Mountain's Captive (5 page)

E
verest studied
the woman sitting across from him. She was laughing politely at an anecdote Grandpa was telling. Truth be told, she was the last person he had ever expected to see in his home—or ever again for that matter. The fire crackled in the fireplace, lending a softened red glow to her blond hair. She was remarkably beautiful in a high class, city sort of way. Her black business pantsuit was a perfect match to the black leather briefcase Grandpa had carried in for her earlier. He had no idea what a high dollar prostitute would want with a briefcase.

A prop, maybe? Everest thought. He suppressed his lecherous chuckle, suddenly curious to see what kind of ‘toys’ she might carry inside it.

Everest smiled at his grandfather and wondered what the old man was up to. Grandpa was a wily one if you didn’t keep an eye on him. Everest knew it had to be something, the old man had never complained of sickness a day in his life.

“There now, you two young people can stay up as late as you like.” Grandpa sighed as he pulled himself out of his chair. “But these old bones need a bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Everest stood and moved to help his grandfather. The man jolted in surprise at the offer. Under his breath, Everest hushed, “Wouldn’t want you to strain yourself, Grandpa, since you aren’t feeling well.”

“Right you are, dear boy.” Grandpa chuckled delightedly.

“What is going on?” Everest hissed as soon as they reached the kitchen and were out of earshot. He dropped his grandfather’s arm, knowing he didn’t need support. “Why the extra supplies? You know I have enough up here to last two winters.”

“Your grandma was worried about you. It isn’t right for a man to spend so much time alone. You need a woman here. She’ll liven up the place.” Grandpa shuffled his feet toward the spare bedroom. It was where he always stayed on visits. “Besides, don’t tell me she doesn’t stir your blood a bit. Hell, if I was younger—”

“If you were younger, I’d throw you both out on your asses,” Everest put in. “So be damned thankful you’re old.”

Grandpa guffawed and slapped Everest on the arm.

“What is she doing here?” Everest questioned sharply. “You aren’t trying to play matchmaker with a woman like her are you?”

“So you do know her then?” Grandpa smiled. With a playful wink, he inquired, “How well?”

“Grandpa, she is a Vegas prostitute.” Everest sighed, unabashed. “The guys from Chilton Enterprises sent her to sweeten the deal with me.”

“Is that why you came back early?” Grandpa shot in surprise. “She doesn’t seem like a prostitute to me.”

“Believe me, she is.” Everest groaned at his grandfather’s hearty laugh. “A high dollar one at that. Let’s just say that, if I had been unsure, she’d have been able to convince me to sell out.”

“Must have been some night for her to follow you home,” Grandpa asserted a bit proudly. “Maybe you should keep her on for the winter.”

Everest groaned. “It’d be a waste of money.”

“You can afford it, and a woman is the best way to waste it if you ask me.” Then, with a gentle chuckle he shooed his grandson away. “Now quit talking to an old fool and go. You better find out what she wants. We’ll catch up in the morning.”

C
hloe waited impatiently
by the fireside as Everest helped the man to his bed. They had been sitting quietly for about an hour. Grandpa had held most of the conversation, having a self-claimed billion stories about the mountains—from fly-fishing to Rocky Mountain spotted fever outbreaks, bear attacks to snow peaks shaped like naked women.

She wanted to say so many things to Everest. She wanted to explain her presence. But she had felt uncomfortable talking in front of the chatty old man. It had been made clear at his shop that he wouldn’t have welcomed any word about divorce. And it really was a private affair, no matter that the whole town of Miner’s Cove already knew their business.

Chloe really felt terrible about the town’s knowledge of the marriage, especially since she was there to end it. Grandpa especially seemed to genuinely care for Everest. And she could well imagine how horrible gossip would be in such a small place. There would be no escaping it.

“Are you cold? You’ve been shivering all night.” The words were gentle as they washed over her from the doorway.

