Miracle on Hollow Peak

KIRA

I am Kira Reed and for as long as I can remember, I have worked in his company. But I had enough! He's such a despicable man to the point I couldn't resist his tyranny. Or maybe that's what I want to make myself believe. Who am I kidding? Besides, the holidays are coming and I really want to go home this year.

***

"Are you sure this is what you want, Kira? Think again, this man won't take you back," said Alana, one of my supporters in this company.

"I've never been more sure, Alana. You know I can't stand him anymore!" I shouted, closing the door to my office.

"Won't you at least wait and give it to him in person? He'll get mad, you know. Especially now that he won't find someone so soon to replace you."

"You think I care? I'll leave my resignation on his desk and leave. I have to be on a plane to Hollow Peaks by 6 PM."

"OK. Regardless of what happens here, I'm glad you're spending Christmas and New Year with your family," Alana said wistfully.

"You know you're invited too. Plus, my brother would really enjoy it," I said and winked at her.

"Hey!"

"What? You know better than me that there are some sparks in there. Maybe the magic of Christmas will open up some more minds. Anyway, I need to wrap this up and go packing at home. There's a lot to sort out."

"I'm gonna miss you, baby"

"You can visit me anytime," I said and held out my arms. Alana stepped into my embrace. We didn't stay hugged for too long because I didn't want my co-workers to notice anything. Only Alana knew I was leaving.

Just like a feline, I walked into my boss's office and placed my resignation on the desk. I looked around a bit. Knowing how tyrannical Gabriel Bates was, the office was in complete contrast to his personality. No room for regrets. Maybe only that this was my only source of income. But I would be alright.

When I got home, I didn't know where to start. I loved this apartment. My parents had bought it for me when I moved to London. They said I needed a place of my own, so I didn't have to pay rent. It cost a fortune and, although I objected, my parents insisted.

I didn't pack too many clothes. After the holidays, I was planning to come back and look for another job.

I was looking out the window when my cell phone rang. It was Gabriel, but I didn't answer. I initially thought he wouldn't care that I was leaving, but there was a big event coming up over the company that I was part of. He was definitely calling to tell me I was being irresponsible.

Outside it was already snowing with big flakes, and there were only three days left until Christmas, but if I didn't count today, which was ending anyway, there were only two.

Finally, the cell phone stopped ringing.

And that was the last noise I heard from Gabriel Bates. Or so I thought.

***

"Look! There she is!"

My mother and brother approached me as I waited for them at the airport's arrivals area in Hollow Peak's airport. I couldn't hide my joy and a broad smile lit up my face. I haven't seen them in a long time.

My brother hated the big city, so he stayed behind and helped all the animals here. He was a vet.

I knew how much my mother loved me, but she also condemned me because I was the youngest and the only one who hadn't gotten married. Whenever we were together, she would always find something to criticize about me.

She always said that my biological clock was ticking and that I would remain an old maid in my twenty-seven years.

"Dear, have you been sleeping lately? It's awful how you look"

And that was her.

"Thank you, mom. That helps"

"I'm not saying it the way you are probably thinking. You're gorgeous, but..."

"I'm alright, mom. Just a bumpy flight, nothing more"

But that was not all. Somehow, my mind wondered at Gabriel's stunned face when he saw the resignation letter. I explained nothing to him in that letter, just that I quit. But that was only for me to know.

And there was more. Along with my resignation, my heart remained there, torn to pieces. Another secret of mine.

Everyone else knew I couldn't stand Gabriel anymore, but I was actually running away and put some distance.

The only way I could have done it fearlessly was leaving London for the holidays.

Now that I arrived on Hollow Peak, it overcame me with a deep sorrow that I would not ponder. Did I appear awful? Entirely convinced I was. Because the man I lost my heart to would never feel the same way about me as I did about him. So distance was actually the only way.

And in a week, when I would return to London, it would be to my cozy apartment and no job, no letter of recommendation from my previous employer, and no opportunities. All of that was almost as awful as the broken heart I was keeping to myself.

My chest hurting wound was incredibly annoying.

This Christmas, I might well be a complete Grinch, but my family couldn't possibly know the whole depth of my problems, so...

I have to fake happiness.

I was thankful, though, that we were spending this Christmas as a family. This was the honest truth.

"I'm so sorry, Alana and Brad couldn't make it. I would have loved you guys to meet the man who stole my heart."

"Me too, sis. I should meet him so he would know that you are not alone and that you have someone to take care of you," my brother said from somewhere behind my mother. He didn't change at all. The beard made him a little more mature, though.

"Come on, Joe, you're upset that Alana couldn't make it, but you'll get over it. Come here, I missed you so much," I said and hugged him like crazy.

