Frigid Affair (3 page)

The crackling sound echoed off the quiet surrounding forest. I ran my hands through my ratty hair, struggling to figure out what else I could do. Tears filled my eyes as I considered how devastating this was going to be for my friends. They would have to wait until the weather warmed to rebuild, if it was even an option. I recalled a cabinet located in the master bedroom. It contained a bunch of family heirlooms, including photo albums of their ancestors. I remembered them showing me one night after dinner, each going on and on about how much time it took them to research where their families originally came from.

Without much consideration for my own safety, I hurried back inside to see if I could save at least one of their precious items. The thick smoke made it impossible to see. I closed my eyes, covering my face with the fabric of my scarf as I blindly felt around for the furniture. Luckily, they hadn’t rearranged anything. I located the items, gathering them and placing each under my arm for protection. I was just about to exit again when I heard Ava barking outside. That’s the last thing I remember.

My eyes were closed, but it was obvious a light was on. I heard a male voice, and for a second I thought I’d died. I assumed the ceiling had caved in and crushed me, killing me instantly. Maybe a group of Chippendales were there to whisk me away to a better place, naked of course.

I wasn’t experiencing pain, per se, but found it hard to catch my breath. As I attempted to sit up and open my eyes, I heard the voice again. “Can you hear me?”

The first thing I saw was a man, crouched down over my body, which was lying on the cold snow-covered ground. The sound of a motor and more voices told me others were around, helping to get the fire out. My eyes finally focused in on the person trying to get my attention. “There you are. Can you tell me your name, miss?”

“Amantha. I’m Amantha Stone.”

“Good. How many fingers am I holding up?” I could tell right away it was five, but when I glanced up and saw his light colored baby-blues staring back at me, I almost forgot how to speak. His lashes were long, and a small amount of stubble covered half his face. He seemed so focused on me, waiting for me to respond while I became captivated. It had been a while since I’d seen such a handsome specimen, especially one who may or may not have saved me from a burning building.

“Five fingers.” I licked my lips, noticing how dry they were. My throat felt scratchy, and each time I struggled to take a deep breath I was reminded how trying it was. “Thirsty. Water?” I struggled to request.

He stood and rushed over to what looked like an ATV with a trailer attached. He opened the side hatch and started going through a large box, coming back with a bottle. “Here you go. Do you need help?”

I took it from his hands, opened the lid and poured it down my throat without answering. Before I could control it, I coughed loudly, spitting out most of what I’d consumed. It was gross and embarrassing, but the guy put his hands on my shoulder for support nonetheless. “Thanks,” I managed to whisper. “What happened?” It was hard to remember how I’d gotten out of the house.

“I arrived and saw your dog coming around from the back. At that particular time I assumed the house was empty, but she led me right to you. You’re lucky she did. The structure won’t be safe for much longer.”

“They can’t put the fire out?”

“Everything is frozen. We can’t bring a plane in because of the weather conditions. Lucky for you, my buddies and I were at our lodge for some hunting. I work for the New York Fire Department as an investigator. It’s a good thing too, because I’m pretty certain you would have died without my assistance.” He almost seemed like he was smiling when he said it. “It took us a good twenty minutes on ATV’s to get to you, and we don’t have much equipment except for what we brought for the weekend. Right now all we can do is maintain the area and hope the wind doesn’t pick up.”

I placed my hands over my face and began to sob. I’d been stupid to go back in the home. “I shouldn’t have gone inside. I was trying to save some of their heirlooms.”

“This isn’t your house?” He asked, seemingly confused.

“No. I live up the mountain a ways. This is my neighbors’ property. The couple spend the winter months in Florida.”

“Shit.” He looked over at the blaze. “Do you need to call them?”

“I already did. I’m sure they’re trying to get here, but it will take forever, even if they manage to book a flight, it will probably get cancelled.”

“Yeah, they’re calling for it to pick up later tonight.” He looked over at his friends. They were standing around watching the blaze. At the same time a huge crash occurred. I watched the center part of the roof caving in. From the light of the flames, and the melted snow on the shingles, steam started coming up out of the exposed hole. The handsome gentleman shook his head. “Damn. What a shame. It was a nice place.”

