Free Snowed Over (A Christmas Novella) by Angie Stanton

Eve dinner.”  
    “You think so? That would be great!” Sort of. Although Katie really wanted to see her mom, she liked hanging out with Alex and hated to see it end.
    “Want to see if there is a snowmobile out there?” he asked.
    The eager look on his face was infectious. She grinned. “Totally.”  
     
    Outside, they struggled through the drifts. The wind still whipped, but it didn’t seem like new snow—more like last night’s snow blowing around. The door to the shed was snowed shut. They worked together sweeping snow away with their hands, and then Alex used his boot to clear the snow closer to the ground. Katie wished she’d worn the musty old snowmobile suit. Her jeans were already snow covered. Her scarf kept blowing off, sending an extra chill through her.
    Alex pulled on the metal door handle, opening the wooden door only a couple inches. Katie fell to her knees and scooped more snow out of the way. Within a couple minutes, Alex opened the door wide enough for them to squeeze inside.
    It took a moment to adjust to the dim light. A small window on each side of the shed allowed the limited light.  
    They turned to each other at the same moment.  
    “There it is. I knew it!” he said.
    “Oh my god, we’re getting out of here?” She squealed at the sight of the snowmobile.
    Alex held out his arms and, without thinking, Katie bounded into them, receiving his excited bear hug. His strong arms wrapped around her, holding her to his strong, muscled chest.  
    Despite them both wearing thick winter coats, the hug seemed a little too personal, like she should have a much closer relationship with him than carpool companion. But Katie didn’t care. She squeezed him back, and the side of her head brushed his chin. He released her and she stepped away, pretending his touch hadn’t affected her.  
    He peered closer at the big machine. The enthusiasm in his voice dropped. His forehead wrinkled. “We have a problem. I don’t see any keys.”
    “They must be here some place.” She scanned the walls of the shed looking for a nail they might be hung on. No luck.  
      Alex moved some lawn chairs. “Sometimes cabin owners hide the keys of things they don’t want stolen. If the robber can’t find the keys, it’s a lot harder to steal something.”
    Together they lifted rakes and shovels and buckets looking for the elusive keys.
    “Their plan is working.” She couldn’t believe they’d come so close to getting out of here only to have to solve a hidden key mystery.
    Alex rolled a small lawn mower out of the way. Nothing. Katie tried to move a large pot filled with soil and a shriveled up plant.  
    “Need a hand?” He squatted next to her.
    “I think I’ve got it.” She gave it a heave and fell back on her butt. “Maybe not.” She laughed.
    “Let me give it a shot.” Alex grabbed the side of the clay pot and strained hard to move it. He fell, knocking her onto her back. He held a piece of the pot in his hands. “Oops.”
    He rolled next to her on the frozen ground. “Sorry about that. You okay?”
    She edged up onto her elbows. “Aw, come on. A strong guy like you should be able to lift it.”  
    “Is that so?” He leaned on an elbow, his face mere inches away. Katie didn’t dare move. She was afraid to breathe. Alex gazed into her eyes, a playful smile on his face. And suddenly, his gaze wasn’t playful. It shifted to something else. He looked at her mouth and before she could process what was happening, he lowered his mouth to hers.  

 
     
    Chapter 10
     
     
    His lips were cold, but his breath felt warm. He kissed her tentatively, softly. He pulled away for an instant, as if considering his actions, but returned. His kisses were soft, short, leisurely. She was trapped on her elbows, not wanting him to stop, but knowing it was wrong. She didn’t care. At least not at that moment. His mouth felt firm and sexy and eager for more.  
    A million thoughts shot through her brain like