And that was the additional issue I would have to manage during the week. Inquiries and remarks regarding my fictitious partner, who I shouldn't have created.

"I missed you too, sis, but you are mistaken. I don't even remember... Alana... or how you said her name was"

"It's Alana, and... ugh, nevermind. You know how I hate crowded places, so if we finished here we might as well go home," I told them, looking around.

There was great excitement. I wasn't the only one who came home for the holidays.

"This is the best thing to do, especially since I'm going to spoil you with my treat. My hot caramel white chocolate. I bet you missed that too"

For the love of God, I had forgotten about that. There were no holidays without his special treat. These were the moments when I realized how much I missed my family.

"Joe, you just convinced me. Let's go, I am starving too," I said, looking back on my shoulder like I was afraid anyone would see me.

Calm down, Kira. He wouldn't have the guts to come all the way here. Or would he?

KIRA

By the time we got home, it was already dark, and I could see the sky shimmering in the distance like jewels on black velvet. The house was stunning and looked like it belonged in a holiday romantic drama.

Ideally, life would operate in that manner.

The door flying open and the entire family squeezing me suddenly replaced the empty emotions, though. This time, my grandmother, grandfather, and a couple of my relatives continue their kind criticism.

"Let Kira breathe for a change," Finally, granny murmured. "Joe, lead your sister to her room."

Just like Granny asked, Joe took my bags. Right after us, little Bella came up. My cousin was only ten years old, and I missed her terribly.

As soon as we reached the doorway, my eyes widened in wonder.

"What happened to my room?"

"Well, Mom decided that if you're still not coming with Joe, we should give you a room with one bed. Your room, since you left, belongs to Mom and Dad, being bigger. I hope that's okay."

My shoulders dropped.

"I think it's all right..." I said quietly and stepped through the doorway. I didn't even need the king-size bed.

Who would sleep in it? Me and my ego?

Bella whirled me around and sent me to the bathroom.

"Once you see the bathtub, you might have a different reaction."

I just loved her sweet little voice.

"Until dinner is ready, you can take a bath. I'm sure it'll relax you after the bumpy flight. Bella, let's go," Joe said and took little Bella by the shoulders. Together they went out before I said anything else.

Joe was right. I desperately needed a hot bath. A bubble bath, actually.

But right from the doorway, Joe looked at me worriedly.

"Are you sure you're okay? You can fool my mom, but you know you can't fool me," he said, stepping towards me an inch.

I was not prepared to share with anyone what I did the night before. Not right now. Not to Joe, not to my mother. Not even to Granny, who was always giving me wise advice.

"I just need a warm bath." I uttered.

Joe only gave me a wink.

"Before supper, call your fervent lover and catch up. You'll feel better after that"

I almost laughed. What lover?

Yes, I would call a man who didn't exist right away.

He eventually left, and I unpacked my suitcase and settled in for the week.

I glanced around. The room, although it was for one person, was welcoming. Even the reading nook by the window with the little library I absolutely loved.

Maybe it was the perfect spot for me to write. Since I got the job as a copywriter, I neglected my writing.

I undressed in the bathroom and jumped into the water. Now that I was alone, my mind wandered to this morning and the close call that resulted in my furious resignation.

Gabriel was a drama personified. Especially now that I've given up on his slogans for future ads and uncorrected texts. And if I added the fight I had with his mother, it all became the perfect reason for me to leave.

One last effort before I disappear for good. Gabriel had an important meeting with important people and needed presentation maps. Even with Stella's words in mind that I was nothing, that I would drag Gabriel's career down, I helped him one last time.

I refused his mother's money, and even then I left. Her purpose was different, much more obscure, which if Gabriel knew, I didn't know how much he would agree. But I didn't stay around to find out.

Both last night and today, I was aware of it. I therefore drafted out a resignation letter that felt like a break-up memo after completing that work he gave me. I cried as I placed it on his desk and felt like a complete fool.

Thinking about it caused my cheeks to heat up and my eyes to burn, but I resisted crying.

I excelled at writing marketing materials. I'd look for a new position and I knew I would find it once I resumed my life.

And perhaps I might try dating real men if I wasn't constantly staring at Gabriel Bates' perfect body.

Keep your mind off of his body.

Too late.

My mind resented me because it quickly displayed a vivid image of how good-looking he was the day before, with his jacket flapping open and his hands in his pockets. With abs, I could bounce a brown cookie on and then frantically suck off any crumbs.

Don't you dare, Kira!

I submerged my head under water to wash all those sinful memories away.

Gabriel was more attractive than he should have been. However, it was crucial for me to leave him in the past so that I could start the new year free of the burden of forbidden love.

