The Christmas Match: Castle Ridge Small Town Romance

by Burton, Allie

  Knowing what was right and what was easy, Danielle headed to the ski team’s locker room, still undecided. She knew Luke would be there, because Brianna had been excited when she’d heard that the famous Luke Logan was going to talk to them today about being a successful professional skier. Just his presence had boosted Brianna’s dreams of becoming a champion.

  An ache spread from her ribcage to her stomach. Another person she’d lose to the sport.

  Entering the locker room, she leaned against the open door, mentally preparing herself to make the unusual request. Coach stood toward the back, listening intently. The kids sat on the locker room benches, their faces upturned in rapt attention. Brianna’s face beamed. She was the most attentive. Her expression glowed with enthusiasm and excitement and adoration.

  Which Danielle understood. She’d looked at Luke the same way when she’d been in high school.

  He stood at the front of the room. His intense expression showed his passion for skiing and competition. He prowled back and forth as he spoke with a slight limp that most people wouldn’t notice. Tight, designer jeans molded to his muscular thighs and buttocks. A black sweater hugged his broad chest and emphasized the width of his shoulders.

  Danielle unbuttoned her coat and flapped the edges, trying to get cool air.

  “Luke still has the gift of drawing others’ attention,” Coach whispered, next to her.

  She hadn’t even noticed him move and stand beside her. She’d been as enthralled with watching Luke as the teens, but for different reasons. “Yes.”

  Even in high school, male and female eyes had been drawn to him. They listened to what he had to say. Followed his lead.

  “I remember the two of you were inseparable in high school.” Coach’s shrewd glance pinned her to the spot.

  Her heart dropped and so did her blood pressure, having an idea what he’d say next.

  “Brianna’s got determination.” Coach shot her another look, as if he knew a secret. “She’s a lot like Luke.”

  Coach knew. He knew her secret.

  The pounding in her chest boomed, sending blood racing in her veins. Her pulse points throbbed. She couldn’t hear Luke speak over her internal noise. Couldn’t concentrate or focus.

  Coach figured out the truth about Brianna. Danielle had wondered if Luke’s return would cause additional gossip. How many other people would guess, now that Luke was back in town?

  She didn’t have a choice. No more blundering around the issue. No more wondering what was right. She had to tell Luke.

  * * *

  Luke knew the moment Dani walked into the locker room. He’d sensed her presence. Felt the familiar tingles and the increased heart rate. Realistically, her scent couldn’t overcome the smell of damp clothes and sweaty teens, but he sniffed the slight lavender in the air. She’d been wearing the same perfume and driving him crazy since freshman year.

  And she still did, dammit.

  “Ability is important.” He skimmed over the heads of the teens and his gaze landed on her.

  Whispering to Coach, she had a slight flush on her cheeks. Her unzipped jacket gave a glimpse of the tight sweater she wore underneath. His groin tightened. Her skinny jeans were tucked into snow boots. They weren’t high heels meant to torture a man, but on her, the clunky boots appeared sexy.

  Shaking his head, he cleared his mind. Focus.

  He took a few steps in the other direction. “Becoming a professional skier is about hard work. Being the first at practice and the last one in the training room. Strategizing in advance how you’re going to attack the hill. Not worrying about the competition, but doing your best.”

  This reminded him of high school, when Dani waited for him in the ski locker room after the other skiers had left. How he’d rush to get changed so he could take her in his arms and kiss her. How he’d walk her home. She was the only thing that got him off the slopes.

  His passion had been evenly divided between skiing and Dani. A constant battle in his heart and soul.

  His heart beat slower. He didn’t feel the same passion for skiing anymore. Now his heart and soul worried about contracts and marketing opportunities. About injuries and pain. About the young kids coming up who were stronger and more agile and ready to take his place on the podium.

  That’s the injury talking. You’ll be back out there soon.

  Turning again, he flexed his leg. Pain shot through him and he almost buckled at his knee. Trying to stop from showing his discomfort, he schooled his features and his gaze connected with Dani’s.

