Boy, was she ever too.
Chocolate Mousse
1 can coconut milk, chilled overnight
2-3 tablespoons cacao powder
1 tablespoon sweetener, such as maple syrup, honey, or coconut nectar
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Using handheld mixer, slowly whip only the hardened part on top of a can of chilled coconut cream. Add other ingredients and use higher speed to blend. Top with berries or nuts, if desired.
Chapter 23
Kate stepped out into the frosty air and breathed in the refreshing scent of snow and the sight of a sparkling blue sky. With the knitted hat and gloves her mom had given her for Christmas, she felt warm and ready for ice skating. Surrounded by white-capped mountains, Aspen was everything she’d dreamed of. Dan walked next to her with a relaxed expression. She could tell the change of scenery was already working its magic. The boys were off by themselves, still within view, leaving them some private time. Dan’s idea to bring Oliver along had been a good one. Five years older than Ethan, he was mature enough to keep an eye on his younger cousin and still be good company.
“There’s great shopping in town,” Dan explained, “But I think we need some exercise first. After we’ve skied most of the day tomorrow the boys won’t mind stopping in a few stores to look around. One of the places we can take them is this marvelous bookshop. They can browse in the children’s section, which has games as well as books.” Letting out a contented sigh he held her hand and asked, “When was the last time you skated?”
Thinking back, Kate realized it had been quite a long time. “Probably not since my teenage years. I’ve been too busy since then. What about you?”
“I’ve taken Ethan to the rink several times each year so he’ll be fine, as will Oliver. Just go slow and I’m sure you’ll catch up quickly.” Kate was a superb athlete. Even if she was rusty she’d soon manage. He was sure of it.
When they reached the rink they stood for several minutes watching the skaters whirling about. Several people were beginners and stayed near the edges of the rink while others more experienced tended to gather in the center. After renting ice skates they headed to join the crowd.
Ethan and Oliver immediately began racing around chasing each other. Dan waited a few moments while Kate took tentative steps onto the ice. “You go on ahead,” she told him. “I’m going slow for a while until I get my sea legs.”
Nodding, he headed off to skate. Kate watched as he effortlessly moved around the circle. He was a natural at most everything he did, she thought. Testing her stopping technique several times, she then tried to skate backwards. Finally feeling more confident she moved smoothly around the rink to join Dan. “I think I’ve got it,” she told him. “Guess it’s like riding a bicycle. Once you know how it’s hard to forget.”
Smiling down at her Dan took her hand in his. “I didn’t think you’d have much trouble remembering.”
Before long Kate felt completely at ease. When he partnered with her to waltz about, she was able to follow him. “This is such fun,” she exclaimed. A light-hearted mood swept over her as she looked around at the marvelous scenery and cheerful faces of the skaters. “I haven’t felt this sense of joy in a long time.” It was true. Scheduling every bit of time she had in order to accomplish all the things she needed to do, she’d lost sight of how a day spent just having fun could feel like.
As if he read her thoughts Dan said, “That’s why we need lots of vacations. Even if it’s just for a long weekend now and then, getting away is always rejuvenating. You come back to your regular life with more enthusiasm. That’s the whole point.”
Dan suggested they have dinner out since they hadn’t shopped for groceries. “After we eat we can hit the grocery store and pick up what we need.”
They found a Thai restaurant in town that had enough variety to please everyone. After dinner they all trooped to the grocery store. Dan urged the boys to select items they’d enjoy for breakfast and several dinner choices. “Now it’s your turn,” he told Kate. “My breakfasts are simple – juice, coffee and whatever pastry’s around. I know it’s not the healthiest meal but I’m used to it. If I watch you a few days I might switch to whatever you’re eating.”
Was he saying that just to please her? Kate wasn’t sure but she wasn’t about to make food choices an issue. “We’re on vacation. Eat whatever you want.”
Later in the evening Dan had a fire going in the fireplace of their spacious condo. The boys were busy with a game they’d brought along. “This is cozy,” Kate murmured. She’d made cups of lemon ginger tea for them as they watched the flames.
”Couldn’t be better,” he agreed. “I’ve forgotten everything I have to do and can concentrate completely on you.” He sent her an endearing smile and pulled her close. “Getting out on the ice was a real treat. Put me in another zone altogether.”
“That’s what my runs do for me,” she said as she snuggled against him. “But being here is even better. I thought Switzerland had the highest mountains, but Aspen comes pretty close. I read a brochure that said Aspen Mountain was over 11,000 feet high. Skiing down something like that must be spectacular.”
“It is,” he agreed. “You’ll find out. We might want to try the intermediate slopes the first time then switch to the more difficult runs. Buttermilk Mountain has a gentle terrain so we’ll start there. The boys can begin ski school tomorrow. Once they’re in a routine, we can get adventurous and head for the more challenging terrain.”
Kate appreciated Dan’s sensible thinking. He wasn’t reckless or trying to impress anyone. Confident in his own abilities, he could assess a situation and come up with the right approach. She could feel at ease in his company knowing he had a steady hand at whatever he did.
