Page 67 of Protecting Mr. Fine

Zane glared at me, a pair of laser eyeballs that shone even through his sunglasses. “Yeah, well, some of us aren’t professional skiers,Ryan. Some of us are meant to be more…aestheticthan athletic.”

This time, I couldn’t hold back my laughter. “Is that right,Zane Michael?” When his mouth pursed, I shrugged. “You calling me Ryan is the equivalent of middle-naming me.”

He snorted but didn’t disagree.

“Besides,” I teased, “a true artist could write songs just as easily out here as in the sunroom, especially with all this gorgeous scenery to get your imagination going.”

This was patently untrue since Zane had no guitar or notebook, and his hands were occupied with his poles, but I wasn’t worried about accuracy when my teasing tone had the desired effect of making him sputter with outraged laughter.

“You know, you’re right,” Zane shot back breathlessly. “In fact, I’m writing a song in my head right now. I’m just trying to get the lyrics down. What rhymes withmy fingers are frozen stiff?Ooh, I know!” he went on before I could reply. “I threw my bodyguard off a wintry cliff!Perfect. That one’s gonna be a banger. Double platinum. Wait and see.”

I laughed harder. “There are no cliffs here?—”

“It’s symbolism, Bear. Look it up. What rhymes withI left my dignity back there?” He tapped his lip thoughtfully and gave an exaggerated, mournful sigh.“Probably something, something,devoured by a polar bear.”

This playful side of Zane wasn’t one I saw often, and Jesus Christ, I loved it. Loved that he finally felt comfortable and relaxed enough to let loose.

I grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop, and wrapped one gloved hand around his waist. “You know I’d never let that happen. You’resafe with me, always.” The words came out more serious than I’d intended. Like a promise. Like a vow.

Zane shivered slightly, and his smile softened. “Of course I know. Being here, with you…” He looked around at the trees, the snow, the endless skies. At this moment, it felt like we were the only people in the world. “It’s a sanctuary, isn’t it? And there’s only onebearyou’d let devour me.” He bounced his eyebrows suggestively.

“Damn straight.” I grinned. “Thank you for coming out with me. You’re doing great, you know.”

He returned my smile, and it felt like the fucking trees even stretched and sighed in response. “I’m loathe to admit it, but… I do like it. It’s peaceful, and it’s a great workout but also… fun? Kind of. Arguably too much snow, but I like the little hops. And you were right about the scenery. It’s beautiful.”

It was an excellent trail—a long, winding loop recommended by a local ski shop, not too hard and not too boring. Zane was in excellent shape and was able to get up enough momentum on the flats to carry him over the small hills. He’d learned the stride motions well and was his usual eager achiever when taking on something new. There’d only been a few times we’d had to step aside to let others pass, but thankfully, no one had given us a second look.

“I’ve been enjoying the view myself,” I agreed.

Chuckling, Zane twisted at the waist so he could twine his arms around my neck. “Is that so? Because my booty’s been feeling the heat of your stare for the last mile or more. You’re not fooling anyone with those mirrored shades.”

“I’m not trying to.”

“It’s a good thing you can’t see my actual thighs, though. I think they’re purple from the chill.” He laughed again, and this time, I heard the tremor in it.

“Shit, Zane. Are you that cold?” It wasn’t particularly coldout, so I hadn’t expected our lack of ideal gear to be much of a problem, even after Zane’s tumble. But then again, I was a much bigger guy than hewas. I hated that I’d been having so much fun I might have overlooked his tendency to get cold quicker.

“A little, but only when we go through the trees.”

“We’re almost back around to the vehicle. Give me half an hour, and we’ll get you warmed up and back home.”

He rolled his eyes and pulled away. “Bear, I’m not a delicate flower. I can handle a little cold.”

“Take my jacket. I’m a little overheated anyway.” It was a lie, but I wasn’t about to let him know that. “Wear it or tie it around your waist to keep the wind off of your thighs.”

“Bro.” Zane stuck his pole in the ground and began striding forward. “If you wanna warm me up, keep your eyes on my ass and help me think of a rhyme for ‘gonna make you come so hard you see stars.’”

My jaw dropped.

In all my years of practice and training, I didn’t think I’d ever enjoyed a morning of skiing so much…

And I suddenly couldn’t wait for it to be done.

As soon as we got back to the house, I low-key rushed him inside and straight to the shower, where I turned on the water from the multiple jets before peeling the clothes off him. Sure enough, his thighs were still red, and he was covered in goose bumps despite the heated drive back.

“If you get sick, I’m not taking the fall with Micki,” I muttered, rubbing up and down his legs with my hands.

His manager was a wonderful woman, and it was killing her not to be with him right now to make sure he took care of himself, but Violet had decided that the only people allowed to know Zane’s exact location were her, me, Lou, and Zane himself.

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