Page 40 of Wild Nights

“I remember what the girls looked like at my roller rink. Xander used to drag us there every Saturday afternoon to flirt."

Carolina shook her head. "I never saw anyone like you at our rink."

"So the boys didn't flirt with you?"

"I was too worried about doing a good job at work to give the boys who were there to have a good time any thought."

How could I forget that we grew up differently? Her family might have needed the money to survive whereas we were expected to work at the resort to help the family out. None of us were paid a salary. My dad always said we all contributed. Then we had access to the family money, within reason of course.

I showed her how to sit on the lift, and then we were gliding up the mountain.

Our feet dangled as we looked down on the sea of white. "It's so peaceful up here."

"Yeah, not many people come here this week. The locals are getting ready for the holidays, and the tourists will return after Christmas. That's why we booked your conference this week. We figured we draw people in when we’re normally quiet."

Carolina glanced over at me, her expression soft. "You must love when it's quiet here."

"A busy resort is one that's making money." I couldn't quite let go of that thought. Business was always at the forefront of my mind.

A smile played on her lips. "Mmm. Ever the business owner."

I shrugged, my shoulders tight. "I'm the numbers guy. I can't let that go. My ex called me boring."

She tapped her chin. "I don't think skiing is boring. You got me ski equipment, a snowsuit, and a lift ticket. I'd say you're winning me over."

Then I leaned in close. "How was the kiss against the door?"

Her eyes darkened. "It was a promise of things to come."

"I like that." We were descending. "When we land, just place your skis down and push off to the right. I'll hold your hand and guide you."

"I'm not afraid. I know you'll take care of me."

Carolina was an independent woman, but she enjoyed me taking care of her. I kept that in the back of my mind for the future. Then I remembered we only had this week. We hadn't made any promises to each other. This was only supposed to be a fling.

But I was going to ignore all of that and enjoy our morning on the slopes. The chair dipped down, and we both landed on our feet, sliding to the side without an issue.

Carolina laughed, and I looked over to find her cheeks red from the cold and her expression happy. She was enjoying this. "It feels good to get out."

I couldn't believe she never spent much time exploring the resorts she stayed at. It was all work for her. Not much different than me. But I wanted her to enjoy her stay here.

We skied to the edge of the green slope and looked down.

"How do we do this?" For the first time, Carolina sounded nervous.

"You just push off, and then you can tack from side to side to slow yourself down." I mimicked the motion with my hand. "Although the slope isn't too steep." Then I shoved away, gliding back and forth a few times to show her what I meant.

"That looks easy enough." She pushed off and was able to mimic my movements. When she got close, I repeated my movements and we continued like that down the hill. At the bottom, Carolina came to a stop in front of me. "I can't believe I just did that."

"You looked like a natural out there." I didn't think it had anything to do with my coaching. She probably had a greatsense of balance since she roller-skated for her job as a teenager. She knew to bend her knees when she lost her balance and to shift her weight from side to side to control the direction she was moving.

"Can we go again?" she asked eagerly.

I couldn't resist kissing her softly on the lips. There was no one around us, and we weren't visible to the lodge.

When I pulled back, she asked, "What was that for?"

I brushed a strand of hair that had escaped her hat off her face. "You're so beautiful. I couldn't help myself."

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