  She stared at him with compassion in her eyes. She’d noticed the wince in his expression. She always noticed everything about him, as if they were connected. He firmed his lips, trying to pretend there was no pain. As a teen, he couldn’t get away with that, either.

  “Skiing professionally takes dedication, but mostly passion.” Once he healed, he’d be out on the circuit again and be thrilled to be there. His passion for the sport would return and he’d claim dominance again.

  Brianna’s eager eyes showed her passion and determination, reminding him of himself at her age. She had the talent to go far.

  “If you have any questions, I’ll be hanging around for awhile.” Unfortunately.

  He didn’t want to be in Castle Ridge. He wanted to be at the World Cup trials with his friends and competitors. He wanted to prove to himself and his sponsors he could come back and be a winner. Didn’t he?

  Careful not to limp, he strolled toward Dani at the back of the room, trying to put a swagger in his walk and in his question. “Come to hear me speak?”

  “Hardly.” Her cheeks flushed red and she looked away.

  When he’d first started flirting with her in high school she’d react like that. He’d thought she wasn’t interested. Later, he learned that his attention scared her. He was bigger, older, a better skier. She’d been aware of his reputation with the girls in school, and she didn’t want to become one of the pack.

  But none of them had ever caught his attention like Dani. She’d been shy and unsure, until they’d gotten to know each other and she understood he was serious. They were serious. Good together. Or so he’d thought.

  So serious, he’d taken his time with her. Never rushing her to intimacy. Maybe that had been his mistake. He’d treated her like a princess. In his mind, that’s how he’d always thought of her. Not that he’d ever used the nickname out loud.

  Pulling back her shoulders, she angled her chin in determination. She looked him in the eyes. “Will you meet me later?”

  He jerked back, shock jolting his body. His gaze scanned her up and down. He’d never known Dani to be aggressive. Where was the tentative girl he’d dated? What had happened?

  Bitterness crept in his veins and shriveled in his midsection. He’d probably never know. They’d both changed over the years. But not enough for his interest not to be piqued. Maybe a temporary affair could work out between them. He was here for a few more weeks. “Love to.”

  She gazed around, spotted her daughter, and whispered. “I’ve got to work until ten. Meet me in the Castle Ridge Lodge Pub.”

  “Offering to buy me a drink before you have your wicked way with me?” His body blasted like an inferno. He’d been picked up by lots of women, but Dani’s invitation flared in his groin, sparking fires of desire.

  Firing into an inferno of anger. She couldn’t have this much control over him. He’d be the one breaking hearts this time.

  “I won’t be drinking, but you might need to.” She pivoted away from him and waved to Bri.

  Her parting shot hit him right between the knees, cooling any remaining lust. What could she have meant? This mature Dani was a complicated puzzle he’d love to figure out.

  Dani laughed at something Bri said, but the chuckle sounded forced. She slung her arm around her daughter’s shoulders, walking toward the exit. They appeared to be a happy little family. Why wasn’t Williamson in the picture?

  Luke’s gut clenched. Not th
at it mattered. He had an opportunity with Dani, starting with drinks tonight. He couldn’t hold back the smile blooming on his face. They’d reminisce about their high school days together and rekindle the fire that always sparked between them.

  The cold nights in Castle Ridge appeared to be getting warmer.

  * * *

  Luke arrived at the pub early to meet Coach for dinner. But all he could think about was what would happen when he met with Dani. He’d convince her to come to his room. Then, he’d persuade her into a kiss. And he remembered what happened to both of them every time they’d kissed like it was yesterday.

  Squirming in his seat, his jeans tightened with the thought of Dani naked. He wasn’t a randy teenager anymore. He should be able to restrain his body’s reaction. What was it about her that caused him to have no control?

  “Like I was saying,” Coach set down his fork on his empty plate. “I’m getting too old to coach. I can’t get up on the mountain like I used to. I’m not in touch with college and professional trainers and coaches. I don’t travel to any of the shows or expos.”

  Luke tuned back in to the conversation. “You’re experienced. That’s important, too.”