I would have to prepare to break up with fake Brad at a certain point this week because I could no longer draw real-life examples of inspiration for him. In the spring, if I could bring myself to it, I might truly want to find someone real to date rather than spending all of my time on my boss, my most annoying enemy, and my puzzling passion.

The bubble bath was a blessing. I could calm my senses and my chakras.

As soon as I dried my hair, I felt even more human. And the smell of coffee and roasting meat drove me bonkers to the point where I went downstairs to the kitchen. There I walked right into their heated conversation.

"Joe, honey, I know her very well. Something's going on with her," Mom said, without either of them noticing I was at the top of the stairs.

"Mom, I asked, and she assured me nothing was wrong"

"Unlikely, to have told you the truth. A mother is never wrong."

"I quit my job!" I said suddenly, silencing everyone. "If you're so worried about me, well, that's what happened," I continued, looking at all the family members.

Dad had a questioning look on his face. Granny was smiling as if I had done the most wonderful thing in the world. Grandpa was quietly puffing his pipe and Bella... well, Bella was too young to understand.

"Finally!" Mom said, breaking the silence.

"I hope you left him with a lot of unfinished business!" Granny said, winking at me.

"Aren't you disappointed in me?" I asked, advancing towards the kitchen. I sat down gently in my chair, pouring myself a cup of coffee.

"My dear..." my mother said, coming closer to me. "We were glad three years ago when you got the job. But in those three years, there was no recognition for you, no promotion. And when you think of the magnitude of your boss's company, I find it hard to believe that you haven't done such an excellent job that they would have rewarded you."

"I did mom, but..." My boss was an ass I wanted to say but refrained myself.

"You were such a talented writer. I miss reading another one of your books, but I can't because your boss has taken you over. Don't you want something more from your career?"

Oh, and how he did it. With bedsheets and all.

And to be honest, I didn't.

When it became brutally obvious that more wouldn't be possible with Gabriel, I had to remove my damages.

But I was so unsure of my next move.

"Okay, let's put the sadness aside. Who's up for a snow fight? Did you see how beautiful the snow is?" Joe interrupted my train of thoughts. He always saved the situation when it got too tense. I glared at him with a greedy look.

"He who comes last is the laziest" I shouted and rushed out the door. The first snowball I made had Joe's name written all over it. He got it right in the face but didn't let it beat him. He attacked me with even more snowballs.

This family tradition always brought us out of our gloom. Well, in this case, mine.

Everything got so heated that we didn't keep track of who was hitting whom.

Joe's snowball hit me flat on my back. I prepared one last snowball as I laid there gazing up at the sparkling night sky because I needed my retribution. As a large male form approached, I jerked to my feet and threw the snowball with all of my strength.

White snowflakes stick to every inch of his pricey coat as a direct hit smashed all over his face and neck.

I realized in horror that it wasn't my father and it wasn't my brother, either.

It was Gabriel, and he was fuming with rage.

KIRA

It seemed that even the snow had stopped at his untimely arrival.

"What are you..." I was struggling to get a few words out.

Also, I struggled to stand up. I wasn't even aware of a car coming up. Though nothing could stop my pulse from thumping as I realized how harsh and frowning his stare was as he glared at me from beneath a mess of dark hair, even though I had seen him arrive.

I swallowed hard and tried again. "What are you doing here?"

As he murmured his response, a muscle in his jaw tightened.

"We must speak."

Although we had nothing to discuss, I didn't want to admit it in front of my family.

My brother came near, kicking snow in all places as I struggled with what to say next. This was getting out of hand.

"Are you going to introduce us, Kira?"

I wanted to, but what was I going to say?

Yes, of course, why not? This was the boss we had previously insulted. He simply followed me across an enormous distance to inform me I failed to leave appropriately. Any diplomatic way of expressing the same reality I couldn't come up with. Instead, the most random lie came out of my mouth.

"This is... Brad."

The look in my brother's eyes was radiant.

"Brad?"

My stomach twitched uncomfortably. Oh no! There was no good outcome in this.

Consider your words, Kira.

Gabriel scowled even more.

"Pardon me?"

Unaware of how stiffened he had become, my brother gripped his arm.

"Mom will be overjoyed to finally meet Kira's fiancé," said Joe.

The atmosphere had become unbearable and I could hardly breathe.

"Wait a minute, Joe..." I said, still swallowing hard.

"Why should we wait, Kira? It's probably time I met your family since I'm... your fiancé, don't you think?"

GABRIEL

This was going to be funny. Kira told her family I was her fiancé? When did she have time to say that?

The most important question was when we would be alone to ask her what her family kept talking about?

I would accept whatever they said until we had that minute to ourselves. Brad? Yes, I could pass for Brad.

