Flames and Feathers Book 1

A cabin and a comfortable bed

I walked quietly toward the desk and sat the pamphlet on the counter beside him.

“I will seriously consider this! It really all depends on how I'm feeling about it in the morning.

Thank you so much telling me about it and before I can even concider it, how much will a cabin cost for the weekend? “ I searched through my wallet and held out a silver master card.

A smile spread out across his face as his long slender fingers searched, his fingers delicatly taping the keys.

“It will cost ya one hundred and twenty nine dollars per night. That is real nice deal concidering the location, and I'm going to give you a twenty percent discount because you got here so late. I hope you get a chance to fully enjoy the amenities that we have to offer.

I've booked you the “The lake in-between the clouds". It is a really beautiful hill side cabin overlooking our gorgeous lake, "Lake Emerison".

You are free to take a swim as well, if you get time, or fishing, we do provide the equipment for a small rental fee, although swimming this time a year might be quite chilly." He laughed, as he pulled up a picture of the property tilting the computer screen so I could I take a better look.

I tiled my head over the desk while standing on my tip toes, taking a quick peek. Slipping a loose piece of golden blond hair behind me ear, I watched as Hunter's eyes searched mine before he quickly glanced away.

“ It sounds amazing and I love being so close to water. For whatever the reason, the water makes me feel so calm, almost at peace."

I slid my credit card onto the tabletop near him, but he quickly placed it back into my hand, I didn't even him see him run it through the credit card machine.

Tired and worn out, the day was starting to take its toll. My body was going to have to give into defeat soon, as my sleepiness was beginning to hit like a ton of bricks. Yawning into my hands Hunter booked me my cabin. There was no need to explain why it was named “The Lake in-between the clouds” , an explanation would never have done it justice.

I could have never dreamed up such a place, I'd even have wonder if a painter could paint such a beatiful picture.

“So? The waters reflect the morning sunlight from the mist on top of the water, which then gives the illusion of clouds surrounding the lake? "

Glancing up, Hunter blinked, nodding at me.

" It was only a guess of course but, my god, it looks heavenly, like right out of a movie! ”

I was taken back by his facial expression, the look in his eyes, held me with such an unimaginable sadness. Hidden behind his facial features, he seemed like a young child.

His pupils seemed dilated and the irises had turned one color a brighter blue.

Maybe it was just the lighting fading beneath the embers of the fire or perhaps the computer monitor turning dark.

Maybe, I was merely becoming a delusional dork?

I was so incredibly tired and I could not longer hide that fact.

Underneath thick lashes, Hunter looked at me with a soft grin.

“I’m very lucky to call this place my home, the beauty here, makes me feel less homesick. I was born and raised in a small town and this place makes mes miss it less.

You can't beat the majestic breathtaking beauty of nature, it is as close to heaven as a person can get, or for at least for me, it seems.

This is home, I don’t think I’d ever be as happy anywhere else. I hope it feels like home for you as well, at least while you enjoy your stay with us here."

Handing over a key ring with the number 102 on it, he held onto a piece of paper in his other and gave me a small hand drawn map of where the cabin was located. He marked a big x over in the corner of the paper and pointed in the direction I would be driving to get there using the backside of a black pen.

Only, ten minutes down the road from here, not too bad..

Holding the door open for me, he smiled sweetly in my direction letting warmth exscape to into the chilly mountain air. Stepping beside him, his hand slightly grazed my arm. A spark of heat was shared between us, although brief, it made me shiver. I saw it, in his eyes, they widened.... Did he feel it too? Shaking off feeling, I chalked it up to the cool air, the sleepness that treatened to take me.

Stairing up at him, I smiled and waved my finger at him before turning to leave but instead, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

That tingly, welcoming warm feeling returned once again. Intresting....

“If you need anything, anything at all, call my cell number, it’s located on the map, I wrote it down for you. " Pointing the end of the pen to a series of numbers, he continued.

" I do hope the cabin makes your stay here a great one. Oh, and if you’re hungry there is a list of restaurants that deliver, it's posted next to the front door but unfortunately not until morning as it is almost midnight.“

Our eyes met for a few more seconds, until the door creaked closed behind me. Trying to fight the strong urge to stay, I turn my head to look back and I waved to him again, before I got into my vehicle.

There was just something about him ...... That hansom smile, made me want to dance in the rain, laugh until I cried, and jump into the air screaming like a foolih school girl. He was nothing I'd ever laid eyes on, he was more..." Hunter..." I let his name roll over my lips... so delicious.... He could hunt me down and claim me as his.... yummy..

Gosh, I felt like a thirteen year old trapped in my eighteen year old body. I haven't felt this way about anyone in years.

At thirteen, I barley started to notice boys existed at that age.

I didn't even know him, he was a total stranger, but why did I feel so attracted to him?

