Page 43 of Wild Promises

I chewed, swallowed, then said, "She dated a surgeon before me."

"She seems to like you. She always has. I don't think it matters what your profession is."

"I'm a soon-to-be out of work ski instructor. I can hardly compare with a surgeon. He saves lives." Literally. I just saved people's vacations, and even that was a bit of a stretch. I madethings better. But that was it. I stood up and threw my wrapper into the trash. "Is that all you needed to talk about?"

"I think you're putting too much pressure on yourself. Tori likes you for you."

Sure, Tori liked me as a friend. But that was it. I'd never be a man she could see herself with. I was good for a quick release. "I haven't come up with any groundbreaking business ideas, but I'm listening to some business podcasts."

Eli leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. "You are?"

"Yeah, I need to start thinking like you and Oliver if I want to have a place in the business."

Eli nodded. "I'm glad to hear it."

"See you later." I threw my empty water bottle in the recycling bin on the way out, almost running into Oliver.

Joey stood behind Oliver, and I loved my nephew more than anything. I grinned and lifted him into a bear hug. "How's my favorite guy?"

"I'm good. Daddy's letting me work tonight." Meaning Carolina probably had something going on because he was usually home with her when Oliver had to work.

"You want to come outside with me for a few minutes while your dad meets with Uncle Eli?"

"Can I, Daddy?" Joey asked Oliver, and he said, "Sure. I'll be down in a few minutes. Then we'll head home for dinner. Caro's making lasagna."

"Mmm. Yum," Joey said.

I wished I had someone waiting for me at home like that. For now, I had Tori, but I knew it wouldn't last. I was a pit stop for her.

12

TORI

Iwas a little late getting to the lodge. One of the appointments lasted longer than I'd planned.

I'd texted Xander I'd be late, but he hadn't answered. I hoped he wasn't upset with me. When I rounded the building, Xander was crouched in front of a small child.

"You want to go on the trail ride?" Xander glanced up at me when I approached, and he winked. "It's Aunt Tori's favorite."

I loved that he referred to me as Aunt Tori in front of his nephew. "Hey, Joey."

"Uncle Xan wants to take me on a trail ride with you."

"If that's okay?" Xander stood.

"I'd love that." And I adored that he'd included Joey in our outing.

"I cleared it with your father. We have about twenty minutes. Time for one run."

"Let me grab my gear." I rushed into the locker room to put everything on.

Outside, I scanned the area for Xander, finally finding him holding Joey's hand in line for the lift. My heart squeezed at the sight of the two of them together. Xander was saying somethingto him, and Joey was looking up at him. At night, it was busy with local teens who had winter passes.

Xander looked up when I approached and smiled. "You ready to ski?"

I smiled back. "Been looking forward to it all day."

"Uncle Xan says this trail is the best," Joey said as if he didn't believe him.

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