by Jamie Beck
“I can manage my own love life. First, I’ve got to secure my job, and then I need to find a secondary source of income.” He decided to test Avery’s reaction to Nikki’s idea, because his sister had always been smart and a straight shooter. “Do you think anyone would hire me to do small remodeling jobs, like retiling bathrooms or installing kitchen cabinets and such?”
Her brows rose. “I never thought of that, but it’s a great idea. You’ve always been really handy, and those kinds of projects would give you a lot of flexibility. You should talk to Emma. Maybe they have enough money to pay you to remodel something instead of just maintaining what’s there. That would help you with word-of-mouth publicity.”
He hadn’t wanted to rely on Emma for help again. On the other hand, perhaps he should take advantage of a perfect opportunity. “Maybe I’ll call her.”
“Do!” Avery said. “You know she’d do anything for you. In fact, a part of me always thought you two might end up together. Guess I was wrong.”
“Guess you were.” He grinned. A year ago, he’d been a little disappointed by Emma’s infatuation with Wyatt. But now his thoughts—and his heart—had taken a turn in a new direction.
“Do my ears deceive me, or did your sister actually admit to being wrong about something?” Grey appeared from around the corner with their suitcase in tow. Avery elbowed him in the ribs.
“I’ll give you a pass because it’s Christmas.” She kissed his cheek.
“You’re brave, Grey.” Andy crossed his left leg, shifting his weight. “I never risk pissing her off.”
“I make up for it in other ways.” Grey slung his arm over his wife’s shoulder. “Don’t I?”
“You sure do.” She smiled.
Andy noticed only one suitcase at Grey’s side. “No ski bag?”
“We’re only there for two days. With Avery pregnant and my mom rarely getting out there anymore, why take chances?” Grey shrugged.
Andy nodded and extended a hand to Grey. “Well, Merry Christmas. Have a safe trip.”
“Merry Christmas,” Grey said, giving him a semi bro hug.
“One quick thing before you two go,” Andy said. “I think we’re getting to the point where we’d all like some privacy, especially with the baby on the way. If I’m able to establish a steady income soon, I’d like to talk to you guys about buying me out of this place this year.”
His sister and Grey exchanged a look—some kind of secret marital telepathy.
“Sure. We can talk about that when we get back, okay? Now we’ve got to catch our flight.” She went up on her toes and kissed his cheek. “Love you.”
“Love you, too.” Andy walked them to the door. They hadn’t objected to his request, so maybe he’d have some extra cash soon. Kelsey could get him a lead on a decent little place when the time came.
He had about an hour before he needed to be at the ski school. Part of him wanted to go soak in the hot tub, with a big mug of chai. The other part wanted to lounge around in his underwear, simply because he could.
It had been ages since he’d had the house to himself. Maybe tonight he could convince Nikki to come over for a Christmas cocktail. The hot tub would definitely be better with company.
He’d been thinking about their kiss pretty often throughout the past forty-some hours. Yesterday, they hadn’t had a moment alone because it’d been busy, and then everyone scattered to spend Christmas Eve with family and friends. He hoped to catch a few minutes alone with her today. Had she been reliving that kiss, or had she had enough time to think better of things and decide the risks weren’t worth it?
He settled for some of the coffee remaining in the pot and then stared out the window at the snow. Maybe, for right now, he should be grateful for the great weather and another chance to do what he loved best. He didn’t want to rock the boat with Nikki and lose her as a friend. Putting her in an awkward position could do that and might even make her question her faith in him as a guy she could count on to do the right thing.
She’d be in the office soon, making assignments for the skeleton crew handling today’s lessons. No doubt it was a really dumb idea to pursue his feelings, but, by God, he might explode if he didn’t.
The more he thought about it, the more certain he was that he and Nik were well suited for something more significant than great sex. He hoped they’d be well suited for that, too, but this feeling—the pressure in his chest—was bigger than his libido.
Yet, if she was interested, he also understood the need to keep things on the down low, for both their sakes.
