Page 49 of Wild Promises

Noelle's eyes widened. "But I'm not an employee. More like an independent contractor."

I waved a hand. "This is what my parents would have insisted on. You wouldn't want me to get in trouble, would you?"

"Of course not." Noelle inclined her head, nudging her brother. "That's very generous of you."

Christopher grinned. "Thank you, Mr. Wilde."

"No need to call me Mr. Wilde. That's my dad. I'm Xander." I showed him my name on my chest. "Besides, if you're half as good as your sister, then you'd be a great addition to the ski team."

"I've never skied before," Christopher said, and Noelle's forehead creased.

"It wasn't in the budget before," Noelle said softly.

"I'm glad you're here now. It's the perfect time to learn." I learned when I started walking, but anytime was good. "You should come out too, Noelle. It's been too long since I've seen you on the slopes." Her and Killian were tight when we were younger. They were in the same class and snowboarded for our school's team. When Noelle's mom couldn't work anymore and Killian started competing, we didn't see Noelle as much. I regret not following up with her family.

"I don't know that I'll have time. I have several businesses I'm juggling at the moment. But Christopher would love to learn. I really appreciate it," Noelle gushed.

I stretched my neck, a little uncomfortable with the praise. "How is your mother?"

"She's doing good. She's so positive about everything. She's an inspiration for the rest of us."

Christopher appeared sheepish at that comment.

I wondered if he was worried his family couldn't provide everything he needed and felt less than the other kids at school. I vowed to make an effort to connect with him during lessons. If I could help the Richards, then I would. They were like family tous. "I'm glad to hear it. Let me know if you need anything before lessons on Saturday."

Then I walked away, pleased I could help someone. I didn't care what Eli or Oliver said about me offering free gear and lessons to Christopher. The Richards family had always been close to us, and this is what my parents would have wanted if they still ran the place.

I wondered what happened between her and Killian. We used to tease them about spending so much time together, but Killian insisted they were just friends. It was easy to believe because back then, Noelle had been all about snowboarding. She wasn't into partying or boys. At one time, I thought she was hoping for a college scholarship, but then I never heard what happened with it. Since she'd been living here, taking care of her mother and younger siblings, I assume she never went.

The Richards family connection was one more thing I was going to fix. When you worked to improve your life, everything needed a tweak. But I was feeling good about these changes. I didn't like being in the office, but it wasn't the end of the world. Especially if it convinced Eli and Oliver I was all-in on the business.

14

TORI

This morning, I handled the emergency appointments which consisted of a nasty cough, a sore throat, and a mystery rash that had the parents stumped. I issued tests, antibiotics, and hopefully an ointment that would eliminate the rash.

By lunchtime, my back ached. I was exhausted, but it was a good tired. I was helping people, and even if Hugh didn't think general practice was real medicine, I knew it was.

When I came out of my office at lunch time, Xander stood at the counter with a bouquet of flowers, speaking to the receptionist, Lizzy.

"I don't believe I see you off the mountain much these days," she said.

Xander's stance was relaxed. "Yeah, my brothers keep me busy."

Lizzy pursed her lips. "I suppose it is your busy season."

I moved toward the counter, and when Xander saw me, he grinned. "These are for you."

Lizzy looked from Xander to me. "Are you two?—"

Xander grinned. "We're dating. I just talked to her father about it."

"Oh, wow. How sweet," Lizzy said, but there was a roaring in my ears.

"You spoke to my father?" I asked, not quite believing what I'd heard.

Dad came out of his office and slapped a hand on Xander's shoulders. "Xander said you two are seeing each other."

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