Welcome to the blog hop! It’s almost Christmas time. I can’t even believe how fast this year has gone by. It feels like this year has gone by in a blur and I don’t know what we did. Thanks for joining us today, if you missed what the incredible Brenda Margriet had to say, just click back.
Today we have a Flash Fiction – stockings, gingerbread, lamppost. Go!
~~~
Monica clung to the lamppost as the wind gusted another pile of sleet into her face. She attempted to bury even further beneath her scarf, but no such luck. The slush penetrated the cloth and the bitter wind seared her cheeks. Shelter. She needed to find a place to get warm. Monica risked a few steps forward but the weather had other ideas and buffeted her backwards. She slammed into something hard and unyielding.
“Ouch!” she shouted. Could the day get any worse?
Strong arms wrapped around her and she found herself being pulled in the opposite direction.
Fear swam up her spine but she gathered her wits and slammed her elbow into the person behind her.
“What the hell?” Came a muffled shout. “I’m trying to help you!”
Monica turned around and her cheeks heated as her eyes traveled upwards to a big bear of a man standing in front of her. Eyes so brown they were almost black glared back at her.
“I…who…what?” She couldn’t form a coherent sentence with her heart slamming against her chest.
“Why are you out in this storm? Are you crazy?
“I didn’t intend to be out. I was supposed to be at my niece’s house making gingerbread cookies. Instead I got turned around and stepped outside to get a look at the street sign but I can’t see anything in this blasted snow!”
The bear sighed. “Where are you headed?”
“Why would I tell you? I don’t need some crazy person to follow me and then hack us up in little pieces.”
“You’ve watched too many horror movies, ma’am.”
Monica shivered and pulled her arms closer to her body. The wind tossed snow at her yet again.
“Please let me help you, you’re frozen. I’m not going to hurt you. I promise,” he said.
Monica eyed him up and down but the effect was ruined by a shiver wracking her body.
“Fine,” she grumbled.
“It’s too far to drive tonight. My house is just right over there. You can wait out the storm until it’s over,” he replied.
“I hope I’m not going to regret this.”
She hesitated as the man held out his hand.
“If you get blown away, don’t blame me. I’m only trying to help.”
Monica sighed and grabbed onto his hand. His strong fingers grasped hers and propelled her forwards towards a house in the distance.
Once inside, he motioned her to a chair and began the preparation of stacking logs and lighting them. She stared at the lone stocking hung over the mantle place. Soon enough a roaring blaze permeated the room. The wind battered the sides of the house. But the fireplace inside kept a warm refuge.
Turning to thank the man, Monica gasped. He had stripped off his coat, hat and gloves and stood beside the table in the other room. His curly golden hair glowed in the firelight, and even though he wore a thick cable knit sweater, she could see the muscles bulging through.
“Are you getting warm?” he asked in a gruff voice.
“I…yes, thank you.” She became trapped in his dark gaze. “I’m Monica, and you are?”
“Gabe. Let me know if you need anything. I’ll be in the other room.”
“Wait! You can sit here with me beside the fire. You must be cold after being out in that horrendous weather.”
“Very well,” he replied the corner of his mouth turned up.
Monica’s insides melted as he sat down across from her.
~~~
That’s it for me today now continue on the hop to read the wonderful Leslie Hachtel’s story. Until next time!
Check out Leslie Hachtel’s book Stay With Me
Two women. Years apart. Linked by common experience and a cottage that has survived since the Civil War. When Rebecca reaches out from the past, Evelyn finds it life changing.
And in their own times, each must discover strength and fight to find and keep true love.
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