Page 51 of Snap Shot

“You pulled a Donovan!” Wade guffaws.

This time Fletch catches him in a headlock, his face turning the same shade as the freckles dotting his skin.

Hands resting on my bare hips, I suck in breath after ragged breath. “I've talked to her. I probably shouldn't have.”

“What about Indi?” Jaeg questions over these two yo-yo’s grunting while wrestling in the bordering grassy patch.

“What about her?”

“You tell me. It seemed like you were down for the count.”

“Don't be ridiculous. She's my lawyer. That would be fucked up.” Sure, sure.“Anyway, she bought me dinner and apologized. Strictly professional.” Liar, liar, your dick's on fire. I swipe my shirt across my face, then the back of my neck, and down my chest. Sweat beads return to the skin almost immediately.

Derrick seems to accept. We look over at our friends on the lawn. Fletch straddles Wade's chest, using the tendy's hands to slap his own face. “Stop hitting yourself! Why are you hitting yourself?”

“Will you two fucking grow up?” Jaeg shakes his head.

They part after a few more pushes. Wade throws me a bro nod. “You gonna bang that gym chick or not, Landy?”

“Probably not.” I stretch my bunched-up tee over my head, pulling the panels down until it looks like a nun's veil. “Maybe I should take Donovan's lead and embrace celibacy after all.”

Fletch flips me off. “You're a twat.”

“No lie there.” Wade pats me on the shoulder. “But he'sourtwat.”

We plop down under a tree, hoping to cool down in the shade. Jaeg and Fletch leave first. After about twenty minutes of failing to not think about Indi, I get up to hail a cab.

Wade opens one eye, peeking from under his arm. “Yo, what are you doing this weekend?” he calls. “I was going to Whistler, but my mom's having knee surgery, so I'm headed to Lac Saint Anne instead.” He tuts. “Wanna go? Suite was booked and everything. Shame to let it go to waste.”

“Thanks, man. I'm dying for some time away before dry land training.”

“I'll have Trish send you the details.”

“Later, Boehner. Stay out of trouble.”

“That's funny.” He props himself on both elbows. “I was about to say the same to you.”

—————

Wade's P.A. goes above and beyond, switching over the reservations to my name and booking the flight and a car service, and by Friday, I'm set to travel coast-to-coast. I've driven the route from Vancouver to Whistler before, but not having to pay attention to anything but the rocky cliffs, cragged coastline, and sea green waters is relaxing. Stalwart cedars and pines line the scenic highway and lead to the evergreens on the climbing ridges. In the distance, snow caps the lush green peaks.

Angled roofs and art deco windows make up the facade of the modern lodge-style hotel tucked into the mountainside. Crisp air, blue skies and panoramic views welcome us when we pull up into the circular drop-off. My thoughts clear while staring through the glass elevators. They hide nothing of the literal epitome of nature's grandeur.

Doling out a decent tip to the young bellhop for carrying my luggage and ski gear up, I tap my card to the reader on the suite door. I pass the living space and mini bar on my way to take in the breathtaking view, dropping my bags onto the floor with a loud thud and sharp sigh.

“Excuse me.” Rustling footsteps and a voice grow louder from the bedroom of the suite.

Thinking it's a maid and there must have been some misunderstanding between the hotel staff, I turn to apologize. “Sorry, they told me the room was ready—”

“I don't need housekeeping, I just got here—” Her voice fades. A pause looms as we both freeze. “No. Absolutelynot!”

Hair in messy, effortless waves and eyes fierce with fresh rage, Indi Davé clenches her fists at her sides and plants her feet as the brightest white sundress flutters around her. The square neck and fitted torso highlight that set of glorious tits, the subtle floral pattern starkly contrasting her less-than-flowery expression. I halt the stream of thought before it goes down the drain. Regret fills my gut once more.

“Indi…”

“No!” She holds up a finger, hands and expression syncing in frantic movements. “No talking. Who told you I was here? How did you find me?” Her body trembles, she's so upset. Another pause. “Tell me!”

I form anowith my mouth, pointing to myself. “Am I allowed to talk now?”

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