“Yeah, I always enjoyed visiting.”

He changed the subject. “Whatever you had under your arm is over there in a pile. I figured if it was important enough to risk your life over, I could at least try to salvage it.”

“Thank you.” It was very kind of him to do that, especially since it was a dangerous situation. “Could you see the flames from your lodge?” My throat felt like razor blades were scratching it.

“Yes.”

“Thank God.”

“I’m sure they’ll send out a plane when the weather breaks. For now it’s contained. The trees are far enough away it shouldn’t spread. Unfortunately, it means your friends are going to lose everything.”

“Sadly we take that risk when we move here. Being off the grid means we need to fend for ourselves.”

He smirked and looked at me with inquisitive eyes. “Ma’am, you could have died out here tonight. Is there someone I can call to come help you get home?”
I shook my head, feeling the wet snow beneath me seeping into the fabric of my pants. “No. I live alone,” I lifted my finger. “Up there, on the top of the mountain.”

He peered in the direction of where I’d directed, though it was entirely too dark to see. “You live alone? You’re kidding, right?”
“No.” I wished I could see the humor in it, but as time passed I was feeling miserable. “I’ve been here for four years now.” My coughing became unbearable. Before I knew it he was picking me up again, carrying me over to sit on his ATV. “You’re suffering from smoke inhalation.”
“I’ll be fine,” I insisted.

“No,” he argued. “You need to be monitored. I’m going to take you back to your place before you become hypothermic on top of it. Let me tell my companions what’s going on.”

“I’ll be fine,” I defended.

“Ma’am, I’ll feel better about it when you’re inside your home, and not soaking wet out here in this mess. This is what I was trained to do. I get that I’m a stranger, but I won’t forgive myself if I left you for dead.” He turned his attention to his friends that were too far away for me to see them clearly. He seemed worried, a smug look plastered across his face. “Hang tight. I’ll be back in a sec.”

I heard arguing. One guy was telling him to stay with the group. The wind was ripping, making it hard for me to make out the rest. When the man came back he seemed like he just wanted to get away from them.

“Is everything okay?”

“It’s fine. Are you ready?” He was short and to the point.

I hated feeling weak, as if I were unable to care for myself. If I wasn’t in bad shape I would have refused his assistance, but I knew maneuvering up the mountain on the snow mobile was going to require more energy and strength than I currently had.

Against my better judgment, I decided to let the man help. There was nothing else he could do to manage the fire, and since they thought it wouldn’t spread, I felt better about being able to not worry. “Yeah. I’m freezing.”

Ava followed us the whole way up the mountain. The guy had to stop three times on account of having to pull my snow mobile. It would slide off to the side and prevent the ATV from being able to continue on.

Finally, after an uncomfortable ride where I clung to the warm body of a stranger, we made it to my cabin. Smoke was coming out of the chimney, and this time I knew it meant warmth.

Walking was difficult. I felt like someone was standing on my chest. The gentleman turned and offered me a hand to get me inside. After he let Ava in, he closed the door and rubbed his hands together. “Wow it’s bitter cold.”

I assumed he was going to leave, but he kept standing there, breathing warm air into his fisted hands.

I started taking off my boots, and then my jacket. I was beginning to hurt – like someone had beat me up. He must have sensed me struggling and helped remove my coat. “You’re going to need to take it easy. It’s best if you go lie down. Do you have a phone or someone I can call for you?”

“No, but I’m fine,” I insisted. “Did you want something to drink for the ride?”

“Sorry, I thought you understood,” he corrected. “For your condition you should be kept in the hospital where someone can monitor your breathing. I’m not leaving you here to have complications, not on my watch. I’m staying in this cabin with you.” When he said it he kept looking out the window, as if someone was coming for him. I wondered if I was about to be attacked by two men who could easily control me with their combined strength.

“You’re not staying here. I don’t know you.” Since I’d spoken so abruptly, my throat cracked. It felt dry inside, sticking together with each word. I held onto it, making my way toward the small kitchen in hopes of grabbing a bottle of water.

