by Jaci Burton
Amber rubbed Lisa's back. She'd had enough conversations with her friend to understand her fear. "I don't think awesome guys and love come around all that often, Lisa. Maybe you should try shoving down that instinct to flee and stick around to see what happens between the two of you."
She nodded. "I guess. Maybe you could spend some time with him and tell me what you think?"
Amber smiled. "I'd love to. We sort of had a very short conversation at Claude's place. He seems very nice."
"He is very nice. And he's skiing today."
"Yes, we'll get to watch him. I'm excited."
"Me, too. And nervous for him. I want him to do well."
This was so fun. She'd never seen Lisa this nervous about a guy before. She'd always been so chill about men. "I'm sure he'll do great. I hope he has a huge cheering section."
"He'll have us for sure. And his parents will be there."
"No pressure there, huh?" Amber said with a smile.
"I know, right?"
"Oh, I invited Will to go with us."
"Excellent. Now I'm even more excited. I'm going to finish getting ready."
They ended up side by side in the bathroom doing their hair and makeup. Lisa showed her how to work a smoky eye shadow and deepen her eyeliner game to bring out the blue in her eyes.
Amber tended to go light on makeup except for her performance makeup, which always had to be exaggerated. So whenever she wasn't performing, she tended to wear very little makeup. But as they worked side by side in the bathroom, Lisa told her she could put on makeup without it looking the same as when she was performing.
"You're so pretty, Amber," Lisa said. "You don't need much. But let's accentuate your stunning eyes."
Lisa had amazing blue eyes, too, and she never looked overly made-up, so Amber put her face in Lisa's capable hands.
"If I'd had a sister, I imagine it would have been a lot like this," Amber said.
Lisa looked down at her. "Probably. But then we'd fight over the same boy."
Amber laughed. "You think so?"
"Oh, I know so. I mean, look at us. Both head-turning stunners, you know we'd attract hot guys. And then you just know we'd like the same one."
Amber shook her head. "I don't think so. I've met Blake. He's tall and blond and Will is tall and dark."
"So you think we have different tastes in men?"
"You didn't have sex with Will four years ago."
Lisa nodded. "This is true. I friend zoned him right away. He's just not my type. I mean he's incredible looking of course. But he and I just hit it off in a friendly way almost immediately."
"See? We'd never fight over guys."
Lisa laughed. "You're right. We'd be amazing sisters, Amber."
She missed hanging out with Lisa. It was times like this she realized how much she wrapped herself up in her work, in training and performances, and how little she allowed herself to have fun.
That was all going to change after these games.
After hair and makeup, they went into the bedroom and got dressed. Lisa chose black ski pants and a beautiful white sweater. Amber chose red leggings and a black sweater. They slipped on their insulated boots, put on their parkas, then made their way to the shuttle that would take them up the mountain to the ski slope.
They got out at the bottom of the slope and fortunately got to bypass the entry line by using their badges.
They found seats with several other athletes from the US, Canada and other countries. It was great to see so many athletes here to cheer on their teammates.
It was cold today, but bright and clear, which would be perfect for the skiers.
Today was the downhill. Amber had skied plenty of times before, but these competitive events went beyond skiing. It took skill and strength to make it down the mountain fast without wiping out.
"Blake qualified well on this," Lisa said. "I think he's got a decent shot to medal, depending on how well Marco and Jean do. They're his top competitors."
"They're fierce competitors, too. I watched Jean ski in the French competition last year. He's formidable."
Lisa nodded. "He'll be difficult to beat, for sure. But Blake has been training so hard, and his coach has a great deal of confidence in him. So do I."
"Then we'll cheer him on so loudly he'll be able to hear us from the top of the mountain."
Lisa laughed. "You bet your ass he will."
Amber's phone buzzed. It was a text from Will. "Will's here. I'm going to go meet him and bring him up here."
"Okay."
