Free Nothing Short of a Miracle by Carol Henry

thought the ice was thick enough to hold him and his sled. I had to fish him out of the water before he turned into an ice cube. Anyway, Chad never lets the ladies bother him unless there’s a reason, usually because they’re getting too close. If you only met a few days ago, and you’ve gotten under his skin already, I can guarantee something is going on.”
    “He’s the grouchiest man I’ve ever met. Besides, I’m really not interested. I have too many problems to deal with right now to worry about Chad, or anyone else for that matter.”
    She didn’t want to admit to Dennis the real reason she had gotten under Chad’s skin was because he assumed she was after his money.
    “Are you trying to tell me to back off, too?”
    Gabriella’s eyes flew open. “Oh, Dennis. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean… that is…. I’m so sorry.”
    “No, no, calm down. I understand. Story of my life. Listen, don’t worry about it. I’ll call you for dinner, and we can cry on each other’s shoulders.”
    “Thanks, you’re a sweetheart.” And she meant it. There was a refreshing kindness about him that was hard to resist.
    “And don’t you forget it. See you back at the ranch.”
    Gabriella made her way back inside the apartment to check on Nina and collect the rest of her belongings. A few pictures of her family, a special paperweight given to her by her sister when she was sixteen, and the jewelry box containing a couple of precious family gems handed down on her mother's side of the family. The picture of Charles, she took out of the frame, tore it up, and threw it in the washroom’s circular file. She didn’t want a reminder of what a fool she’d been to think herself in love with such a cold-hearted jerk.
    No sooner had she shut the door of her apartment, than Mindy breezed through it along with another spurt of the fresh winter air.
    “Who was that gorgeous man who just left with all your belongings? What an irresistible smile—and he even waved at me.” Mindy asked, rolling her eyes. “What a hunk. I think I’m in love.” Mindy held her hand over her heart dramatically, and pretended to swoon onto the couch. “Be still my heart.”
    “What about Andy? Isn’t he your ‘everything’?”
    “Fat chance. I caught him watching Veronica. I mean really giving her the eye. Actually, they were so involved with each other they didn’t know I was there. So, I figured I’d cut my losses and leave.”
    “I’m so sorry. You must really be upset.”
    “It’s not as if he ever knew I existed or that I considered him in a romantic way.”
    “You should’ve told him how you feel.”
    “I don’t think it would’ve made a difference. Men! First Charles and you, now Andy and me. What is it with us?”
    Gabriella put her arms around Mindy and hugged her. “We’ll be just fine. The way you reacted to Dennis, I can’t see you being too broken up over Andy right now.”
    “You’re right. Maybe it was just the image of his brain that intrigued me. It did overwhelm me at times—a big turn on.”
    “You’re going to be just fine.”
    “What about you? You’re going to be okay, too?”
    “Yes. Mr. and Mrs. Hempstead are wonderful people. I’ll give you a call when I get settled. Right now I have to catch up with the others.”
    “I’ll be expecting a complete run down. I’m really going to miss you. And Nina, of course.”
    “I’ll miss you, too. I’m sorry I can’t wait for Trish to get back—tell her I said goodbye.”
    Gabriella gave Mindy another hug, gathered up Nina and her purse, then left her once secure life as a student behind.

Chapter Five
    Fifteen minutes later, Gabriella squared her shoulders, maneuvered her vehicle behind the two trucks, and turned the ignition off. The men had already made short work of unloading her pitiful belongings, which were already stacked on the front porch.
    She vowed to stay clear of Chad as much as possible while he was home for the holidays. Since she wasn’t