A snowed-in scene is pretty much obligatory in a Christmas romance, right? I had so much fun with this beloved trope, as well as a twist on the “only one bed” trope, in Christmas Rekindled: Bangers Tavern Romance 1, on sale for just 99¢ through 11/28! Get your copy from your favorite ebook seller. https://books2read.com/b/3JjPxP
This scene was inspired by Tacoma Washington’s 2018 “Snowmageddon,” when a heavy snow dump left the whole city shut down for the better part of a week. Enjoy!
“Guess that’s it.” River emerged from the kitchen, wiping his wet hands on his jeans. He leaned in close. “Any chance of a sleepover tonight? I owe you some groveling.”
Grinning, she hooked her fingers through his belt loops and tugged him closer still. “Groveling goes well with a side of mac and cheese.”
“I’ll dish some up.” He pressed his hips to hers, just a subtle rocking motion, but enough to ignite her panties.
“I’ll bet you will.” She tilted her chin up for a kiss.
As his lips brushed hers, Dawn’s voice rang out from the back hallway. “Holy Christmas. We are screwed.”
They trotted to the back door and peered out. Fat snowflakes sailed silently down, already filling the deep footprints Dawn left. Tall drifts piled against the back wall, and the only evidence of Charlie’s SUV and Dawn’s truck were two glittering, snowy humps.
Charlie gripped River’s arm. “Where’s your bike?”
“I rode in with Dawn. Do we have a shovel?”
Dawn shook her head slowly. “Thought I had one in the shed, but—” Her face sagged. “Kiddos, I’m sorry. Looks like we’re stuck.”
River straightened his shoulders. “Bullshit. We’ve got brooms and kitchen stuff. We can dig out.”
“With what, a spatula?” Charlie gazed up at the swirling monster flakes. “Even if we clear off my car, it’s a Toyota, not a tank.” She poked a tall snow drift with the toe of her boot. If only they’d left the mess until morning, she and River would be snuggling in front of his fireplace by now, warm and toasty.
His breath puffed in the frigid air as he leaned close and whispered, “I can’t do a proper grovel in front of the boss.”
Dawn shooed them back inside. “That’s what I get for not checking the weather report. We’re spending the night.” When River opened his mouth to object, she jabbed her finger into his chest. “No arguments. I won’t be responsible for sending you two out to freeze, or crash, or worse.”
River spread his hands wide. “Like what? Get eaten by the abominable snowman?”
Shivering, Charlie hooked his arm and tugged him inside. “It’s just one night. We’ll survive. And hey, we have mac and cheese.”
Dawn shut the back door behind her and blew into her cupped palms. “Tell you what, River. I’ll heat the leftovers if you’ll heat up some Glögg. Afterward, I’ll sleep in my office so you can heat up Charlie.” Flashing a saucy grin, she retreated into the kitchen.
“How freakin’ embarrassing,” Charlie muttered. While River puttered at the bar, she scouted possible sleeping nooks. The booth seats were padded but too short to stretch out. The bar top was too narrow, the tile floor too hard and cold. The only carpeted spot in the whole place was the area around the pool tables.
…Dear reader, did they build a cozy blanket fort beneath the pool table? And did they get deliciously frisky in their improvised love den? Read Christmas Rekindled and find out!
On a personal note, my mother passed last week after a long battle with cancer. Her family is gathering for one last Thanksgiving in Mama’s house. I’m grateful for this chance to be together before the big clean-out.
Wishing you and yours the happiest of Thanksgivings with all the tasty treats. Hug your loved ones.
