Take Refuge in a Isolated Cottage.

The freak blizzard left us **** we backtracked down the mountain trail we came up on, never taking more than the smallest of baby steps. We clung to each other for warmth but also physical and emotional support.

The wind was wicked and merciless as it battered us into near submission. At times if felt like it was trying to prise the both of us off the mountain and throw us down into the remote valley below.

Finally, out of the grey mountain mist we saw the dark outline of something square. Within a few more steps we found the small stone cottage we had earlier passed. It was the first piece of good news we had all day.

I pulled down on the heavy door handle then pushed against the wooden door. It creaked open to an empty room. The others hadn’t yet made it.

We were alone.

I let Emma enter first then closed the door behind us. There were several rolled up camping mattresses. A wood burning stove and a couple of wooden rocking chairs. But at least it was dry and sheltered us from the blizzard.

The wind whistled under the door and rattled the one small single-pane window. It all gave a most wintery, almost Christmassy feel.

My eyes filled with joy as I saw the makings of a fire. There was a large crate of chopped firewood and kindling, a tin of paraffin and a box of matches. There was also an honesty box for the Hiking Society of Scotland and a first aid kit. I slipped a five-pound note inside the box then began prepping fire with kindling.

Emma paced around the bare stone room trying to get the radio working but the despair in her voice suggested there was little joy.

But I felt I was about to give her a little lift. I used a healthy dose of paraffin then struck a match. Suddenly there was a voom and the flames jumped and skipped across the kindling.

We had fire. And most importantly, a source of heat.

Nothing lifts the spirit more than an open fire. And straightaway Emma was sat at my side. She reached over and pecked my cheek, exclaiming, “My hero.”

“I’m nothing more than an arsonist, really,”

Emma dragged her rucksack to her side. “Look what I brought with me?” She then pulled out a small bottle of Highland Whiskey from her rucksack. "A small but welcome present. " She uncorked it then took a hearty swig. “Christ! That’s strong.” She sniggered before passing it to me. “It was supposed to be for the coach back home. A celebration of a successful hike.”

“Ah well. No time like the present. Cheers!” I took the bottle from Emma then took a mouthful, tasting it with relish but soon regretting it as it caused me to splutter a little. Don't get me wrong, I love whiskey but had to cut it with ice or a little water. “That sure warms you up.”

“With the whisky and the fire, we don’t need anything else, Dan.” Emma rested her head on my shoulder as she gazed into the flames. “Don’t you think?”

“True. It is nice. Almost feels like home.”

Emma and I sat in front of the flames all afternoon and into the evening, burning through the box of logs and between us emptying the bottle of whisky.

There was no electricity, so the only light came from the open fire and the little natural light from the window. It all created a cosy feel.

As I sat, I was supporting myself with my hand and Emma did the same but placed her hand on top of mine. I glanced at her then smiled and was repaid by the hugest grin. She then leaned forward as if to kiss me. But stopped just short. I could feel her breath on my face as she said, “Oh, Dan. What are we going to do?”

I wasn’t sure if she was talking about our current situation of our mutual attraction to one another. I looked away and stared into the flames, playing it safe. “We just sleep here until the morning then make it down the mountain in daylight.”

I saw Emma stall for a moment. I guess this meant she was talking about our romance. She then changed the conversation. “What do you think happened to the others?”

“They probably turned back and made it to the bottom. I bet they’re warm and comfortable in a hotel somewhere.”

“And what will happen to us?”

“I guess when the weather improves a mountain rescue team will come looking for us. “

"Fine. I can wait." Emma yawned she walked over to the door. “But we surely don’t want to be disturbed by any bears or randy Scotsman,” She slid the bar across the door, locking it from the inside. She then stared at me as she began unfastening her coat. “Right, Dan. Seeing it’s finally warm and cozy in here, time to get ready for bed.” She rolled up her coat to use as a pillow then curled up on the mattress in front of the fire. “Care to join me?”

“Sure. As long as you don’t bite.”

“During the night I might have a little nibble on you if I get hungry.”

I laughed as I lay down next to her. She was facing the fire and had her back to me. Yet it didn’t feel natural not putting my arm around her and spooning like a married couple. But being a good husband I didn’t want to send the wrong signals to Emma. Therefor I just lay there smelling her blond hair and keeping my arms to myself.

Suddenly Emma asked, “Come closer. Keep me warm.”

As I shuffled closer, I prayed to God to forgive me as I wrapped Emma in my arms. But my prayers were interrupted by the feeling of Emma pushing her rump against my crotch. She moaned. “That feels good.” It did, and it lit a fire deep inside me… and I felt it spread. My loins burned for Emma and I'm she could feel me stiffening. Her little giggle confirmed it.

I couldnt sleep.

Yet gradually the fire slowly dulled allowing me to finally felt a sleep

“Dan…. Dan…. Wake up”

Emma was still in my arms but was now facing me. Even in the dullness of the room her face was perfect. I asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing…” Emma rested her lips on mine then breathless moaned, “Nothing at all.”

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