“So what do you think at first glance?” She gestured to the building in front of them.
He let her change the subject, finding her embarrassment cute. “It’s perfect. I love the rustic look. So warm and friendly feeling.”
“I’m so glad. I hoped you’d feel that way. I have a friend I grew up with who is the assistant manager here, which is how I was able to get a room so quickly. They always hold a few over for VIP guests. He did me a favor and is letting us have one. He’s going to meet us tomorrow morning to show you around the resort for your retreat.”
He nodded. “Perfect.”
“Great! Then let’s go check in.”
They ended up in a room that sold Parker on booking this place for Knight Time Technologies even before he viewed the other amenities. There was a European king-sized bed, the wood furniture was hand painted with beautiful touches and coloring, they had a private balcony and a wood-burning fireplace. Plus, he knew from the brochure he’d picked up downstairs that there were other areas to stay in, chalets and expansion residences that didn’t lose the warmth or charm he’d seen so far.
“If I could have conjured the perfect place in my mind, this would have been it,” he said after he’d tipped the bellman and he and Emily were alone in the room.
Her smile was contagious. “I’m so glad. I had a feeling this would be perfect.”
He pulled her toward him, wrapping her in his arms. “You’re perfect.”
“I’m not.”
“You are. At least in my book.” He leaned down and kissed her, not nearly long enough before she started to speak.
“So what do you want to do while we’re here? How about skiing? You can show off for me. I’m barely past the beginning stage but I used to be able to hold my own.”
She continued to expound on her abilities or lack thereof compared to his, unaware she’d hit a very real nerve. One he’d never truly dealt with. He hadn’t had to. Not when he’d had to focus on rehabbing from a serious car accident, grieving Rina, and throwing himself into work for the family company as an escape.
Pulling away, he walked to the window by the balcony he’d been admiring before. He opened the door and stepped outside, not minding the cold, and looked toward the chairlifts and the mountains.
“Parker? What’s wrong?” Emily came up behind him. This time she wrapped her arms around him. “Did I say something that upset you?”
He blew out a sharp breath. “No. Yes. It’s just… I haven’t been back on skis since the car accident.”
“I’m not sure I follow why.”
He felt her warmth against his back and took comfort from her presence. How did he even begin to explain? “I told you about my father not being a good parent. Well, skiing was all I had.”
“You had your siblings, and Rina.”
She knew him well already.
“I did. But I needed the escape from my home life and skiing was it. The fact that I was good at it was a bonus. Soon it took over and consumed me … in the best possible way. I loved it. The rush down the mountain. The wins, the medals, the endorsements. Hell, even the attention. I ate all of it up.”
She squeezed his shoulders, silently urging him to go on.
He felt like the mountains in the foreground were mocking him, but he found the strength to go back to that time. “I took two bronze, and four years later on a bad run, I shattered my knee in the qualifying trials and killed any hope for the Games. Surgery and rehab were a bitch. Sometimes I didn’t think I’d get through it.”
Rina had been there every step of the way. She’d been his rock. His best friend. But not the woman who consumed his every waking thought like Emily did. And she needed to know who he was and what had brought him to this point. Why he’d taken off from his life in New York so easily.
“Eventually I came back to the sport. I was strong and ready and then came the car accident. I broke my leg and my spirit. After that, I didn’t have it in me to rehab again and try and qualify against the younger skiers another four years later. I let my dreams go.”
He gripped the railing in front of him and went on. “I figured at that point, I owed Ethan and I needed to go into the family business. I mean, what else was there for me to do?” He exhaled a hard breath. “But I hated everything about my day-to-day life. Eventually I adapted and it became my new normal but it doesn’t excite me. I guess that’s why it was so easy to decide to take time off when I came here. But to ski? That’s another story altogether.”
“Hey.” She pushed so he’d turn around and face her. “I’m sorry I brought up a sore subject but I’m glad you shared your past with me.”
“You’re the only one I’d share any part of myself with.”
At his words, her eyes darkened with pleasure. “What do you say we christen this huge bed instead?”
Now that was an idea he could get behind. Bending down, he lifted her into his arms. She squealed in delight, winding her arms around his neck as he carried her back into the room.
He slid her to her feet and he studied her. Long blonde hair fell over her shoulder as she began to undress, and the desire to wind the strands around his hand as he pounded into her surged through him. His cock throbbed at the thought and he couldn’t tear his gaze away from her as she revealed that silken skin. Somehow he managed to strip his own clothing off at the same time as he watched her.
And then she was standing in front of him, naked, and his breath caught in his throat. Lithe and willowy, she fit him perfectly, her body made for him in every way. For him to worship and devour but right now he just wanted to get inside her and assuage this need she created by just being herself. By listening to him and understanding, she made him feel more than just a physical desire. He wanted to imprint himself on her so she experienced that same deep yearning for him in return.
“God, I want you.” He stepped closer and wound his hand around her hair and tugged.
She moaned, clearly enjoying the sensation of pain against her scalp. The sound reverberated in his body, his dick throbbing harder. He pulled her closer and sealed his lips over hers, sliding his tongue over her lips and thrusting into her open, waiting mouth. She kissed him back, the obvious desire inside her matching what he felt for her.
