Altitude is Everything

By Yvonne Phillips

The constant rain that poured down on Southern California ended the drought and covered the San Bernardino Mountains,120 miles from L.A., with six feet of snow, beautiful from afar but dangerous to live in. Holcomb Valley, 4 miles north of Big Bear Lake, was covered with eight feet of frozen beauty. The only two people in the remote valley are Gavin Mitchell a former NFL quarterback and Teal Blu a newbie to the mountains. They take refuge in Gavin's sprawling log home and care for his quarter horses. They survive the 'storm of the century.' But a week stranded together, without any other human contact changes their lives forever. Gavin is intrigued when Teal doesn't recognize him as a famous football star. But is she really what she seems? No sooner does Teal arrive in Big Bear than her car is damaged, and her cottage vandalized. Who doesn't want her in Big Bear? Does the vandalism have anything to do with her teenage years and her ties to a gang? Or is it connected to her testimony against an ex-boyfriend the corrupt City Manager of a small beach community? And exactly who is Eric, Gavin's mysterious 'partner?'

• Language: English
• Publisher: Yvonne Phillips
• Release date: Apr 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370290529

Yvonne Phillips

Yvonne Phillips, married at 15 and a mother of two at 17. Graduated from night school and earned a B.A. from CSUN. She spent 25 years as a telecommunications manager and owned an antique business for 15 years. Yvonne has two children, four grandchildren and is still married to her high school sweetheart. The Winemakers' Dance is her debut book, volume one of her Hamilton Ranch series. Yvonne has always enjoyed reading and set out to write a book that she would enjoy reading. She succeeded.

Book preview

Altitude

is

Everything

Author

Yvonne Phillips

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to all my friends who listen to me drone on and on about my characters. You are all great sounding boards. A special Thank You goes to my proofreaders.

Tiffany Allen and Sandy Senft who lugged a huge three ring binder containing my manuscript all around England, Ireland, Scotland and Whales.

Theresa Regan-Blood, who, despite her busy law practice always has time to read my stories.

My daughter, Lisa Paynter, who loved the story, but glossed over the sex scenes. Mother, really!!

Dave Caretto, who doesn’t read these types of books but offered himself up as a sacrificial lamb and true friend.

Jodi Hansen, who is always helpful, encouraging and is a GREAT speller.

Paul Senft, who edited the verbiage on the back cover.

Pat Sevedge DVM, who okayed the description of the foal’s delivery.

Linda Foley, a great friend, who always tells me like it is.

Other books by Yvonne Phillips

The Hamilton Ranch Series:

The Winemakers Dance (Volume 1)

A Taste of Tannins (Volume 2)

Forever in My Life (Volume 3)

Writers Road Spring of 2017

DEDICATION:

To my ever patient husband Don. Who lets me read my stories out loud to him and offers insights, and questions my motives for certain story lines.

Copyright 2016 by Yvonne Phillips

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead is coincidental.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Altitude Is Everything

Chapter 1

Holy crap! Teal shouted to no one as she looked at the flat tire on the car she was towing behind the moving van. She bent down. A nail was driven into the tire’s sidewall. Still talking to no one she said, Someone did this on purpose.

Emerging from his truck, Gavin Mitchell stopped when he saw the slender young woman pacing around in the middle of the street, talking to herself. In front of her sat a rental truck and an SUV with a flat tire. Need some help? he asked.

Look at that, she said pointing to the flat tire, someone did that deliberately.

Kneeling, Gavin touched the nail tentatively. You don’t remember running over a piece of wood or anything?

No, I didn’t run over anything. I’m a better driver than that. I just drove up the hill, stopped at Molly’s antique store, and drove over here for a bite to eat. That nail is in the sidewall. If I didn’t run over anything, someone had to have pounded it in intentionally. Who in the world would have done that? I haven’t been here since I was twelve; except for one day back in November. She jerked her thumb toward the truck. I’m relocating from down the hill. I have no idea who would want to do this. Maybe it was malicious mischief.

