Chilled by Death Read Online Free PDF

the closer-than-friend arena, and she didn’t want to go there.
    But heated memories prodded her.
    It had been a horrific phase in her life. He’d been there for her, but they’d been animals. Taking what they needed, giving back, but as it was such a blur she wasn’t sure she’d acquitted herself well in that department. She’d been so lost. Yet through it all he’d been there, an anchor in her world.
    She’d appreciated it. But she hadn’t been able to stay. She’d seen a future with him she couldn’t have. Because of who he was. Because of who she was.
    Did she really want to open that door again? He’d been the hottest lover she’d ever known. However, sex was no basis for a relationship. Maybe he just wanted an affair. She frowned. She didn’t do those, and that’s all he did.
    Or was she just hoping that’s what he wanted?
    There was one thing she did know – she hadn’t had a relationship since losing her girlfriends. It hurt to lose those you loved. And damn, she’d loved those two. Everyone had called the three of them a matched set.
    Since then, she’d dated a few odd times but hadn’t taken any to bed – except Royce. And he’d be the last one she’d want a relationship with. With his hobbies and extreme sports, not to mention his job, there was a good chance she’d lose him, too.
    No, that was enough. She’d find a nice staid accountant and settle down eventually. A crazy, live-life-on-the-edge kind of guy was not the type of man she was looking for.
    However, as they were leaving tomorrow, she did need to find a way to get along with him.
    For everyone’s sake.
    *
    Really? Stacy was coming? Finally, after all these years. A dream come true. Something he’d worked for, toiled over, waited anxiously for – and now it was happening. He wasn’t sure if he should be screaming for joy or remorse.
    He knew she was ready for this.
    Hell, he was ready for this.
    But did she realize how important this trip was going to be?

Chapter 5

    T he morning of the trip came too early. They weren’t leaving until almost noon as the journey was only a couple of hours, but crossing the border could hold them up. They also had to shop on the other side before driving the last hour to the cabin.
    Stacy was still trying to gather the necessities of life, remembering at the last moment that her brother had said to bring extra thermals. George had all the gear and equipment. She just needed to bring enough clothing and cold weather gear for the week. And books. She was looking forward to a few hours of skiing but found that sitting in front of the fire with the nice rich aroma of a pot of stew simmering beside her, a book in hand, to be just as appealing. And maybe spending time with her camera.
    Books. Damn, she hadn’t packed any books. She raced back to her room and snatched up two mysteries she’d picked up last week. She couldn’t wait to dive into them. While trying to stuff them into her already-full bag, the doorbell rang. “Shit.” She ran out of her room and pulled the front door open, not even looking at her brother. “I’m almost ready. Just need another couple of minutes.”
    “Not a problem. We’ve got a little leeway.”
    Royce’s voice. She stopped and turned. “Where’s George?”
    “Downstairs reshuffling gear to make room for your bag.” He surveyed the room. “Have you got much more?”
    She ran back into her bedroom, checked her list, and realized she had it all. “No, I think I’m done. It’s just this bag.” She picked it up and groaned. “Damn it. When did this get so heavy?”
    “As we’re not flying, weight doesn’t matter.”
    “It does if I have to lug it very far on the other end.” She carried it out to the front door and dropped it, then took one last look around while she pulled on her coat. “Okay, I’m good to go.”
    He picked up the bag easily and walked out ahead of her. She locked up the door, a pang of fear zinging through her as she did so.