Chloe jumped as she heard Everest address her. His voice was low and husky, like a seductive song. Her midsection heated with a curious fire. She cleared her throat, amazed that he had taken the care to notice her discomfiture. Shyly, she said, “No, I’ll be fine. I’m just not used to this weather.”

“You’re not really dressed for the mountains,” he noted, as he took a seat across from her. His gazed narrowed and traveled over her slenderness. “I’d guess this is your first visit here.”

Chloe nodded, unable to speak. She wished she were drunk, although she rarely partook of liquor. Without the aid of alcohol she would never have had the courage to go to him. Her husband really seemed to fill up a room, and now that they were finally alone she didn’t know how to begin.

Everest studied her for a moment. Then, boldly he stated, without embarrassment, “Are you pregnant? Is that why you’re here? Except for that first time, I used protection. Actually several—”

“No,” Chloe broke in with an apprehensive cough. The great blue orbs of her eyes widened in surprise. Why did everyone assume she was with child? In truth, she hadn’t thought of the possibility until Grandpa had said something. “I don’t believe so.”

“Then you were sent here by Chilton,” Everest concluded, as he crossed his arms and leaned back in his wooden chair. “Sorry you had to waste your time. Tell them I’m still not interested in their proposal.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t understand.” Chloe cocked her head to the side in puzzlement.

“I said the answer is no. I don’t wish to sell. Ever.” Everest studied the baffled woman in front of him. She was lovely in her confusion. His loins began to lift and fill with a primal need and he considered hiring her again for the night—might as well, as long as she was there.

“I’m afraid I do not know who Chilton is,” Chloe answered. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

It was Everest who was confused now. “Then what are you doing here?”

“That’s a nice welcome.” Chloe huffed, letting the stress get to her. “Are you this friendly to all your guests?”

“I apologize. I don’t get many guests out here,” Everest asserted coolly in return. He uncrossed his arms and leaned forward to put his elbows on his knees. He gave her a lazily seductive smile. His eyes glittered with a dangerously hot meaning. “Just the occasional clients.”

Boldly, he watched her. She thought she might explode from the intensity of his lustful gaze. Chloe pushed her thighs together to keep them from aching. It didn’t work. His smile sent chills up her spine as she imagined just what it was they could have done on their wedding night. “No, I apologize. I realize I’m uninvited.”

“Let’s start over.” Everest relaxed as he leaned back on the chair. He enjoyed the sweet torture of waiting. Not paying his words much heed, his eyes drifted over the slender length of her throat to her pulse. He stretched out his legs and crossed them at the ankles, before questioning, “What brings you so far from Vegas?”

“I am not usually in Vegas,” answered Chloe. It was becoming evident he had no idea about the marriage. “In fact, two weeks ago was my first time there. I don’t think I care for the city—too many lights and overdone glamour.”

“I agree.” Everest had to admit she piqued his curiosity. “So you travel a lot in your profession?”

“Sometimes. Mostly I work out of my home in New York.” Chloe smiled, relaxing at his easy conversation. “I can concentrate better there. I think it’s the familiar surroundings.”

“Really,” Everest mused. He didn’t remember anything being wrong with her concentration. Then again, he had been very drunk. The boys at Chilton had plied him with liquor trying to loosen his resolve. He hardly remembered anything from that night. Only that he had awakened completely sated with a beautiful stranger.

“Yeah,” she continued. “I used to have a cat that would watch me, but she died last year. I haven’t been able to replace her.”

“Really?” Everest cleared his throat. For the first time, he seemed disconcerted.

“Everest is an interesting name.” Chloe felt it better to change the subject. She didn’t know why but she got the impression that her comments made him uncomfortable. Maybe he didn’t like pets.

“My parents loved to climb mountains. I was conceived the same night they finished climbing Mt. Everest.” He smiled sadly in thought. “They died in a rock slide in Colorado five years ago.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. They died together doing what they loved.” He lightly shrugged his shoulders. “How about you? Do your parents know what you do for a living?”