Gavin frowned; vandalism was unusual for Big Bear. He stood, extending his hand, I guess I should introduce myself, I’m Gavin Mitchell, I’ve lived here all my life. This isn’t something we often see up here.

Teal furrowed her brows, trying to remember. Are you…

Gavin sighed, here it came the same old question, ‘Are you Gavin Mitchell the football player?’ He was disappointed; he’d hoped she wouldn’t recognize him.

…Judi Mitchell’s older brother? She finished her question.

Judi’s older brother? He’d never expected that question; he was disappointed and amused. He grinned, Yeah, Judi’s my younger sister. How do you know her?

We were in an after school girls club. I think they called it ‘Camp Girl Power.’ Even though we went to different grade schools we were camp friends. I thought I’d call her once I get settled. My name is Teal Blu, she extended her hand.

Suppressing his urge to smile at her name, he asked, Would you like me to change the tire for you?

No thanks, I’ll take care of it. I guess you’re on your way into the cafe, go ahead, I’ll be fine.

Taking her at her word Gavin nodded and headed into the Grizzly Café.

Forty-five minutes later he emerged from the restaurant. The SUV had been emptied of its contents and unhooked from the moving truck. Teal was releasing the SUV from the jack but the tire was still flat.

Problems?

She shrugged. Triple A is busy with an accident on highway 38. Since the nail is in the sidewall it can’t be fixed, and the tire stores up here closed at noon on Saturday. Oh…and the spare, it’s flat too. I’m going to leave the car in the vacant store’s parking lot and take care of everything Monday. It was nice meeting you, she handed him her card. When you see Judi, have her give me a call.

***

Gavin galloped his horse toward the rising dust plume. It was getting dark, late for visitors on this side of the valley. These roads could be treacherous after dark. It looked like the vehicle had stopped by the vandalized house down the road.

Closer now he saw the moving truck. What the hell? He wondered if it was the woman he’d met this morning. If so, did she know where she was going or was she lost. No one could move into a house that was in such poor condition. The green-eyed beauty stood on the porch watching him. He dismounted and tied his horse to the dilapidated fence. Walking towards the house he couldn’t help his appraisal. Tallish about five seven, long legs, full bust, nice ass, long dark wavy hair, sensuous lips and those green eyes. Hi again, he said, are you lost?

She was trying to get the image of the way he sat a horse out of her head. He rode like he was part of the animal. He’d swung off the horse with athletic ease. No. My Godfather died last summer and left me this cottage. I was here last November and it was in perfect condition. Now look at it! How long has it been like this? She frowned. If this kind of vandalism happens out here, maybe I should rethink my move.

His face was tan. A five o’clock shadow helped the cowboy look. He had great blue diamond eyes and straight white teeth. His long legs were encased in tight faded Levis, and a western shirt stretched over his broad shoulders. The cowboy hat hid his hair. Earlier today he’d been wearing a baseball cap, he had to have some defect; maybe he was bald. She realized she was staring. Teal turned and walked into the damaged house.

Gavin followed. With the sinking sun and no electricity the inside was growing dim, but he checked every room for damage. First your tire and now your cottage. Who did you make angry enough to do this?

Teal’s imagination flew into overdrive. Maybe he didn’t want her living here, or maybe it was Brad, her former boyfriend. No, it wouldn’t have been him. He was in jail.

She walked to the front deck, No one. I have no idea who would have done this. I didn’t realize the cottage had been vandalized or I wouldn’t have planned on moving in this weekend. I was going to spend the night here but it looks like that’s not going to happen. I better get a move on if I’m going to drive back to town and get a hotel.

The sun had set behind the tall pines, and standing in the shade she felt a chill. The San Bernardino Mountains were in Southern California, only 120 miles from L.A., but it got cold at 7,000 feet, especially in early March.

A second cowboy galloped up to the fence. He was dark complexioned and wore a black cowboy hat. He didn’t dismount but sat his horse watching her.

