I noticed that he had a puzzled look on his face. “What’s wrong with your right leg?” he asked genuinely concerned.

“Ohh umm…on my way back to my cabin I managed to hit a patch of slick snow and I fell. That’s the last thing I remember.”
“Mind if I take a look at it?” he asked sitting his bowl down and walking over to the kitchen table.

“No, I don’t. It still hurts pretty badly though.” I said following him.

I sat down in one of the chairs and he knelt in front of me. First looking up at me then taking my leg very gently in his hand and propped it up on his knee rolling my pants leg up he rubbed his hand up and down my ankle.

“Does this hurt?” he asked touching part of my ankle

Taking in a painful breath in I said, “Yes.”

“Hmm…” he pondered “It’s a sprain alright. I happen to have some bandages in my closet. Sit here while I go get some for your leg.” he said sitting my leg down gently on the tile floor. Then he got up and looked down at me.
“Okay thanks.” I said looking down at my ankle then back up at him.
Watching him turn and walk out of the room I was left sitting there with nothing but my thoughts.

Which wasn’t very much because I don’t know what to think. I don’t know what happened or who this attractive guy is catering to me. Feeling overwhelmed I rested my head on the table until he returned. Hearing footsteps coming towards me I looked up. When he reached me he bent down, bandage in hand, and began wrapping it gently around my ankle. He glanced up at me a few time’s to see if he was causing me any pain and each time I shook my head.

“There.” he said when he was finished. “Does it feel better?” he asked.

“Yes it feels a lot better than it did. Thank you. I appreciate all your help.” I replied standing up. I guess I didn’t balance myself very well because I began to stumble forward. Luckily he was standing there. He caught me before I could manage to fall flat on my face.

“Thanks.” I said looking up at him with his hand’s still holding my arm’s helping me catch my balance.

“You’re welcome.” he said then looked down at me.

Looking into his eyes something sparked. It wasn’t much but there was something. Mentally snapping back into reality I harshly scolded myself ‘WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?!’ You are in the arms of a man you know nothing about. Deciding to break things up I stepped back a little and asked “So are you going to tell me what happened?”

“Ohh right.” he said then he released my arms steadying me once again before moving back towards the counter. “I’ll meet you in the living room in a second.” he said then he turned to finish dipping out his chili. Walking over to the counter I grabbed my bowl and proceeded to the living room.

    Finishing up with the chili he sat his bowl down the replaced the lid. Walking over to the refrigerator he grabbed two bottles of water. Then as he was about to reach the edge where the kitchen and the living room meet the lights began to flicker on and off. Then they went off and didn’t come back on.
“I’ll be in there in a second.” he called out to her then sat his dinner on the counter and walked upstairs. Even with the lights out he knew how to navigate around the house. A few minutes later he came back down the stairs carrying some candles and a flashlight. Entering the living room he asked “Are you okay?” walking over to the mantle and various other area’s placing candles. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a lighter. Lighting each of the candles he periodically looked at her. And each time he did so he found that she too was looking at him. Once all of the candles were lit he replaced the lighter back into his pocket then went back into the kitchen. Grabbing his bowl and their drinks he went back into the living room. Sitting down on the couch opposite of her he sat his plate on the side table then stood back up and reached over to hand her a bottle of water asking, “Is this okay?”

“Yes.” she said grabbing the water and their hand’s brushed one another briefly. He looked at her and she looked at him. The same connection as earlier occurred except this time it was a little stronger. Not sure what to do he sat back down. Grabbing his bowl off the side table he took a bite.

“Well…” he said between bites “I was out hunting earlier. After a few hours of having no luck I began to pack up and go home. Walking up the trail towards my house I stumbled upon something. Not sure what it was I quickened my pace. Once I got close enough I realized that is was a person. Thinking that I didn’t have much time before both me and you would have been buried in the snow I carried you here.”

Taking another bite he looked over and examined her expression. It was a mixture of fear and relief. Fear over what could have happened had he not rescued her. Relief that he had come across her.

“Thank you again.” she said looking down taking in what he had just said. “I don’t know what I would have done had you not come along.” taking the last bite of her chili she stood up and walked towards the kitchen. A few seconds later she reappeared. Only when she came back in she didn’t sit down she walked over to the fireplace. Facing the flame’s she reached her hands out and then rubbed them together.

“You’re welcome.” he replied and she turned around briefly and smiled at him.

“You never did tell me your name.” she asked him after a few seconds still facing the fire.

“Leon. My name is Leon. You never did tell me yours either.” he said repeating her.

“Candace.”

