Frostbitten Read Free

to Mr.
Lockhart. “Get out of my way, Fredrick,” he seethed, before taking leave of the
situation.
    The boy followed Mr.
Stone, but before entering a truck marked Stone’s Hardware , he stopped
to look at Anastasia, as if noticing her for the first time. His gaze was
intense and unwavering, like he was savoring everything about her, from her
eyes to her lips and even her very soul.
    With a quickening
pulse, Anastasia stared back at him. He was so undeniably sexy, but it was his
eyes which made her breath catch in her throat. Shining a light shade of blue,
they instantly drew her in and refused to let go. The sudden urge to get closer
to him was so strong that she unconsciously took a step forward.
    “Anastasia!”
    Anastasia turned around
to see that her grandfather was already in the car, and from his expression,
she easily guessed that he wasn’t happy with her.
    “Stay away from that
boy,” Mr. Lockhart ordered Anastasia as she entered the car.
    “Grandpa,” she began,
wanting to ask if he was alright after his encounter with Mr. Stone.
    In response, Mr.
Lockhart turned on the car radio and increased the volume.
    Anastasia took the
hint.
    As they drove through
the newer part of downtown, Anastasia stared out the window, watching as the
hospital, police station, bank, and a few franchises blurred by. She wasn’t
concentrating on her surroundings, though. Her mind was too preoccupied with
thoughts of that mysterious and alluring boy. She assumed that he was Mr.
Stone’s son, but if that was truly the case, why hadn’t she seen him before or
even heard a whisper about his existence?
    They arrived at the
Lockhart residence ten minutes later, but to Anastasia, the car ride felt much
longer. Although her grandfather had calmed down, he still wasn’t his usual
happy self. He seemed distant, as if he had a lot on his mind, perhaps more
than just his recent run-in with Mr. Stone. Either way, as Anastasia stood
before her grandparents’ house, she was relieved to be out of the car.
    The area was set aglow
by all-season solar lights which lined the path to a charming two-story house.
It was a lovely, secluded property situated on three acres of land, with the
nearest neighbor being a ten minute walk away. An abundance of tall trees
surrounded the house, adding extra privacy and making it appear as if it
belonged in its own little world.
    “Everything looks so
magical at this time of year,” Anastasia commented, realizing that she’d never
been to Cedar Falls in the winter. “I see Grandma’s still collecting those lawn
ornaments,” she added in amusement, while looking upon the numerous gnomes
which were covered in snow. Their red pointy hats, which poked out from the
snow, were the only sign of their presence.
    “You know how your
grandmother acts around gnomes,” Mr. Lockhart said, shaking his head.
    “Ohhh, they’re just
darling!” Anastasia and Mr. Lockhart said in unison, mocking Mrs. Lockhart in a
joking manner.
    As if on cue,
Anastasia’s grandmother, Mrs. Rose Lockhart, opened the door, the interior
lights illuminating her as she stood upon the threshold. She was of medium
height, somewhat plump and had short red hair which was only starting to turn
gray. Just like her husband, she hadn’t changed at all.
    “Anastasia!” Mrs.
Lockhart cried, before hurrying out into the snow with slippers as her only
means of footwear.
    “Hi, Grandma,”
Anastasia greeted with a smile, noting how her hug felt warm and loving, just
like it always had.
    “What took you two so
long? I was starting to get concerned.”
    “Let us get inside,
Rose,” Mr. Lockhart complained, obviously avoiding her question.
    Anastasia looked at her
grandfather, wondering if he was keeping secrets from his wife. After all,
almost getting into a fight was a big deal; she certainly knew that much.
    “Silly me,” Mrs.
Lockhart said with a laugh as she guided Anastasia inside.
    The house was
comfortably warm, inviting and had a