by Lea Coll
Pushing the unpleasant thought out of my head, I re-focused on why we were here. “We’ll need to wear the spikes on our feet, they’re called crampons, and the ice-axes on our hands. Keep your heels low to prevent slips and tread lightly with the tools. If you’re too heavy with the spikes, the ice will break.”
She listened to my instructions intently. “We don’t want that.”
It was the first time I’d heard a waver in her voice indicating she was nervous. Maybe it was becoming more real to her now. I helped her into the equipment, demonstrating how to maneuver the spikes. Then I anchored her rope to the ice at the base of the mountain, harnessing her in. I handed her a helmet before pulling mine on.
I’d studied the routes earlier. “We’ll take the left-most route. It’s the path of least resistance.”
When she opened her mouth as if to protest, I said, “You trust me to take care of you. Part of that is being reasonable. Climbing the steepest part of the falls isn’t the best idea for a beginner.”
“Okay. We can always do the right side another time.”
“I like your confidence.” Now that I’d tapped into her adventurous side, she was more sure of herself.
“I’m going to go first. You want to look for depressions in the ice to place your spikes, or you can use the holes I make. That’s your best bet. For your crampons, a single, sure swing is better than several taps or random chops at the ice. If you kick hard or repeatedly, you’ll tire out quicker, in addition to breaking the ice. When you want to move, lift out the way you went in.”
I demonstrated the proper movement. When I glanced over, she looked doubtful.
I stepped closer, tipping her chin up. “You’ve got this. Follow what I’m doing and you’ll be fine.”
She gestured at the spikes on her hands and feet. “What happens if we fall?”
It was harder to fall with spikes on, and she’d be climbing beneath me. “I’m not going to, so don’t worry about me. If you fall, I’ve got you.”
I wanted to ease her nerves. I leaned down, kissing her lightly on her lips. It was a small press of our lips together making me want more. Instead, I let my hand fall, taking a step back. Other climbers might be here soon. I didn’t want anyone to intrude.
“We need to get going in case another group of climbers shows up.”
She offered me a small smile. “I’m ready as I’ll ever be.”
“I’ll see you at the top.” I infused confidence into my tone. If she believed she could, she would. Simple as that.
She nodded tightly. She straightened her eyes, focused on the wall of ice.
I placed my left hand, then my right, then my feet. I talked to her as I moved, describing what I was doing. I set the rope in the ice then called down to her, indicating she could start. “You’re on belay. Your rope is secured.”
I waited for a minute, watching her movements. “Great placement. Use my holes all the way up. You got this.”
She didn’t respond, but she was probably focused on her hand and foot placement.
I looked up, searching for depressions. The first two pitches were the hardest, with the last one being the glory pitch. I placed one ax, then the other, getting into a steady, comforting rhythm. As we ascended, the wind grew stronger.
“It’s like being in a snow globe that’s been shaken up.”
“It is. Just keep your head down.” The wind whipped around us.
Every few minutes, I paused, checking in to make sure she was okay.
She was so eager to make it to the top, I wasn’t sure she’d tell me if she was in trouble. I listened for any sign that she was getting too tired, but her movements were sure and steady, her voice full of focused energy. I was fully prepared to pause and rappel down early if I had to. There was no shame in being smart about only doing what you could and trying again another time.
When we completed the second pitch, I paused, glancing down at her, noting the fatigue in the lines around her eyes and mouth. “Those were the hardest. One last pitch.”
“Oh, goodie,” she said sarcastically.
“Just a little longer, then it’ll all be worth it.” I glanced back up at the ice ahead of us, the familiar feeling of accomplishment swirling in my chest.
“It’s already an experience to remember.”
“You can tell your children you climbed a frozen waterfall.” I grimaced, unsure why I’d brought up kids.
She laughed lightly. “It’s a good story, for sure.”
“Let’s keep going. If we stop too long, the cold will set in.” If we kept moving, we’d be warm. She’d be safe. My goal was not only to give her an amazing adventure but prevent anything bad from happening. Somewhere along the way, she’d stopped taking risks. I wanted to show her how things could be different. With the proper planning and the right person, there was nothing she couldn’t do.
I steadily made my way up, exhaustion setting in as I pulled myself to the top. “Almost there. You’ve got it.”
My heart was beating out of my ribs. My muscles ached. I quickly ripped off my ice-axes in case she needed my help. When she reached me, I grabbed her elbow to haul her up the last foot.
She sat next to me, holding her hands with the axes awkwardly. I quickly removed them, placing them in my pack so we could rappel down when we were ready. If she got overwhelmed or cold, I wanted to get her down as soon as possible. She was huffing, her cheeks red from the sting of the wind. I wanted to encourage her, tell her that what she’d accomplished was impressive as hell.
Chapter 12
Kelsey
* * *
“Ice climbing takes a lot of guts.” Henry leaned close, cupping my cheek.
I glanced around at the ice below, the view of the valley in front of us. Exhilaration shot through me. “I did it.”
Henry wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close, then pressed his cold lips to mine.
“You did. How does it feel?”
