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warmth beneath the poncho. Had the man felt his grip loosen? Had he sensed that Alec would fall and spoke to prevent it?

"I can't see," Alec said, squeezing tighter. It was true. All he could see was the man's back, and the dark woods receding to the left and right. The snow had let up, only flurries now.

"The cabin's up ahead. I'm going to get you close before we dismount. Wouldn't want you

ruining those Kenneth Cole's."

Good shade, Alec thought.Demarco would have given points for a comment like that.

The horse came to a stop. The man tossed his hat to the ground and then slid under and out of the

poncho. With surprising dexterity, he swung his leg forward, up and over the horse's head, sliding from the saddle to the ground, opposite of a traditional dismount.

Impressive.

Without the man's broad shoulders, the poncho hung huge and heavy on Alec. Again, he

resembled a child playing dress-up.

The man picked up his hat, dusted the snow from it and placed it back on his head.

"Come on. You're next." He held his arms out. Alec lifted his right leg backward and over, clinging to the saddle and sliding down on his stomach. Halfway down, he felt the man's sturdy grip embrace him at the waist, lowering him softly to the ground next to him.

"Well, that's one way to do it."

"Novice here. Thanks for the assist."

The man's face was still mostly covered from the scarf and hat, but again Alec sensed

friendliness in his eyes. He gestured left.

They were standing at the foot of steps leading up to a cabin. The man grabbed the horse's reins

and secured them on the porch railing. It was too dark for Alec to make out the details of the building and frankly, he didn't care. He just wanted to get inside and warm. He removed the poncho and

handed it to the man.

"Key?" the man asked.

"Oh," said Alec. "You have it. It's on the car keys I gave you."

"Good thing I'm still here."

Alec did not agree, but deep down knew that the man was correct in more than that respect.

The man climbed the steps and used the key to unlock the door. He reached just inside and

turned on the lights, both inside and out. Alec looked around. They were on a plain, a few sparse

trees, a well, and a barn in the distance. The cabin was modest in size, with a front porch and rocking chairs.

"Come on," said the man, holding his gloved hand out. "It's cold out here."

Alec accepted the stranger's hand and went up the slick steps carefully, holding the railing for

support.

They went inside.