Love at Last (Last Frontier Lodge #2) by J.H. Croix Read Free Book Online Page A

comment elicited a mixed reaction. Sometimes, she desperately wanted to be living on her own. Yet, it was more what it represented than the actual reality she craved. She’d moved in with her parents after she had Nick out of necessity. While she wanted to be able to afford to take care of Nick and herself on her own, she loved her father dearly and was beyond grateful for the support he offered Nick.
    “Dad, I…”
    Don waved a hand and continued. “Hon, when you moved in with me and your mom after Nick was born, we were thrilled. I can’t tell you how glad I am you were here to help when your mom got sick. The first few years after she died were hard and having you and Nick here made it easier on me. You’ve got a good job now. I don’t want you feeling like I expect you to stay here. I’m no fool. I know you being here cuts into your social life, not because I think it should, but because you don’t want to ask too much of me. Whether you’re here or living on your own, I’ll babysit whenever you need me to, so don’t let that get in your way.” Don paused for another swallow of coffee.
    “Dad, it’s not like I’ve been in a rush to move out. Being here isn’t keeping me from a social life. I’m a single mother, I’m busy!” She heard the words leave her mouth and knew she was making excuses. The truth was she had let her life narrow to a small window because it was easier that way. She had friends, dear friends, Nick and her father, but she made no effort to even think about dating, or consider the idea of a relationship. Garrett challenged that, which terrified her. He kindled hopes and dreams she’d buried years ago while eliciting a desire she’d never thought possible. Her mind blinked back to the night before, and the very reason she’d left when she sensed he wanted to take things further.
    To be fair, things were moving fast with him, faster than she was comfortable. She had no idea if anything she felt with him could go any further than mind blowing physical encounters, but it didn’t change the reality she’d most likely hide inside the small room she’d created for her life. She took a breath and met her father’s eyes. He saw so much. All he did was smile ruefully. “I know you’re busy, hon. It’s hard to watch you limit yourself. That’s all.”
    At that, Don stood and nodded toward the door. “Car’s probably warm by now.”
    She chuckled and grabbed her coat, throwing it over her shoulders. “Bye, Dad.” She pecked him on the cheek and jogged out to her car. As promised, it was toasty warm inside.
    When she got to work, she was quickly immersed in the busy pulse of the kitchen. Breakfast and dinner were the busiest times at the lodge. Lunch moved at more of a rolling pace since many guests were out skiing. When things slowed down enough for her to take a breather, she ducked into her office to go through the weekly supply order.
    “Hey there.”
    Her head whipped up. Garrett leaned against the doorframe, his blue eyes locked onto her. A jolt of awareness rocked her and desire slid through her veins. Delia, you are seriously a fool. All he did was show up, and your body’s gone wild. It was so bad, she couldn’t do a thing to stop it. Her body had a mind of its own when it came to Garrett.
    Her eyes coasted over him. She couldn’t help but savor the sight of his muscled chest filling out his navy t-shirt. His jeans hung low on his hips. His sensual mouth hooked in a slow smile. Her breath hitched and her mouth went dry. It suddenly occurred to her she hadn’t bothered to reply to him.
    “Hey, um, how’s it going?”
    “Pretty good. I’m about to head out and help Gage install some heaters in the ski huts on the slopes. How are you?”
    “Fine,” she replied automatically. “My dad’s glad you’re helping Gage with those heaters.”
    Garrett nodded. “Heard the same from him.”
    She grinned. “He figured it would take Gage most of the winter on his own.