Page 30 of Wild Desire

"What do you say about going out on the slopes when I'm all better?"

Noelle snorted. "You're out of commission for a while, and when you're better, you shouldn't risk your recovery for recreation. You'll be training, and then you'll be gone. Back to your real life."

Before I could protest that she was wrong, Winnie appeared in front of us. "Can I learn how to ski?"

"Of course," I said as Noelle elbowed me.

"Why can't she have lessons? It's never too early to learn." I was confident Winnie's lessons would be free just like Christopher's. Besides, it was always smart to invest in the future of the local ski teams. It showcased the talent we cultivated here at the resort. The Richards had talent, and I was excited to see what Winnie could do.

"I don't want to take advantage," Noelle said.

There was a crease between her brows I wanted to smooth with my thumb, but Winnie was watching our interaction.

"Xander will teach you. Let Noelle or your mother know which lesson time is best for you, and we'll get you equipment."

"Are you serious?" Winnie asked me, then looked to Noelle as if she was worried she'd say no. I wondered how often Noelle turned down things like this because she only saw it as a handout.

"It's up to Mom."

Winnie took off, presumably to ask her mother.

Noelle turned toward me. "You didn't have to do that."

"I don't have to invest in the future of another amazing Richards skier?" I teased.

Her lips twitched. "When you say it like that?—"

I inclined my head slightly. "You can't refuse my generous offer."

Noelle giggled, and I wondered when was the last time she'd truly let loose and had fun. When she'd forgotten about the heavy weight of her responsibilities.

"You want your sister to be happy."

"I do."

"Then you'll say yes when it comes to her. But not you."

Winnie ran up to us. "Mom said yes."

I grinned, not quite believing how much my life had changed in a few weeks. I was used to charming women, but now I was excited to give this twelve-year-old what she wanted.

"That's amazing," Noelle said. "I'm excited to see you on the slopes."

"Now we just have to get your sister back out there." I nudged Noelle, and she gave me a sharp look.

"I haven't been in years. I've probably forgotten everything I ever learned."

I shook my head. "I bet it's like riding a bike. You never forget."

Noelle's shoulders were stiff, so I didn't push it any further for now. But I needed to see her on the slopes. It hurt my heart that she walked away from her love of the sport. I wanted to show her what she was missing.

Bianca moved over to us. "Christopher is up again."

We focused on the skier on the slope. He was poised and ready to go. Bianca and Winnie stood off to the side and in front of us, so I placed a hand on Noelle's side, encouraging her to lean against me. I wanted her to relax.

When we were talking to Winnie, she'd gone all stiff, as if she was uncomfortable with my proximity or the conversation. It was probably both.

"He's going to do great," I whispered against her cheek.

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