Evangeline made a pooh-poohing gesture. “There aren’t many trees on the easier runs. You’ll be fine.”
Charlotte nodded, clomping forward in the ski boots Evangeline had lent her. “These are really stiff.”
Evangeline laughed. “That’s what she said.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Ha, funny. Why can’t I move my ankle in the boots?”
“I like more support when I ride.” Evangeline shrugged. “You aren’t planning to ride any rails, are you?”
“Rails?”
“Exactly.” Evangeline pointed at the boots. “Those are good for a beginner. They’ll support you better.”
Charlotte’s phone buzzed, and she checked the screen. “He’s here. I better go.”
“Have fun!”
Charlotte walked carefully down the stairs and let herself out of the café. It was frigid but clear outside, and the sun highlighted a few blond streaks in Luke’s hair. They looked natural, and Charlotte knew about twenty women who’d kill to get that look without the salon’s help. He looked good, though. He always did—his skiwear fit him like it had been tailored for him. And, knowing what his parents’ business was, his jacket probably had been.
Luke grinned at her, obviously noticing her thorough inspection. “You ready?”
Her stomach did a flip. Nerves? Lust? Both probably. “As I’ll ever be.”
Chapter Seventeen
Luke
Damn. That’s all Luke’s brain could come up with when Charlotte stepped outside. Her jacket accentuated all those great curves, and she had pulled her hair back, giving him a better view of her long, smooth neck. He could spend hours in that spot—the space between her jaw and her collarbone—if given the opportunity.
“Luke?” Charlotte sounded amused. “You in there?”
He shook himself back to reality. “Yeah, sorry. The training area isn’t far. We’ll start there and see how much we can get through today.”
She laughed suddenly. “That’s what she said.”
Heat flooded through him, and he turned with his eyebrow raised. “What was that?”
She laughed harder, muttering something about Evangeline being a bad influence. It was damn cute seeing her so flustered, and he grinned, holding up a board. “I don’t know what you had in mind, but I meant snowboarding.”
She gasped for breath between giggles. “I know. I’m just being an idiot.”
Luke had brought two boards with him—both old ones he’d upgraded from to race—and hefted them onto his shoulder. One was perfect for a beginner. More forgiving on the knees and without the sharp edge pros looked for. He’d intentionally gone with a similar board to make sure his ride was equal to hers.
He wanted her to have fun. He hadn’t ever offered a snowboard lesson to a date before, though, so it might be a disaster. His hands were sweating inside his gloves.
I hope this doesn’t crash and burn.
He led her along the walking trails, taking it slow, until they reached the edge of the training hill. Most of the schools had wrapped up for the day, so they had plenty of room. He dropped the boards next to each other and waved her over.
“First things first.” He smiled up at Charlotte, who had this total deer-in-the-headlights look on her face. “Trust me, okay?”
She nodded, staring down at the board like it was going to bite her.
What she needs is a distraction.
Luke reached for her right ankle, intentionally missing and sliding his hand up her calf. Her eyes went wide as he reversed course and trailed his fingers down to her boot. Uh-huh, eyes on me. Nothing else to see here.
He settled her heel into the back binding and tightened the straps. “How’s that feel?”
She was staring down at him rather than the snowboard. Good. “Huh?”
Luke smirked. He really had her going. “The bindings. The need to be tight, but not cut off your circulation. How are they?”
Charlotte’s cheeks were tinged pink. “Oh. Fine.”
“Good, because the next part is a little tougher.” He stood, taking both of her hands and putting them on his shoulders. Their faces were only a few inches apart. “I need you to step into the other binding. The board might slip a little, but I’ve got you. You won’t fall.”
She mumbled something like, “That’s what you think,” then picked up her left foot.
The board slid, throwing her against his chest. He wrapped an arm around her waist, leaning in so he could feel her body against his. “See? No falling.”
“There will be some falling, though,” she said, looking up at him, her eyes half closed. “When I try this on my own.”
Luke’s heart was running a mile a minute. “Yes, but don’t worry about that.”
