Page 17 of The Reluctant Wolf and His Fated Mate
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. If I’m feeling better in a few hours, I’ll come join you.”
Tara exhaled. She glanced outdoors. “I was thinking of getting some cross-country skiing in. Are you okay if I go do that for an hour or two?”
“Of course,” Sophie insisted with a wave. “Go. Have fun.”
Tara grinned. “Since you have a hot date night, I should keep my eyes peeled for some hot, single guys who might like my company for dinner.”
After Tara left the condo,Sophie took advantage of the whirlpool tub. She soaked in water as hot as she could stand to soothe her sore muscles and tried to make sense of everything that had happened last night.
Still shaken, she was grateful that Damon had found her, even though the way he had cared for her was unconventional. He brought her to his cabin rather than the lodge, after all. Although she’d woken up terrified to find herself in a strange room with a man she’d only met once, he’d been sweet and alleviated her fears. Anticipation that thrummed under her skin as she pictured seeing him again.
She remained in the bath until the water turned cool. After she dressed in soft flannel pajamas, she curled up on the couch with a hot chocolate and read a mystery for a couple of hours. She picked one up about a murder in the White Mountains, always loving to read books about the places she was visiting.
Tara returned to the condo after lunch. “Cross-country skiing was great. Too bad we’re not staying for longer. It’s so beautiful out there in the woods.”
“No woods for me anytime soon,” Sophie noted in a wry tone.
“I don’t blame you. Still, it seems a shame that we need to go back to work in the real world tomorrow.”
Sophie exhaled. “True. Every time I come up here, I wish I could stay longer. It’s funny because I don’t think I can stand being out of the city for too long, but then I appreciate the more relaxed mindset.”
“Next time, maybe we can come up for longer. Like five days. Or even a week.”
“Sure. That sounds like a good idea.”
Tara cocked her head as she stared at Sophie. “What are you going to wear for dinner tonight? Something sexy, I hope?”
Sophie groaned. “I didn’t bring anything sexy. It wasn’t as if I was expecting to have a date this weekend.”
“Well then, if you’re up for it, we should go shopping in the village.”
“Sure, I haven’t moved in hours, and it’s only a short walk from here. But just a quick outing.”
“We’ll be quick. There are super cute stores where I’m sure you can find something perfect.” Tara scanned Sophie’s outfit. “You weren’t planning on wearing that out today, were you?”
“No, of course not.” She motioned at her clothing. “These are my pajamas.”
Tara covered her heart and laughed. “Oh, good. I thought you were going for some casual mountain look or something.”
After Sophie changed into leggings and a long sweater that Tara approved, they walked from the condo through the village. Besides a number of restaurants, pubs, and even a chocolate haus, there were plenty more shops and boutiques that had popped up since Sophie had last visited the mountain as a teen. The village appeared to flourish, and not with chain stores that appeared everywhere, but with what looked to be mom-and-pop small businesses—shops, cafes, and even a small real estate office for sales and rentals. The scents of food wafted in the crisp mountain air.
In front of a small cupcake shop with a pink awning, they stopped to peer inside. Trays of cupcakes mounded with various colored frosting looked like works of art.
“We have to go in,” Tara insisted.
After she picked out a mint chocolate chip cupcake and Sophie chose a red velvet one, they continued on their way.
In a small boutique that featured women’s clothing, Tara pulled out a soft maroon sweater dress. “This would look great with your coloring.” She handed Sophie the dress. “Go try it on. With a pair of boots, you’ll look sexy as hell.”
While Sophie tried on the dress, she said, “I feel bad leaving you on your own for dinner tonight.”
“Me?” Tara scoffed. “I have no problem going someplace to eat alone. That’s the best way to meet new people.”
“True,” Sophie agreed. “You never have a hard time finding new friends.” She pulled the dress on and examined herself in the mirror. It flattered her breasts and hips rather than accentuating her flaws.
She turned and glanced over her shoulder, expecting to cringe at how her ass looked in it since this dress was not slimming black. To her surprise, it wasn’t bad. She swirled the skirt. The line had a feminine flow.
