Page 8 of The Proximity Effect

“—by doing a push test.” Without warning, he gave me a gentle shove from behind.

I stumbled forward, letting out a very dignified squeak. “A little warning next time? I might have signed the liability waiver,but that doesn’t cover instructors pushing me off the side of the mountain!”

“Left foot forward.” He ignored my commentary like he hadn’t even been listening. This guy was a grade-A asshole. “You’re regular.”

The next fifteen minutes were spent in an elaborate comedy routine involving me, a snowboard, and the complete abandonment of my dignity. Turns out, strapping yourself to a board while wearing boots that feel like concrete blocks is not as simple as those X-Games athletes made it look.

“No, your other left,” Liam instructed for what had to be the dozenth time as I twisted myself into yet another pretzel-like position.

“I only have two lefts!” I shot back, finally clicking the last strap into place. “Success!”

“Great.” His tone suggested it was anything but. “Now stand up.”

I looked up at him from my seated position on the snow. “You’re joking, right?”

He crossed his arms, waiting, but I didn’t move. Was my ass already starting to go numb? Yes, yes, it was.

“Are you one of the grumpy owners?” The question had been on my mind since I’d met him. He fit the bill—tall, handsome, and ice cold.

His lips turned up briefly before he quickly schooled his features. “I’m not grumpy, and yes, I’m one of the owners.”

“And this is how you treat a paying customer?” I wasn’t going to let the fear of coming across as a bitch stop me from standing up for myself. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

Liam’s mouth opened and closed a few times, making him look like one of those singing fish people mount on their walls. Finally, he seemed to decide on how to respond, his cocky demeanor faltering a bit as he extended his hand. “I apologize.”

I stared at his offered hand like it might bite me, but eventually reached up to accept his help. Of course, that’s when the universe decided to remind me that I was, in fact, still me.

The oversized glove I’d borrowed from the resort’s rental shop—which I hadn’t tightened after strapping in—decided to abandon ship at that crucial moment. My hand slipped right out of it, and I landed back on my already-numb behind with an undignified “oof!”

The glove dangled from Liam’s hand like a limp fish, and for a moment, we both stared at it in surprise.

Then, something magical happened. Liam laughed. Not a polite chuckle or a condescending snort, but a genuine, full-bodied laugh that transformed his entire face and made his blue eyes lighten. And damn if it wasn’t infectious.

I gestured to myself, still sitting in the snow. “This is pretty much a perfect metaphor for my life right now.”

“Here.” Still grinning, he helped me secure the glove this time, his fingers surprisingly gentle as he adjusted the strap around my wrist. “Let’s try this again.”

With the glove attached to my hand and Liam’s steady grip, I managed to get vertical. The board felt weird beneath my feet, like I was standing on a skateboard that had lost its will to roll.

“Ready to try the hill?”

I looked where he was pointing. “That’s not a hill. That’s barely a speed bump with snow on it.”

“Perfect for beginners.” Was that encouragement in his voice? Who knew Mr. Ice King had it in him?

After unstrapping to go up the bunny hill and strapping again at the top, Liam positioned himself beside me. “Remember, bend your knees, keep your arms relaxed, and look where you want to go, not at your feet.”

“Right. Like life—look forward, not down.” I took a deep breath. “Though looking down has helped me avoid numerous puddles and dog presents.”

He snorted. “Less philosophy, more snowboarding. Ready?”

“No, but let’s do this anyway.” I shifted my weight forward like he’d taught me, and suddenly I was moving.

The wind whipped past my face as I glided down the baby slope, and for a moment, I felt like I was flying. Then I remembered I had no idea how to stop. “Where are the brakes?!”

“Lean on your back edge!” Liam called out, easily keeping pace with me.

I did as instructed, and miracle of miracles, I came to a gentle stop at the bottom. No face-plants, no tragic wipeouts, no emergency room visits.

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