All Chapters of Behind Closed Doors: Nine Forbidden Nights: Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

NoraFebruary 13Have you ever had one of those ideas that sounded great in your head — perfect and well thought out, just the thing to give you what you were craving — only to discover your great idea gives you the exact opposite of everything you desired?Well, I’m currently having one of those moments.When I thought this afternoon, Hey, I know! To get away fromValentine ’s Day and all of its commercialized reminders of how nonexistent my love life is, I’ll go to the ski resort in Vail Ridge! I’ll take a solo trip and enjoy being single! Enjoy not having to see one xoxo, or one pandered holiday-themed anything, in a mountain of snow, it sounded ideal. Like the kind of vacation that would put me far, far away from feeling any lack in my life. And all because of one stupid day.But, nope. Here I am sitting in the bar, nursing a pink-sugar martini(no, they didn’t just bring it out for the holiday — I drink them regularly)right in the middle of Love Central. Match-Made-In-Heaven M

NoraAfter a deliciously decadent meal of mac & cheese and chocolate cake in my room, I decide on a whim to go for a soak in the hot tub. Not always the best thing to do after eating, but I could use a massage on my shoulders, back, and neck.Since I'm without an obedient, service-minded man to help me out, I’m left to rely on jet streams and water.Which is fine since I’ll probably have the hot tub and surrounding spa to myself for the most part. It’s close to eleven, and that means most people are probably already up in their rooms or schmoozing with each otherelsewhere.Grabbing my pair of provided flip-flops and slipping them on, I head to the door. I’m in my leopard-patterned swimsuit. I have a pair of matching leopard ears to go with it, but I’ve decided not to wear the ears now. Role- play only, really. And only if I find myself a boy to play nicely with.Which is probably not going to happen, I remind myself, stepping out my of door and closing it behind me. As Ido, I wrap my

NoraValentine ’s DayAfter my encounter with the mystery woman in the hall last night, I only sat in the hot tub for a little while. Not long enough to ease any of my aching muscles.No matter, though. I spent the morning skiing and now plan to soak for a lot longer. When I ski, I really ski. I go for the hardest, longest runs on the mountain. Not only because I like the challenge, the physical and mentaleffort it takes, but the solitude it provides.Every day, not just on Valentine’s Day, I don’t particularly like other people. Especially not shallow, chatty ones.But today, as I go back into the lodge, I’m exceptionally glad for it.Within seconds of coming back to “civilization,” all I can see is couple after couple. Drinking cocoas and coffee. Snacking on cookies and candies.Chocolates and caramels provided by the resort just for “your sweetheart with a sweet tooth,” as the puke-inducing signs say.Repressing a shudder at the horrible, cheesy marketing, I clear myboots of any