Page 48 of Wild Desire

Killian waved a crutch at him. "You're going to be sorry when I'm back in shape. We're going to race on the slopes."

Christopher's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

He gave him a pointed look. "And I will beat you."

Christopher laughed. "I would hope so. You're a champion snowboarder, and I'm just a kid."

"Not for long. You keep practicing, and you're going to be a champion skier one day."

"Are we playing H-O-R-S-E or standing around and talking?" Winnie asked.

"We're playing, baby girl," Killian said, his voice full of affection for my sister.

Would he call his daughterbaby girl? I liked the idea a little too much.

Killian passed the ball to me. "You start."

I shot from the foul line and missed. Then it was Christoper's turn. We continued to shoot, teasing each other and joking around. It was fun. Really fun. I hadn't had a good time like this in a long time.

There was something about watching Killian interact with my siblings that had my heart yearning for more with him. He was setting me up for disappointment. But for once, I was going to enjoy the moment.

12

KILLIAN

Iwoke up early that morning, thinking about how nice it was to spend time with Noelle's family. I'd seen them over the years around the lodge, but I'd never been to their house, and I enjoyed their dynamic. There was so much love.

Last night meant more to me than any championship win. It was real. Noelle might be hanging around with me because it was her job, but her disposition was genuine. So unlike the women I met in my line of work.

She didn't want anything from me. She was surprised when I offered to let her move in with me, and she was grateful to use the lodge's kitchen. She didn't take anything for granted.

Tonight, we had to spend time with my family. I hoped they didn't see this attraction I was sporting for my assistant.

Holding her hand last night felt right, as if giving her comfort was natural for me. Like she belonged to me. Which was crazy. She was a family friend. Nothing more.

I'd screwed everything up when I hadn't reacted to her kiss when we were younger. To be fair, I hadn't realized there was something between us. I was a stupid teenager, but I was very aware now.

I couldn't ignore the woman she was, especially not when we were spending so much time together and she was living in my condo.

I got in the shower, quickly washed up, then pulled on sweats and a T-shirt. I slowly made my way to the kitchen where I smelled eggs and bacon.

I rested the crutches against the counter as I slid onto a stool. "You don't have to cook breakfast for me. Didn't you get up early to make donuts?"

"Yes, but it's so much quicker in that kitchen, I was done early. I couldn't go back to sleep, so I thought I'd make breakfast for us."

"How are things with Cal?" I asked, watching her carefully.

Her shoulders stiffened. "I haven't gone back to get the rest of my trays."

"Do you not want me to go with you?" I asked slowly.

"He's been sending messages, and I don't want to deal with it. It's okay.”

I didn't like the sound of that. "I'll take care of it."

She turned, her shocked gaze landing on mine. "How are you going to take care of it?"

"I'll take my brothers with me. Don't worry."

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