Gavin felt bad for her, first her tire and now the cottage. It’ll be dark soon and the road to Fawnskin isn’t good, especially at night. My place is just about a quarter mile further up the road, we’ve got plenty of room. You’re welcome to one of the guest rooms.

I couldn’t impose. I can sleep in the van. I’ve got my sleeping bag. Her voice trailed off, wondering why she hadn’t accepted his generous offer.

You don’t have any bathroom facilities here, he said looking at the torn up house, not even running water. It’s no imposition. If it’ll make you feel better I have live in help, so we won’t be alone if that’s a concern.

Teal squared her shoulders and tilted her chin. I wasn’t worried about that. I didn’t want to bother you. You hardly know me.

If you’re going to be living here I guess I’m going to get to know you, besides you’re a childhood friend of my sister. We’re the only private residences in Holcomb valley, everything else is owned by the government. Come on, he urged, you’ve had a bad day; I’ll buy you a drink. He grinned and nodded at his horse, I’ve got to get Raider back before dark. Follow the split rail fence up the road and turn in at the driveway. I’ll let Leslie know you’re coming. He untied his horse, swung into the saddle and galloped back up the road. The cowboy in black tipped his fingers to his hat in a farewell before wheeling his horse and also galloping away. He hadn’t said a word. Teal didn’t even know who he was.

Holy Cow! She hadn’t said she’d stay at his place, he’d just assumed she would. He seemed nice, and her guardian angel wasn’t shouting a warning to her. After all, he was Judi Mitchell’s brother. It wasn’t like he was a complete stranger. She remembered him from when she was ten or eleven. He was four or five years older than she and Judi. She knew driving a truckload of antiques back and forth over a bumpy dirt road wasn’t the best thing for them. She decided to accept his invitation. Teal backed up the truck and headed in the direction he’d galloped.

Not far from the cottage, a white split rail fence ran parallel to the road. It continued for half a mile before turning right, along a paved driveway. The driveway made a circle in front of a humungous log home. Lights shined through the windows, creating a warm glow in the inky darkness. She was glad she was staying here instead of the van. Besides, she needed to use the bathroom.

A man of slight stature answered Teal’s knock. Welcome, you must be Teal. Gavin called and said you’d be staying with us, come on in; I’m Leslie, Gavin’s houseman, administrative assistant, and man Friday. It’s nice to meet you, His small face lit up into a smile almost bigger than he was.

They shook hands, Nice to meet you too Leslie, I’m Teal Blu. I’m going to be your neighbor. I hope I’m not intruding.

Not at all, we have lots of room. Gavin’s out in the barn, let me show you to your room. She followed him down the extra wide decorated hall to the guest room. She’d never seen a hall with furniture in it before. A church pew, a small table with an antique lamp, and paintings lots of paintings, from Impressionists to copies of the Masters.

Once in the room, Leslie turned on the lights revealing one of the most exquisite bedrooms Teal had ever seen. It looked like it had come to life out of a magazine. A canopy bed stood at the center of the opposite wall. The room was decorated with velvets and satins. The colors were muted with warm shades of gold, burgundy, and green. The furniture was antique oak. A natural rock fireplace graced the corner of the room and a bay window looked outside. It was dark now so Teal had no idea what the view was of. The open beam ceilings were high, over twenty feet tall. A large walk in closet and an ensuite bathroom completed the room.

Beautiful, Teal breathed, running her hand over a post of the canopy bed.

Yes, agreed Leslie. Gavin has excellent taste. When you get settled, come on into the kitchen, we usually eat there. If I’d known we were having a guest we’d be eating in the dining room. We’re having pot roast, I hope that’s okay?

One of my favorites, Teal assured him. Closing the bedroom door, Leslie returned to the kitchen, leaving her alone. Teal noticed he walked with a limp and there was something vaguely familiar about him. Teal headed for the bathroom. A huge Jacuzzi tub and a massive shower with twelve separate body sprays stood at opposite ends of the room. There were more dials in the shower than she’d ever seen before. Two beautiful matching mirrors hung above the dual sinks; everything was in soft shades of beige and tan. The floors were some kind of large tiles, travertine she thought, and the counter tops were granite or at least granite looking. The toilet seat was heated, for heavens sake. Teal was impressed that a bathroom this grand would be stuck out in the woods. It looked like it belonged in a five star hotel.