Unable to wait, he turned her around and pushed her face down against the platform bed, the height giving him the right placement and angle for what he had in mind. He reached over to the nightstand, grabbing a condom, ripping the package open, and pulling it on while she waited, ass tipped up, tempting him.
Then he was behind her, nudging her legs apart with his feet. He placed his hand on her back, his cock aligned at her entrance. He trailed his fingers down the bumps of her spine, causing her body to shiver.
He was teasing her, arousing her, working on her anticipation and then he pressed slowly inside. Her body clenched around his dick, pulling him in deeper, and he couldn’t wait, gliding out and thrusting back in hard and fast.
“Oh God.” She shuddered.
“Fuck.” He clenched his teeth and picked up a steady rhythm, taking her hard, knowing from her satisfied cries she was right there with him.
Overwhelmed by the sweet scent he associated with Emily, surrounded by her hot body, and stripped bare by all he’d revealed to her, he slowed down, wanting more than a quick fuck with a woman he was growing to care deeply about.
He slid out and back in, taking care to let her feel him as he moved. She arched her back, meeting him as he ground into her, their bodies in sync with every thrust of his hips.
It didn’t take long before he felt her begin to ripple around him, her body clasping him in tight, wet heat as she came, her scream triggering something inside him, allowing him to let go. His climax took hold, his body stilling as his release exploded, pleasure taking over every part of him, mind, body, and soul.
He collapsed on top of her, his body pressing hers into the mattress long enough for him to catch his breath. He rolled over, then pulled her comple
tely onto the bed. He headed to the bathroom, returning to find her curled under the covers, waiting for him.
He climbed in beside her and she snuggled back into him, where they fell asleep, napping before they awoke for dinner. The hotel boasted a five-star steak house. They enjoyed dinner, and red wine and headed back up to bed, where Parker lit a fire and they cuddled and talked for a while, then made out like teenagers in front of the fire before taking things back to the big bed, where it got even hotter between them.
* * *
Parker had breakfast in bed with Emily, an intimacy he’d never shared with a woman before. It was a unique experience, one he wouldn’t mind repeating. But Emily rushed them out of bed because they had an appointment to tour the resort with her friend, the assistant manager. And since she was doing him a favor, trying to find him a place to hold the corporate retreat, something that would make Ethan happy, Parker pushed himself up and headed for the shower.
A little while later, they were walking through the dark-tiled lobby, furnished with wood accents, by the front desk with the gift and sundry shop to one side.
Emily stopped at the desk. She leaned over, her ass cupped lovingly in a pair of jeans and a white sweater, knee-high tan boots on her long legs. “Hi. I’m Emily Stevens. I’m looking for Colby Mattson. We have an appointment.”
An older woman picked up the phone, and a few minutes later, a guy about Parker’s age walked around the front desk and headed straight for Emily.
“Em! Come here and give me some sugar! How’s my favorite baker?” the man asked. He had dirty-blond hair, wore dark jeans and a cream cashmere sweater, and had a light scruff of beard. Parker grudgingly admitted he was a nice-looking guy who obviously had a thing for Parker’s girl.
“Colby!” Emily squealed in delight.
The man pulled her into a very familiar hug that had Parker gritting his teeth before Colby finally put Emily down. “How’s my favorite girl?”
She giggled like an embarrassed schoolgirl and Parker’s hand curled into a fist. He wasn’t used to this jealous feeling and he didn’t like it worth a damn.
“I’m good!”
“Well, I’m glad you’re back home where you belong. Care to tell me about your time in Chicago?”
“Umm–” Her eyes opened wide and she obviously didn’t want to share information or go back to that time with Rex.
Not only had Parker had enough of being ignored, nobody was going to push Emily into revealing her past. Not even a so-called old friend.
He stepped forward and pulled her back to him, sliding an arm around her. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” he asked.
“Oh! I can’t believe I forgot,” Emily said, a cute blush staining her cheeks.
Colby startled, as if just realizing Parker was there, he’d been so consumed with seeing Emily. Parker figured he could cut the guy some slack. Emily could get a guy to forget his own name. But Colby had planned to give a tour of the lodge and it was time the man remembered and was shown where things stood between the three of them.
“Emily was telling me you and she go way back? You’re old friends?” Parker pushed, emphasizing the word.
Colby’s stare landed on the possessive way Parker’s arm wrapped around Emily’s waist and his gaze narrowed, coming to rest on Parker’s. Clearly he got the message.
“Yes. We went to elementary then middle and high school together. We’ve kept in touch ever since.”
Plenty of time to have made his move, Parker thought to himself. “I’m Parker Knight.” He extended his hand and the other man accepted it, his grip a touch too hard and he held on too long.
“Colby Mattson.”
He might want a pissing contest but Parker was already the winner here.
“Colby, I told Parker you were going to give us a tour of the resort,” Emily, who no doubt was aware of the jealous male undercurrents, said, bringing the subject to why they were here.
