Page 38 of The Wedding Wrecker

"Okay," I said once we were alone at the top of the slope. Little kids were everywhere. Some were falling face first, waiting to be rescued by parents. Others screamed and slammed into each other. Overwhelmed instructors were everywhere shouting helpful cues that kids ignored as they zipped in every direction."The most important thing to remember is how to slow down and stop. So you just?—”

Emma shot forward with a shriek. For some reason, she kept pumping her ski poles, as if her panic response was to go faster.

What the hell kind of flawed instincts were those?

Her arms windmilled as she continued to pick uip speed. She weaved past kids, nearly blasting a few of them into orbit as her screams carried on the cold air.

I took off after her, catching up just as she lifted one leg, spun her arms, and somehow flipped forward to face-plant and slide several feet forward.

"You okay?" I asked, helping her up and brushing snow from her suit. My heart had nearly stopped watching her fall.

"I think I ate snow." She spat out some white powder. "Why do people do this for fun?"

"Because they usually listen to instructions first."

"I panicked!"

"I noticed." I tucked a loose strand of hair back under her hat. "Try again? I won't let you fall this time."

She looked up at me, cheeks pink from cold and exertion. "Promise?"

Something in her voice made my chest tight. "Promise."

For the next hour, I taught her the basics, keeping one hand on her waist as she got the feel of the slopes. The Wellingtons occasionally checked in before hopping on the ski lift for another run. The muscle brothers took turns checking on Emmaspecifically, and I was beginning to wonder if the assholes were trying to make passes at her.

Pretend or not, she was supposed to be my girlfriend, and I didn’t need their constant hovering. Even if the guys seemed okay, compared to the other Wellingtons, it didn’t mean I wouldn’t start throwing punches if they pushed it much further.

"You've got a fan club," I noted after Noah swung by to ask how her “warm up” was coming and to complement her form.

Emma noted the expression on my face and gave a taunting wiggle of her brows.

“Jealous?” she asked once Noah was gone.

“No,” I said carefully, bringing my mouth close to her ear. “Because I already got to fuck you. I already know what noises you make when you come.” I pulled back, biting my lip as I smiled. “He doesn’t.”

Emma’s cheeks were already red from cold, but they went a deeper shade. “That… probably violates a rule,” she said in a weak voice.

“You can write me up for it later. But we should really keep working on your skills. Despite what Theo said, your form is terrible.”

“Jerk,” she said.

“I’m just the guy trying to keep you from splattering yourself into a tree. You should thank me.”

“No, I don’t think I will,” she said haughtily, but not without a touch of a smile.

“Lover’s spat?" Dick's voice made us both jump. He stood nearby with Richard Wellington. “If you two are done fighting, we’re all going to head up to Thunder Ridge. Want to join?”

"She's stil warming up," I started, but Emma cut me off.

"Totally ready,” Emma blurted.

"Emma—"

"I've got this." She met my eyes, that familiar stubborn set to her jaw. She lowered her voice. “You taught me how to slow down and stop. I know how to fall down safely if I get in over my head.”

“It’s out of the question,” I said firmly. “You could get hurt trying that run. I won’t allow it.”

“Is there a problem?” Mr. Wellington cut in. “If Emma wants to do Thunder Ridge, why not let her? There are no trees to worry about. It’s just steep. Kids could handle it.”

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