Page 57 of Maybe, Probably
Over the next couple days, I take any opportunity I can to steal Harper away. Once I got a full taste of her, I couldn’t get enough and needed more. I find myself seeking her out throughout the day, pulling her into side rooms, hall closets, just so I can get another taste of her. Feeling the warmth of her body around me the day after we finally got together was reviving. My inner turmoil didn’t allow me to take this step because of the guilt of what happened to Shelby. I realize now that I was all in my head and that Icanstill honour her in other ways. I’ve decided I’m going to tell Harper about Shelby tonight after our day on the ski hill.
I make my way into the kitchen and find Harper there at the island getting her smoothie together. She doesn’t hear me come in, so I make my way behind her wrapping my arms around her and burying my nose into her neck. I place a gentle kiss to where her neck and shoulder meet. Her body shivers at the interaction, and a small smile forms on her face.
“Come skiing with me today.”
A soft laugh leaves her as she starts the blender. “You wantmeof all people to go skiing? Are you wanting me to hurt myself?”
“I wouldn’t let that happen. Come on, let me teach you. We don’t have to go down any of the crazy slopes either.” She shuts the blender off and then spins around so she’s facing me. I crowd her space more, pushing her against the counter with my hips. Her hands snake around my neckas she looks at me. She’s silent for a couple minutes before she lifts on her tiptoes, placing a kiss against my lips.
When she pulls back, there is a smile on her face. “Okay.”
“Yeah?” A smile spreads wider on my face, and I lean down to plant another kiss on her lips. “We’ll go in a bit and get you sorted out in gear.” I begin to trail my lips across her jaw and down her neck, and when I reach the sensitive spot between her neck and shoulder, I suck. She gasps as her hands grip my hair in a vise.
A breathy laugh leaves her. “Okay, you need to go and let me have my smoothie and get changed. I’ll meet you in the living room in two hours?”
“Sounds good.” I snag an apple from the counter and take a bite as I walk backwards away from her. “See you later, babydoll.” I wink at her, watching the flush on her skin deepen. Every day with her is lighter, and I’m so grateful.
Chapter Twenty Eight
Harper
Beforetoday,youwouldn’thave caught me dead on a ski hill. I’m not the most graceful person, so why would I tempt fate?
But when Xavier came to me, asking if he could take me skiing? I couldn’t say no.
After my smoothie, Evie and I took Winnie for a walk. I had invited Evie to come skiing with us, but she just laughed in my face and told me that she had a date with the hot tub this afternoon that she just couldn’t cancel.
Now, here we are at the ski hill. I’ve been all suited up. We rented everything that I’d need to do this. I’m trying to learn the basics of skiing so that I can try and tackle a hill.
The first couple times we try this out, we aren’t going down any big hills. But no matter where we are, it's a hot mess. My body is as stiff as a board. My knees are locked, and more often than not, my arms are held out beside me to ensure I keep my balance. I take my fair share of falls as I try to get the hang of things.
I’m determined though. Watching Xavier take the time to teach me the proper technique has made me want to learn it even more. He really is a great teacher and so patient with me as I fumble my way through.
“Come on Harper, you can do this. You’ve done this so many times now. This time will be better.” I give myself a pep talk as we move forward to another practice run. When I make it to the end of the small run, I squeal with joy!
“I did it!” I throw my hands up in the air in triumph. Then the next thing I know, my back is on the ground, and I’m looking up at the sky. I burst out laughing because, of course. Xavier stops next to me and gives me a once over. When he has determined I look okay, he smiles at me and helps me up.
“Did you see that!?” I ask him. “I mean, not the end part, but the rest of it?”
“Yes I did, that wasn’t too bad. I think a couple more runs, and we can maybe try something a bit bigger, eh?”
“You think?” The hope in my voice is obvious. I know at the beginning I thought this was going to be a terrible idea. I thought I was going to be too out of shape for this, but once I got the hang of everything, it started to become easier, and I was enjoying myself. Despite the many tumbles, which I expected anyways.
“Yeah, you’re catching on quick there, babydoll. I’m impressed.” He leans forward and gives me a quick peck on the lips before we get back to it.
We spend the next forty five minutes doing run after run of the smaller hill. I’ve been able to go down with ease, but I still struggle a bit with slowing down. I'm getting the hang of it. We head back to the lodge briefly and have some hot apple cider to warm up.
We find a nice little spot in the lodge that has a loveseat looking up at the ski hills. We sit there, at my insistence, so that I can watch other skiers and take notes. Xavier’s arm is wrapped around my shoulder, his hand playing with my braided hair, apple cider in his other. He takes the time to explain some techniques to me as we watch.
We’re in our own cozy little bubble, and I absolutely love it. Ever since Christmas Eve, when Xavier finally opened up and confirmed his feelings were real, things have been going so well. He’s more attentive, always touching me in some way.
Christmas morning was spent deepening our conversation while snuggled in bed.
We’re in bed, with Winnie sleeping soundly at the end of the mattress. The heat from Xavier’s body against my back is comforting. We both just woke up, but it’s still too early. I tried to get out of bed, but Xavier’s arms tightened around me. “Don’t. Stay in bed with me for a little while longer.” He plants a kiss on my shoulder before burying his face in the crook of my neck.
“Okay, but when my bladder starts screaming at me, you have to let me go.”
“Deal… also, Merry Christmas, Harps.”
