Page 25 of Wedlocked

I turned my face, and our noses collided.

“Did you really mean it, about me skiing?”

“Fuck yeah, I meant it. Ski your little heart out, sweetheart. I can’t wait to watch.”

Ahead of us, Max and Wes got off the lift.

“Get ready,” Win said, grabbing my elbow as if I needed help. I didn’t scold him, though, because the gesture was sweet.

Moments later, we moved swiftly off the platform and onto the mountain. A sharp whistle cut through the air, and I looked up. Rush and Landry were just ahead. I waved, and the four of us skied to where they waited.

“My kidney,” Rush said, and I snorted. “We ready to get our ski on.”

Win pushed between us. “Back it up, bro. Lars’s first run is mine.”

“We’ve already been down twice!” Landry said, then glanced at me. “Is everything okay?”

I felt the sharpening of Rush’s attention and nodded. “Everything’s good.”

“You sure?” Rush asked.

“Ja.”

“Get your Swedish ass over here, Lars,” Max yelled. He was holding the line for me and Win.

Not wanting to make everyone wait too long, I skied over with Win. After planting my poles and testing my footing, I lowered my blue goggles and stared down the mountain. Nerves and excitement fluttered around inside me, making me a little jittery but also kinda happy.

It had been so long since I could ski the way I wanted.

“I’m probably rusty,” I said.

Win laughed. “Don’t make excuses now, angel. If I win, it’s fair and square.”

I nodded and started to go, but he caught my arm. “And if you win, I’m gonna be obnoxiously proud. Don’t forget the bet. That dick is mine.”

“Win,” I hissed.

“Count us down, Wes!” Win called.

I shook my head as Wes counted down.

“Three-two-one—GO!”

I pushed off, my stomach dropping as adrenaline surged. My skis glided over the snow, which was perfectly packed, and exhilaration filled me so full that I let out a loud, “Whoop!”

The wind rushed past me, and I cut through it as snow crunched and sprayed my cheeks and lips. I gasped in a deep breath, the cold air shocking to my lungs but also waking me up even further and spurring me on. Bending at the knees, I leaned forward, tucking my poles and angling down. All at once, I shot forward, and an overwhelming sense of freedom wrapped around me.

The entire mountain fell away. It was just me and the terrain, the way the trees whizzed by in a blur of deep green. Snow pricked my lips, and my cheeks felt frozen. I raced over the mountain, zigzagging, the sound of the wind growing louder as I went faster and faster.

Up ahead, there was a slight dip, and someone behind me yelled, but I didn’t panic. I just went airborne, and the sensation of flying made my heart pound. The landing was slightly rough, but I stayed upright and plunged the rest of the way until the bottom of the run came into view. I spun, sliding into a perfect stop, spraying a wave of white in my wake.

Breathing heavily, I smiled, planting my poles into the snow and bending at the waist to breathe deep.God, that was incredible. Skiing gives a feeling unlike any other.

Cheeks stinging, I stood and reached for my goggles.

That was when I heard it.

The clapping. Whistling. Cheering.

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