An hour later, he was crossing the open area in front of the ski school when he ran into Millie Tate. Millie was a regular visitor to the area, thanks to a second-generation family vacation home. Naturally her glossy cocoa-colored hair looked perfect, as did her figure in her designer skiwear. Until Andy had been let go, she’d been a regular client of his—one with benefits.
He felt a grin form at those memories because she’d been a pretty, lighthearted friend whom he’d looked forward to seeing a few times each year. He’d heard through the town grapevine that she’d gotten married last year to some rich older guy. He couldn’t picture that, but he hoped she was happy. It was just as well, considering he was no longer interested in her fringe benefits.
“Andy?” Millie’s eyes lit up even as they inspected his new Santa cap, which he always wore on Christmas. “Are you teaching again?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded. “Merry Christmas, Millie. And congratulations. I hear you got married last year.”
“I did, thanks. Mitchell Landry. But he’s in London for some business deal.” She waved dismissively. “Shoot. If I’d known you were back teaching, I’d have requested you today.”
“I’m sure you’ll be happy with whomever you get. Everyone here is a top-notch instructor.” He crossed his arms, knowing he would’ve earned a big tip.
“I doubt everyone else has your particular . . . skill set.” She glanced at his hips for a second.
Before he could reply, Nikki, Billy, and a handful of others came through the door.
“Oh, you are here on time,” Nikki said, her eyes darting from him to Millie and back before dropping to her clipboard.
“Sorry, Nik. Just catching up with an old friend.”
Nikki knew the truth about him and Millie, but to her credit, she kept a straight face. “Well, let’s get started. Billy, you’ve got a private lesson today. Merry Christmas.”
Andy was surprised that Nikki would reward him after his crappy behavior the other night. On the other hand, maybe this was her way of getting him to back down from his claim of favoritism. Not a bad idea. Between this and Andy’s keeping him out of trouble the other night, which Billy had thanked him for yesterday, the guy should chill out a bit.
Billy’s broad smile popped into place. “Awesome. With whom?”
“Millie, here.” She gestured toward Millie. “Millie, this is Billy Benton. You two should have a great day out there.”
Millie politely greeted Billy but then murmured to Andy, “Tomorrow I’ll be making a specific request.”
Billy overheard her and speared Andy with a challenging glare, mouthing, “Don’t count on it.”
Sometimes the best response was no response, so Andy merely raised his hands in surrender and let them get on their way. He couldn’t help but wonder if Nikki had intentionally kept Millie away from him. He’d like to think she did it out of some kind of possessive jealousy, but maybe he was reading into things.
Nikki continued handing out assignments, giving Andy a small intermediate group lesson. Despite his attempts to catch her eye, she successfully avoided giving him any opportunity to talk.
He’d thought she’d enjoyed that kiss, but perhaps he’d embarrassed her (and himself) with his boneheaded move. She hadn’t been shy about her feelings in the past, so if she still liked him, surely she’d have given him some sign—or at least a friendly smile—since then. Instead she’d been all business
.
The cool shoulder must have been her not-so-subtle way of telling him to stand down. He’d be an idiot to push his luck. The last thing he needed was some kind of sexual harassment claim heaped on his tarnished reputation.
When his students finished getting their gear on, he clapped his gloved hands together and gathered his clients. “You all ready to rock today?”
A chorus of “Hell, yeahs” rang out, so he skated on his skis toward the Challenger lift with his ducklings in tow and his Santa cap flying in the breeze.
#
Nikki drew a deep breath and shook out her hands before knocking on Andy’s door. Honestly, she still couldn’t believe she’d invited herself over tonight by text, but they had to talk, and once she’d learned through the grapevine that Avery and Grey had taken off for Truckee, California, she’d found her opportunity.
She’d tried to dodge Amy’s questions about why she was leaving early after Christmas dinner at her parents, but it didn’t fly.
“He what?” Amy’s eyes went as round as Ping-Pong balls.
“He kissed me.”
