Mountain Man’s Surprise Roommate

  Christmas in Candy Cane Creek #4

  By Hazel J. North

  Copyright

  © Mountain Man’s Surprise Roommate by Hazel J. North

  2023

  All Rights Reserved

  * * *

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Mountain Man’s Surprise Roommate

  Fox

  When a snowstorm forces a plane to make an emergency landing, the airline looks to the people of Candy Cane Creek to help the stranded passengers find a place to spend the night. My sister begs me to offer a room to one of them, claiming Christmas is the perfect time for a good deed. I don’t want to, but my sister can be pretty convincing, so I reluctantly agree.

  I expect some random guy to show up, but instead, I’m greeted by a hot woman with curves to die for. I can’t fall for her, though, and I don’t know if she’ll understand why I can’t put my heart on the line.

  Izzy

  After an emergency landing in a small, snowy mountain town, I know I can kiss my tropical holiday in the sun goodbye. I’m not looking forward to spending the holidays in some stranger’s house until I lay eyes on the hot guy I’ll be staying with. Maybe spending Christmas in the mountains will turn out to be way hotter than sipping cocktails on some island could ever be.

  Too bad my mountain man doesn’t seem interested in me at all. Why is he so set on pushing me away?

  Mountain Man’s Surprise Roommate is a short and steamy instalove romance full of heat and heart with NO cliffhanger, NO cheating, and a Guaranteed HEA. This book is part of Christmas in Candy Cane Creek, a steamy instalove romance series set in a small mountain town where every rugged mountain man finds a sweet, curvy woman to love during the holidays.

  Chapter One

  Fox

  “I’ll be right there,” I call out from the back room when I hear the bells above the door to my shop jingle.

  “It’s only me,” my sister Quinn answers. “No rush.”

  “Give me a minute,” I call back.

  I need to organize the shipment that just got in and refill the display case with fresh boxes of nails before I can close today. I’m usually open until six, but I’m heading out at noon today for some last-minute Christmas shopping. I can’t show up empty-handed tomorrow. My parents would be devastated if I didn’t bring a gift, but first things first. Work.

  My tool shop is always busy, yet I never imagined sales would carry over the holiday season. I figured no one renovated their house at Christmas, which turned out to be true. What I didn’t anticipate was that people were more than happy to buy their friends and relatives gift certificates to put under the Christmas tree. So, yeah, I’ve been as busy as always. Opening Under Your Belt was the best decision I could’ve made. I’m relieved because I needed a win after what happened a few years ago.

  I finish putting the last of the delivery boxes on the shelves in the back room and grab a box of nails to take to the counter.

  “Hey, best brother in the world,” Quinn says with a syrupy smile.

  Uh, oh. Judging by her tone and expression, she needs something from me, and I bet I won’t be too happy about it.

  “Spill the beans, sis,” I tell her.

  She holds her hands in the air and gives me a faux-offended look. “What do you mean?”

  “Why are you here?”

  My sister bats her eyelashes at me innocently. “Can’t a girl visit her older brother in his shop without an ulterior motive?”

  I arch an eyebrow. “Come on, sis. I know you. Something’s up.”

  Quinn sighs. “Fine, you’re right. I have a favor to ask you, and I don’t want you to say no.”

  “That doesn’t sound promising,” I say as I stock the nail shelf.

  “Please hear me out completely before making a decision,” she starts, clueing me in that the probability of me saying no to whatever request she’s about to make is very high.

  “I won’t interrupt you,” I promise.

  Her eyes light up, and she follows me around the shop as I check and rearrange the shelves. “Did you know there’s a snowstorm heading our way? Nothing too worrisome, but bad enough that flights are being delayed or canceled.”

  “That’s unfortunate for those traveling, but I don’t see what that has to do with me. I’m not planning to hop on a plane anytime soon.”

  She rolls her eyes and puts her hands on her hips. “Fox, you promised you wouldn’t interrupt me.”

  “Sorry. Go on.”

  “So, a plane headed south had to make an emergency landing. The airline is looking for a solution for these passengers since they can’t spend Christmas at the airport, and all the hotels in nearby towns are already over capacity. They contacted the mayor of Candy Cane Creek, and since I’m a member of the Neighborhood Committee, he asked me to help. You see, the Cinnamon Crest Inn is completely full. The B&B at Trout Creek is full. The hotel at Maple Lake is full,” she says, ticking them off on her fingers with an expectant look.

  I don’t see where she’s going with this. What does any of that have to do with us? It’s not like we manage any kind of accommodation, whether it be a hotel, an inn, or a bed and breakfast.

  “Well, what do you say?” she asks.

  “About what exactly?”

  “About helping these poor stranded passengers.”

  I shake my head. “I’m sorry, sis, but I don’t know how I could help. Do you want me to make soup and hand it out to them or something? Because you know I’m a terrible cook.”

  “No, I want to find enough families willing to give them a bed for a few nights.”

