Page 21 of Match My Fall
Cassandrabit into a chip and then gazed out at the mountain.Aftershe swallowed, she said, “Yes,I’mfeeling pretty good out there today.”Sheflashed a flirtatious grin. “Itmust be becauseIhave ski patrol assuring meI’llbe safe.”
Always.
What?Wheredid that thought come from?Always?Iwouldn’t even see this woman again after tomorrow.Igritted my teeth.Thiswas all my wolf’s doing.Hegot a crazy idea in his head, which was messing with me.
CassandraandIreturned to the trails after lunch, and her confidence grew as she braved a couple of black trails.Skiingwith her was incredible.Itwasn’t only the physical experience;Ienjoyed the conversations up the chairlift.Themore we talked, the moreIwanted to know about her.Weshared stories about our lives and families, where we grew up, and more.Ididn’t want the day to end.
Cassandrastopped after the next run, cheeks red and breathing hard. “Mylegs are telling meI’vehad enough for the day.”
ButIdidn’t want to leave yet.
“Perfecttiming.Aprèsski is about to start atKelly’sPub.Wantto grab a drink?”
Cassandraglanced at me for several seconds before her mouth spread into a beautiful smile. “Sure, that sounds great.”
Wemade our way over and entered the pub.Aband playedAC/DC’s“BackinBlack,” and many sang along, a beer in hand.
“It’spretty lively in here,” she pointed out.
“Itoften is on the weekends.Everyoneis ready to relax and have fun after a day on the slopes.”
Nearthe bar, a few packmates had already gathered.Sincethe mountain was still open for business, it was likely those who enjoyed a day off, like me, or they worked an earlier shift.
“Isee some friends at the bar.”Afternodding in their direction,Isaid, “Let’sgo say hi.”
IledCassandrathrough the crowd, resting my land lightly on the small of her back.Theyglanced up as we approached.
“Hey.”Itipped my chin up in greeting. “ThisisCassandrafromSalem.”Iturned to her. “Cassandra, these are my pack mates,KalebandRiley.”
Kalebappraised her for a second too long for my comfort and then greeted her with a warm smile. “Cassandra,” he drew out her name.
Mywolf stood vigilant within, gearing up for a challenge.
It’sokay,Iassured him.They’renot a threat.Despitemy attempt to calm my wolf, a possessive instinct flared inside me.
Rileynodded. “Heythere.”
Shegave them both a friendly smile. “Niceto meet you both.”
Kaleb, ever the joker, cocked an eyebrow. “Valenfound someone to put up with him.Mustbe magic.”
Igroaned.
“Here, have a seat,Cassandra.”Rileygestured to the empty stool beside him.
Hellno.Iwasn’t going to share her attention with him. “That’sokay, we’re going to head to a table,”Iinterjected.Shewasmine.Igrumbled inside.Nottechnically, but at least for the night.
Hopefully.
Aftera couple more minutes of them chattering about nothing of importance,Ifinally steered us away to an empty table for two, closer to the fireplace.Thetables nearer to it were already taken, which was usual.Atleast this table was small enough and with only two chairs thatIshouldn’t have to worry about other packmates trying to squeeze in.
Cassandrarubbed her hands together in the direction of the crackling fire. “Ooh, that feels good.”
“Yeah, that’s whatIlike to do at the end of a cold day in my cabin—warm up by the fire.”
Hereyes sparkled. “Thatsounds even better.”Shetipped her head and smiled. “Youdon’t have to share it with anyone.”
“True.Noone to block the warmth.”IpicturedCassandrathere with me in the cabin.Ididn’t typically invite women back there as it was easier for me to slip out of their hotel rooms or condos with an excuse thatIhad to work or take care of something else.Itwas strange how muchIenjoyed the vision of her in my place.
