Harlequin Romance March 2021 Box Set by Cara Colter (best novel books to read .TXT) 📕

of treatment. She wouldn’t do that to Andy. Or herself. They had been abandoned once. She would not allow it to happen again.

Ronnie inhaled and exhaled slowly a few times. Her mind knew what it wanted. And didn’t want. It was her body that was waffling. Reacting to a tall, strong, dashingly handsome Viking type with Irish eyes and red-gold hair that curled this way and that, and scruff the same color.

So you noticed a hunky guy, her inner voice whispered nonchalantly in her ear. It means you’re normal. Nothing to get worked up about; it’s not like the Viking is out to conquer you…

Ronnie shivered. She pulled up the covers around her face but couldn’t get warm. She considered getting out of bed to look for a blanket but another series of shivers kept her huddled under the sheets.

And then she started at the sudden knock on her door.

“Excuse me for bothering you,” came Red’s husky voice. “I just wanted to let you know that some power lines have collapsed from the weight of the ice. Electricity’s out. And you’re on the north side of the house.”

Ronnie blinked.

“Ronnie, did you hear me? Are you awake?”

“Yes, I heard you,” she called out, sitting up. “Now what do we do?”

“Well,” he drawled, “I can see only two options at this point—huddle together under some blankets, or make a roaring fire in the salon…”

Ronnie knew he was joking, but the image of the two of them under a blanket made her pulse jump. She cleared her throat. “I… I’ll opt for the fire.”

“Right. Okay, then. I’ll wait here until you’re ready to come down. My cell phone is charged. I can hand it to you now if you need a light…”

“Sure, thanks.” Ronnie managed to find her way to the door without tripping or bumping into anything. She opened the door a few inches and in the bright light of his phone, Ronnie’s gaze flew over Red’s tousled hair and quirky smile. He had changed into a plaid shirt and a blue-gray cardigan, and in his other hand he held a green cardigan.

“I thought you might appreciate this also,” he said. He held out both hands, and Ronnie realized that she’d have to open the door wider. She pulled back to ensure her robe was wrapped snugly around her before doing so. Somewhat subconsciously, she reached for both items. “Thanks,” she murmured again and closed the door. “I’ll just be a minute.”

It was going to be a long night. No power, no heat, and instead of a good night’s sleep—which she had just been about to embark on—she would be sitting by the fireplace, trying to keep warm next to a guy she knew next to nothing about, other than the fact that he was a friend of her cousin’s and that he obviously made a good living, being able to afford a place like this.

She quickly changed back into her clothes and then glanced at the cardigan. Why not? The chill had already settled into the room, and she imagined the roomy salon downstairs would be even colder until Red got the fire going.

A few moments later, she headed toward the door; then, as an afterthought, she grabbed her bag of books. If the fire was bright enough, she might be able to read a bit, instead of being forced to make awkward conversation with Red.

Ronnie handed the cell phone to him and he nodded, his gaze sweeping over her. She followed him down the winding staircase and into the spacious living area. She was relieved to see a healthy supply of wood stacked in an alcove next to the fireplace. “Oh, good, I won’t freeze to death tonight,” she said, hugging her arms.

Red paused as he was arranging the logs in the grate to cock his head at her. “I wouldn’t let that happen, Miss Ver—Ronnie. Casson would have my head.” He gazed at her and looked like he was going to add something, but then he gave a rueful smile and concentrated on adding bits of kindling and newspaper to the pile. “Good thing I made sure it was in working order when I bought the place,” he said, lighting a long fireplace match.

In minutes the fire was crackling and roaring. Red had turned off his cell phone light, and the illumination was bright enough to read by, but Ronnie sat in one of the high-back recliners flanking the fireplace and just stared at the flames, mesmerized. Her heart twinged at the thought of Andy, and like other times when he was away, she felt like a part of her was missing. A loud crack diverted her attention and she rose in alarm.

Red strode to a nearby window to peer through the ice pellets hitting the pane. “Looks like some branches have snapped off the big oak. The weather’s gotten worse. And it’s windy as hell. It’ll be a nightmare tomorrow…” He returned to sit by the fire. “Well, I don’t know about you, Ronnie, but I’m not sleepy at all. How about a glass of wine and we can chat a bit?”

* * *

Red had to stifle a smile at the way Ronnie’s eyes had expanded at his suggestion. She blinked for a few seconds and then she shrugged. “Sure—why not?”

“Red or white?”

“I prefer white, thanks.”

“I won’t take it personally.” He laughed, and after a couple of seconds, her frown disappeared and she smirked.

“Okay, Ronnie, I’m leaving you to keep the home fire burning while I take care of your order.”

“Um…okay.” She looked back at the crackling fire, and for a moment Red sensed a wistfulness in her profile, or maybe even sadness. Was she missing her son? She looked so petite, leaning forward to warm her hands. She had let her ponytail down, and her dark hair now fell to her shoulders. The glow of the flames danced across her features, and Red found himself holding his breath for a moment. Reluctant to let her turn and