Page 72 of Faking It For Real

"Absolutely."

We stood there awkwardly until Dylan slung an arm around each of our shoulders, breaking the tension.

"If you two are done having the world's most uncomfortable conversation in the middle of the lobby, the rest of us would like to get settled before hitting the slopes."

And just like that, the moment passed. We collected our bags and followed the team to our assigned cabins, our footsteps crunching in the fresh snow. The cabins were scattered among the pines, connected by winding paths lit with small lanterns. It was undeniably romantic, which did nothing to calm my frayed nerves.

Cabin 3 was a large, well-appointed structure with four bedrooms, a common area with a fireplace, and a small kitchen. We were sharing with Dylan and Olivia (who had separate rooms, despite the obvious tension between them), and another couple—Sanchez and his girlfriend Leila.

Ethan pushed open the door to Room 4, standing aside to let me enter first. The room was cozy but not cramped, with pine furniture, thick wool rugs, and a large window overlooking the forest. A small fireplace occupied one corner, already set with logs ready to light.

And dominating the space was one queen-sized bed, covered in a plush down comforter.

One bed.

Ethan cleared his throat behind me. "Nice room."

"Yeah," I managed, setting my camera bag down carefully on a side table. "Very... alpine."

We moved around each other cautiously, unpacking toiletries and hanging up coats without making eye contact. The elephant in the room—or rather, the single bed in the room—remained unaddressed until a knock on the door provided a welcome interruption.

Dylan poked his head in without waiting for an answer. "Team meeting in the main lodge in twenty. Dress for skiing afterward." His eyes flicked to the bed, then back to us with barely concealed amusement. "Don't get too comfortable."

Ethan threw a pillow at him, which he dodged easily, cackling as he retreated.

Once we were alone again, Ethan ran a hand through his hair. "Look, about the sleeping arrangements—"

"It's fine," I interrupted, not wanting to make an already awkward situation worse. "We can handle this like adults. It's just sleeping."

"Right," he nodded, relief evident in his voice. "Just sleeping. No big deal."

"No big deal at all."

We both knew we were lying.

Two hours later, I found myself on the beginner slope, questioning every life decision that had led to this moment. After the team meeting (which consisted mainly of Coach Alvarez reminding everyone not to break any bones right before playoffs), we'd split into groups based on skiing ability. Ethan, naturally, had wanted to join his teammates on the advanced runs, but to my surprise, he'd hesitated.

"I can stay with you," he'd offered. "If you want company on the easier slopes."

"Don't be ridiculous," I'd insisted. "Go have fun with the guys. I'll be fine taking photos from the relative safety of the bunny hill."

But he'd been adamant. "I want to stay with you. Besides, I'm supposed to be your doting boyfriend, remember? What kind of jerk would leave his girlfriend alone on her first real skiing attempt?"

And so here we were, me clutching my poles for dear life while Ethan demonstrated proper form with infuriating ease.

"The key is to keep your weight forward," he explained patiently. "If you lean back, you'll lose control."

"Bold of you to assume I have any control to lose," I muttered, eyeing the gentle slope with disproportionate dread.

He laughed. "You're overthinking it. Skiing is like—"

"If you say it's like riding a bike, I swear I'll stab you with this pole."

"I was going to say it's like dancing," he grinned. "Remember how you led me at your parents' house? Same principle—feel the flow, find the rhythm."

The reminder of our dance at Three Kings Day sent an unexpected warmth through me, despite the freezing temperature. Ethan had been so different that day—relaxed, playful, genuinely engaged with my family. It was a side of him I rarely saw on campus.

"Earth to Mia," Ethan waved a gloved hand in front of my face. "Ready to try again?"

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