“I’m a worrier.” She looked away. “Sometimes, anyway. Sorry.”
He tilted her back until she was balanced on both feet again, then lifted her chin with his free hand. “I’d be more freaked out if you weren’t a little worried. Standing on a piece of plastic and sliding down a hill isn’t normal.”
“Are you calling yourself crazy?” she asked, all innocent and wide-eyed, even though he could tell a smile was trying to fight its way through.
He brushed her cheek with his fingers, wishing he didn’t have on gloves so he could feel her soft skin. “You know the answer to that.”
“Mmm.” She leaned into his hand. “That’s part of your charm.”
So crazy wasn’t a problem for her? Good to know. “You think I’m charming?”
“May-be.”
The little smile on her face warmed him down to his boots. “Does that mean you’re planning to let me hang around for a while?”
Her eyes—damn, those gorgeous eyes could drown a guy—sparkled. “Oh, I think there’s a good possibility of that.” She pulled back slightly, her expression playful. “But weren’t we doing something?”
Snowboarding, right. “I’m going to do up your binding. Hold on tight so you don’t fall.”
He knelt slowly, getting goose bumps as her hands slid up his chest to rest on his shoulders. Was it getting warm out here? Because Luke could swear there was something burning.
He cleared his throat and finished strapping in her left foot. “There. I’m going to stand up and let you try to balance on your own. Tighten up your abs—pull your navel toward your spine. If you need to, hold out your arms.”
He slowly eased away, watching for any wobble or lean, but she stayed upright. Her eyebrows were knit together in concentration, and she was biting her lip. God, he’d give anything to kiss it, but that would have to come later.
“I’m doing it!” She grinned at him.
“You are. Good job.” He bent to strap on his own board, and when he straightened up, he caught Charlotte looking at him. Looking at his ass. He dropped his voice low. “Enjoying the view?”
She laughed, turning even pinker. “Busted.”
“Hey, I’m down with ogling. Totally. Long as it’s mutual.” He winked and slid downhill to her. “Okay, let’s get this party started. First thing you need to learn is how to stop. You have to dig your toes or your heels in—whichever one feels easier.”
He angled her sideways and gave her a gentle push. She started skidding down the hill, her arms waving. “Lift your toes and dig in your heels.”
He saw when she did it…and where she went wrong. Charlotte dug in too hard and tipped over like a falling pine. “Oof.”
Luke rode down to her and helped her sit up. She was shaking, and his stomach clenched in alarm. Had she hurt her shoulder? God, if she was hurt, he’d feel like a complete ass. “You okay?”
She took a shuddering breath and started laughing. “Oh my God. How did that look? Was it as ridiculous as it felt?”
Luke’s heart stopped trying to beat itself out of his rib cage. Charlotte’s shaking was the result of silent giggles, not tears. Giggles he could live with. “A little bit, but don’t be discouraged.”
“Oh, I’m
not.” She glanced at her board. “But how do I get up?”
Luke spent the next hour teaching her how to stand from sitting, how to ride with her shoulders low and knees bent, and how to stop without falling. By the time the sun dipped close to the horizon enough to call it a day, she’d mastered a wobbling ride down a short incline and stopped without falling.
“Ta-da!” She waved her arms in victory. “I officially snowboarded. Kind of.”
“Not ‘kind of.’ You snowboarded.” He gave her a fist bump. “We should celebrate, but I need to run by the hospital and see Dad. What are you doing tomorrow night?”
A brief shadow crossed her face. “Packing. I’m going home to see my family for a few days. But I can probably go out for a little bit.”
She was leaving? Luke managed an understanding smile, and he did, really. Still, he realized he’d miss her. More than he would’ve guessed. “You definitely need to be with your family. But how about a quick dinner tomorrow, before the packing?”
“Deal.”
He helped Charlotte take off the snowboard, then walked her back to the café. “This was fun.”
“It was.” She smiled up at him. “I can see why you love it so much.”
Luke took her hand. He wanted the contact. Touching her was addicting. “It’s where I feel most at home.”