After the boys were asleep Dan could tell Kate was ready for bed too. “C’mon sleepyhead, let’s hit the sack. It’s been a long day and we want to get an early start.”
Kate was more than ready. Heading for their bedroom she thought about the flannel pajamas she’d brought along. With two young boys underfoot she wasn’t going to parade around in a sexy nighty. Would Dan be disappointed? Whatever, she’d made her choice.
On some level Dan must’ve guessed her train of thought. “Kate, why don’t you use the bathroom first while I sneak in one of my chocolate ice cream sandwiches? Take your time – I’m used to retiring later. I’ll join you soon.”
Relieved he wasn’t expecting to shower with her, Kate nodded. When they were alone it was one thing to indulge in baths or showers together. That was great fun. But she couldn’t help being aware of her mom’s warnings. She planned to be discreet on this trip, at least.
Later, curled against him, Kate sighed with contentment. “All that fresh air makes me sleepy,” she confessed.
“I guessed as much,” he chuckled. “Still, a little less clothing would be cozier.” His hand slipped under the flannel bottoms to stroke her bare skin. “Much better,” he said in a husky tone. Soon the pajama bottoms were gone.
Kate didn’t mind. His sensual touch heightened the awareness between them. Before long the heat level rose and she turned in his arms responding to his silent invitation. Making love under the down comforter was more than satisfying, except for the effort to keep quiet. Dan’s firm mouth found hers whenever her pleasurable moans threatened to rise. Afterwards they slept easily, wrapped in each other’s arms.
~ ~ ~
“Buttermilk Mountain has some gentle terrain,” Dan explained as they headed out for their first day of skiing. “We’ll drop the boys at ski school and then take off.”
They’d rented equipment and were ready to hit the slopes. Kate couldn’t wait to feel the excitement of that first plunge down the mountain. The magnificent scenery and clear skies added to the enjoyment. Although the ice skating had been fun, skiing was s
heer bliss. The sting of snow and the wind whipping about her face as she moved down the steep slopes of the more difficult terrain of this winter wonderland were thrilling.
They stopped for a quick lunch of hot vegetable soup and crunchy salads and then were back to skiing until mid-afternoon. Picking up the boys after ski school, they headed home to change into bathing suits. The warm outdoor pool and hot tub were the perfect way to relax and unwind after a full day of skiing.
“I know you enjoy cooking dinner but there are several really great places with healthy selections we could try,” Dan suggested as they headed up to their condo. “What do you think?”
Kate could tell he wanted to eat out. Since this was his vacation as well as hers, she didn’t want to seem negative. “Sounds fine with me, but we did buy groceries for a few meals at the condo,” she reminded him.
“I know, we will use the food. I promise. But I thought we could browse some of the stores after dinner. That bookstore is unique and there are several clothing stores that are special.”
Other than for food items, Kate was not a shopper. She usually bought several good basic outfits and used accessories to dress them up. Perhaps Dan wanted to buy some clothing items for the boys. “That sounds fine to me.” If he enjoyed shopping, she’d go along with it. They’d spent an exciting day on the slopes and there were more days of skiing ahead. She smiled in anticipation.
Dan chose a restaurant where there were many salad selections. With a side of guacamole and the crackers she’d brought along, she had a satisfying meal. Meanwhile Dan had a pasta and shrimp dish while the boys opted for hamburgers and fries.
“Let’s save dessert for later,” Dan said. “There’s an ice cream shop in town that has the best chocolate ice cream I’ve ever tasted.”
Kate noted Dan’s look of bliss as he talked about his favorite flavor and couldn’t help smiling. “I think you like anything chocolate-flavored,” she teased.
He laughed. “You’re probably right.”
“Uncle Dan,” Oliver piped up. “You wouldn’t eat chocolate-covered shrimp. Would you?”
“That’s silly,” Ethan jumped in. “Shrimp don’t come in chocolate.”
“I’ve heard of chocolate-covered grasshoppers,” Dan replied with a serious air. His eyes twinkled as he watched the boys’ horrified expressions.
“I wouldn’t eat that,” Ethan said emphatically. “Would you?” He turned to his cousin.
Oliver shook his head. “No way.”
“We’ll stick to ice cream, although the grasshoppers would be crunchy.”
The boys made a face at his suggestion.
The book store in town was a spacious place with sections for children’s books and games and areas for quiet reading. Oliver and Ethan immediately found books to look at while Dan and Kate browsed the adult section.
“What types of books do you like to read when you have free time?” Dan asked Kate.
“Free time?” she retorted. “I can’t remember sitting down to read a book except late at night when I usually fall asleep after about two pages. If I did have time, I’d probably look at books about the history of food preparations and cookbooks. Although I do like a good biography now and then. What do you like to read?”
“Mysteries usually,” he admitted. “Detective yarns and suspense stories. I like to figure out who the villains are. I also enjoy books about history, both ancient and modern. Understanding how different cultures saw their world gives me a better perspective on events happening today.”