  “You’re experienced.” Coach jabbed a finger at him. “I’ve never competed professionally.”

  “You could have.” Luke remembered how Coach skied, remembered the opportunities that came his way even when he was coaching.

  Coach’s chin set in stubbornness. “I preferred to stay in Castle Ridge. Stay close to family.”

  Luke had no family in Castle Ridge. Only memories.

  His older brother had moved away right after college. His parents had gone on a cross-country, motor home tour and died in a tragic accident just after he’d left to pursue his skiing dream. He hadn’t kept in touch with any of his high school friends. Besides the one dreaded time, he’d never visited Castle Ridge. There’d been no need.

  He’d only returned this time, believing he could find his drive and passion again for the sport of skiing.

  “Now, my family is elsewhere and my old bones are craving a warmer climate.” Coach’s shoulders sagged. His wife had died several years ago. His kids had families of their own. None of them lived in Castle Ridge.

  The light Christmas music played over the restaurant’s sound system, reminding Luke that this time of year was about family. He missed having a family and staying in one place for more than a couple of weeks.

  “You’re not old.” But he noticed the deep lines on Coach’s face. The way his shoulders hunched. He seemed to have shrunk since he’d last seen him. Depressing thought.

  If Coach was getting old, that meant Luke was getting old, too.

  “I haven’t told anyone yet, but I’m retiring after this season from coaching the Castle Ridge ski team.” Coach pursed his lips, as if the hard decision had been made and there was no use trying to change his mind. “Moving to Arizona to be by the grandkids.”

  Sadness shifted through Luke. Coach leaving would be the end of an era. “I’m sorry to hear that, Coach. The team is going to miss you.”

  “Not if I can leave them with a top-notch replacement.”

  “Got anyone in mind?” Castle Ridge was a small town. There couldn’t be many top-notch ski coaches hanging around.

  Coach’s stubborn chin pointed. At him. “You’d be perfect. Look how the kids reacted to you today.”

  “Wait a minute—” Luke gathered his thoughts, remembered how he’d felt as if he was being judged. “Today was a test.”

  “And you passed with flying colors. Even Danielle was impressed, and she’s one of the hardest parents to convince to try anything new.”

  Hearing Dani’s name jerked his wild thoughts to a stop. Coaching would mean spending more time with Dani. More time to convince her that fooling around would be fun. Don’t get ahead of yourself. She only asked to meet for a drink.

  “No. I’m going back to the professional ski circuit.” He missed the slopes. Missed the adrenaline of the race. Missed the rapture of winning.

  “Your knee’s doing that much better, huh?” Coach’s skeptical tone daggered into Luke.

  “Yes.” A lie.

  His leg hadn’t improved much since leaving the hospital. He’d spent hours in physical therapy and ice baths. Was it worth it?

  “We’ve got some talented kids on the team. It will be terrible if the team has to fold because there isn’t a coach.”

  Luke would not let Coach guilt him into a commitment. “Tell me about Brianna Marstrand.”

  Coach blinked a few times and stared at his empty plate. “You’ll have to ask Danielle. And don’t change the subject.” He raised his head, boring his gaze into Luke’s. “I want you to coach the ski team. You’d be perfect.”

  The old man’s eyes shone with belief. Just as they had when Luke set off to become a skiing sensation. But now, Coach believed he was capable of something that Luke knew he couldn’t do. Settle down? Be with a bunch of little kids and teens? Never win a medal again? “I appreciate your belief in me, Coach, but my life is the tour.”

  “I think that might be over, Luke.” The soft words flittered across his brain and into his quaking heart.

  “No, it isn’t.” He shifted in his chair, ignoring the pain in his knee. “I’m a professional athlete and I still have mountains to conquer.”

  Coach tsked. “You’re really going back. Leaving Castle Ridge.”

  “Of course I am. I’ll be healthy in no time.” Luke hoped.

  “You could retire on top. No one would find fault with that.”

  “I’d find fault.” Doubts stirred, churning his confidence and pride. “I plan to ski until I can’t walk. I’ve got years left.”