She made her way across the aisle and down the stairs. Wow, it had gotten so crowded. No surprise since so many people had arrived in the past couple of days, in addition to all the athletes who wanted to watch the competitions. It didn't hurt that downhill skiing was a popular sport.
Of course, to Amber's way of thinking, all the winter sports were popular.
She spotted Will at the bottom of the risers. He saw her, too, and made his way up the stairs. They met halfway.
"Hey," he said, grabbing her hand. She thought he might kiss her, which could be awkward.
But he didn't. He squeezed her hand, then let go of her. She sighed in relief.
The sex had been fun and she liked Will, but she didn't want to go parading around in a large crowd hand in hand with him, either.
Yet.
"How was your practice this morning?" she asked Will.
"We're looking fierce. We're all ready to play actual games, though."
"I know the feeling."
She led him up the steps to where she'd been sitting with Lisa, who fortunately had held the space on the bench for them.
Will hugged Lisa and they took their seats.
"I'm so nervous for Blake," Lisa said.
"That your boy?" Will asked.
"Yup."
Will nodded. "I've watched him ski before. He's damn good and has a great chance at making the medal stand."
"I'm so hopeful," Lisa said. "And so nervous."
As Lisa stood and looked up the mountain, Will turned and whispered in Amber's ear. "She's got it bad for this guy, doesn't she?"
Amber nodded. "Yes. It's very sweet."
"This is a different side to her. I like it."
"So do I."
The announcer came on so everyone settled. When the first skier came down, an Austrian, Amber could feel the tension fill the entire spectator area, herself included. She wanted Blake to do well, but she wanted all the skiers to do well. She couldn't help it. As a professional athlete, she knew how hard everyone worked to prepare for the games. She wouldn't wish ill on anyone, including her own competitors.
The Austrian came in with a decent score.
Two more came down after him, and they were good as well. Not that she was surprised. All the athletes that were here at the games were exceptional.
Blake would ski third to last, followed by Jean, then Marco.
"I've skied down mountains tons of times," Will said. "You know, for fun. But this, doing it with the incredible speed and the turns. This takes a level of skill that rocks so damn hard."
They all understood what it took to become an expert in your field. That it wasn't just sliding down a mountain on skis. There was a skill level that took years of practice, of hard work and spills and spending hour upon hour getting every twist and turn just right. And then being just a bit better than everyone else.
When it was Blake's turn, Lisa grabbed Amber's hand and squeezed it so hard she winced.
"He's going to do great, you know."
She wasn't even sure Lisa heard her. Her friend's focus was on the top of the slope where Blake was poised to take off.
"Come on, dude," Will said. "You got this."
The buzzer sounded and Blake pushed off. It appeared to Amber as if Blake's skis were on fire as he soared down the slope like a lightning-fast blur, shushing past the gates in perfect motion. She barely breathed during the minute and a few seconds it took for him to re
ach the bottom. Lisa and Will were both screaming, the cheers around them were incredibly loud, and when Blake got to the ending gate, Amber knew he had to be in first place.
The score showed he'd beat the previous first-place competitor by three whole seconds.
"Three damn seconds," Lisa said, turning to hug Amber. "Three seconds."
"That's amazing," Amber said. "He was awesome."
Lisa was grinning. "Wasn't he? I need to go hug him."
"Yes, you do."
Amber was so happy for Lisa--and, of course, for Blake. She watched as Lisa fought her way down the risers and over to the fenced area. After Blake did a few media interviews, he caught sight of Lisa, went over and gave her a kiss and a hug.
"That's sweet," Amber said.
"They look good together."
She leaned into him. "We look good together."
Even though she'd started the lean in, he hadn't moved away yet. "You know, I'd really like to kiss you right now."
Now she was plenty warm, and it all had to do with the hot man who stood next to her and the way he looked at her. "Kind of crowded here for a kiss. Plus, TV cameras."
"The crowd is watching the skiers. And the TV cameras aren't the least bit interested in the spectators."
