Page 59 of Ski You Later
“I FUCKING WON BITCH!” She screams in my ear as we jump in each other’s arms. I can feel another strong set of arms wrap around us as Charles gets involved, followed by both Isla and Liam.
My friend group might have some internal turmoil happening at the minute, but I couldn’t be more grateful as we feel happy for everyone. I notice the genuine joy radiating from Isla, and it make my heart sink the tiniest bit. It reminds me that she’s not aware ofAurora’s feelings towards Liam, and thus herself. With a big sigh, I leave the issue for another day.
I give all my friends an individual hug, as everyone radiates joy for the women’s race. The guys ask us to cycle back up quickly since they want us to take their jacket and pants down.
I then realize that my stuff is still at the top of the course, so I have to go back up anyway to get my gear.
As I walk towards my skis and poles, the force of a battering ram slams into me from the side.
CHAPTER 22
I wonder if it’s too late to get a new team.
Arms wrap around my waist, hugging me close as I feel my feet lift off the ground. I’m in the most insane bear hug ever as I’m swung in a couple of circles and then placed back down.
“Rhodes got top ten! Rhodes got top ten!” A sing-song voice says in my ear as I’m shaken around by a guy with very familiar voice.
“Dude, you are going to break her,” Landon says from beside me.
“Nah, it takes more than a hug to break a woman like her,” Xander says with joy.
As soon as Xander lets me out of his crushing embrace, he grabs my shoulders and puts me at an arms distance. “You crushed that run, Rhodes! Now pop me out so I can congratulate your best friend.”
I can’t stop the quick laugh that comes out of me, and I’m released from his hold only so I can pop himout of his skis. Turning around, I see Aurora heading our way as she raises her eyebrow at us.
“Hello Princess, I can’t help but notice you won the whole damn race!” A smile I haven’t seen for quite some time now explodes on Auroras face at Xander’s words.
Then, before I can comprehend what’s happening, she throws herself into Xander’s arms. The pair of them share a giddy laugh as Xander begins to swing her around like he did me.
I’m still staring at them with confusion as I feel a light hand on my shoulder, and then suddenly all I see is Landon’s chest as he pulls me into a hug. His gentle presence is a welcome feeling after the surge of energy, and he rubs my back as he congratulates me.
He pulls away, looking to Aurora as if to congratulate her, but decides against it.
As I smile at Landon and turn away, I look for the only Huxley brother who hasn’t congratulated me. The space is packed as I start to walk back towards my skis. Slipping past the last barrier of people milling about, Roman stands waiting as he holds my jacket and snow pants in his hands.
My face crumples as all the emotions hit me at once. I try to avoid making eye contact as I feel my eyeswelling with tears, but Roman only opens his arms for me.
When I’m only a couple of steps away, I speed up my pace and fall into him. His strong arms band around me as I fall, and I feel my feet leave the snow yet again.
The hugs from his brothers were great, but nothing compares to the feeling of being held in his embrace. As soon as I feel his gloved hand pushing on the back of my neck, I fully relax into him and put my head on his shoulder.
I can only imagine he’s holding me a good foot in the air at this point, and we must look absolutely ridiculous, but I’m only thinking about Roman. How he’s always there for me when I need him, how he speaks in his actions over his words, and how I know that these feelings I have for him are becoming anything but fake.
That thought will have to wait until after this hectic weekend though as I feel myself slide down Roman’s body yet again. He pulls me away so we can look at one another, but quickly takes both his hands in mine.
“I’m so proud of you,” he beams. Genuine joy is splayed across his face as he watches me with those intensely beautiful eyes. A girl could get lost inchocolate brown eyes such as those, and I can’t help but feel like I’m becoming one of those lucky people.
I blush and put my head down instinctively, such raw emotion still being something I’m not used to. “I didn’t even get top five.” I counter immediately.
His gloves gently grasp my chin as he directs my gaze back to him. “Stop that. You did just as I asked. You kicked some serious ski racer ass today.” I wait for him to say more, but Xander starts to yell, and I hear the sounds of bindings clipping in from behind me.
Roman’s hand slides down to my hand and gives it a quick squeeze. “I need to go and try to do just as well as you now, Langley.” I lift my brow at him since I know he’s aiming for first, but I can’t help but smile.
As everyone waves and starts to ski away, I watch as Roman grabs his poles and clips into his skis. With the joy coursing through me, I have no regrets as I grab his arm and pull him down to me.
“Kick ass, Huxley,” I whisper in his ear and relish as his eyes widen.
He turns to me quickly with a smiling spreading over his face. “Anything for you, Langley.”