“Since when have you two been any kind of thing? And why did you let me flirt with him if you knew he liked you?” Amy pinched Nikki’s arm.
“I didn’t know, and ‘since when’ could anyone stop you from flirting, anyway? It’s like a reflex for you.” When Amy stuck out her tongue, Nikki grinned. With a simple sigh, she conceded, “The truth is, I’ve always liked him. I don’t know what to do now.”
Amy shook her head, eyes looking skyward. “How can you be my ‘older’ sister and still be so dense? You like him, he likes you . . . what’s the mystery?”
“Work.”
Amy waved that away like a bad odor. “People fool around with coworkers all the time. Go for it, Nik. If you don’t, then you can’t cry when I do.”
Nikki scowled. “You wouldn’t!”
“If the threat of that spurs you to action, then count on it.” Amy’s sly grin spread, making Nikki laugh.
“I hear your point, but I’m not just his coworker. I’m his boss—an HR nightmare in the making. It’s tricky.”
“Not to me. I know you love your job, but we’re talking about your life, Nikki. Don’t you want a chance to find love?”
If Nikki had been thinking clearly, she wouldn’t have spilled that personal information to Amy before clearing it with Andy. She prayed she could rely on her sister’s discretion. Nikki closed her eyes to put it out of her mind.
The snow hadn’t stopped all day, so she shook it off her new red cap while she waited for him to answer the door. Holy crap, she was standing outside Andy’s door . . .
It opened. She resisted the urge to throw herself against him, even though he looked cuddlier than a teddy bear in his creamy open-neck pullover and faded blue jeans. And that grin. She would die happy if she were looking at that grin.
“I shoveled the walk three times this afternoon, and it’s already that bad again?” He ushered her inside and helped her shuck off her wet coat and hat. “Kick those boots off there on the rubber mat.”
Maybe she should’ve worn nicer footwear. He’d always had such cute girlfriends with their pretty clothes and prettier faces. Not that she was his girlfriend.
“I should’ve picked you up so you didn’t have to drive in this weather.” He shook his head. “Sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”
“It’s fine. I’ve driven in this weather my whole life.” She tossed her shoes on the mat and then didn’t know what to do with her hands or where to look, because looking right at Andy seemed impossibly hard. Her hot face must have been as red as Santa’s suit.
He led her from the small entry. “Come on in.”
“Okay.” Good grief. Her conversation skills had regressed to that of a thirteen-year-old.
When they entered the living room, Avery’s bold use of color became apparent, from the orange-and-yellow drapes to the multicolored throw pillows scattered on the sofa. A definite Mexican theme pervaded the decor, which blended nicely with some of the more traditional ski-house elements, like the stone fireplace and exposed beams.
The blazing fire lent a cozy, romantic touch to the environment. Next to the hearth stood a squat, brushy Christmas tree covered in lights and bulbs, capped with a lit angel. Aromas of pine and burnt wood blended together, enhancing the modern-day Norman Rockwell tableau.
Picturing Andy living here made her smile.
He must’ve noticed. “I told you your blue walls were tame compared with this kind of color.”
“It’s like a bizarre rainbow.” She chuckled, but then fell silent after noticing him staring at her with a serious look on his face. Reflexively, she turned her bad cheek away. “What?”
“It’s nice to see you, but I’m wondering what prompted the text.” He looked like he was dreading whatever she had to say. “Am I getting the ax because I crossed the line after the party?”
Her stomach clenched like it did seconds before a drop into a couloir. She knew a moment of panic—of self-preservation—where she almost decided to deflect and run away. What had she been thinking, barging over here? It still seemed too impossible to believe he might actually be interested in her—and yet . . . that kiss . . .
“No!” She drew a sharp breath and held it, gathering courage. “I want to get something out of the way so I can relax.”
Before he asked what she meant, she went up on her toes and kissed him, exactly like he’d done the other night. Better, actually, because now there wasn’t a car door between them. Now she could feel the hard planes of his chest and abdomen against her chest. That sensation awakened her entire body.
