Page 21 of When We Dare

“With Fireweed Industries expanding here and planning to open up a full-service location with the restaurant and winery, they are going to have tons of potential new customers. The only other ski lodge nearby is over four hours away in Diamond Creek. I love that one, but it’s a drive,” Holly explained.

“I’ve never even gone downhill skiing,” I said.

“Never?” Holly glanced over.

“Never had a chance, and it’s pretty pricey to go.”

“I can hook you up with some passes at the lodge in Diamond Creek,” Holly replied. “I’m friends with one of the owners.”

“I have to get through my bar exam and then maybe I’ll have time to breathe,” I said.

“Well, let me know anytime you’d like to go. We could even plan a weekend trip there,” Holly offered.

Tish met my eyes. “You are going to kick that exam’s ass.”

I took a quick breath. “I hope so. I do better under pressure, so I’ve scheduled it in a few months. In the meantime, my face will be plastered in textbooks when I have time to study.”

Holly’s husband, Nate, stopped by the table to greet the group. As he was walking away, I felt a prickle on the back of my neck and instantly knew Hudson was nearby. I tried to convince myself I was crazy, but then I heard his voice. Nate stopped and grinned. “Hey, cuz!” He threw an arm around Hudson’s shoulder and gave him a quick squeeze.

They continued walking. Just when I thought Hudson probably hadn’t noticed me, he glanced over his shoulder, his eyes instantly locking with mine. My pulse catapulted forward at a breakneck pace. For a few seconds, it felt as if there was a flame racing between us with sparks scattering high in the air.

My breath felt shaky when he finally looked away. Once again, Hudson’s words echoed in my thoughts. Four days had passed, so what did that mean? To me and to him.

Chapter Sixteen

STELLA

My body, or rather my hormones, knew exactly what I wanted. In a strange twist, my mind wasn’t fighting it. Oh, I was a little worried. I didn’t think Hudson was an asshole, but I did worry that I might get in over my head.

Hudson seemed like the perfect candidate to help me leave my virginity in the dust. He’d already given me one orgasm. Two would make it even better.

When I let myself into the quiet house that night, I wondered how long it would be before he got home. I needed to say something before I lost my nerve.

I didn’t have to wait long. I was in the kitchen taking a swallow of water when I heard the front door open. My heart thundered along in my chest like hoofbeats pounding on the ground faster and faster. Seconds later, Hudson walked into the kitchen.

As soon as my eyes locked with his, heat rose inside, my skin prickling all over. I set the glass down, resting my hand on the edge of the counter. My fingers curled around it. I needed something to hold onto.

“I’ve thought about it,” I said without preamble.

He took a few steps into the kitchen, stopping maybe five feet away from me.

“What’s your answer?”

Chapter Seventeen

HUDSON

Fifteen minutes earlier

“G’night,” I called to the guys.

There was a chorus of goodbyes as I turned to begin walking out of Wildlands. Parker fell into step beside me. “I’m headed out too,” he said.

It was kind of strange how familiar his presence felt. Parker and I had spent only a short time together, but it had been condensed and unlike any other part of my life.

I wasreallyglad he was doing well. As I stepped out into the parking area and the door swung shut behind us, the sounds from the restaurant became muted. The air was crisp and cold and the stars bright in the winter sky as our footsteps crunched on the frozen gravel.

I stopped at the back of my truck and glanced over. “It’s really good to see you,” I offered.

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