Read Online Stranded With a Hero by Karen Erickson, Cindi Madsen, Coleen Kwan, Roxanne Snopek - Free Book Online Page B

can’t hang up on him,” she sputtered.
    “I can and I just did,” he said grimly, returning the phone to her. “You don’t need to tolerate his abuse, Mindy. You shouldn’t let him talk to you like that.”
    She sighed, looking completely defeated. “You’re right. I know you’re right. It’s just…I’ve dealt with him for so long, you just get used to it you know?”
    “He’s not your problem anymore. That privilege now belongs to Bobbi. So remember that and tell him he can go screw himself the next time he tries to talk to you like that.”
    Mindy blinked up at him, her expression frozen. Like a zombie she held up her phone. “I should call him back,” she whispered.
    “No. You shouldn’t.” He plucked the phone from her before she could. “Stop letting him control you, Mindy.”
    “He doesn’t control me. Besides, what do you know? Not like you’ve been around. You have no idea what my life is like.” Aw hell, she was fuming mad. “You think you can waltz back into my life, hang out with me for a few hours, kiss me senseless, and then tell me what to do and how to feel? I don’t think so.” She snatched the phone from his fingers before he could utter a word in protest.
    “I’m not trying to tell you what to do. I’m just trying to protect you,” he said but she cut him with a look.
    “I don’t need your protection. I’ve lived without it for quite a few years now and I’ve done just fine.” She lifted her chin, stubbornness written all over her face. He recognized that look. They went through a stage when they were really young where they’d butt heads all the time.
    “Right. We were friends, and then we weren’t.” He rubbed his hand along his jaw, his brain churning. This was probably best. He couldn’t risk getting close to Mindy again only for her to leave him. Reject him. Whatever.
    He flat-out couldn’t stand the thought.
    “Exactly. We’ve lived without each other this long. We…we probably wouldn’t work out. As friends. Or whatever else.” She waved a hand, waving away thoughts of them together.
    Dismissing him outright.
    “Yeah. This is best. I agree.” Before she could say another word, he turned away from her, exiting the kitchen. Walking away from the only woman who was capable of breaking his heart not just once, but twice.
    Maybe even more. Not that he’d ever give her the chance.
    “I’m going back to bed, Josh,” she called after him. “Good night.”
    He didn’t bother saying a word. What was the point? They’d already expressed their true feelings.
    And they definitely weren’t for each other.
    …
    Sleep came fitfully and when it finally did, he dreamed. Of Mindy. She’d gone from sweet to indifferent to flippin’ furious all in a matter of seconds, till he was running out of the house and as far away as his feet could take him.
    Waking up had been a test in agony. His head ached and he hated that dream he had because really, the last thing he wanted to do was run away from Mindy. Maybe when he was younger, hell yeah.
    The way he’d treated her last night after that stupid horrible phone call with Marty had been all about wanting to protect her. He hadn’t meant to act like such a bossy ass.
    Josh had wanted to defend her in the only way he knew how and instead, he’d come across as a complete jerk. Then he’d panicked, not wanting to let his feelings get involved when it came to Mindy.
    Funny thing was, they already were. He just didn’t want to admit it.
    Josh climbed off the couch and went to the fireplace. He threw another log on, sending a scattering of sparks flying from the already burning wood. They were running low on firewood, which meant he’d have to go outside and gather up more. Going to the window, he pulled the curtain back, a low muttered curse escaping when he saw what awaited him.
    Nothing but pure, solid white. They were completely snowed in. The snow rose higher than the window and that meant it was also higher than