My head felt light, my limbs heavy with exhaustion. “Amazing. The view is incredible.”
“I’m so proud of you.”
I chuckled. “I’m proud of myself. I wasn’t sure if I could do it.”
“You did. Anytime you encounter something hard, think back on this moment, and know you can do it.”
I’d think back on this moment about how Henry was there for me. He’d taken every safety precaution. He’d checked in on me repeatedly to make sure I was okay. I got the impression he would have put a stop to it if he sensed anything was wrong. I trusted him to keep me safe.
He pulled his phone out of his pocket, leaning over to kiss me.
When he pulled away, he showed me the picture. One hand holding me close, our eyes closed as we kissed. “This is the image I want to remember.”
Emotion clogged my throat making it difficult to respond.
Touching my cheek, Henry said, “You’re getting cold. We should head down.”
I nodded, and he flipped into tour guide mode. “Rappelling is the easiest part, but you still need to focus on what you’re doing. Most injuries happen on the way down because you’re physically tired and more prone to making a mistake.”
“That makes sense.” It was getting windier and colder as he quickly ran through the instructions. It sounded easy. “I’ll go down first. That way I can catch you.”
My stomach sunk when I realized I’d be on the top alone. It was comforting having him climb just ahead of me.
He squeezed my knee. “You’re harnessed to the rope. I’ve got you.”
“Okay.”
He got into position and pushed off, easily gliding to the bottom. He gave me a thumbs-up, indicating it was my turn.
I took in the view one last time before turning to get into position. I pushed off hesitantly at first, scared to go down too fast. With each kickoff, it felt easier. I was doing it. The feeling of accomplishment shot through me bigger and more encompassing than before, making my limbs feel lighter.
Halfway down
, a loud crack sounded, splitting the air. My heart skipped a beat when I looked up to see a chunk of ice falling fast toward my head.
I ducked to the side, but it glanced off the side of my helmet. My head throbbed. Panicked, I glanced down at Henry for reassurance, drawing solace that he was there. He had me.
“Are you okay?” He called up, worry tinging his tone.
“Yeah.” I kept my voice steady. This time, my hands were shaky, my heart thumping wildly. I just wanted to be on solid ground with Henry’s arms surrounding me.
“Keep it coming. Slow and steady.” His voice was reassuring but I couldn’t help but wonder if another chunk of ice would follow. Is this how avalanches start? I wish I’d done more research on possible dangers before I’d come. I hadn’t wanted to talk myself out of it though.
I slowly made my way down, glancing up every so often to make sure no more ice was falling. I didn’t breathe easy until Henry’s arms encircled me, pulling me away from the falls. He unhooked the rope and removed the crampons from my feet before turning me to pull off my helmet. He carefully probed my scalp, watching me for signs of pain.
When I winced in pain, he paused. “Is this where it got you?”
“Yeah, but it didn’t hit me directly.”
“Still. We should get you checked out at the emergency room. Are you okay to hike back?”
My head was throbbing more now that I was on the ground, but otherwise, I felt okay. The euphoria from the climb had given way to bone-deep exhaustion and residual fear from the ice falling.
“I can do it.”
Henry quickly packed up our gear, taking both packs. Holding out a hand to me, I grabbed on, never more grateful to have someone by my side. Hopefully, it was nothing more than a slight concussion. I’d be fine, but it felt good that Henry was here for me. This time, I wouldn’t end up in the hospital alone. He’d be by my side.
Chapter 13
Henry
* * *
After the hospital, I dropped Kelsey at the lodge so she could shower and rest. I went back out to grab takeout in town. The doctor had said it was a mild concussion. It was a good thing she was wearing her helmet. I never wanted to relive anything like that again. I was so worried she was more seriously injured or that more ice would fall. I wouldn’t recover from that experience for a while. Kelsey seemed more at ease with it, still on a high from the climb.
Back at the lodge, a couple was hanging out in the great room in front of the fireplace, lost in their own conversation. Kelsey was just coming down the steps when I set the bags on the counter. She looked comfortable in soft black pants and a sweatshirt; her hair was still damp from her shower.
“You hungry?”
She smiled at me. “Yes.”
“Let’s eat out on my deck.” There was a porch for guests on the back of the house but I didn’t want to be interrupted.
I grabbed the handles for the plastic bags, leading the way back up the steps to the fourth floor.
Unlocking the door at the top, I pushed it open. “This is my place.”
“I would have thought you’d live in a cabin in the woods. You know, separate from your guests.”
“I need to rent out every cabin to capitalize on the income.”
I led her through the living room, opening the slider to the deck. I set the takeout bags on the table then started a fire in the outdoor fireplace. I turned on the outside heater to ensure she was warm. I wanted her to experience the view from up here without being cold.
“Eventually, I’d like to build my own place. Have a seat.” I pointed to one of the two large chairs by the fire overlooking the mountains.
Kelsey sat on the cushions, curling her feet under her.
“I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I got a few things.” I rattled off what I’d ordered as I pulled the boxes out of the bags.
“Chicken and broccoli’s fine for me.”