“That makes sense,” Kate agreed. “I always enjoyed my history classes, especially art history. You can learn so much about an era through their paintings and sculpture. If I had free time I’d take a sculpture class. Working in clay sounds like so much fun.”
“If you want something enough, you’ll do it,” Dan declared.
They found books to look at and sat together on one of the comfortable sofas provided by the store. Kate glanced around at the peaceful setting and breathed a sigh of contentment. What a lovely way to spend an evening.
Later they discovered the ice cream shop and splurged on sundaes. Even Kate gave in and had a dish of coconut frozen yogurt with sliced fruit on top. A great ending to a wonderful day.
The week was going by too quickly, Kate reflected. She was enjoying every minute and didn’t want this vacation to end. On Wednesday evening they finally had dinner at the condo. “At least we’ll use up some of the food we bought,” she told Dan.
“I told you we would,” he retorted. He’d rolled up his sleeves and was making a macaroni and cheese casserole for the boys while Kate sliced veggies for a large salad. A pot of fresh tomato soup with basil was simmering on the stove. Oliver and Ethan were watching an animated superhero film on television as a cheerful fire blazed sending a warm glow throughout the spacious living area.
Standing close to her Dan said in a low tone, “Tomorrow evening you and I will be eating dinner out alone. I’ve asked one of the ski instructors to watch the boys for the evening. We’ll browse the stores.” He wanted to buy Kate something special but wasn’t quite sure what she’d like. This way they could look at a few shops after they headed to a restaurant he’d checked out beforehand.
She turned to look at him. “That sounds like fun.”
“I haven’t told the boys yet, but there shouldn’t be a problem. Between skiing and swimming, they’re pretty tired by the time evening comes.” Giving her a speculative look, he added, “It might be best for you to take a power nap after our swim tomorrow. That way you won’t fall asleep in the middle of dinner.”
“Have I ever fallen asleep before?” she challenged. Laughing, she decided he had a point. “You’re right. I’ll take that nap before we go out. At least I brought along something to wear in the evening.” Her long denim skirt with an embroidered blouse would be appropriate. She’d sneak a pair of long underwear underneath the skirt. Nights could be pretty cold.
Later, snuggling in bed with him, she said, “That was thoughtful of you to arrange Thursday night out.”
Holding her close he kissed her tenderly. “Having you alone for a few hours so we can have dinner together with adult conversation is important to both of us. And I know the boys will be well cared for. The ski instructor who’ll watch them is a great guy. They’ll probably enjoy his company as much as we’ll enjoy being on our own.”
Dan had thought everything through. She loved that about him – the thoroughness and insight he brought to his decisions and actions. It put her mind at ease and gave her a sense of security she’d never had with Jared. Her ex-husband had been more concerned with his own interests and pleasing himself. He’d expected Kate to enjoy the things he liked without consulting her. Being with Dan was a great change.
~ ~ ~
Kate and Dan had dinner Thursday night at a small, intimate restaurant. He’d scouted the place and noted the variety of salads and fresh vegetables on the menu before making reservations. There was even a jazz trio playing in the background.
“This is delightful,” Kate said looking around at the elegant décor. Floor to ceiling glass walls gave diners a spectacular view of snow-topped mountains. The night skies had thousands of glimmering stars plus a full moon.
“Glad you like it,” Dan replied. “Let’s hope the food is as good as the ambiance.”
“I’m sure it will be.” She knew it was difficult to find restaurants with enough variety in veggie dishes but this particular place had several to choose from plus an array of salads and soups.
Dan placed his hand over hers. “I want you to enjoy your meals. That’s important to me.”
Tenderness rose in her heart. “That’s so sweet of you.” Her family never went out of their way to make sure she had the foods she needed. In fact, they found her diet strange and a bit intimidati
ng. Her mother often complained she never knew what to cook when Kate was invited to dinner. She’d usually bring her own food to her mom’s house to avoid any conflict or criticism from her sister.
His eyes locked with hers for a long moment. “Seeing you happy means a lot to me. I want you to know that.”
Magical words, she thought. Dan’s deep blue eyes were warm and inviting. He made everything seem so easy. At least on vacation she could believe that all would go well. Regular life came with trials and tribulations but for now she’d take the magic and go with it.
After a leisurely meal they strolled around the shopping area. He stopped in front of a store window showing a variety of mannequins with designer-type lingerie. One particular nightgown and peignoir in a dark brown silk caught Dan’s attention. “That’s an unusual color,” he remarked.
“Yes, it is pretty,” Kate replied noting the lacy insets on the sides of the nightgown and the stitched detail of the bodice. She’d never owned anything like it – much too impractical for her lifestyle.
“Why don’t we go inside and you can try it on?” When she raised startled brown eyes to his he said, “Let’s see how it looks. I want to buy you something special on this trip and wasn’t sure what you’d like.” Taking her hand in his he tugged gently. “C’mon, if you don’t like it, we’ll try another place.”
He was serious about this purchase. She could see it in his expression. “Uh, I don’t know if I’d ever wear anything like that.”
He bent his head and said in a low tone, “You could wear it for me – I’d love that.”
The Sweet Touch Page 23