While she plundered his mouth, he stroked her waist and let his hands run over her hips before he broke away. “Why don’t we talk for a second? How about a glass of wine?”
It took willpower to keep from undressing him and begging him not to slow down. Then again, what kind of girl would she be if she showed up and jumped his bones like some ass-backward booty call? She didn’t want this to be a booty call. She didn’t want to be like Millie and all the other girls.
That reminder put a scowl on her face.
“You don’t want wine?”
“What?” she asked absently.
“You’re frowning.” He released her waist.
“Sorry. No—I mean yes. Yes. Wine is good.” Oh, God. Could she be more awkward? If only she could be charming and gracious like her sister. She ought to take lessons from Amy instead of making fun of her all the time. “Millie called late in the day to request you for the rest of the week.”
His initial look of surprise faded, and she could tell he’d bitten the inside of his cheek. She’d probably confused him by making the leap from wine to Millie, but she didn’t want to confess her jealous train of thought. Thankfully, he didn’t ask.
“Billy’s sure to freak out, isn’t he?” Andy surmised.
Billy? That hadn’t even crossed her mind. Yes, Billy would hate it and probably blame her for playing favorites. If only Billy knew how much Nikki would prefer for him to spend all week with Millie.
Although Millie was probably four or five years older than Andy, she was quite a siren, with her slim legs and waist-length hair. Everyone knew that she and Andy had been intimately acquainted. That was a problem with being “one of the guys.” Nikki knew far too much about everyone in the crew and their sexcapades.
“He might throw a little fit.” She pretended that was what was troubling her, because there was nothing more off-putting than an insecure not-even girlfriend.
“Tell Millie I’m already booked.” He strolled to the kitchen and poured two glasses of wine.
“Those are some big . . . tips you’d be passing up.”
“I don’t need her tips if it’s going to cause trouble for you.” He grinned while handing her a glass.
She aimed to be more serious. “That’s not the point. Millie wants you, and my job is to keep our clients happy. So is yours, actually.”<
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“How happy?” he teased, but she didn’t quite laugh at that one. “Come on, Nik. I’m kidding.”
“I know.”
He poked her side. “You’re jealous?”
She batted at his hand, hoping not to slosh wine on herself. “Of Millie? Well, I suppose it’d be nice to have a rich old husband and live an easy life.”
Andy’s expression fell. “Really? That’s a dream?”
He’d taken her seriously?
“How long have you known me?” Her free hand landed on her hip.
A relieved grin spread across his face. “Long enough to know better.”
“Thank you.”
“So, while I appreciate the 411 on Millie, is that really why you came all the way over here on Christmas night, Nik?” He sipped from his wineglass.
She practically chugged hers, hoping it would calm her nerves. Wine had that effect on her, slowing everything down like she was drifting along a lazy river.
Andy’s eyes widened and he snickered. “We’d better sit.”
He led her to the sofa. After setting his half-empty glass on the coffee table, he sat beside her and stretched one hand along the back of the couch so that it was right behind her shoulder.
“Do you want me to guess?” he asked.
“No.” She finished off her wine, then opened her purse and pulled out a gift-wrapped box. “I hung the wind chimes in the living room already. I love them, you know. So, I got you a little something, too.”
She dropped the box in his lap, heat rushing up her neck to her cheeks. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d given any guy who wasn’t a family member a real present.
The tightness in her chest eased when his eyes sparkled with appreciation.
“You didn’t need to get me anything.” His grin, however, proved that he loved that she had. He slipped his fingers beneath the taped edge of the wrapping and slit it open to reveal a digital level.
She watched his brows rise in confusion, so she explained. “For when you start doing remodeling projects.”
His grin broke into a full-fledged smile as he opened the box to inspect the tool.
“This is awesome, Nik. Thanks. I appreciate your encouragement even more than the gift itself.” He set the box on the table and looked at her. “In fact, I mentioned this idea to Avery this morning. She also thinks it’s a good fit. Now I need to figure out how to get started.”