"But the spectators have cameras."
He cocked his head to the side. "There you go, being all logical, Amber."
She laughed. "We'll make some alone time later."
"Now I feel like your dirty secret."
"I know." She wiggled her brows. "Naughty, isn't it?"
They watched Marco and Jean, who, as expected, skied flawlessly. They were first and second after their scores were put up.
Lisa finally made her way back through the crowds and up the stairs. When she met up with them, she threw her arms around Amber. "Wasn't Blake amazing?"
"Totally amazing," Amber said.
"Of course, Jean and Marco skied better so that puts Blake in third after his first run."
"Yeah, but he still has a shot at beating them," Will said. "Their times were all close."
Lisa looked up the slope. "This just makes me more nervous."
"He'll do fine, honey," Amber said.
The second runs began, all based on first-run scores, which meant Blake would ski third to last again. As every skier came down the hill, the scores--and standings--changed. This was expected, but it left Blake in limbo, because many of the second runs were better than the firsts. Which put Blake's standing in jeopardy.
"He's going to have to have a good run," Lisa said. "Hans's second time down was excellent and now he's in third place."
"Trust me," Will said. "He's fully aware of what he's got to do to secure a spot on the podium. He'll get it done."
Amber hoped so.
Blake was up next. With two skiers behind him, and this being the last run, he had to do it now to secure a medal.
They were all leaning forward as Blake shot out of the gate. Not only could they see him come down the slope, but there were also big-screen TVs set up at the bottom of the slope to show the action up close.
Amber's nerves were shot. She wasn't even this nervous when she skated. Then again, she knew her own skill set and what she was capable of. With someone else, she had no idea, and now that she knew how close Lisa was to Blake, she wanted him to succeed.
He blitzed down the slope, seemingly faster than his last run. Amber wanted to watch the clock, but she wanted to keep her eyes on Blake, too. He slid his skis past the finish line three one hundredths of a second faster than the athlete currently holding first place.
They all erupted in cheers. Amber hugged Lisa.
"He's going to medal," Lisa said. "No matter what happens with Marco and Jean, he'll be on the podium. He'll be stoked about that."
"I'm so happy for him," Amber said.
"Now we have to watch these last two guys and see what medal he'll end up with," Will said.
Marco came down next, and his run was flawless, putting him ahead of Blake, which wasn't unexpected. He'd won gold in many competitions, from the international games to world competitions.
Lisa stood. "I'm heading down to be there with Blake at the end."
"Okay," Amber said.
After Lisa left, Will leaned over toward her. "I like seeing her this excited for a guy."
Amber smiled. "Me, too."
Jean was the one to beat, and the crowd cheered wildly for him. He was incredibly popular--and ridiculously talented. But he wavered on one of the turns and missed a gate. It cost him time and points. Amber's heart was in her throat as she waited for him to finish.
He finished in third place, a shocking finish for the previous gold-medal winner.
Which meant Blake would take the silver medal.
"Oh, my God," Amber said. "Lisa is going to go crazy."
Will grinned. "Blake's going to go crazy."
Amber scanned the waiting area. Will was right. Blake was pumping his fists and hugging both Jean and Marco. Then he walked over to the fence where his parents were waiting to give him a hug, before finding Lisa to kiss her.
"Aww. That's sweet."
"Yeah. Makes me wish my parents were going to be here."
She looped her arm in his. "I'm sure it does. I'm sorry they can't be."
He shrugged as they followed the rest of the spectators down the stairs to exit the venue. "I'm used to it. And their business is more important than this. They'll have it on TV in the bar and draw a huge crowd, which will be great for the business."
"You're so . . . understanding."
He laughed. "About what?"
"About doing this on your own, without a support system."
"I have plenty of support here. My coaches, my friends, my teammates. Trust me, I'm not alone."