I looked at the map and headed in the direction down the road, which was a left at the parking lot then staight ahead.

Large boulders lined one way paths in both directions and pine trees appeared in my headlights at each loop and curve.

Cabins were few and far between as I ventured further. The further I went up the hill, less cabins were in sight.

In the far distance, a beautiful body of water came into view.

The moon was casting shadows against the calm waters, trees looming in and out of view.

It reminded me of the ocean the other night so peaceful and serene. I wanted to make a sharp turn and park the jeep right there and make a run for it.

The waters called to me, beckoned me.

I made a right turn at the lake and turned into a rocky driveway which led up to a single cabin overlooking the water. There had to have been acres of land between the other cabins in the area up here. I wanted quiet and in a beautiful secluded area, I got that here and more.

It was positively the most gorgeous house I’ve ever laid eyes on. The front porch was large and welcoming, in the far corner there was a solid oak wood swing, large enough to lay back and take a nap.

There were pink and white rose bushes lining the property and a wooden plank decorated pathway lead up to the house. It was two stories tall, and had ornate wooden pillars holding up the second story balcony. Carving of flowers and butterflies swirled in and out of the oak wood giving it a 3d effect. It must have taken hours and months to complete the beautiful hand wood carvings. I could help but feel the urge to move my fingers against the swirls and curves of the wood grains. The ridges were perfect not sharp at all but soft and rounded. As if feeling it between my fingers would make it look any more beautiful!

The inside of the cabin looked like a country girls dream. A dark wood circular staircase sat in the far end of the quaint little home. The walls were made of a shiny knotty pine, the ceiling beams were exposed. It was an exquisite design, right down to the whimsical wood carvings on the furniture. A ceiling fan hung just above the seating area, it had the most adorable black silhouetted pictures of horses engraved in the wood. There was a large kitchen at the farthest end of the room. It had a cute little sitting nook next to a huge bay window.

I was in awe of my surroundings, this place was stunning but my tiredness was also at an all-time high. It was time to find my bed and call it a night, I could look around more tomorrow.

I was so exhausted; I practically had to crawl my way up the wooden staircase to the upper floor. It was a large flat loaf style bedroom but with a walk in balcony facing the lake. I bet the view was fantastic. My tummy grumbled at the thought.

Cereal bar and banana would have to be dinner tonight. I munched on the quick meal, noting the beautiful bedroom furniture in the room. The bed was very soft, my body, melted into the mattress conforming to my body. As I sprawled out on my tummy, I finished off the last of my cinnamon raisin bar. Licking the bit of crumbs off my fingers I climbed up off the bed and started removing the layers of clothes I'd had on from the previous day and darted for the bathroom. I had to pee but more importantly needed a long hot shower.

Lucky for me there was already some body wash and shampoo in the shower. I'd forgotten to grab my bottles from my bag, rosewater and peach, will work for me. The hot water felt so good against my skin, I stood what felt like half an hour letting the water spill over me. The soaps had a mild sent to them, but now my hair smelled like peaches and rosewater.

I rinsed away the last two days of grime and my muscles relaxed from the long drive. I let my hair dangle damp against my back and wrapped a towel around myself. Pushing my head through a long red and green flannel night gown, I thought I saw something out of the corner of my eye at the balcony area. It was probably a nocturnal creature exploring for food, probably and owl. I opened up the double glass doors, and let cool air in, it chilled me. I grabbed a fluffy crochet blanket that was hanging on a chair in the corner of the room. I threw it over my shoulders and went back to out to check out the view.

It was so dark, the sky was completely blanketed in twinkling stars. There were millions, too many to count and the Milky Way was in full view , it was breathtaking.

I took a deep breath trying to let everything sink in. I wrapped my arms against my chest and could see my breath in the air. I guess I didn’t realize how cold it could get here at night. It was nearly March, if I could remember right. These days, it was hard to keep track of time much less what month it was. There was no moonlight tonight so everything was pitch black, other than the glittering specks in the sky. The only thing I could see was the tips of pine trees surrounding the deck.

Yawning loudly into the palms of hands, I decided I'd better call it a night. I rushed back inside closing the doors behind me, warm air welcomed me and felt good against my cold skin.

I pulled down the forest green feather down blanket that was lying on the bed and drove in. Pulling the soft comforter to my chin, my eyelids got heavy and soon I was out. It didn’t take long before I began dreaming.

It was humid, a fine mist was hanging in the air, and dew- drops covered delicate purple flowers that clung tightly to hanging vines. Birds were singing happy little songs, and I was in the middle of their forest. I don't know how or why I was here but I couldn't help but feel at peace. I looked down to find myself dressed in a pink and white lacy crochet sundress. Two tiny braids were pinned together at the back of my hair as the rest was falling in small wisps of curls down my shoulders.