Chapter 15

No one was at the counter, so Caden walked over and Kyle smirked. "Back so soon?"

"Okay, Kyle. That's enough. Give Caden back his money," Jocelyn intervened. "You know I'd never skied before, but I thought I'd try."

"Well, the lesson didn't last long." A knowing grin spread across his lips.

Caden plopped the skis down, sending flakes of snow across the counter, melting into tiny pools of water.

"Hey! Watch it!" Kyle held up his hands as he backed away.

"Kyle, give him a refund- please." Jocelyn took a step closer to the counter, but Caden stepped in front of her, blocking her way.

"You heard the lady," Caden said in a low, menacing voice. "We'd like a refund."

Kyle looked over Caden's arms at Jocelyn. "Okay." He walked over to the register, pulled out some money after punching some buttons, and then walked back over and laid the cash on the counter. "Here."

A broad smile spread across Caden's lips. "Thank you." He scooped up the money and shoved it in his wallet. Then he looked over at Jocelyn. "Come on. Let's go."

They were almost out the door when Kyle yelled, "I hope you enjoy this sister more than the first."

Caden stopped dead in his tracks.

Jocelyn slid her hand around his arm. "Caden, no."

He gave her hand a gentle pat and gently removed it. "Stay here. I'll be right back."

Caden walked purposefully back over to the counter, causing Kyle's eyes to bulge as he took a step back. "Never. I mean never- talk about a lady that way. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir," Kyle replied. There was something about Caden's tone that warranted respect and elicited fear.

"Too bad you aren't more like your father," Caden added. "He was a good man and always a gentleman."

Kyle's eyes narrowed, but he never said a word.

Caden walked back over to Jocelyn, his jaw clenching. "Ready?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.

Jocelyn's eyes grew wide as she nodded.

"Let's go." Caden placed his hand on the small of her back and led her outside. "I'm so sorry you had to hear that. If you hadn't been there, I would have pulled him over the counter."

Jocelyn's eyes opened in disbelief. "I thought you were going to."

Caden shook his head. "Not in front of a lady- unless it was life or death." A faraway look came into his eyes.

Jocelyn didn't say anything until they were in the car. "Caden, what happened to you?"

His head snapped up. "What do you mean?"

"Inside the lodge, you said 'unless it was life or death.' What did you mean by that?"

Caden let out a deep breath and looked into her eyes. "Let's just say I had to do a lot of things in the line of duty and leave it at that."

Jocelyn placed a hand on his arm, her heart going out to him. "Caden, you can talk to me."

He nodded. "I appreciate that, but you wouldn't want to hear the things I would tell you."

She placed a hand on the side of his cheek, forcing him to look into her eyes. "Yes, I would."

Caden looked into her eyes for a moment, and then pulled back and started the car. "Let's go to the lake behind your house. First, I need to go by my parents' house to get my skates."

Jocelyn nodded, sitting back. She had known Caden's parents since she was a little girl, but they'd never been formally introduced. She almost felt that he was bringing her home to meet his parents, but she quickly pushed the thought aside, telling herself that she was being ridiculous. They were just going there to pick up his skates. Nothing more.

They drove back through the mountains along the way. Jocelyn was enjoying the scenery, but was enjoying her time with Caden even more. "I'm sorry about Kyle. He's never been that nice, but I've never seen him act that way before."

"He was jealous." Caden kept his eyes on the road.

"Jealous?" Jocelyn shook her head. "We only went on one date."

Caden looked over at her. "And did he ask you for a second date?"

"Yes, but I turned him down."

"Why?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Just answer the question."

Jocelyn sighed and looked out the window. "He wasn't the one."

Caden didn't say anything more as they rode back to town. Jocelyn just kept her eyes trained out the window, not wanting to see the look in his eyes. So many years ago, she always knew what he was thinking. His expressions were so transparent that he was easy to read. Truly glimpses into his soul.

Soon, they turned down several streets and they stopped in front of his parents' house. "Would you like to come in?"

She nodded as butterflies fluttered within her stomach. This time, she got out of the car before he could walk around. But he hurried past her and unlocked the door. When they walked in, the house was empty. Caden turned on a lamp. "Make yourself at home. I'll be right back."

"Where are your parents?" Jocelyn asked, feeling foolish for having thought she might meet them.

"At the tree lot." He looked back at her and smiled. "It's their busy time of year, remember?" He disappeared around the corner. A moment later, she heard his boots, heavy against the wooden floor.

"It is for everyone," she mumbled as she looked around the room. Everything was in its place. An afghan that his mother must have made years ago lay across the back of the couch, and glass lamps set on end tables next to older but well-kept furniture. Somehow, it felt like home.

"Ready?" Caden walked back in with his skates over his shoulder.

She nodded, wrapping her arms around herself.

"What were you thinking about just then?"

She shrugged. "Nothing." She looked up and smiled. "Let's go." Then she walked out onto the porch and Caden locked the door behind them. "You know, I'm sorry we missed your parents."

Caden placed a hand on her back and smiled. "Well, maybe I'll take you by the tree lot and you can meet them."

Jocelyn smiled as Caden opened the passenger door. "I'd love that." She slid into the car and a moment later, he slid into the driver's seat beside her. She was definitely getting too used to this, spending time with Caden on his turf. Although she was having a wonderful time, she found herself eager to get back home.