Page 19 of Wishing on Snowflakes

The banging continues, and now I’m extra irritated. Doesn’t the rude person on the other side of the door care that I’ve injured myself trying to get to them?

I finally whip the door open, only to find a douchebag. Seriously, a bag of douche is outside my door, only it’s five-ten and its name is Scott.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I roll my eyes as he scans my face skeptically.

“I came to see exactly what the hell it is you’re doing,” he throws back.

“What the fuck are you talking about?” I huff, then remember the washcloth in my hand and the mess caused by this lovely impromptu visit. I dab at my lip and check the washcloth to be sure it’s working as I wait for the idiot’s answer.

“I’m talking about you taking up snowboarding and making out with instructors all over the resort. Looks like I even caught you in the act.” He gestures to my smudged lipstick.

I give him the bird.

He puts his hands on either side of the doorframe and leans in. “I got the message, all right? You’re pissed and you’re making me pay, but you can cool it now.”

“Excuse the fuck out of me?” I raise my eyebrows as I dip my chin to regard him, as if he’s sprouted another stupid head on his neck. “I was not making out with anyone.”Not that anyone saw, except for maybe some woodland creatures.“And if I was, it would be none of your damn business. You signed onthatdotted line when you took your pants off on the ski lift for what’s-her-name!”

“I’ve apologized for that about two thousand times!” Oh, what a hardship. “What more do you want me to do?”

“Nothing!” I shout. “I want you to do nothing! Don’t call. Don’t apologize again. And certainly don’t come by my house unannounced unless it’s to pay me all the money you owe me!”

“Speaking of, do you still have my snowboard?”

Um… what?

“Nooo…” I draw out slowly like he’s a moron because, let’s face it, he is. “I do not haveyoursnowboard. I haveasnowboard, but it’smine, because, you know, I paid for it.”

“Tell you what, you give me the board, and I’ll leave you alone,” he says, sticking his hands in his pockets and shrugging. Like it’s a forgone conclusion that I’ll cave to his suggestion.

“You’ve got to be shitting me.” I swear my head is about to explode. “That’s what all this is about? All these efforts to get me back? You just want your precious board back and to maybe mooch off me a little longer while you bang any willing tourist with a hoo-ha all over the slopes!”

“You’re still not over that shit?” He rolls his eyes like I’m the asshole here. “Fine, take some time to cool off, but let me have my board.” He steps over the threshold, but I grab the doorframe, blocking his path.

“No money, no board,” I state as my fingers dig into the wooden frame.

“Gwen, it’s my board,” he huffs, his ass finally getting chapped.Join the club. “I ordered it. It’s custom. I’ll get you the money for it. I just don’t have it right now. Just…”

He tries to wedge past me again, but I lean into him, my shoulder against his chest.

“Just… let me get it!” He grunts.

“Like I said,” my voice straining as I push back, “my money, my board, my apartment, so get the fuck out!” I give one last heave-ho, and I guess I don’t know my own strength, because Scott loses his footing and falls backward. And because I’m me, I go flying forward along with him, and we land in a heap in the hallway, my body sprawled across his.

I scramble, trying to get away from his skanky ass before I contract an STD, but before I can stand, a set of hands hooks under my arms, pulling me up. I recognize Kyle’s woodsy musk before I even look up into his hazelnut eyes.

“What’s going on here?” he asks, pulling me over to his side, but he’s not looking at me. His question is directed to the imbecile still lying on the floor.

Scott blinks a couple of times, like he’s trying to bring Kyle and me into focus. “Oh… uh, isn’t it obvious? Looks like my girl missed me a little, if you know what I mean.” He gives a cocky wink that makes me want to spew all over him. “I came by, and she threw herself at me before I could even get in the door.”

Oh God. This looks bad. Kyle just found me lying on top of my ex with my lipstick smeared. I’m going to have to go into the whole lameit’s not what it looks likespeech Scott gave me. Only I will be telling the truth. But will Kyle believe me?

“I don’t think so.” Kyle shakes his head and pulls me in close. “You see,mygirl is a little uncoordinated, and I’m pretty sure she fell when she was trying to throw your cheating, free-loading ass out of her house.”

The only thing that would make this moment better would be if I were wearing a full-length Western-style frock—is that a thing?—and Kyle scooped me up and carried me off into the sunset.

Scott ignores Kyle’s very accurate selection of adjectives as he gets to his feet.

“Him?” is his next brainiac word. “This is the guy you’re taking up with?” He gestures a hand at Kyle. “Dude, I know you.” He points a finger at him while looking back to me. “The nerd who works IT at the resort? Oh sweetness, you traded down.”

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