Colby nodded. “This place is my pride and joy. We’ve renovated recently and it has every amenity imaginable while still offering a homey feel. Emily tells me you’re looking for a place to hold a corporate retreat?”
“Yes. We’d like to bring a mix of high- and mid-level employees to partake in activities that involve strategizing, enhancing relationships, building morale, as well as giving them time to enjoy themselves.”
Colby nodded. “Well, after the tour, if you’re interested, we can sit down and discuss packages that included transfers from hotels, excursions to town, ski time, catering, and facilities.”
“Actually, once I approve, I’ll have someone call you to go over those details. I’m just checking the place out first. I already nixed one too-slick resort that would have my people freezing up instead of relaxing. At a glance, this place is perfect for what I’m looking for. I just need to see the amenities.”
“Great.” Colby glanced at Emily, who smiled but remained silent, leaving Parker to run his own show. “Let’s get started.”
For the next two hours, Colby was the perfect host as he explained the amenities of the resort and the reasons it would be perfect for what Knight Time Technologies needed for their retreat. From the town at the bottom of the mountain to the gym at the top floor, the saunas and hot tubs, not to mention the exemplary ski runs that gave Parker a pang of longing, the personal accommodations were perfect. There were two cafes and grills for smaller groups of people, and a larger restaurant that offered American and continental cuisine rated Four Diamonds by AAA.
As for meeting areas for the actual bonding and work time, there were different meeting areas. A conference room for groups of up to twenty-five people to escape everyday demands of work and focus on company strategy, private dining rooms that held groups of up to thirty-five for relaxed dinner meetings, and a larger dining room with views of the village.
“Can I take you two to dinner tonight on the house?” Colby asked when they were finally back in the lobby after a long day of walking the resort.
“That’s so sweet of you but it’s our last night and we have plans,” Emily said before Parker could bark out a rude no because all he wanted was to get Emily alone again.
His gaze fell to Emily and softened. “I waited too long.”
She blinked in obvious surprise, her face flushing with heat. She really had no idea the effect she had on men, which was one of the many things he found endearing about her.
“Colby–”
He glanced at Parker. “Take good care of her.” He extended his hand and Parker took it, liking the man despite the fact that he wanted Emily. They shook in silent understanding, which left Parker shaken, because by no means did he and Emily have any kind of future secured.
* * *
After a delicious dinner that consisted of a light Chardonnay, an amazing Dover sole, and conversation that was light and fun, Emily now waited for a chocolate soufflé she could not wait to try. It was their last night away and she had enjoyed every minute with Parker. She let all her troubles drift away, she didn’t think about the future, and she just let the good feelings of being in the present envelop her.
There was that awkward moment with Colby… She’d had no idea he had any kind of feelings for her beyond friendship. But that was the only thing that marred an otherwise perfect couple of days. She’d checked in with her father and he said everything at the inn was fine and he’d see her when she returned. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so happy.
“What was that sigh for?” Parker asked, bringing her out of her musings.
She smiled, looking into his amused blue eyes. “I was just thinking how perfect everything has been here. I’m glad we got away. Do you really feel like this is the right place for your retreat?”
“I do. There wasn’t one drawback except the distance from the airport, but they accommodate that, too, with drivers and vans. I think even Ethan will love the place.”
She nodded. “Me, too. I’m glad.”
�
��So … I have to ask you something, and if you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine, but I noticed how you froze when Colby asked about your time in Chicago. You’ve told me some things about Rex… Want to tell me the rest before dessert?”
She froze. Again. Parker got that word right. Did she want to tell him? He’d exposed his deepest vulnerability to her, his skiing career being cut short, his fiancée dying in a car crash, his refusal to get back on the mountain. Did she owe him her own truths? More so, did she owe it to herself to unpack the pain and finally unburden herself?
She’d never seen a therapist. Merely come home to take care of her sick mother.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything.” His hand covered hers and he squeezed lightly. “I understand.”
But she heard the disappointment in his voice. “I want to. It’s just hard. I’m sure you’ve already put two and two together from meeting Rex and from listening to the things he said. He wanted to change me. He did change me. And I let him.” She swallowed hard, picked up a spoon, and twirled it between her hands.
Parker listened in silence, without judgment, and she appreciated that.
“He walked into the bakery I was working in. That was how we met for the first time. We talked. He bought a muffin. He came back the next day. He asked me out for coffee. We started to date. It was a slow insinuation that what I was doing with my life was a waste. I’d gone to culinary school. Why wasn’t I using my background to work at a high-end shop? I could be making petit fours and other pastries instead of muffins and cookies. He introduced me to a friend of his and soon I was offered a job at a luxury-type pastry shop in a hotel. At his encouragement, I took it.”
She met Parker’s gaze. “Go on.”
She nodded. “By this time, we were living together. Looking back, I’d changed my clothing choices, my friends, everything that was me.” Her hands trembled and she placed them in her lap.
“I was weak at that point. We ran off to Vegas and eloped, which devastated my parents. But he had me so wrapped up in what he wanted, telling me it was what we wanted, that I deprived my parents of their greatest joy, seeing me married.” Her voice cracked at the admission. “Then I…”
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