Stranded but not Alone (Midnight Moanings Collection) by Cora Blu Read Free Book Online

shoulder and changed the screen to show different angles and her gentle scent clouded his mind.
    “That picture was taken from those big leather club chairs in front of the fireplace. See the buffet table? I caught the red-headed guy coming off the elevator. He’s either a guest or visiting someone.”
    He glanced over his shoulder and stroked a hand down her face. “Then you’re not safe. Don’t you remember me standing beside you at the fireplace? They think we’re a couple. Maybe saw us go off into the woods at the same time.”
    “And pulled our luggage so it appears like we wanted to stay out here.”
    “Or knew the van was going over the cliff. When the authorities follow the tracks up the mountain and see our bags…” He broke off  in disgust. “They’ll come looking for us as the murderers.” He bolted up, grabbing his wet boots.
    “I’ll go with you, after those finish drying, mister.”
     
     

 
     
     
     
    Five
      
     
    They were being hunted by an unknown person or persons and she put her life in the hands of a stranger. Simone sat curled up on the lumpy sofa, keeping an eye on Seth changing the angle of his boots drying in front of the fire as he sat on the mattress. His long legs bent at the knees, bare feet long and masculine. Feet and shoulders were her thing and his sat high on her scale.
    Seth held the blanket open after slipping under the covers. “We should get some sleep while it’s snowing. Nobody’s coming up the mountain or through the woods tonight mainly because the animals will be out looking for food. It’s too dangerous.”
    “I’ll sit up for a while and braid my hair. You go on to sleep. I’ll turn your boots again before I go to bed,” she said and kept her eyes on the laptop as Seth pushed up off the floor both blankets in hand and sank down beside her on the sofa. The old cushions dipped under his weight.
    “Set the laptop on the mattress and lie under the covers with me,” he said, stretching out behind her, tucking his feet under the back cushions of the couch. Simone cantered forward as his long legs pushed at her butt.
    “What are you doing?” Her rushed tone sounded like a plea.
    “You camped out as a kid. Don’t you know about the benefits of sharing body heat?”
    “It’s not cold in here, Seth. The stove is working just fine.”
    She caught the half grin tugging the corner of his mouth as he held the blanket open for her to join him. Five o’clock shadow should be a registered weapon on him.
    “I offered the mattress, but you turned me down.”
    “Alright you win. The mattress is fine.”
    “Too late. Besides you had no problem being so close to me when I was naked in the tub.”
    “You were vulnerable. I could’ve taken you on if you tried anything.”
    “Mmm hmm,” he muttered and laid one arm behind his head. His long legs rubbed her butt as he fumbled around until he was comfortable.
    “Are you married, Seth?”
    “No,” he said.
    “Children?”
    “No.” He raised up on his elbow. “We’ll both sleep better if we’re warm. After the hike tomorrow, you’re gonna wish you got some sleep.” Seth hooked an arm around her waist and waited. She gave in and tucked her feet under the covers.
    “If I start to cry, it’s not because of you.” She snuggled her back to him.
    “Turn around, you’ll be warmer. Tell me, why would you cry, Simone?”
    She took a breath then exhaled and balanced on the strip of sofa to cuddle into that wide chest she’d stared at all day. His arm closed over her ribcage against her back, holding her wedged between his legs. His warm breath caressed her cheek. She blew out a breath. Keeping this bottled up was not helping her to mourn her child properly.
    “Four months ago my boyfriend walked out on me when I told him I was pregnant.”
    His hand lifted from her back, just enough for her to notice him become uncomfortable. Tucking his chin against his chest, he ducked his face to hers. His eyes darted