Page 39 of Wild Nights

But I couldn't. Joey was separate from our relationship. As much as Carolina shared herself with me, I didn't feel like I could do the same. My life wasn't my own. I had to protect Joey.

Carolina patted my chest one more time, then sat on the chair by the table, her legs curled underneath her.

"Are you almost ready to go skiing?" I asked, sitting next to her. Every platter was open, and it looked like she'd eaten her fill.

She sipped her coffee. "Mmm. I can't wait."

I loved that she was excited to go skiing. I'd never taken awoman on the slopes. That was more of Xander's thing since he led the lessons. I never spent any time with a woman at the resort. With Carolina, this was our place, where we spent all our time.

"I have everything reserved for us." I wanted to get on the slopes because I already had a late start due to Joey's school start time, and she had to get back for work.

"Let me get dressed. Then we can head out." Carolina unfolded her legs, the bare skin peeking out, and touched my shoulder as she brushed past me on her way to the bathroom. She was absolutely gorgeous in the morning, all warm and flush from sleep. I wanted to untie her robe and touch her soft skin, but I wanted to get on the slopes too.

This was something she'd never done before, and I was going to be the one to show her. I took the time to cover her uneaten food and placed everything on the tray for housekeeping to take when they cleaned the room.

When she returned, she was wearing sweatpants and a hoodie.

"I got you a snowsuit. I wasn't sure if you had one."

Carolina's shoulders lowered. "Thank you. I was a little worried if I had the right clothes for this. I don't usually go out in the snow at these events. No matter where I am, I tend to stay inside, whether it's Texas, Las Vegas, or Colorado. The most I do is get in a bathing suit and check out the pool."

I crossed the room, brushing the back of my hand across her cheek. "I'd love to see you relaxing at the pool in your bathing suit."

Her cheeks flushed a deeper pink. "I'd like that too."

"But today we have to hit the slopes. Are you ready?"

At her nod, I grabbed her hand and led her to the door. Knowing we wouldn't be able to show much affection around the hotel, I pressed her against the door, and kissed her thoroughly. When I pulled away, she asked, a little stunned, "What was that for?"

"I can't kiss you for a few hours. I needed to get my fill." I opened the door as she touched her lips and smiled.

I wanted to keep that pleased expression on her face. I tried not to think about how this relationship that was supposed to only take place at night was changing. But then I told myself I was just showing her something at the resort. If anyone saw us, I'd tell them she wanted to go skiing, and it was our responsibility to show her a good time.

It was a risk to be seen with her. There was a chance someone would say something, and rumors would fly. I just hoped no one would recognize us in our layers of snow gear.

I'd put everything in a locker, so we headed there first, and she put on the snowsuit I'd gotten her. Then we went outside. I'd reserved everything ahead of time so we wouldn't run into any of my employees. At this hour, the slopes were quiet too.

I took her to the bunny slope, knowing Xander didn't have any classes this morning. We were winding down with lessons since it was almost Christmas and kids were in school on the weekdays.

I helped her snap her boots into the skis and handed her the poles. "Now we're going to practice our balance."

I told her how to bend her knees and push off, and she got it fairly easily. "Do you think you're ready for a green hill?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." I was impressed she picked up the mechanics easily. "Do you ice skate or roller blade?"

"I used to love roller-skating when I was young. I worked at the rink."

"Really?" There was something about this woman wearing roller-skates and tiny shorts that got me excited.

Carolina smiled. "Yes."

"I bet all the boys loved that," I murmured.

Carolina dropped her head back and laughed. "What?"

"I bet you wore tiny shorts with those knee-high socks." The image easily came to mind.

She grinned. "How did you know?"

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