Page 7 of Christmas with the Elkin Billionaires

“I have nothingbuttime. This way—my car’s parked at my place, which isn’t far from here.” Chase led the way, ignoring the way his leg protested the quick pace. He might not be a professional skier anymore, but he wasn’t going to let a little pain slow him down when it came to helping Tana. Because by helping Tana, Chase was helping the resort, and by extension, his grandmother. This was about family and not because he found her attractive and wanted to spend time with her.

Nope. That definitely wasn’t it.

They cut along a snow-covered path that led them through a narrow stand of trees and ended at his driveway. Chase pulled his keys from the pocket and hit the fob button to open the garage. A second button started the car.

Tana nodded approvingly. “Nice setup.”

“What? You don’t have remote start?” He winked.

She laughed as they climbed into his Audi, a car he’d bought shortly before the accident. “Iwish.Maybe if…maybe if things go well for me this year, I’ll save up for a new car. Or I could just get a ride from you every so often. This baby still has its new-car smell.”

That’s not what he noticed. Tana’s scent reminded him of snow and sunshine and a bare hint of snowdrops, and that was better than any expensive scent Chase had ever encountered, including new-car smell. “It does,” he agreed. “I don’t come across people with flat tires very often.” He flashed her a teasing smile.

“Youonlydrive this when people get a flat tire? No wonder it’s still brand-new.”

“That’s right,” he teased. “Everything I could ever want is right here.” A beat went by, the tension crackling between them. “At the resort, I mean.”

“Honestly, everything I could ever want is at the resort, too.” Tana sounded a little wistful. Chase’s mind raced ahead, out of control. Was she talking about him? No way. Couldn’t be. And even if she was, it would be a mistake for them both.His grandmother would kill him if he was caught trying to seduce an employee. “Nice slopes. A good job. Adoring fans. A guy who’s confident enough to walk up to me in the middle of my day and save me from mansplainers—”

“Ah, good. I was hoping you were into that.”

Tana laughed. “So, youdidnotice the big crowd around me today. Granted, most barely came to my waist. Oh, wait, that’s because everyone I saw today was under the age of ten. Turn here. My errand is this way.” Tana guided him through several turns.

Chase had never been more aware of someone sitting in the passenger seat. He heard every breath. His body felt every move hers made as she shifted to get comfortable. He had to get his mind off how unbearably sexy she looked in her snow gear. It made no sense—there was nothing Chase found inherently sexy about heavy coats. But with her hair spilling out from under the cap and the tight shirt he could see with her now unzipped jacket, he couldn’t stop the rush of heat. “Do you like it? Teaching.”

Tana frowned. “You think I would admit to you, Mr. Owner of the Lodge, if I didn’t think my job was great?”

“Of course you would. Or at least I hope you would. Just pretend I’m some random guy you recently met, trying to get to know you better.”

She smiled, sparking a touch of pride in the knowledge he’d put it there. “Fine, I’ll bite. Idolike teaching. Kids have an inherent enthusiasm for things that we seem to lose once we reach adulthood. And they’ve got all the energy in the world. Teaching them keeps me grounded. Do you ever work with kids? It’s this right, up here.” She pointed out the window.

Chase steered the car around the corner, a solemn expression on his face. “Not if I can avoid it.” He shrugged. “Don’t get me wrong. Kids are great, but I generally relate better to adults.” He expected a laugh, or for her to tease him, but Tana was looking out the window. Maybe she hadn’t liked the joke. Chase swallowed down a bolt of nervousness.

“Great,” Tana said. “Just stop right here.”

He parked the car in a spot by the sidewalk. The road was teeming with other vehicles, making him wonder just exactly what her errand was. He quickly scanned the area and spotted a sign: Cardinal Valley Elementary School. Why were they here?

Tana pushed open the car door and stood, waving her arm over her head.

A little girl stepped away from the crowd of people and looked their way.

“Mommy!” the little girl screeched and started running their way, her face one of pure joy. She was the spitting image of Tana.

Chase’s heart skipped a beat as he watched Tana open her arms wide to catch her daughter up in a big hug.

6

TANA

Tana led her daughter to the car, helping Lindsey into the backseat and confirming she was buckled up. She hadn’t missed the shocked expression on Chase’s face. It was a look that told her everything she needed to know.The man is not a kid kind of a guy.

Being a solo parent meant that her daughter always came first, which was why she was working at Elk Lodge. She wanted Lindsey to have the best that she could give her. At the same time, it often served as a bucket of cold water for any potential partners. This time, it hurt more than anticipated, but it was probably for the best. Maintaining her professionalism was what mattered most, especially since she wanted that director position.Tana slid into the front seat and put on her seatbelt.

Chase drove out into the end-of-school traffic, and she turned to look at Lindsey. Her daughter looked just as shocked as Chase had moments ago. Her mouth hung open, and her eyes were shining and glued on Chase as though she was seeing the biggest celebrity in the world. Because, of course, she was—at least according to her criteria.

“I hope you had a good day today,” Tana said, unsure of what to expect, but there was no avoiding the situation. It was ten minutes back to the resort. “Linds, this is my friend Chase—”

“Ace Elkin,” whispered Lindsey. Lindsey seemed to think about this for a few long heartbeats, and then the surprise melted off her face. “Ace, you’re my favorite person.”

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