  Coach nodded, his sharp gaze not really accepting Luke’s decision. “If you change your mind, let me know. I don’t plan to tell the kids until the end of the season.”

  Coach walked slowly out of the restaurant. Luke noticed the slight limp in his gait, the awkward half-shuffle. When he’d mentioned retiring the other day, Luke had thought he’d meant years from now. Not this year.

  Melancholy clogged his throat. His shoulders felt heavy. Guilt at disappointing a man he respected dug in his gut.

  Luke loved helping the younger skiers on the circuit. He’d spend extra time with them on the slopes and in the workout room. He fed off their energy and loved their enthusiasm for the sport, something he’d lost when contracts and sponsorship deals were discussed. Sure, he loved talking to the kids today, but that was a far cry from giving up his life and dreams to settle in one small town he’d vowed to leave forever.

  “Was that Coach I saw leaving?” Parker Williamson slipped into the seat across from him. “I haven’t seen him in years.”

  Luke’s blood pressure spiked. Jealousy and hate and more jealousy stabbed between each of his ribs, sending spirals of pain through his body. This guy didn’t bother keeping up with his own daughter’s skiing, and on top of that, he’d slept with Dani.

  Trying to control showing his emotions, he relaxed the tense muscles on his face and in his most sarcastic voice said, “Don’t you live here, Williamson?”

  Dressed in a dark suit with a Windsor knot in his tie, Parker Williamson looked like a rich, successful businessman. He came from money. His dark hair didn’t look prissy, but had probably been styled using numerous expensive hair products. His clean-shaven face made him appear younger.

  Luke never liked Parker. His I-own-this-town attitude rankled from the time they’d been in high school together. The fact he’d taken advantage of being Michael Marstrand’s best friend by flirting with Dani constantly still punched envy into his midsection.

  And then, when Luke had rushed back to town after only a couple of months on tour to propose to Dani, he’d learned she’d become engaged to Williamson and they’d left town. The stabbing between his ribs twisted and shoved deeper.

  Picking up a fork, Williamson leaned forward and pointed. “I do live here. And so doe
s Danielle.”

  To show he wasn’t threatened by his action or words, Luke leaned back in the booth in a casual pose. He pasted on a fake smile. “Thanks for the geography lesson.”

  “Yeah, well, you never were that smart in school. Let me make it clearer.” Parker snarled. “Danielle and I might never have gotten married, but we still have feelings for each other.”

  So, they’d never gotten married. A tiny bit of satisfaction lessened the pain in his ribs, but his brain bubbled with curiosity. That’s why Brianna had her mother’s name. The jerk didn’t care about his daughter.

  Luke crossed his arms, refusing to express the jealousy brewing in his chest, refusing to show that Williamson had hit his mark. “How does your wife feel about that?”

  “I’m divorced.”

  Luke knew that. He enjoyed pushing Williamson’s buttons. “Maybe having feelings for another woman since eighth grade caused your wife to leave you.”

  The taunt should’ve made Luke feel better, but it didn’t. The minute he’d left town after graduation, Dani had sex, gotten pregnant, and become engaged to this guy. She’d only been sixteen. What had she been thinking?

  “Why didn’t you and Dani ever get married?” He couldn’t stop the question.

  “None of your business.” Williamson slammed the knife on the table.

  “Now you’re acting like you’re in eighth grade.” Luke wondered what Williamson’s and Dani’s relationship was now. They didn’t seem to co-parent Brianna.

  “Danielle is happy with her life. Happy without you around.” He stood and straightened his tie. “Leave her alone. Leave Castle Ridge.”

  * * *

  Danielle stopped at the threshold of the pub. Brushing her damp palms against her black pencil skirt, she scanned the entire room. Her gaze swung past the polished bar with holly hanging from the top, and the large picture windows lined with tiny colored lights. Through the window snow fell. Her eyes took in the small dais with a small decorated Christmas tree where local bands played on weekends, and zeroed in on Luke.