I handed her the boxes along with chopsticks, wondering why I’d brought her to my home when I’d never brought any other women here. It was easier to meet them at their hotel. But it also felt more real to have someone in my space.
With Kelsey, I wasn’t ready to end our day together. I wanted to be alone with her. It was a different feeling—one I wasn’t used to. I wasn’t sure what I was doing, especially after I’d told her we couldn’t be more after that kiss.
When she’d confided in me about her family, every nerve in my body was screaming for me to comfort her, to kiss her. At the last second, I switched directions, kissing her cheek instead of her mouth. I’d intended for it to be short and sweet. Instead, I’d lingered over the softness of her skin.
I settled next to her on the other chair. We ate with chopsticks out of the boxes. It was casual and intimate.
“I know I say this all the time, but I’ll never get tired of this view. I want to put it in a glass bottle so I’ll have it forever.”
“That’s a nice image.” I heard what she hadn’t said, alone in her apartment. She hadn’t told me everything this week but she’d told me enough to get a picture. Her parents weren’t there for her, she’d mentioned a boyfriend thinking she was too clingy, then reconnecting with Elle who’d also let her down when they were kids. She was lonely. She didn’t trust easily. I shouldn’t be the exception in her life but I wanted to be.
I wasn’t the lucky bastard for her but maybe I could show her that there were good guys out there. While she was here, I’d take care of her. I’d show her how things could be with the right guy. When she left—we’d be done—a clean break.
Satisfied with my plan, I finished my food, convinced I was doing her a favor. I ignored the niggling thought that I wasn’t any different than her college boyfriend or her parents, I was taking what I needed, not giving her what she deserved.
Could I give in to my desire, my need to pull her close, to show her that for one night― maybe even the rest of her vacation―she could have me? There was a roaring in my ears, a sinking sensation in my stomach when I made the decision.
I wanted her.
Maybe it was selfish, but I’d take her for however long I could have her. Giving in to my desires would be worth the risk.
“What if I don’t accept what you said the other night?”
“What?” I scrambled to catch up. Had she been talking the whole time and I missed it?
“I don’t want a relationship. What if I don’t care that you have nothing more to give?”
She stepped over to me, crouching down between my knees. The blood drained from my brain to my straining cock.
“You should want more for yourself. You should demand more.” My tone was unforgiving.
“I am demanding more. I want you.” She looked up at me from under her lashes.
All I could think about was her unzipping my pants and taking out my cock.
“Fuck.” I wanted her too.
She was on her knees in front of me, begging for more—no strings attached—a fling while she was here.
I’d be an idiot to say no. Gray would understand. Hell, he’d never find out. We could do this. We could fuck and keep it a secret. No one had to know.
Not touching me, she hovered in my personal space. Her eyes locked on mine. “What if I want an adventure?”
I tilted my head. “I’m listening.”
“What if…” she licked her lips, “I want to explore this thing between us. No strings. No promises.”
“It’s a bad idea.” Even though I’d been convincing myself all evening it wasn’t. It was perfectly logical to give in to our baser desires, our instincts to move closer, to touch, to devour.
“It is.” She nodded, and I wondered if she was messing with me. “But for once, don’t you want to let go, to feel everything?”
“Uh-huh.” There was nothing I wanted more than to touch her soft skin, watching the goosebumps race across her skin with my fingertips, tasting her with my tongue, feeling her bare skin against mine. “I want you.”
; “Isn’t that all that matters?” Her expression was innocent.
Elle, Gray, my family, hers, they fell away until it was just the warmth of the fire, and the moon illuminating Kelsey’s face. I couldn’t say no to her—not again.
I cupped the back of her head, angling her face, her eyes dark with desire as I took what I’d wanted since the moment I saw her. My tongue plunged into her mouth. I devoured her like I’d imagined, my tongue exploring hers.
The sound of the fire crackling behind her was the only sound. The perfect backtrack to this dance.
I pulled away, marveling that she was here, in my home. I tugged her shirt over her head, revealing the globes of her breasts spilling over pink lace. She straightened, leaning back to unhook her bra, her eyes challenging me to do more.
She didn’t trust that I wouldn’t do what I’d done that day in my office, pull away, retreat, and protect both of us. But we were past that point. There was no going back.
I stood, tugging her with me, her hands pulling at my shirt. I ripped it over my head, then lifted her, wanting to carry her to bed. Instead, I laid her gently down on the couch against the wall. Here, we were hidden from view, the fire still warming us, the moon illuminating her skin, making it appear almost translucent.
Her hands were everywhere―skimming my shoulders, my abs, then lower. I sucked in a breath when she played above the waistband of my jeans. I unhooked it for her, pushing them over my hips. My cock sprang out into her hands. She pumped once, then twice, ripping a groan from deep inside my gut. My head felt light, reason fell to the wayside. I didn’t want to stop. I wanted her hard—fast—right now.
I pulled from her grasp to shove my pants the rest of the way off.
I stood next to the couch, one knee resting next to her. This was going too fast. I needed to slow it down. I needed my hands on her, not the other way around.