“I can tell.” She leaned against his side as they walked. “I wish I was as good at my passion as you are at yours.”
Luke stopped and turned to face her. There was so much doubt in her eyes, and he hated it. He put his hands on her shoulders. “Repeat after me: I’m going to fucking murder the MCAT.”
She snorted. “I don’t think murder is what the testing admins have in mind.”
“You know what I mean.” He leaned closer. “Say it, Charlotte: ‘I’m going to fucking murder the MCAT.’”
She stared at him a minute, then shrugged. “I’m going to fucking murder the MCAT.”
He pressed his forehead against hers. “Louder.”
She stepped away, her smile nervous, uncertain. He nodded encouragement. She took a deep breath and shouted, “I’m going to fucking murder the MCAT!”
In the distance, someone, probably ski patrol, yelled back, “That’s the spirit!”
Charlotte clapped a hand over her mouth, laughing. “That felt good.”
“Confidence. That’s all you need. I believe you can do it, and so should you.” He took her hand again. “Come on, it’s getting colder, and I don’t like the idea of you shivering. Let’s go back.”
Once they made it to Pinewood, Luke thought they’d have a quick kiss at the door, but Charlotte pulled him inside. “Just because we can’t go out tonight doesn’t mean I shouldn’t give you a proper thank-you for teaching me. And for giving me confidence.”
She slid her arms around his neck, stepping in close. She moved slowly and pressed her body against his. With a low growl, he spun them around so her back was against the wall. She pulled his head down to hers and teased his lower lip with her tongue. Hell yeah. He opened his mouth to Charlotte and kissed her until his head swam. One of her hands slid up under his jacket and shirt, cold on his bare stomach. His hips pushed into hers, and he moaned.
She pulled away to kiss his jaw. “I wish you didn’t have plans.”
“Me, too.” His voice was a rasp, sandpaper on wood. He couldn’t bail on his family, not now, but Jesus, he wished the circumstances were different. He wanted her so much, he could’ve taken her on the gleaming bar in front of the espresso machine. Hardly romantic, but his brain had gone right past romance, straight to lust.
Maybe he had enough time to give her a preview, though. He slid his hand up her waist to cup her breast through her jacket. She arched against him with a gasp, and he slid his knee between her legs. He made good on his self-promise, kissing his way along her jaw and down to that sweet spot on her throat. So warm, so soft.
“Luke.” Her breathing was ragged. “If you don’t have time to stay, we’re going to have to stop, because I won’t be able to soon.”
He sighed and slid his arm back around her waist, lifting his lips to kiss her forehead. “Yeah, I know the feeling.”
“I can tell.” She chuckled, husky and low, and he had the fleeting thought that maybe his parents wouldn’t miss him at the hospital after all. She seemed to know what he was thinking. “Go. We’ll pick up where we left off tomorrow.”
He nodded and pulled away, aching for her. He was going to have to drive into town with the windows open to settle down. “I’ll be here at six.”
“Sounds good.” She gave him a soft, sweet kiss, then went to hold open the door for him. “I’m looking forward to it.”
He walked out into the snow, never more grateful for the cold.
Chapter Eighteen
Charlotte
Charlotte had a hard time settling down to study after he left. Her entire body tingled. Yes, going out with Luke had been a good idea. She’d had fun, but there was more to it. The pull between them was too intoxicating to ignore. She’d brushed the same strand of hair for three minutes, lost in the memory of his hands on her body. She wanted more.
The next morning, Evangeline cornered her in the back. “Okay, what happened? You’re walking around in a fog. Was he that good?”
Charlotte’s face flushed. “Wouldn’t know. Yet.”
“Yet? Does that mean there will be a yet?” Evangeline gave Charlotte’s arm a little shake. “Tell me.”
“I’m pretty sure we’ll have a sleepover tonight.” Sleepover. That sounds like we’re ten. “At least, I hope so.”
“Oooh. I need to check on table ten before they start yelling, but don’t forget to shave your legs, got it?”
Charlotte rolled her eyes at Evangeline’s back. “I’ve done this before.”
