Page 32 of Wild Desire

I didn't want to make her uncomfortable, but I wanted to understand how she could walk away from something she loved so much.

"It was too hard," she said so softly that I wasn't sure I heard her correctly. Then she turned on the engine, and any sound she made was drowned out by the roar.

She maneuvered us through the crowd and to the door to the lodge. I got off and stood gingerly on one leg.

"I'll grab your crutches." Noelle disappeared inside, and Eli approached.

"Didn't think I'd see you at a high-school race."

"Noelle's brother was racing."

"I get why she's here. But why are you?"

"She won't let me out of her sight. Does that have something to do with you?" I asked, hoping he didn't see through my diversion.

He raised a brow. "Are you letting her do her job?"

I shifted slightly, trying to ease the pain that was intensifying. "You mean letting her hang out with me all day long? Then, yes."

"Are you taking it easy and following your doctor's instructions?"

"I don't need a keeper," I said tightly.

Eli just shrugged as Noelle returned and handed me the crutches. I'd never been so grateful for those two sticks in my life. I rested my weight on them.

"Christopher had an amazing run that second time," Eli said to her.

Noelle's eyes brightened. "He was so excited."

"He's showing real promise. Like you and Killian did."

"I don't know about that. I was never destined for greatness or anything. But maybe there's hope for Christopher to get an athletic scholarship." Noelle's voice was hopeful.

"You know we offer scholarships at the resort too."

"I'll let him know so he can apply when the time comes. We have some time before that, thankfully."

I wanted Christopher to do everything that Noelle felt she couldn't do, and I had this burning desire to ensure that Noelle did things she enjoyed now. It wasn't right that she was missing out on life. It was more than paying the bills and working hard.

"I'm going to get this one back on the slopes." I tipped my head toward Noelle.

"Good luck with that."

"I haven't been in so long; I'll probably fall."

I had a sponsorship deal with a sports equipment brand which would cover all of her necessary gear. I'd order a few options for her, and she couldn't say no to free.

"I've been asking her to coach these kids, but she always says no," Eli said.

"I don't think I'd be able to help them. Just because I could snowboard doesn't mean I can coach."

"Are you sure about that? You're good with Christopher." I watched her face closely for her reaction.

Emotion flitted across her eyes. "I'm already so busy."

"The invitation's always open. They could use a mentor."

"I told Christopher I'd give him some tips. Just as soon as I'm on my feet again," I said.

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