Page 96 of Fall for You
Ronnie had kissed Dallas King.
She still couldn’t quite believe it.
Even back on the slopes, with wind whipping past her cheeks and the snow spraying her with every hard turn, she found herself wondering if maybe she was dreaming.
Because that kiss? It had definitely felt like a dream.
And she wanted to do it again.
The thought sent a jolt of giddy excitement through her, and she paused at the bottom of the hill to wait for Dallas. He wasn’t far behind, and he was grinning broadly when he reached her side.
“You wanna go again? Or are you ready to call it?”
She tilted her head to the side to consider. He’d been like this all day. Following her lead. Happy to let her have her way. Even before she’d spilled her guts to him, he’d been acting like he was out to prove that sometimes it could be about her. About what she wanted and needed.
She wondered if he had any idea how much that meant to hear. Being considerate of others seemed to come naturally to him, so it never felt forced. Just…nice.
“One more,” she said with a grin.
“Deal.” He set off before she could and turned back with a wink. “Better hurry, slowpoke.”
“Oh, you didnotjust say that,” she grumbled in jest as she followed after him. They were both grinning as they slid onto the ski lift, and the ride up was filled with laughter and easy conversation.
They’d been keeping it light ever since her tell-all moment by the fire. And for that she was grateful.
She was still a little flustered at the fact that she’d told him everything, but also…
There was a very real weight off her shoulders. A new lightness in her chest when she breathed.
All these years, she’d held it all in, not wanting to burden anyone with her troubles. But it all came out today, and she felt so much better.
Like, so much.
“What are you grinning about?” He leaned over and nudged her shoulder as the lift neared the top.
She shook her head, but she couldn’t stop grinning for the life of her, and when she looked over, she saw him sporting a matching smile, his eyes bright with happiness.
Dang, it looked good on him.
“Just having the best time,” she finally said. “Thank you.”
He shook his head. “You have nothing to thank me for.” He leaned down until his lips brushed against her ear. “I should be thanking you.”
Her exhale was shaky, her belly suddenly full of fluttering butterflies. “For what?”
He pulled back to meet her gaze, his eyes dark and heavy-lidded. He was far and away the sexiest man alive. “For that kiss.” He brushed her cheek, his touch so gentle that she felt almost delicate…fragile. “I’m pretty sure you flipped my world upside down with that kiss.”
Her lips trembled as her heart clenched. “In a good way?” she teased.
“In the best way.” His lips brushed her cheek, and she felt his smile.
She swallowed hard. “Same.”
He pulled back to look at her, still smiling but much more serious. Their eyes met and—it was the strangest thing. It felt like they shared a whole conversation with that look.
There was an understanding between them. A knowing.
And as they reached the top, the shift between them was undeniable. They took off for their last run, but Ronnie’s thoughts remained on that moment, trying to make sense of it.