  I laugh. She’s clearly joking. “You want me to let someone live with me? During the holidays? Someone I don’t know? Yeah, good one.”

  “I’m serious, Fox! Come on. It’s Christmas, and you have a spare bedroom. What’s Christmas without a good deed, huh? The airline will compensate you, so if you’re worried about money, you can rest assured that everything will be taken care of.”

  “Money? That’s the last thing I’m worried about. I’m sorry, but I’m not spending the holidays with a stranger. You know I like peace and solitude.”

  She throws her hands in the air, her cheerful expression becoming desperate. “Please help me out. I’m begging you. People need a place to sleep, Fox. Some of them have—”

  “Don’t say it,” I warn my sister.

  “—kids. Do you want a child to sleep in the cold, crowded gymnasium while waiting for Santa? Do you?”

  Fuck me, my sister knows exactly how to manipulate me. I may come across as a grump to most people, but I’m not a heartless ass who doesn’t care about the fate of children.

  “I’ll think about it. But all I can manage is one person. One, okay? Not an entire family full of Christmas cheer.”

  She hugs me tight. “Thank you, Fox. You’re my favorite best brother.”

  I shake my head and laugh. “That’s hardly an accomplishment since I’m your only brother. Also, I said I’d think about it. It’s not a full yes, okay?”

  She nods furiously. “Of course, sure. Only… could you make it quick? I need to have a list of names and addresses by noon. Anyway, I’ll let you get to it. I’ve got to run.”

  “You can’t even stay and chat?”

  She grins. “I have to find more people willing to open their houses, but we’ll see each other later. And don’t forget Christmas Eve tomorrow. Mom will be furious if you’re late.”

  “Why would I forget about celebrating Christmas?”

  Her shoulders drop, and she gives me a look that I despise—a look of pity. “You know why. Because of…”

  She doesn’t have to finish that sentence for me to know what she’s talking about. She means well, but I don’t want to think about the past.

  “Yeah, yeah, I know. Now get out of here before I change my mind about thinking about it,” I say through gritted teeth.

  “You’ll say yes, brother. I know you will. Talk soon,” she says, and then she’s out the door.

  I lean against the counter and go over my options. Either I refuse to let a stranded passenger crash in my spare room, and I come across as a heartless dick, or I welcome a stranger into my home and kiss my privacy goodbye. Honestly, it seems like an impossible choice.

  I open the weather app on my phone. It doesn’t look too promising. If I do this, I’ll be stuck with someone for at least three days. Maybe longer if this storm is stubborn. Am I up for that, or will this whole good deed thing drive me nuts?

  Then again, my sister is right. It’s Christmas. If I do one good deed this year, why not this one? The year is almost over anyway.

  I call my sister, who picks up after one ring.

  “I knew you would cave, Fox,” she says with a smile I can hear through the phone.

  “Fine, you were right. I’ll do this on one condit

ion.”

  “Okay, shoot.”

  “I meant what I said before. No crazy people and no one too cheerful.”

  My sister laughs. “Okay. I’ll pick someone as grumpy and gloomy as you. I wouldn’t want to risk seeing you, oh, I don’t know, happy.”

  I bite back a smile. “Great. That’s settled then.”

  Chapter Two

  Izzy

  “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We’ve encountered some unexpected weather conditions, and as a precautionary measure, we’ll be making an emergency landing. Please remain calm and follow the instructions of the cabin crew. Your safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation. We’ll provide more information as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.”

  I look up from my book. We’re going to do what now?

  “Did I hear that right?” I ask Ruthie, the lovely elderly lady in the seat next to me. “An emergency landing?”

  “You did, dear.”

  “That’s not good.”

  She pats me on the arm. “Don’t be alarmed. I’m sure it’s all some big exaggeration. We’ll be back in the air before you can yell hot cocoa.”

  “Why would I yell hot cocoa?”

  “Because it’s Christmas,” she says with a shrug.

  “Where are we?” I peer out the window as if I’m a wizard who can determine the exact location based on the clouds.

  “I think we’re somewhere over Montana,” Ruthie says. “Not too bad if we get stuck there, right? They have cozy small towns, and then there’s the Rockies.”

  I sink into my seat and click my seatbelt into place as dread washes over me. I don’t mind visiting Montana, but I don’t want to do that right now. Why isn’t Ruthie more alarmed by this change of plan? Surely she’s craving some sunshine too, or she wouldn’t be on this plane headed to our sunny destination.

  This solo vacation is something I’ve been looking forward to for ages. I need sun, beach, and cocktails, not mountains and frozen lakes. There’s a good reason I booked a room at the Coconut Palms Resort and Spa. Their website promises a relaxing time with all-you-can-drink cocktails, white sandy beaches, and an infinity pool. It’s the perfect place to spend Christmas without your family while not getting lonely.

  Don’t get me wrong, I usually love Christmas, but my parents are spending it in Africa this year. My father is an archeologist and invited my mother on a business trip with him. Apparently, they’re unearthing a newly discovered town, and my dad is leading the expedition.

