Page 35 of Christian Clause

She chews on her bottom lip. Slowly, she nods and I smile. I give her a quick kiss again before I walk back to the table and reach for my cellphone.

“Have you been in a helicopter before?”

Flecks of gold tinge her brown eyes, showing her excitement. She shakes her head and I grin. Swiftly, I make arrangements for a ride in my helicopter to Denver.

The rest of the day will always remain a blissful memory for me. Since we are trying to be discreet, we tell Clara we’re going for a business meeting. We walk separately out of the office and meet in the elevator where I fight to keep my hands off her. My driver takes us to my helipad at the airport. After being strapped in, Hope screams as we are lifted off in the air. I adore watching her face fill with a mixture of fear and excitement as we fly over Cedar Crest. In a matter of minutes, we’re in Denver and exploring the city. The spirit of the season is embedded everywhere we go. Carolers gather at street corners singing Christmas carols. Christmas decorations cover almost all the buildings. Christmas shoppers move in and out of a large mall. They stationed a large mechanized Santa Claus and two elves at the city center saying ‘Merry Christmas’ to everyone who drives or walks by.

We go to Denver Zoo and I feel like a small boy seeing the animals. It brings back memories of the time I visited with my parents. The cold air from the drizzling snow gives me an excuse to put my arm around Hope. Later, we visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. We have an early dinner at a restaurant in Larimer Square before heading back to Cedar Crest. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed myself.

I drop Hope off at her sister’s place, but not before I kiss her goodnight, which leaves the two of us breathless, unsurprisingly. It’s difficult getting sleep to come this night because I can’t stop thinking about Hope. As my eyes finally close in sleep, I ask myself one question.

Am I falling in love with Hope?

Chapter Eighteen

Hope

“Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?” Debra asks as I put finishing touches to my packing.

I raise my head and smile at her. I understand her concern. I’ve gone out on three dates with Christian now, and I haven’t really told her everything about it. I don’t know why I’m keeping things to myself. She knows everything about Terrance. Perhaps I’m unsure of what exactly I feel for him. I’m still discovering him and what we share.

“Yes, Deb. I know you’re worried about me, but please don’t be. Traveling with Christian is part of my job description.”

“I know that.” Then, giving me a knowing look, she says, “You know that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m afraid for you, Hope.”

Pretending as if I don’t know why, I say, “Why? It’s not a big deal.”

Cocking her brows, she asks, “It isn’t?”

I shake my head. “We’re going to have separate rooms if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Sighing, she drags me into her arms. “Please be careful.”

Smiling because I know I won’t be, I pull out of her arms just as Aria comes into the room with a painting of me, her parents, and her. I praise Aria’s artwork, kiss her cheek, and bid them goodbye.

My heart is in my throat as I make my way down the stairs. I know the inevitable might happen during this trip, and I’m ready for it. I don’t care about the consequences for now. It’s like I’ve been waiting for this trip forever.

It’s snowing and I hope it doesn’t affect the trip. Christian takes my breath away clad in a gray cashmere sweater that matches the color of his eyes, blue jeans, and black boots. I like how his eyes rove my body as I’m dressed the same way as he is, in a brown jacket, blue turtleneck top, blue jeans, and brown boots.

He whistles. “You look good enough to eat.”

His driver helps me with my luggage and we’re soon on our way to the airport. Excitement thrums inside me as we board the plane first-class to Gray Rock where the resort is. I have never flown first-class before and pleasure flows through me as I settle on the comfortable leather chairs. Hardly have I sat down when a hostess brings me a glass of champagne and warm face towels. The flight is short but beautiful as I savor the delicious breakfast served, as well as the sight of Christian’s handsome face.

An SUV is waiting for us at the airport when we land. It drives us to the breathtaking ski resort. My mouth drops at the picturesque town surrounded by huge mountains covered in snow.

“It’s like a postcard,” I tell Christian.

He laughs. “We change the venue every year. This is one of the best.”

I’m even more stunned when he tells me he booked us a private cabin. Thrills race through my body at having our own private place instead of sharing a large one with those attending the conference.

I gasp when the vehicle meanders its way up a steep road and I catch sight of the cabin.

“It’s magnificent,” I cry, gawking at the glass and wood building. “It looks as if they brought it out from the pages of a magazine.”

Christian chuckles. “You should see the inside. I knew you would like it when I saw the brochure.”

I turn in my seat to stare at him with suspicion. “When did you rent it?”

---