She hung her clothes in the massive closet; it had an island! She sat her suitcase on top of it. Since she’d been driving most of the day, she felt travel dirty. She decided to have a quick shower. She only needed five minutes. She dropped her clothes, grabbed her robe, and went into the bathroom. Stepping into the shower Teal thought she’d figured out all the dials and turned on the water. Unexpectedly, water shot from the ceiling. Crap, she hadn’t meant to wash her hair. She grabbed the shampoo and washed it quickly.

Feeling refreshed, she applied a little blush to her cheeks and towel dried her hair. Curls sprang up everywhere. She didn’t have time to tame it. She just applied a little product and hoped for the best. Throwing on her Levis, a beige fisherman’s sweater and a pair of loafers she headed for the kitchen.

As she entered the kitchen, Gavin came in carrying an opened bottle of Merlot. Leslie, do we have time for a glass of wine before dinner?

Yes, maybe a half an hour, while the biscuits are baking.

Teal noticed the table was set for four. Let’s sit in the great room. Gavin headed toward the room with the roaring fire. He took four wine glasses out of the bar and sat them on the coffee table. Leslie come join us if you have a few minutes. He turned his attention to Teal, My partner, Erik, will be joining us shortly. He was the other rider.

Teal gave him a knowing nod, thinking it was a shame they both played for the other team. She supposed the ladies of Big Bear were disappointed.

He wondered about Teal’s look but let it go without question. He poured her wine, Drink up, you’ve had a bad day.

Teal took a sip. This is delicious.

It’s a Merlot from a friend’s winery in Paso Robles. If this wines any indication of what he’s going to produce, he’s going to be very successful. Gavin smiled and sat down opposite her.

Leslie joined them. Leslie, said Teal, what’s your last name? I didn’t catch it earlier.

Fisher, Leslie Fisher.

Were you a jockey in another lifetime?

Yes. How would you know that?

When I was in college, I lived in Burbank. One of our neighbors had a racehorse at Santa Anita. He hired me to exercise him although I’d have done it for nothing. He was a great horse.

When was that? Leslie asked.

From when I was eighteen till I graduated college. You were in that terrible spill at Westchester weren’t you?

Yes; you have a good memory. Four horses in all, two fell in front of me. My mount jumped over them but clipped his hind legs and we fell, the horse in back of us landed on me. Broke my hip my femur and my pelvis. It was the end of my riding career.

The cowboy dressed in black, Gavin had said his name was Erik, came in and poured a glass of wine. He’d entered the room so quietly Teal hadn’t realized he was in the house.

Teal, this is Erik Luhan. Erik this is Teal Blu the new neighbor.

Erik’s eyes were cool and appraising, his lips curved in a barely discernable smile. How do you do? Sorry I’m late, he gave a slight nod.

Teal caught her breath; he was very handsome. He had a Mediterranean look. He might be Italian, Spanish, Mexican, South American, Portuguese, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or from anywhere in the Middle East. His black hair was worn in a short ponytail. A scruffy beard hid the bottom part of his face, and his eyes were grey.

Gavin relaxed on the couch, legs crossed one foot on the opposite knee. So Teal, what do you do? For work I mean?

I’m unemployed at the moment. I worked for a beach community in their building and safety department. They were downsizing so I volunteered to leave and got a year’s pay as a bonus. She smiled. I have a couple of new business opportunities I’m pursuing.

Gavin was intrigued. So you got fired? And they gave you a ‘separation’ package? His tone was not judgmental, just factual.

Teal narrowed her green eyes. Without the cowboy hat she could see his face. He was exceptionally good looking. He had wavy dark blond hair worn a little longish so that it curled against his collar.