I had come so far to ask her something I could have asked her on the phone. My God, why didn't I do this from London?

"It's an honor to meet you, my dear Brad!" said Kira's mother, coming closer.

"The honor is mine... I guess..." I replied in a lower tone. I was still trying to understand Kira's lie.

"Dad?" Kira asked.

Time halted as the color rose to her cheeks.

Although I had some reservations about my young copywriter's predisposition for hasty behavior, I decided not to further humiliate her because I could sense her entire family observing us.

We would solve our problems later.

"Let's not keep the man out here in the cold, my dear. He's probably freezing and hungry. Am I right, Brad?" her father asked, fixing his gaze on me.

"Brad is probably tired and wants to rest. Isn't it... honey?"

Coming from her mouth, the nickname sounded challenging. Especially after what happened between us. But I wasn't about to let a spoiled woman dictate my schedule. If she wanted me to be Brad, her fiancé, then that's what I'd be.

Without expecting it, I pulled her close to me and placed a passionate kiss on her lips. Her body shuddered at my touch and a brief moan escaped her mouth.

"My dear, your father is right. The journey here has indeed tired me, but it has also made me hungry and thirsty. So I will not turn down a good meal and why not a hot chocolate if you have some," I said with a satisfied smile.

"You're in luck, brother-in-law!" her brother probably spoke. "They say I make the most delicious white caramel chocolate. What do you say? Does it work?"

"What are we waiting for? Let's go inside... dear family!"

Everything went smoothly and courteously. I made up dozens of stories, how we met, how we fell in love and many other old-fashioned things for a hopelessly in love couple.

Kira was up to the task and not only approved of everything but also filled in my stories as if it really happened. That was until we retreated to her bedroom and she closed the door behind her.

She slapped me on the chest and yelled.

"What are you doing here?"

I coughed on her wrist and took pleasure in how her eyes grew wide and her breath grew ragged.

"Let me go!"

"Are you serious? Let you go. You should be in the office getting ready for the upcoming ad."

"And you? You should be out on business, not here displaying yourself in front of my family and basically wrecking my world as if..."

I grinned at her.

"As if I were your boyfriend? Because I'm rather certain you caused that to happen. Where did that come from?" I yelled.

"I guess I couldn't precisely introduce you as my boss."

"Your asshole boss, to be more exact," I added in a sarcastic tone.

I then noticed a change in her expression. It seemed to just explode after she had been holding it in.

"Well, I just told them I quit my job! And they all said I should have done it months ago since you didn't appreciate me at all and you're a goddamn workaholic." She yelled with displeasure.

She stared at me as if I were a demon, which wasn't unexpected given what she had just said and the rage she had expressed in the letter that I discovered waiting for me when I arrived at work this morning.

None of that diminished my desire to kiss her. It was almost too much for me to bear.

She had absolutely no idea how much I cherished her.

"Obviously, there is a lot to talk about"

"You and I have nothing to talk about"

She hissed and yanked her wrist free of my hold before pushing back against me. As if that would stop me since this was the closest we've ever been since... and all I've ever wanted was for her hands to be on my body and mine to be on hers.

Last night was all too real. Too many drinks and it almost happened. Not that I wouldn't have liked it, but I wouldn't have wanted it that way. She deserved better. And that's certainly not why she was angry.

I took pleasure in seizing her arm once more and holding it to the wall. In truth, I found it far too pleasurable. She would realize at any moment how much I desired her if I wasn't cautious.

"If you punch me once more, I'll take you over my lap to discipline you. I'm on the verge of doing it anyhow as retaliation for your awful brief note of rage you left me on my desk"

"You mean my letter of resignation?" she made an angry noise. I was angry too.

I leaned in, and every little detail burned itself into my memory. Her smooth mouth, ravishing fragrance, and hostile stare. The beautiful bouncing of her body against mine.

"You are not permitted to resign the way you did." I cautiously said. I forbade her from leaving at all, but I would take things one at a time. "It would be more accurate to state that you were trying to get my attention with a spectacle like that since you don't actually want to, in my opinion"

I got even closer. It was another chance to absorb her wonderful smell.

She sat still in front of me, panting.

"It's not a whim. I just don't want to work for you anymore. Is that so hard to understand?"

"Well yes. It is. I wonder why? Because you tremble every time I get close?" I said in a low voice and moved forward another inch. "Because your body betrays you when you feel my breath close to your skin? Or maybe because last night things didn't go the way you wanted?"

That very second, she slapped my cheek with all of her might. The imprint and scent of her palm lingered on my face.

"Say that again and I will scream so hard that all Hollow Peak would burst through that door, making you regret coming here"