Page 23 of Wild Promises

"It's nice coming home to something familiar. Everything in New York was so foreign. I worked so much; I didn't have time to make friends outside of the hospital."

Xander cleared his throat. "Eli and Oliver run the business side of things because they're the oldest and had the aptitude for it. I couldn't sit in an office like they do. I want to be outdoors."

"Sounds like you have the perfect job."

"But it's not enough anymore. They want me to contribute to the business plans somehow."

"I'm sure there's some way you could suggest improvements. You're the one who sees what's going on outside: the lessons, skiing, snowboarding."

"We added zip lines for the offseason. Eli just recently built luxury cabins, and the next step is a spa."

I nodded. "All high-end offerings."

"What could I possibly offer that could match something like that? Luxury ski lessons? I already offer beginning, intermediate, and even one-on-one options."

"I see your dilemma."

The waitress stopped by. "Xander, it's so good to see you."

From the way she gushed, I got the impression they either had hooked up or she wanted to.

Xander winked at her. "It's always my pleasure."

The woman softened at his words, touching his shoulder. "You're such a flirt, Xan."

I raised a brow. Xan? Only his brothers ever called him that.

"You know me," Xander said, then gestured toward me. "Would you mind getting us a meat lovers and a couple of sodas."

The woman finally moved her gaze from Xander to me, her lips curling in irritation. "Sure. I'll get that in right away."

"Thanks, Cici."

Cici walked away, and I leaned close to Xander and said huskily. " It's sooo good to see you, Xan." Then I leaned back and deepened my voice. "The pleasure's all mine."

Xander rolled his shoulders back. "I can't help that I'm attractive to the ladies."

I scoffed. "Your charm doesn't work on me,Xan."

Xander chuckled. "Ain't that the truth?"

"You know, when you give the women the five-star charm, they fall all over you. If you don't want their attention, maybe dial it back a bit." I mimicked turning a dial counterclockwise.

Xander sobered. "I can't help it. When I talk to a woman—any woman—it just comes out. I can see that they're enjoying it, and it gets worse."

I shook my head. "Those poor unsuspecting women falling for your charm. Young and old. No one is immune."

Xander leaned in close and covered my hand with his, his expression serious. "You know, I don't hook up with every woman I meet."

"Of course not." I laughed and tried to draw back. Maybe I should ask about the details of his love life. I was fairly sure being reminded of his prowess with other women in town would squash this pesky attraction in no time.

"I'm being serious." Xander seemed hurt by my dismissal.

"You're telling me you never hooked up with our waitress?"

Xander's face pinched. "Never."

My gaze flicked to the attractive woman behind the bar. "What about the bartender?"

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