Page 46 of Full Send

I’m startled as I see three dots appear, Tanner texting me back almost immediately.

Tanner: Mmmm. Save that thought for later. Horny Badger.

I palm my face, muffling a small giggle. I’m really never going to live that down. Hearing it from him though, like that, I almost love the nickname.

I edge myself a bit longer before finally getting out of bed. After getting dressed, I find Collin and Lizzy downstairs. It’s almost 7:30 in the morning and it’s another ski day. To my pleasant surprise, they’re ok with another quick breakfast today.

“So, V. What’s up? Grandpa’s lessons on getting up at the crack of dawn seem to be wearing off.” Collin calls from the dining room table. “I can’t remember the last time I got up before you and now it’s been two days in a row,” he boasts before biting into his bagel sandwich.

He’s not wrong to wonder. It’s very atypical for me, but for once, I sort of don’t care. I make up a half truth that’s hopefully good enough to not raise their suspicions.

“You know, I’m honestly just a bit more relaxed. I didn’t hear from Jeff at all yesterday, I’m enjoying the time on the slopes, and I’m just having fun.” Ok, so maybe a bit more than a half truth.

“I like this version of you, girl. I’m ready to see you let your hair down tonight a bit too, enjoy the hot tub, not have toworry about dinner.” Lizzy eyes me curiously, already grabbing a second bagel for another sandwich.

“What can I say? I’m at ease and feel at home in the mountains, I guess?” I shrug, looking back at both of them.

Checking my watch, it’s nearly 8:00 AM. Damn, we need to get going.

“Alright guys, time to take this show on the road. Tanner’s meeting us with coffees at the Tram Center in half an hour, remember? And it’s a fifteen minute walk so…”

“Ahh there she is, good ol’ V,” Lizzy says, smirking at Collin.

“Damn. I was just starting to like the new sleeping-in-V,” Colin chides, dipping his chin in agreement.

I’m pleased when we get to the Tram Center at 8:30 AM on the dot. As we walk up, I can practically feel my heart in my throat as I see Tanner standing there waiting, coffees in hand again. His now seemingly unmistakeable, imposing presence sends a wave of excitement through me, wondering what he has in store for me today. Instead of being a nervous wreck, consumed by uncertainty, I feel shockingly alive, wondering what the day will bring.

Tanner looks my way. He’s already got his helmet on, goggles resting on the brim of it. He wears a subdued grin, as he hands my coffee to me in his bare, ungloved hand, the one withSENDtattooed across the knuckles. This time I let my hand linger a bit longer on his as I take my drink from him, relishing in feeling our fingers touch.

“Thanks again, Tanner. I could get used to slope-side coffee service,” I say politely, trying to play it as cool as I can. That is as cool as I can while I’m secretly doing whateverthisis with my brother’s best friend.

“No problem, Horny Badger,” Tanner says, grinning ear to ear. My face goes a shade of red that would give Big Red a run forits money. I’d be furious at him right now if it weren’t for those addicting green eyes and irresistible dimples.

Oh, and the orgasms.

Definitely those.

Collin and Lizzy predictably can’t control their laughter at my expense either. Jokes on you guys, I don’t see you getting any out here.

“Damn Chap, I don’t think we can ever let her live that down. Good one, bro,” Collin says, punching Tanner’s shoulder, as he grabs his coffee.

“You know, I think I’m starting to warm up to you.Well played. I might need to hold that nickname back to use against her sometime,” Lizzy says, taking her coffee and nodding at Tanner in approval.

Well, I guess that’s one way to throw them off our tail, Tanner. Well played, indeed.

“Alright guys, very funny,” I say. “Now can we get in line for the gondola? And don’t miss the car this time. Ok, Lizzy?”

“Damn. I guess Chill V was short lived this morning, Collin.” She looks at him, shaking her head.

The morning goes on like this on each of our lift rides, with friendly banter and jokes. Collin and Tanner are doing their usual thing, talking about what ski runs look good today, what bars we should hit for New Year’s Eve tomorrow, and just being themselves. Lizzy and I spend most of our chair rides gossiping about our mutual college friends back home and their lives. I still can’t believe Lizzy’s old crush Ivan is playing minor league hockey in Cincinnati.

It’s been a beautiful ski day to this point. The sky is a stunning shade of brilliant blue, without a cloud to be seen for miles. It’s in perfect contrast to the granite mountains and the endless white snow covered slopes.

A truly picture perfect bluebird day.

Without fresh snow overnight, we stick to the groomer runs except for a couple excursions off the side where Tanner manages to score us some stashes of untracked powder from the days before. As we get closer to lunch time, we head down to Marmot chair, an old and very slow two person chairlift that goes up to the mid-mountain lodge where we’ll get lunch again today.

Tanner is the first to get in line for the chair, the fastest one down the run as usual. At the last second, I zoom past Collin and Lizzy to get in line for the chair with Tanner, taking the first one up. As we get on and we’re moving along, I look back at them, sticking my tongue out and making jazz hands at them.

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