No, I didn’t get fired. Her voice was calm and measured, had he known her he’d have realized she was angry. We agreed to end our professional relationship. We didn’t see eye to eye on some key issues that came into play. They watched each other over the rims of their wine glasses.

Come on all of you, said Leslie, shooing everyone towards the kitchen table. Dinner’s ready.

Gavin reflected on what she’d said. She was beautiful with long crazy curly hair. She looked like she belonged on a men’s calendar with maybe nothing on but her gorgeous smile. He felt a tightening in his groin. He saw her eyes narrow at him, almost like she could tell what he’d imagined. He wondered if she was really what she said.

You have a lovely home, she smiled at him with full sensual lips. And it’s decorated beautifully. Did you and Erik do it?

Erik? No, he doesn’t do decorating, a lot of other stuff but not decorating. He chuckled. A friend, who’s a designer helped me, but I like to take credit for most of it. When I travel I pick up pieces I like. He smiled his most charming smile at her making sure his dimples showed. In his experience women loved guys with dimples.

***

Erik leaned back in his chair and smirked, his eyes alive with laughter. It was good to see a female who wasn’t enamored with Gavin Mitchell. Dinner over, he stood, It was nice meeting you Teal. I have to go out of town on business; I look forward to seeing you again when I return. He shook her hand. His hand was warm against her skin and she was sure she felt him squeeze her hand just a little. Thanks for dinner. He left as quietly as he’d entered.

Erik’s nice. Have you guys been partners long?

About seven years. I’d like to talk about you. Are you married? Divorced, widowed, children? Gavin fired questions at her in rapid succession.

No, I’m not married nor divorced, and I don’t have any children. I have one crown, 2 fillings, no allergies and no major operations. She sat back and took another sip of wine. Erik heard her remark as he was closing the door and smiled to himself.

Gavin laughed, Touché, he said raising his glass to her. I’m sorry I must sound very nosey. It comes from living in a small town. We’re just interested in our neighbors. He shrugged his shoulders. I’m glad you like the wine, I think it’s excellent.

Dinner was delicious Leslie, my compliments. Teal carried her plate to the sink where she scraped and rinsed it. She returned to the table and removed the rest of the dishes. Saying she was a guest, Leslie shooed her away. Having nothing else to do, she thought she’d go to bed, even though it was only 8:30.

The blazing fire in the family room beckoned. Gavin stirred it with a poker, sparks flew and the fire sizzled. I opened a second bottle of wine, help me finish it off. Teal sank into a large leather chair that dwarfed her. She slipped off her shoes and curled her legs underneath her. Gavin brought her another glass of wine and sat on the couch.

You mentioned a few new business opportunities, want to share what they are? He knew it wasn’t easy to maintain a nice life style in the mountains. Over the years he’d seen many people come and go. Some had grand plans on how they were going to make a living. Most of them failed and returned to the flatlands poorer but wiser. He’d hate to see that happen to her. It took a special kind of person to live in the mountains.

You’re very curious. I’ve told you lots about me, why don’t you tell me something about you? She gave him a level look.

Gavin cocked his head, his smile pensive. Earlier he’d been sure she was going to ask him if he’d played football. He was used to women fawning over him. Even being retired he got stopped all the time. But, she didn’t know who he was. Refreshing. Then his common sense took over; maybe she was a reporter. A story on him going into broadcasting after cutting his football career short would make a good story. He needed to watch what he said until Erik investigated her background.

Teal prodded him, What do you do on this ranch?

We breed horses.

It must be lucrative, she said looking around. I’m sorry that was rude; sometimes I don’t have a filter. Forget what I said.

All ready forgotten. Tell you what, a friend of mine is a contractor, maybe he could come out tomorrow and give you an idea about how much it’s going to cost you to fix up your house. I could give him a call, what do you say?

That’d be great, if it’s not too much trouble. She sipped her wine.