“Done what?” Mr. Bzdyl appeared in the doorway to the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel.
Charlotte jumped. Did he hear any of that? “Um…flown home out of Aspen. I’m driving to the airport tomorrow. Is that still okay?”
“Eh, it’s fine.” He smiled. “You should be with your family, yes?”
“Yes.” Charlotte had gotten a worrying text from Emily the night before, who insisted everything was just fine, okay? Except it sounded pretty far from it.
Mr. Bzdyl frowned. “But, I don’t know about the weather. Maybe you should leave today, avoid a blizzard.”
“I checked the weather. It’ll be fine.” Mostly. There was a chance of snow tomorrow, but planes flew out of Aspen in the snow all the time. She was lucky to have gotten the one direct flight by booking early, too. She’d make it home.
By two, when they closed, though, fat flakes started falling. Evangeline watched the window, her movements tense.
Charlotte went to her. “What is it?”
“I need to turn on the news.” Evangeline went to the TV in the corner and flipped to The Weather Channel. They were showing Colorado, and the meteorologist was making excited gestures. “Damn it. I hate it when Dad’s right. He has a sixth sense about blizzards.”
“B-blizzard?” Charlotte grabbed the remote out of Evangeline’s hand and turned up the volume.
“I can’t stress enough—this storm is going to be dangerous. Aspen and surrounding areas are looking at up to fourteen inches of snow overnight. Stay off the roads and suspend travel if possible.”
Charlotte’s phone rang. “Hello?”
“Roo? It’s Dad.”
The hair on her arms rose at the timing. He must be thinking the same thing. “I guess you’re watching the weather?”
“I am, and it’s not looking good.”
Charlotte squeezed her eyes shut against an influx of tears. “Dad, I’m leaving now. I’ll drive down.”
“You need to stay where you are, Roo. We’ll be fine. I hate that we can’t see you.” She could hear the strain in her dad’s voice, and he paused to clear his throat. “But I want you safe, and that means staying in Aspen. We’ll pla
n another visit in a few days. Will that be okay?”
“But you need me.” She hated how her voice wavered. “Emily and Mom need me.”
“We do, but not so much that you end up in a ditch on the side of the highway trying to drive down here. Please, stay there.”
Charlotte sank into a chair, dimly aware that Mr. and Mrs. Bzdyl had come out of the kitchen to stand by Evangeline. They were all staring at her. “Okay, Dad. I will. Please hug everyone for me.”
“Of course. We love you, Roo. We’ll call tomorrow, check in.”
“Love you, too. Bye.”
She ended the call and put a hand over her mouth. She couldn’t go home. Charlotte looked up at Mr. Bzdyl. “But the weather was supposed to be fine. Only a forty percent chance of snow. How’d this happen?”
He sighed and pulled out a chair to sit next to her. Taking her hands in his, he smiled sadly. “In Poland, you know a big snow is coming by how the air smells. The air this morning was shouting blizzard. These weathermen, what do they know? Lots of them come from places where it doesn’t snow much, so they don’t listen to the wind. They just look at their computers, which are wrong more than they’re right, yes?”
Charlotte nodded, too choked up to talk.
“I’m sorry, lovely Charlotte. You should come home with us. We may not open tomorrow, so come have Christmas with us. We’ll have traditional dinner: mushroom soup, dumplings, noodles with cabbage, sausages. It’ll be so delicious.”
Charlotte looked into his kind eyes, wondering if she should go. It did sound good, but part of her wanted to stay here. There was plenty of food in the café storage, and being alone when she was hurting sounded better. Besides, she really needed to study.
But none of those excuses would work with the Bzdyls. “I’m going to stay here. It’s possible some crazy people will show up in the morning, and I can make coffee at the least. Plus, ski patrol might be on avalanche duty. I can make them rolls.”
Mr. Bzdyl’s expression was like a sad basset hound’s. “Oh, Charlotte. You don’t have to be by yourself. No one will come tomorrow.”
Evangeline put a hand on her father’s shoulder, eyeing Charlotte. “Let her stay here, Dad. She needs time alone, to rest.”
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