Page 9 of The Lodge

He laughs. “I teach at the ski school and give private lessons.”

“So, by ‘they’ve got great instructors at the ski school,’ you were talking aboutyourselfand not some other guy?”

“Hey, the other guys are great, too,” he says with a grin. “But I’ve got an opening at two if you want it?”

It would be perfect, actually. Enough time to explore the village a little, get something warm from the café. “Is this how you sign up all your clients?”

“Only the ones who seem like they might get lost touring the furniture on their way over to the mountain.”

I laugh. “Okay. Tell me where to meet you and I’ll be there.”

Once we’re outside, we split off down different paths. I take the one marked for the main lodge and the village; he’s headed to the mountain.

“Oh, wait!” I shout suddenly, a few seconds later.

He turns, thankfully still within earshot.

“What’s your name?” I call out.

“Tyler!” he shouts back. “What’s yours?”

“I’m Alix!”

“See you at two, Alix!” he replies, loud enough that the entire resort now knows we have plans.

And then it hits me: I have plans.

Plans with an undeniably attractive guy. One who didn’t mind me acting like the most awkward human on the planet.

No, no,no. He’s a ski instructor, and that’s it: nothing serious, nothing deep.

But that smile.

And those eyes—and his kindness. The way he made me laugh.

Chloe pushed me to leave my comfort zone, and she’s insufferable when she’s right. She would never let me hear the end of it if my ski instructor turned into anything more.

Which is why he absolutely, definitely cannot.

Black Maple Lodge

Stowe, Vermont

Welcome, Guest—

Thank you for choosing Black Maple Lodge as your home away from home! Whether you’re here for the skiing or simply to get away, we hope you’ll have a delightful and memorable experience at our resort. We are proudly family owned and operated, and it is our privilege to serve you.

The Village Café

Start your morning off right with a beverage from our espresso bar and a fruit pastry, or check out our selection of complimentary maple candies and hot cocoa samplers in the afternoon.

Harmony Spa

For tired muscles after long days on the powder, we invite you to spend an hour or two with our award-winning staff at Harmony. Now offering Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massage, as well as manicures, pedicures, facials, and scrubs.

Redfern Ridge + Maple Hollow

For casual dining options, including buffet and à la carte selections, Redfern Ridge is open daily from six a.m. to eight p.m. For more formal dining, Maple Hollow (two Michelin stars) has both indoor and patio seating available starting at six p.m. until eleven p.m.See room service menu for specific listings at both venues; room service available24/7.

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