Chloe wondered at the strange question. Millions of readers knew what she did for a living. She thought that maybe it was his idea of a joke. He wasn’t smiling. “My mother died when I was born. I never knew her. My father passed away three months ago. We weren’t very close. He was a workaholic and let’s just say that I am my father’s daughter.”

Everest sat up and shifted uneasily in his chair. “About that, I’m sorry I left so suddenly. I had an early meeting and a flight to catch. I didn’t wish to wake you.”

“That’s okay. Though, I don’t understand what that has to do with my working.” Chloe adjusted herself on the rocking chair. For wood, the chair was really quite comfortable.

“Is this about money?” Everest sat up at the sudden insight. “Are you here because you didn’t get paid?”

“What?” Chloe’s jaw dropped in shock.

“How much do you usually get for a night?” Everest continued, unaffected by her pale face. “I don’t know what’s fair. I usually don’t solicit prostitutes.”

“I-I,” Chloe stuttered. She shook her head unable to finish.

“Is that why you seem so nervous? It’s all right. I’ll pay you what I owe you. I don’t keep a lot of cash around, but I can write you a check.” Everest smiled politely. Then, an interested light entered his steamy eyes. “I might like to hire you again tonight. That’s if you don’t mind making this a working vacation.”

“B-but,” she stammered.

“I’m sorry you had to come all this way to get your money. I would have believed you if you had written first. I honestly thought that you were taken care of by Chilton,” Everest continued unhampered. “But, as long as you are here—”

“I am not a prostitute!” Chloe shouted. She stood up in mortification. Her limbs shook in outrage. He thought she was there to collect a debt! Her chest heaved, drawing his eyes to the feminine mounds. He licked his lips.

“I don’t understand.” Everest stood up to tower over her. Chloe backed away, intimidated by his overbearing size. “We did spend the night together, did we not?”

“Yes.” Chloe spouted in anger. His offensive offer left her shaken—partly in insult but mostly in excitement.

“Then?” he persisted. “Is prostitute not the right word? Do you prefer working girl or escort or something? I didn’t mean to offend you and would like to hire you, no matter what you call yourself.”

Everest took a step toward her, intent on kissing her pouty mouth. He figured as long as she was there, he might as well add to his bill—and he had several ideas in mind on how to do just that.

“But I’m not a whore! I’m your wife,” she hissed.

When he heard her words he stiffened. Whispering in disbelief, he growled tightly through his gritted teeth. “My what?”

“I’m your wife,” Chloe snapped back, coming out of her shock. His nearness disconcerted her. Stuttering, she blurted out, “I’m not a hooker. I’m your wife. We got married that night in Vegas.”

“I don’t believe you.” Everest lost his good humor. “Are you trying to get more money out of me? I’ll pay what I owe, but I will not be part of some twisted blackmail.”

“How dare you? I don’t need your money.” Chloe fumed. She poked him in the chest with her finger. It didn’t faze the hard muscle. “And I’m not lying.”

“I say you are,” he broke in. He studied her through narrowed lashes. “I think I would remember getting married.”

“See this cheap ring?” Chloe dug in her pocket and held out the dull piece of metal for his inspection. “And I have the certificate in my purse.”

“Let me see it,” Everest ordered. He was surprised at how easily she stood up to him. Most people cowered away from him in fright when he was angry. He hid his smile. Taking the ring from her hand, he fingered the cheap atrocity knowing he would never give it to a woman. The ring was already bent out of shape. He would have laughed if the situation weren’t so dire. “This looks like it came from those kiddy machines at the grocery store.”

Chloe walked to her purse and pulled out a folded piece of paper.

“Wait,” Everest suddenly brightened. “Is this some kind of role playing thing? I didn’t drunkenly promise to pay you something if you did this, did I? Did I actually buy you a plane ticket down here? I must confess this has never been one of my fantasies, but hey, who am I to complain? Just tell me—”

“For the last time, Mr. Beaumont, I’m not a prostitute. I’m not a call girl. I’m not even an escort.” She handed the marriage certificate to him with shaking hands. “If you call me a whore one more time, I will deck you.”

