Page 13 of Privileged (Adrenalin)

“Ugh, you’re forgiven.” I wrap my arm around his waist and hug him back. “As long as this stays between us.”

“Back atcha.” He mimes zipping his lips shut.

Chapter six

Carter

Staring out the window, I take in the hum of activity before me. Lifts spin, ferrying hikers toward the peak. A group of kids pedal along in a single file line behind their instructor, Blake I think, learning the proper form to climb over obstacles like rocks. And as excited as I am to see the resort in action, there's still far less activity than we’d usually see in winter.

At least it isn’t empty.

At least we have business. It’s something.

A wave of anxiety washes over me as I question how long I’ll be able to enjoy this serene view. All I’ve wanted since that blown knee ended my racing career is to work in the industry, making a living off the slopes I gravitated to as a kid. Slopes that took me away from the high society life I felt out of place in.

To me, the mountains have always been a refuge. While my family’s wealth might’ve given me a foot in the door, there’s still the issue of turning a profit. Unless I bring in more people, even during the summer, that’s not going to happen. So far, I haven’t come up with a way to get more traction in the off-season without threatening the homey feel that makes this place so unique. And if the towndidn’t feel suspicious of me already, or hate me in the case of Sloan’s brother-in-law, they absolutely would if I destroyed their quaint little oasis.

I knew this venture wouldn’t be easy. Living your dream never is. I sure as hell didn’t expect the solutions to be so elusive though. Who could’ve guessed I’d have the funds needed to implement the first wave of improvements, but some tiny animal would block my path?

Contrary to what my attitude suggests, I’m not looking to run wild developing every last inch of this place to make it profitable. Iam,however,looking to make strategic improvements and this rodent is quickly becoming the bane of my existence. Who new marmots killed dreams?

The soft click of my office door alerts me to Sloan’s presence. It puts an immediate end to my depressive spiral before I can hate marmots any more than I already do.Why is that? Why does the stress bearing down on me dissipate the moment he slips into the room? He hasn’t even started the massage yet.

Despite knowing he’s here, I don’t turn away from the window. I’m too afraid the sight of him will loosen my tongue, and he doesn’t need to know the burdens I face.

No one does.

The table creaks softly as he unfolds it. With his attention focused on his preparations, I take the towel he’s set on the desk and retreat to my bathroom to strip, ignoring the way my skin seems to crackle in anticipation of his touch. Taking a steadying breath, I stride into the room with more authority than I feel.

“I take it you haven’t solved your issues with the resort plans.” He pats the massage table, inviting me to slip under the sheet. It’s not a sexual gesture, but the way his green eyes track me suggest he too is having trouble keeping things professional. A bit of tension eases from my shoulders. It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one.

“Why do you say that?” I keep my expression blank as I stride toward him.

“You look just as stiff as the last time I saw you, and that’s what was bothering you then.”

Stiff…That’s one way to put it. I’m not surprised he noticed that detail. When it comes to doing his job Sloan’s thorough in his observations.

“Still haven’t come up with a solution.” I settle into position with my head resting on the little doughnut, grateful that the view of the floor keeps me from looking at him.

Until today, I haven’t laid eyes on him since that glimpse at the restaurant. He’d been on my mind that whole day, so much so, I wondered if I willed him into being there. Obviously, that’s not a thing, but that didn’t stop me from believing it for the few seconds it took to register that we were in the same room.

Seeing him caught me so off guard I forgot why I’d gone in. All I could do was stare at his wide, green eyes, while he did the same to me. It wasn’t until a woman blocked my view with my order that I snapped out of my stupor and paid the bill.

I’ve been seeing those eyes in my mind constantly ever since, and it makes me wonder if keeping this appointment was a bad idea. Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to cancel it. He’s one out of a handful of people that give me the benefit of the doubt in this town, the others being Maddox and Janice. While I have a soft spot for both, neither make my chest tingle when they look at me. Not like he does.

Though, I suspect the moment Sloan touches me, my body will have the same reaction it’s had every other time his skilled fingers have kneaded my muscles. Andstiffdoesn’t even begin to describe it.

Clearly, neither of us have an issue with it—he’s still coming back. Hell, I’m not even embarrassed by my raging boner making anappearance in our weekly meetings. Racing uniforms aren’t modest, so in a manner of speaking I’m used to being on display. How much of me is on display was a bit unnerving at first, but after catching a few not-so-subtle glances from Sloan I’ve concluded I didn’t have anything to be embarrassed about.

Of course, that means continuing with these massages is reckless at best, but talking to him is the highlight of my week, and I’m not willing to give that up. Even if it leaves me wanting more than I can have.

Dammit, why does he have to work for me?

I can’t get involved with an employee. I shouldn’t, anyway. And even if he were interested in exploring the chemistry we have, I doubt he’d consider taking another job just so we could do that. Thank God the chemistry I feel doesn’t seem to offend him, otherwise I’m sure I’d have heard from HR long ago.

“Carter?”

“Hmm?” My name on his tongue snaps me back to the present.

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