Page 16 of A Very Fumbling Merry Christmas

Chapter 6

FAITH

Skiing isn’tmy strong suit. I doubt I’d need to point that out to anyone who has ever met me, but it’s worth repeating after two days of lessons and zero vertical wins. Hunter was right when he decided that skiing wasn’t something he could just walk me through a few times, and I’d get the hang of it. In fact, I’m not sure why he thought this would be a good vacation activity for me. I’m glad we’re here because, despite my inability to balance in any way, I love it.

The snow is the epitome of holiday vibes, and the lodge we’re staying in is awesome. Even just sitting by the fire and looking out over the snow-capped slopes is totally worth the trip. My only complaint would be the lack of a Christmas tree and twinkling lights. I’m not mentioning it to Hunter because I know he’d immediately set about getting this place decked out with every decoration known to man. He’s already gone out of his way to make this special, and I love it.

I get the impression that this trip was originally planned as a getaway meant for two, although I’m so happy to be sharing the experience with Coop and Zee. Having my best friend around makes any situation enjoyable. Seeing her and Coop interact for an extended time is a little strange. There’s something not quite jiving between them, but I can’t put my finger on it.

We’ve had a few Secret Santa items delivered while we’ve been here, and I’m almost certain that they are Hunter’s doing. Nothing embarrassing or crass, but genuinely sweet, thoughtful gifts. He doesn’t really let other people see his softer side, but I know it well, and I’d put money on these gifts being from him. He gets to gift without owning it. Heartfelt, thought-out presents for each of us without admitting he put so much effort into picking out items he knew we would like.

Hunter isn’t shy about showing his affection for me. He’d never hold back. But when it comes to Coop, I see him holding back at times. Heaven forbid he comes across as less than one hundred percent alpha male. Coop is like a brother to him. They played together for years with the Titans, and with Hunter being the veteran of the team, Hunter became Coop’s role model. Their friendship just grew from there, and to look at them now, you wouldn’t think there’s an age difference. It’s the same with Hunter and me. Okay, it’s clear that I’m younger, but if you met Hunter on the street, you would think he was in his late twenties. He’s in peak physical condition, hot as Hades, and his personality is younger than his years.

From the moment I sat down with Hunter in that hotel bar at the beginning of the summer, I didn’t see age—not mine and not his. As corny as it sounds, we are kindred spirits and made for each other.

When I come down for breakfast on the last morning of our trip, there’s a box sitting on the kitchen counter with my name on it. Thinking it’s another sweet gift from Hunter, I rip it open, excited to see what he sent. God, this is going to be an interesting one. He’s letting his wicked side come out to play.

There’s a note attached to the box.

If you want to stay on Santa’s good list, it’s time to get a little naughty. Put the remote back in the box. You’ll find an envelope in your purse with instructions on when and where to use this gift. Most importantly, don’t tell anyone about this. Enjoy! Secret Santa

Holy Toledo, Batman! This is going to be one heck of a day. I quickly go in search of my purse, anxious to know when I need to use this ridiculous gift. I’m not worried. There’s no way something like this even works. It’s going to be a cakewalk.

I go about my day, sipping hot cocoa by the fire and looking out at the snow. The world exists under a blanket of snow, making every peak and valley seem magical. We are cocooned inside the lodge, the perfect way to relax and unwind.

Hunter and Coop have gone skiing every day, but after a disastrous lesson, my instructor begged me not to take to the slopes. I’m not sure that’s ever happened before. When I told Hunter, he couldn’t contain his amusement, and I could see he was relieved to hear it. He’s been fussing over my black eye, trying to convince me to go and get it looked at.

I’m so glad Zee is here. She’s a wizard with makeup and helped me cover my embarrassing bruise almost completely, so I didn’t draw attention. I could just imagine the headlines if Hunter Vaughn’s wife is seen sporting a black eye. Then, I’d have to explain that #LadyFumble strikes again.

As it’s our last night here, I wanted to set up a little surprise for the rest of our group, but there’s been a change of plan. What was going to be an intimate dinner for the four of us and a magical sleigh ride through the snow, is now an obligatory ball at the lodge. Me in heels and a fancy dress and all eyes on Hunter. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Zee stayed with me today, letting the boys go and enjoy some bromance time on the slopes. She’s pretty good on skis, but she seems a little under the weather. Not ill, but just not herself. I still can’t put my finger on it.

“So, how are things with you and Coop? You’ve been together for a while now.” I hand her a fresh cup of hot cocoa with ten marshmallows, just the way she likes it. I settle down at her side and pull the blanket over our legs.

“We don’t all fall head over heels like you do. Literally and figuratively.”

“So, you don’t love him?”

“We’ve been casually dating for less than five months.”

“That’s only a few months less than Hunter and I. And I don’t think you could call our first few months together dating. Maybe loosely.”

“You and Hunter are the unicorn of relationships. Your situation is very different to Coop and me.”

“In what way?”

“How much time have you got?” Her tone is a little snarky.

“Plenty, so fess up.”

“Well, let’s start with the most obvious difference. You were a virgin on a mission. You got together over a wager. You have that adorable clumsy charm that men find endearing. Everything about you two has been at warp speed, and I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. It’s just not the norm. You’re lucky. You both are.”

“You and Coop aren’t exactly moving in slow motion. You jumped into bed with him the night you met, and for the most part you’ve seemed pretty tight since then.”

Zee shifts uncomfortably next to me.

“Are you slut-shaming me right now? You wagered your virginity.”

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