Everest shot her a bemused smile. He would like to see her try. The idea excited him and he licked his lips. Glancing at the bedroom, he sighed. Then, turning to the paper in his hand, he read it over.

“What kind of joke is this? This can’t be legal. It says here that we got married at the Church of Elvis. That can’t be a real place.” Everest stared at the worn certificate in disbelief. It looked as if the woman before him had read it a great many times. He perused the black ink on the paper. It was his signature on the certificate. “If this isn’t a role game, I’m insulted.”

“It’s a very real place. I looked up the chapel. I even looked up the Elvis who did the ceremony. He remembered us quite fondly from the evening before. He said that we were the only couple who came in that night and that we both tipped him very well. He asked how my husband was doing and he wanted to know if we were over our benders.”

Everest swallowed, saying nothing.

“And it would seem that we couldn’t take our hands off each other. Elvis thanked us for the show and says he knows we are going to make it for the long haul.” Chloe gave an un-amused sniff. “I saw his credentials. I had my lawyer look them up too. It’s a legal and binding contract. We are married.”

“I can’t believe that I would’ve gotten married at a place called the Church of Elvis.” Everest handed her the certificate in bewilderment.

“Me, neither.” Chloe sighed as she folded the certificate up and stuck it in her purse. “It really is quite insulting.”

“So, what do we do now?” asked Everest as he sat back down. He couldn’t fathom that he was married. But, as he witnessed her solemn face, he knew it was true. Hurriedly, he continued before she could answer, “So what were you talking about when you said you work at home? I mean if you are not a prostitute.”

“Well, my name is Chloe Masters. I’m a writer. Grandpa mentioned you might have read one of my books.” Chloe blushed as she thought of it. It was always embarrassing to meet a fan. She liked knowing they were out there, but didn’t like to meet them because she never knew how to graciously handle the praise. She had always hated the book signings and the autograph parties her editor father used to make her do.

Everest was quiet for a moment. He had indeed read most of her work. Without a television, reading was one of his only forms of entertainment. In fact he had almost every novel she had ever written on his bookshelf—even the early years that weren’t widely printed. He found them sensitive and moving. Clearing his throat, he said, “Yeah, I’ve read a couple. I found them to be diverting.”

“Thank you.” Chloe’s color deepened. She wondered if by the word diverting he meant amusing, in a horrible way. He didn’t really make it sound like a compliment and he definitely didn’t look like her typical fan.

“So what do we do now?” Everest queried again.

“I had my lawyer draw up divorce papers. I figured I could come here, have you sign them, and be on my way.” Chloe spoke professionally as if she was pitching an idea to her new editor. “You’re welcome to read over them. They simply state that we both leave the marriage with what we brought into it. And, if you prefer, I will pay you a small cash settlement for your troubles and your silence. I have it all here in my briefcase. I presume a certified check will be sufficient. I think you will find it more than fair. This kind of scandalous publicity would not be good for my career.”

Everest eyed her in shock. “I’m an honorable person. I don’t need to be paid for my silence.”

Chloe was taken aback by his sudden anger. “I didn’t mean—”

“But didn’t you? You think you can come here and treat me like I have no pride? I’ll have you know I don’t need your money. I don’t want it.” Everest stood up and towered over her.

“I didn’t mean to insult you. My lawyer thought to put that clause in. Really, she is only trying to protect me. She didn’t know what kind of a man you would be. For all I could remember, you were a backwoods militant leader with an army of anti-government radicals. Not that that is a bad thing if you are.” Chloe gave him as sheepish grin. He smiled halfheartedly at her wit. She took a step toward him and put a hand gently on his arm. “I was drunk. I couldn’t remember what kind of man you were. Please, don’t be insulted.”