Nodding, the man walked to the stove and pulled two metal mugs from a shelf. Without asking, he filled both with hot coffee and brought one to me.

His lips curled into a smile as he scanned the quilt and handed me the mug. “I usually try to introduce myself before I take off a lady’s clothes.”

“Usually?”

He nodded. “Usually. As with any rule, there are exceptions.”

I placed the mug of coffee on the hearth and extended my hand. “Thank you for saving me. I’m Julia.”

The flames reflected in his eyes like glowing embers. As I stepped closer, the aroma of the outdoors surrounded us, fresh and cool. Although he’d been outside, as his fingers encased my hand, his touch wasn’t cold. It was the opposite, as if there was energy within him flowing from him to me. Our connection was a jolt like I had never before experienced. It shot through me, electrifying my skin and sending sparks to my insides.

Pulling my hand away, I stared down at it, wondering if he’d felt the same thing.

What is it?

Maybe it was from the near frostbite.

As I lifted my chin, he began to speak. “Are you sure?”

“Am I sure?”

“Julia, perhaps you should reconsider your gratitude.” He looked around. “You’re in a remote cabin in a blizzard in northern Wisconsin without a way to contact civilization. Does that sound like you were saved?” Small lines formed around his vibrant green eyes as he grinned. “Or are you perhaps captured?”

3. Julia

Julia

My mouth felt suddenly dry as color drained from my cheeks. I feigned a laugh. “I believe saved. You see, I would have frozen to death without your help.”

Amusement danced in his gaze along with the reflection of the fire. “Julia, I’m Van. I suppose now that we know one another’s names, taking off our clothes is acceptable.” He tugged on the sleeves of his flannel shirt and pulled it off, tossing it onto the sofa’s cushions. Without the flannel, a light gray thermal shirt remained, nicely stretched across his wide shoulders and chest.

Sitting on the blanket, I said, “I believe I’m down to as few clothes as possible.”

Van shook his head as he picked up his mug of coffee. “I know for a fact that’s not true.”

Technically, he was right. I was still wearing my bra and panties.

I reached for the mug I’d set on the hearth and wrapped my fingers around the warm metal. “How long do you think it will be until we can leave?”

“If that was your car I saw down the road, I think you may need to consider a tow truck after the spring thaw.”

“What?”