Page 14 of Wild Promises

I was used to this scenario. Women flocked to him.

When he saw me approach, he jumped up to grab my skis, shooting the woman an apologetic look.

He turned my skis this way and that, then dropped them in the snow. "I can't believe you haven't updated your equipment."

"I haven't skied in years, so take it easy on me."

Xander shook his head.

"Is it so hard to believe that my lifestyle changed so much?" It felt good to talk with someone like this. When I was with Hugh, our conversation revolved around hospital stuff.

"You loved the snow and the outdoors. I never understood how you could live in the city."

"It was an adjustment, but I spent most of my time inside a hospital. It wasn't like I had much of a social life outside of work."

"Are you ready to get out there?"

"I can't wait." I also hadn't worked out much, so this was going to be interesting. I hoped I could keep up with a man who spent most of his time outdoors partaking in athletic activities.

We got on our boots and clicked them into place, then made our way over to the lift line. I knew without asking that he would take me to our favorite path. The one that meandered through the woods. It had always been a magical place for me, and the slow pace allowed us to talk to each other with ease.

We got on the lift. Then we were carried up. For the first time since I'd been home, I felt the tension in my body easing. "It feels good to be here like this."

"On your favorite mountain?—"

I touched his shoulder with mine. "With my favorite person."

Xander's expression was tight. "Now I know that isn't true, or you wouldn't have left me for so long."

"I'm sorry, Xan. Is that why you stopped responding to my texts? You were upset that I changed my plans?"

Xander was quiet for a few seconds, then nodded tightly. "Yeah."

"I'm sorry. But you know that things change, right? We grew up and wanted different things. Besides, I'm here now, and I'm really missing my best friend."

He smiled, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. "I missed you too."

"No hard feelings?"

"Mmm. Maybe you should make it up to me." Xander turned on the charm.

I huffed a laugh. "How can I make it up to you?"

"Let me think about it."

I closed my eyes, resting my head on his shoulder. "It's good to be home."

A few seconds later, he touched the end of my hair. "We're descending."

I lifted my head, and he moved his arm so that we could disembark without getting tangled up in each other. I was pleased I remembered how to land on my feet and glide to the side so that the chair continued on its path. I remembered the way to our favorite trail. It was one that wasn't used often, especially in the evenings when it was dark.

But this time, as we skied over the familiar path, there were lights on the trees, guiding the way. "How long have these been here?"

Xander glided effortlessly next to me. "I just put them up."

"You did?" My mind was racing with possibilities. Was it related to an event at the lodge, or had it been for me?

"I wanted to make tonight special. It's not every night your best friend comes home."

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