The fireman stepped in front of me, bending over to pick it up before I could. “You need to lie down. Please, it’s not a big deal. I’ve been drinking with the guys. I already took a nap. I’ll leave as soon as day breaks. I’ve seen people messed up from smoke inhalation. It’s a serious matter if it’s not cared for. I don’t have oxygen on hand, or any means to alleviate what I know you’re experiencing. Trust me, I know firsthand how awful it feels. I’ve had it several times in my career.”

“I’m not you. I’ll be fine. Don’t you have to get back to the other guys?”

“No, actually I don’t. Trust me, I need to be here with you.”

I don’t know what made me agree to it. Perhaps I was so desperate I assumed a stranger in my home was a good idea, or maybe I was delusional from inhaling the harmful fumes, or it was possible that I didn’t care whether I lived or died anymore. “Fine. I’m not a charity case. If you haven’t noticed, I’ve done a pretty good job taking care of myself. If you think it’s imperative to babysit me, so be it.”

He was already taking off his snow gear. “I won’t argue with that. It takes a brave woman to live out here on her own. I don’t even know if I’d have the balls to do something so adventurous. I’m sure you’ll be fine by morning, but I’d kick myself in the ass if I left you alone in your condition.”

“I get it,” I said with sarcasm.

He placed his hands in his pockets. “So you said your name is Amanda?”

“Amantha,” I corrected.

“Oh gotcha. You have one of those weird names you can’t find on coffee cups.”

I snickered. “Pretty much.”

“It’s nice. I’ve never heard it before.”

I managed to smile. “Yeah, it is different.”

“I’m Easton. Easton Pratt.”

I pointed to the couch. “Well, Easton Pratt, there’s the couch. I don’t have television, but there are plenty of books. Make yourself comfortable. Pee outside, if you’ve got to go.”

He let out a chuckle. “You don’t have many visitors do you?”
“Nope. Aside from my neighbors and the mailman  during the warm months, you’re the first.”

“Doesn’t it get lonely?” He asked as I began to cough again. “I can’t imagine being cut off from civilization. I mean, things happen. Take tonight for instance. You could have died. God only knows if anyone would find you. They might assume the house was empty. By the time they were able to get up here to check it out an animal would have taken away your remains. Sorry, I guess I’m a little protective. I have sisters that make piss-poor decisions, and I find myself having to save them more than I’d like to admit. The way you live is your choice. It’s none of my business.”

Suddenly I felt overwhelmingly guilty and fearful. This handsome man was either trying to do a good deed or find out if anyone would be coming to interrupt him from slaughtering me. I’d been injured, and as much as I wanted to think I was fine, a part of me knew I’d done more harm than good by going inside the burning home. “No. I should be the one apologizing,” I managed to say, though still very unsure. “You saved my life. I owe you a thanks, not rudeness. You’ll have to excuse my manners. I’m not used to socializing anymore.”

“Interesting.” He kept giving me a once-over. “I never would have pegged someone who looked like you to live out here all by herself. Am I overstepping if I ask why?”

“Who looks like me?”

“Well, you’re pretty beautiful. I live in a city with millions of women, but they’re all done up. It’s disturbing how they can’t feel comfortable being natural.”

I was blushing. Thank God it was dark, or else I’d be completely ashamed of myself. This man was like a walking sex god in front of me, not just because of his looks, but because he was the first one I’d seen in months.

“Some people would say I’ve let myself go.” I shrugged and looked away nervously, as if it was embarrassing to stand before him. Then I threw caution to the wind and let the details fly. “I lost my family in a train wreck. We lived in a small town in Pennsylvania, and I felt like no matter where I turned there were reminders. In order for me to be able to move on I knew I had to get out of there. I spent a lot of my childhood hunting with my father, learning how to be a survivalist, and to be able to live off the land. I appreciate nature, and the beauty Alaska has to offer. It’s peaceful here, and I can be happy without having to look over my shoulder. I’m out of the spotlight. No one knows who I am, and I want it to stay that way. Don’t get me wrong. I love my family. It’s hard to live when society won’t let you forget how much you’ve lost.” I realized afterwards how much information I’d given him. It was pretty obvious I sucked at communicating. It didn’t help how I still kept thinking about him implying I was too good looking to live in a cabin on a mountaintop – all alone.