Page 24 of Sneaking Around with the Player
She growls.
“Well, I’d invite you here, but tomorrow we’re going to the Cardinals game, and pretty much every day next week is going to be filled with helping my dad build a she-shed for my mom.”
“A she-shed, seriously?”
“Oh yeah, she said she wants a place she can make as girly as she wants and put all her collectibles where they won’t get broken.”
“Your family sounds rowdy.”
“They are.” A rough chuckle escapes. “They’re great though, really.”
“I know. I get that you can be annoyed and still love them. Trust me. That’s not unique to your family.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“Of course, I am. Now go get ready and meet up with your friends, then send me drunk texts later.”
“All right. I can do that.” Talking to her, even seeing her face, doesn’t feel like enough anymore. I wish she were here, that I could reach out and touch her. “Thanks, Stella.”
“For what?”
“I don’t know. Talking to you always makes me feel better. You get me. It’s...nice.”
“Right back at ya.”
Stella
The cold stings my face. I catch my breath, dragging the crisp, mountain air into my lungs at the bottom of the ski trail. It’s our second day at the cabin in Flagstaff. What I had hoped would be a nice, quiet weekend with my sister is more like an endless football team party with a winter backdrop.
Six of us crammed into the small, two-bedroom cabin is comical. But watching Holly and Teddy circle each other, like maybe the two of them might actually admit their feelings to one another, has made it totally worth it. I have all my fingers and toes crossed for that. Talking with Beau every day, all day, might have turned me into a romantic. I want Holly to feel the same way I am.
Felix stops next to me, spraying me with snow. He lifts his goggles to the top of his head. Emmett, Lucas, and Teddy are right behind him. “We’re going to head in and warm up, grab something to drink.”
“Good idea,” I say. “I forgot how cold it gets up here.”
I brought my ski pants, coat, gloves, hat—the usual, but I need more warm layers. I’m not used to the cold from living in perpetual summertime my entire life.
Holly came with us today, but stayed in the lodge to read and hang out. She’s curled up in a chair next to the floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the mountain, a book in her lap. Felix and the guys are slower to peel off their gear, and I’m the first to plop down in the chair in front of her.
“I missed this place.” I glance around at the holiday decorations inside the lodge—a giant Christmas tree, the roaring fireplace with garland hung above it, and elegant wreaths with red and green bows expertly placed throughout the space. It’s the kind of holiday vibe that feels like you’re in a movie.
“Me too,” she says as she looks up from the pages, blinking several times like she was lost in the fictional world.
“Already on your second book?” She brought two for the day at the lodge. Reading is her sport.
“Yeah,” she says as Felix and Teddy join us. Teddy takes off his coat and gloves, and then rubs his hands in front of him. The big, lovable guy did as much falling as skiing. It was his first time, and he should probably stick to football, or at least bring his pads next time.
“I need to dry off,” he says as he takes a seat.
“You only get wet if you fall.” Felix grins. “I’m gonna get a drink. Want anything?”
“Nah.” Teddy sneaks another glance at my sister. These two are freaking adorable but also infuriating. The vibes between them are ridiculous. Just kiss each other already.
I bring a hand to my mouth, wondering, not for the first time, what it’d be like to kiss Beau. It’s weird not seeing him in person, not being able to touch him, kiss him, but it’s also allowed me to really get to know him.
“I’ll come with you.” I get to my feet to go with Felix. Holly’s eyes widen, as if being stuck with her crush is a real inconvenience. I know she stresses about saying or doing the wrong thing, but I don’t think that’s possible when it comes toTeddy. “I need something hot. I’m frozen to the bone. I should have packed warmer clothes.”
Lucas and Emmett are talking to a couple of girls on the far side of the bar, while Felix and I take a seat a few chairs down.