“Well then. Now we are a little bit more acquainted.” he said sarcastically

“It seems that we are.” she said laughing lightly and glancing back toward me.

Getting up I walked into the kitchen to put my bowl in the sink and then put the chili in a container and put it up. Once finished I went back into the kitchen. But did not sit down. I walked over to the blanket rack and grabbed a blanket. Then I moved to where Candace was and wrapped the blanket around her.

“I thought you might be a little cold.” he said looking at her.

“Thank you. How can I ever repay you for your kindness?” she said sympathetically.

“It was my pleasure.” he reassured her and then walked back over to the couch and sat down. Man it’s been a long day I thought to myself. Stifling a yawn I got up and walked into the kitchen taking my bottle of water with me. Deciding on something other than water I opened the fridge. Having memorized what was in it I thought to myself milk no. Orange juice maybe. Hmm…nothing good in here I thought. Walking over to the counter I grabbed the hot chocolate mix. Figuring that Candace might appreciate some I went ahead and opened the fridge and grabbed a gallon of water and poured some into a pot. Moving back into the living room I put the pot over the fire to heat it. Once it was finished I grabbed it and walked into the kitchen to finish the hot chocolate. After about a minute I came out with two steaming cup’s of hot chocolate. Moving towards Candace I handed her a cup then went to sit back down on the couch.

“Thank you.” she said taking a sip while looking at me over the rim of her cup.

“You’re welcome.” I replied and took a sip myself. Then I managed to stifle another yawn.

“Tired?” she asked moving away from the fireplace back to the couch.

“A bit yes. I’ve had a long and rough day. I got up early and split wood then I took a break, ate lunch then spent the rest of the afternoon hunting.” I answered her wondering if I had gone into too much detail.

“Hmm…” she replied wrapping her hands around her mug and breathing in the warm steam. “sounds like you had a long day.”

“What about you? How did you end up over in this neck of the wood’s?” he asked curiously.

“Well I am a writer and I have been trying to work on a story for the past 3 days and I’ve gone through endless idea’s and still can’t manage to come up with anything. Thinking that maybe clearing my head would get things flowing I decided to take a walk. The last thing I remember before I blacked out was falling and spraining my ankle then getting up and being ambushed my snow.” she said
“Sounds like your day was much rougher than mine. Speaking of how is your ankle feeling?” he asked.

“Ohh it is still giving me fit’s but compared to earlier it is feeling much better.” she said looking over at me. After that it got a little silent for a minute or two and then the conversation began to flow. Seeming like we talked for hours I finally finished my cup of hot chocolate I got up.

“I’m getting pretty tired and I think I’m going to call it a night.” I said stretching
 
“That sound’s perfect.” she said as she got up and began to slowly walk into the kitchen.

Following her I did the same.

Getting to the sink a little before me she turned on the faucet momentarily to rinse he cup out and she placed it into the sink. Doing the same I rinsed mine out and sat it in the sink. Turning toward her I was having a hard time making out the look on her face. Suddenly curious I asked, “What are you thinking?”
Looking at me then back towards the fireplace she thought for a minute.

“Ohh I was just thinking about earlier. How terrified I felt out there compared to how comfortable I feel now here in this house with you.” she replied turning back towards me. Even when the lights are out there is still something so compelling about I thought. Then she looked up at me and I felt like I was done for. The same connection I felt earlier came back and I was instantly drawn to her. Not usually a man who gives’s into spur of the moment action’s I moved closer to her. Lightly brushing a piece of hair away from her face I felt her shiver. Knowing that she was still cold I wrapped my arms around her. Looking down into her eye’s I knew that after all my years of searching and praying for God to send me someone he finally answered my prayers, I finally found her. Turning my head to the side I kissed her gently. Nothing too fast. The moment my lips touched hers I felt the sparks. We stood there in each other’s arms for what felt like an eternity. Then we pulled away from each other briefly. For a moment we stared into each other’s eyes. Moving her hand to the side of my face she raised up and kissed me again. It lasted for about a minute this time and then she pulled away from me. No words needed to be exchanged. We both realized that there was something special between us. All it took was just one look “Goodnight Leon.”, she said and then walked out of the kitchen towards the stairs.

Mesmerized was the only word that described what just happened. Stifling another yawn I walked into the living room and doused the fire and went to bed.
 
What just happened down there? I thought to myself as I stood in front of the bathroom mirror. Turning on the faucet I splashed my face with water. Looking back at the mirror my mind flashed back to the kiss. I’d never felt anything like that with Logan. Not once in the 3 years we were together. Wiping my face off with the towel I turned off the light and walked down the hall to my room. Climbing into bed I felt a wave of relaxation flow through me and I drifted quietly off to sleep.