Gavin picked up the phone. After a short conversation he hung up. Jeff will be at the house tomorrow at 10:00, give it a once over and give you an estimate.

Thanks. I guess I’m in your debt yet again. Changing the subject she looked around the beautifully decorated room. You did a lovely job putting this room together.

I’m glad you like it. He smiled at her and flashed his dimples.

Teal looked at her watch, there was no mistaking that last smile was flirtatious. She understood he and Erik were partners. Maybe instead of a gay couple they were a bisexual couple. She was a little mixed up at the signals she thought she was getting from both of them. Standing, she picked up her wine glass. Thanks so much for everything. It looks like I’m going to be in your debt for a while. She washed and dried her glass and put it away. Gavin stayed on the couch in front of the fire. She returned to the family room and collected her shoes.

Thanks again. Goodnight. She went down the hall to the guestroom. She changed clothes in the closet and put on her sleeping tee shirt. She pulled back the velvet and satin bedspread and crawled into the huge canopy bed. Snuggling under the goose down comforter she fell asleep thinking confused thoughts of pretty blue eyes, dimples, and wavy blond hair mixed up with a black ponytail and grey eyes, pensive and watchful. Gavin and Erik made a very attractive couple. She bet the girls in Big Bear were mad as hell that the two hottest guys here were hot for each other.

***

He should have kissed her. He couldn’t believe a beautiful woman like Teal was staying in his house and he hadn’t made a move on her, or more accurately she hadn’t made a move on him. Hell, he hadn’t even kissed her and her lips looked very kissable. In the old days they’d already be having sex. He must be slipping. He sighed; it was going to be a long lonely night.

Chapter 2

The clock showed it was 7:00 a.m. Teal rolled out of bed. Maybe the cottage would look better by the light of day. She needed to hurry so she could return the moving truck. She didn’t want to have to pay for another day’s rental.

She called triple A and made arrangements for them to go by and check on her car. She told them where the key was hidden. They said they’d pump up the spare, switch tires and put her key back. She could come in later and sign the work order. Teal dressed in Levis, boots, a heavy sweatshirt and pulled her hair into a ponytail. She doubted she’d be able to stay in the cottage tonight. Maybe Gavin wouldn’t mind if she stayed all night again.

Entering the kitchen she smelled the coffee. She searched the cupboards for the mugs then helped herself. Leslie didn’t seem to be around, maybe he didn’t start until later.

The sky outside was pewter; opening the back door she was greeted with cold arctic air. She turned on the small kitchen T.V. The chirpy weather girl on channel six said there’d be snow showers in the mountains in the afternoon. Holy Cow, she didn’t seem to be able to catch a break. She heard steps on the deck. Gavin came in dressed in grey sweats and a short sleeve tee shirt that was soaked with sweat. Blazed across the front were the initials USC. Guiltily she looked down at the UCLA letters on her sweatshirt. The schools were cross-town rivals. He drank a glass of water without pausing for a breath. The coffee’s ready, she offered, starting to rise from the table.

Had mine. I’m going for a shower. He said walking past her.

Hmm, not a morning person. Looking down at her sweatshirt she wondered if the UCLA shirt had bothered him. She decided to change her top. After changing she poured herself another cup of coffee. When Gavin returned his mood had improved.

Have a nice run?

Yeah, it’s always nice to run up here, especially in the mornings. He busied himself in the kitchen. I’m having a smoothie, want one?

No thanks, sorry about the UCLA shirt, you must really be a USC fan if my shirt made you angry. I won’t wear it again.

I am a big SC fan, he said, but I didn’t notice your shirt. I’m worried about Leslie. His sister lives in Portland. She called him from the hospital. She was in an accident last night, and she’s having surgery today. He’s on his way to the airport right now.

It sounds serious, I hope she’ll be okay. Do you have any idea of what’s wrong?

She has to have surgery on her arm. Someone ran a red light and T-boned her. She has multiple fractures in her left arm. I’ve got my fingers crossed she’ll be okay. Leslie is going to call me after her surgery. He turned on the blender and