  After they told me, I acted all supportive and happy for them, but I cried as soon as they left. I get that their trip is an amazing opportunity, but no one wants to be left alone during the holidays. So I did what every sensible girl would do. I booked myself a trip to paradise.

  The plane descends, and the pilot confirms that we are indeed in Montana. Cold, snowy, blizzard-ridden Montana.

  I didn’t pack anything besides flip-flops, three sundresses, and a couple of bikinis. I’m wearing comfy leggings and a summer jacket, for crying out loud. How am I going to survive this detour without thermal underwear?

  I sigh as I get my carry-on luggage out of the overhead compartment. I give Ruthie a hand with hers, and she thanks me profusely.

  “I wonder what will happen to us now,” I murmur.

  “It’ll be fine. I don’t mind.”

  I frown and follow her down the aisle toward the front of the plane. “You don’t?”

  “Whenever life throws you a curveball, you can rest assured there’s a good reason for it. Who knows what this unexpected adventure will bring us? We might even find true love here,” she says with a wink.

  “Yeah, who knows?” I reply, trying not to sound too negative.

  I can’t say I share Ruthie’s optimism about this detour possibly turning into a good thing. The way I see it, we’re destined to spend the night in the airport, using our jackets as pillows. I don’t see how that could lead to anything to be happy about.

  The cabin crew leads us to a waiting area with the promise of news coming soon. They hand out bottles of water and stale sandwiches. I find an empty seat and settle into the plastic chair with a book while my fellow passengers queue at the airline desk, demanding refunds and solutions and whatnot. I don’t because what’s the point? No amount of food vouchers or free accommodations will change the weather. We’re stuck here until further notice.

  Two hours later, one of the cabin crew members makes an announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention, please? I’m sorry to inform you that our flight will be canceled completely. All air traffic has been compromised for the next few days, but there’s no need to worry. We have arranged for you all to spend the night with local families. Please come and see my colleague when your name is called.”

  Around me, everyone goes nuts. Shouting about the absolute disgrace of how they’re handling this, demanding they book us all a hotel room, but the flight attendant explains that every single room in a thirty-mile radius is full.

  I chuck my book in my carry-on and wait for my name to be called while a pit forms in my stomach. I’m unsure how I feel about spending the next few days with a family I don’t know. If I’m completely honest, I don’t like it one bit, but I also don’t want to stay at the airport or wander the streets.

  When my name is called, I join the group of people being transferred to a small town called Candy Cane Creek.

  “Excuse me,” I say to the coordinator. “How can we be sure this is safe? What if we end up with a psychopath?”

  The guy looks at me as if I’m a psychopath. “This list of locals has been verified by the town’s mayor and the chief of police. Your safety has been assured.”

  “Listen up, young man. Don’t talk to her like she’s being ridiculous,” Ruthie says, pushing to the front of the group. “We women have to look out for ourselves and each other. Her question about not having to stay with some crazy lunatic is valid, okay?”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” the guy says, clearly taken aback.

  I snicker. “Thanks for sticking up for me, Ruthie.”

  “Don’t mention it,” she says as we walk toward the bus that will take us to Candy Cane Creek.

  According to the coordinator, we’ll be dropped off at the local gymnasium. From there, we’ll be picked up by the families kind enough to offer us a bed and a meal.

  As we drive to the small town of Candy Cane Creek, I must admit that the surroundings are stunning. Trees, mountains, lakes… It isn’t the same as a white beach, but it does have a lot of charm. I guess there are worse places to spend Christmas.

  By the time we’re finally gathered in the gymnasium, I’m exhausted. Ruthie is the first to leave with her hosts. She blows me a kiss goodbye and tells me to keep an open mind and heart. I’ll miss her cheerful nature.

  Five minutes later, a beautiful woman approaches and offers me a friendly smile. “Are you Izzy?”

  “I am.”

  “Great! I’m driving you to your host family. I mean, person. Just one. Single,” she says with a wink.

  “Oh, okay. Thank you, by the way. I’m sure this isn’t exactly the kind of Christmas everyone here had in mind.”

  She waves my remark away. “Are you kidding me? We love doing good deeds and helping out those in need.”

  I get into her car and click my seatbelt into place. Her hoop earrings dangle as she swivels her head to me and smiles. “You look like such a sweet woman. Are you single?”

  “Um, thanks,” I say with a frown. “And yes, I am.”

  She laughs as she backs her car out of the parking spot. “Don’t worry. I’m not hitting on you or anything.”

  “What’s the person I’ll be staying with like?” I ask in an attempt to lead the conversation away from me.

  “Oh, you’ll love him.”

  “Him?”

  She steals a glance at me. “Is that a problem?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “The guy you’ll be staying with is my brother. He’s grumpy but harmless. I’m sure you two will have a great time. And tomorrow, you can celebrate Christmas Eve with us! If you want to, of course,” she quickly adds when she sees my face pale.

 

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