I arose the next morning to soft rays of sun pouring through the almost translucent curtains. Getting out of bed I quickly slipped my robe and house shoes on and walked quietly to the bathroom. Taking my time waking up I slowly brushed my teeth, fixed my hair, and washed my face. Walking out of the bathroom it hit me. The decadent smell of bacon and sausage reached me. My stomach rumbled in response as I made my way cautiously down the stairs. Rounding the corner I saw Leon standing at the stove cooking. Then slowly he turned around. I hadn’t made a sound, yet he still heard me. He stared at me for about a minute then turned back to the stove.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

“Starving.”, I replied as I made my way into the kitchen. Sitting down at the table he turned around and asked “Orange juice or coffee?”

“Can I have both?” I asked smiling.

“Of course.” he said walking to the cabinet and grabbing a coffee cup and a small glass. After filling them both he walked over to me and sat them down in front of me.

“Thanks.” I said looking up at him.

“You’re welcome. How did you sleep last night?” he asked as he walked back to the stove.

“Best night of sleep I’ve had in a long time. My ankle’s still sore, but it feels a lot better than it did yesterday. “I replied sipping my coffee.

“That’s great to hear. The weather channel said that the storm is supposed to clear out in a few hours. Once it does I can take you back home.” he said his voice dropping. Silence followed for a minute. I put my head down and closed my eyes. Next thing I know I hear the chair across from me squeak and I looked up to see him sitting down. Looking at my plate he said, “I wasn’t sure what you wanted so I fixed a little bit of everything…bacon, sausage, eggs, and my mom’s famous biscuits.” Taking a bite of the biscuits I knew just why he said famous. They practically melted in your mouth.

“So you’re not only an avid hunter, but you’re also a chef too? Wow. What else can you do?” I asked picking up a piece of bacon and taking a huge bite.

“Hmm…let’s see” he pondered “I know how to farm, I can sew, but I am very bad at it, ohh and I am a pretty good at architecture.”

“Impressive.” I said then took a sip of my orange juice

“So you said you were a writer huh? What kind of stories do you write?” he asked curiously.

“It depends. Mostly I write a mixture of drama, romance, and comedy.” I said looking at him.

“Are you working on anything now?” he asked taking a sip of his orange juice and returning my gaze.

“Umm…well.” I stuttered not really wanting to get into this conversation because it reminded me of him.

Noticing the look on my face he said politely, “You don’t have to answer I was just curious.”

“No, no it’s okay. It just reminds me of something I would rather not think about. Although to answer your question yes I am working on something, but I have not quite started writing it.”

“Hmm…what are your ideas’ so far?” he asked.

“Well.”, I said “I’m still in the pre-writing process. I’ve been working on it for about 2 weeks now and every idea I come up with doesn’t seem to work. I’m not really used to working in the kind of slump I’ve been in. Usually my writing comes out so fast I’m writing till the early morning hours. Ever since my fiancé left me it’s been difficult.” Why? What made you tell a complete stranger this? I asked myself. Then I looked up into the eyes of a man who seemed to understand exactly the way I felt. Not wanting to say more I started to nibble on a piece of bacon.

“So how do you like the weather up here?” He asked picking up his fork, and scooping up a generous helping of eggs.

“I love it here!” I said feeling a huge smile spread across my face. “I’ve actually contemplated leaving my condo in downtown New York to move here. It’s so peaceful here. I find it much easier to write and am more inspired here versus there.”

I heard him chuckle and I looked up. Wow he has an amazing smile. I’m almost positive he’s broken many hearts with a smile like that.

“What?” I asked staring at him.

“Nothing.”, He said still laughing, “I just never pictured you as a New York kinda girl. You’re very down to earth and humble.”
“Touché mystery man. Tell me about yourself.” I asked giving him an interrogating look.
“Well where do I start?” Leon asked himself. Then a little voice played in his head remember your cover story. “I’m a contractor and have been since I was 23, when I took over my dad’s business. Although I had worked with him since I was 16. I’ve lived here in Montana all my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s gorgeous. I have my Master’s degree in business and military sciences.”

Author's Note

This is a work in progress. It does not look perfect at the moment and is FAR from finished!! Hopefully I can get it to full book length at some point. Thanks for reading!! =)

Reviews

[kaylynnmelody♥]

I really liked this. it took me the longest time to read this. Maybe you should put in some more paragraphs or a differnt font, and i think you will get a lot more reviews. I see that you are new, and I think this is a great first peice! thanks for sharing! Have a great night and a merry Christmas and a Happy new year!
-Kaylynnmelody♥