Amber supposed that was true, though she didn't know from experience. She'd had her mother at every event from the very beginning, from the time she was a child skating at her first amateur event. Her father had attended as well, but only the major competitions. She couldn't imagine her mother missing even one. Despite being at odds with her mother, despite her mom's constant criticisms, she'd never been alone. She'd always felt a sense of comfort knowing she was sitting in the stands.
Clearly, she and her mother had a twisted relationship.
"Hungry?" he asked.
She shook off thoughts of her mother and smiled up at him. "Yes. What did you have in mind?"
They'd arrived at the village. Suddenly they were surrounded by a bunch of Will's teammates.
"Hey," Drew said. "Where've you been?"
"Alpine skiing."
"Observing, and not participating, I assume," Adrian said.
Will laughed. "Yeah, a friend of ours was competing."
"He medal?" Drew asked.
"Silver medal," Amber said, still feeling the thrill of watching Blake compete. She barely knew him, and yet it had filled her with anticipation for her own competition.
"Awesome," Drew said.
"What about you?" Will asked. "What have you guys been up to?"
"We watched bobsledding," Eddie Gannon said. "Now we're hungry. You all hungry?"
Will looked at Amber. "Are you up for eating with the guys?"
"Of course." Lisa hadn't rejoined them yet. It was possible she'd decided to hang out with Blake and his family, but Amber sent her a text message letting her know they were headed to the dining hall to eat, in case she wanted to catch up with them.
Lisa texted her back a short time later to tell her she was going to hang out with Blake and his family for the medal ceremony, and she'd catch up with them later.
The dining hall was busy, but then again now that the games had started it would stay that way until the end.
They found a table that would fit them all. Amber wandered around, checking out all the amazing international foods. She decided on chicken curry and coconut rice, along with a cabbage salad, mangoes, watermelon and papaya.
Since the dining
hall was ridiculously huge, she almost lost sight of their table. Will must have seen her wandering, because he stood up and waved his arms.
She slid into the spot next to him. "I swear, I get lost every time I'm in here."
"I'm the same way," Drew said. "I swear, it's like first day of high school all over again."
She laughed. "Thank you for making me feel better about looking like a moron."
"Honey, you could never look like a moron," Drew said.
She decided right then that she would like Drew forever. "Thank you for that."
"Quit hitting on my lady," Will said in between bites of his chicken.
Drew laughed. "Not hitting on your woman. Just being friendly. Besides, you've met my wife, right?"
"I haven't. Is she here?"
Drew shook his head. "No. Unfortunately she couldn't make it because she has fashion week."
Amber perked up at the mention of fashion week. "Oh, she's a designer?"
"Yeah. Carolina Preston."
Amber's eyes widened. "I know her line. I love her clothes. And your wife is gorgeous, Drew. You're a very lucky man."
"Thank you. And yeah, I'm really lucky."
"I'm sorry she couldn't make it."
"Me, too. So is she. But it's just the timing. Fashion week keeps her busy twenty-four hours a day for several months. And then the week before and the entire month of February? I barely see her at all."
"Must be rough on both of you."
"It's actually okay. It's her work and it's important. Plus, she's damn good at it, so I want her to put her attention where it belongs. So yeah, she felt awful, but I told her that was her job, and this was mine, and she needed to focus on doing hers. Besides, she'll have the TV on at the design house whenever I'm playing."
Amber felt the love--and pride in his wife--with every word Drew spoke. It was so sweet. "So when you're in New York during fashion week, do you go watch her show?"
"As long as I'm in town I do. I've only missed one so far."
Will leaned over. "He told us that one year, when they were first dating, Carolina got him to walk in one of her shows."
Amber's brows rose. "Like a fashion model?"
Drew laughed. "I'm no fashion model, but yeah, I walked in one of her shows."
"Oh my God. That must have been so exciting."
"More like terrifying. But I got through it."
"And after she made him do it he still married her," Will said.
Amber laughed. "I would hardly call walking the runway in a fashion show a form of torture, Will."