Fierce: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 4) (2 page)

When he hands my phone back, I notice the time and realize I have to go. “Hey, guys, I really need to get home to the dogs. This was fun, thanks.” I look at Christian and pretend he’s a regular guy. “It was great to meet you. See you soon.”

Whew, that wasn’t so hard.
Now all I have to do is get out of here without knocking over a table in the process. I stand, and Christian does too. He says, “I should go as well. I’ll walk you out.” He turns to Lori and Megan, “Nice to meet you ladies, and Casey, I’ll text you.”

Clearly he doesn’t have a sense of self-preservation because I’m bound to hit him with the door and self-combust with embarrassment. When he places his hand on my lower back to guide me through the tables, I’m sure I’ll catch fire, but it’s a whole different kind of flustered.

Chapter 2

Wh
en we get outside the air is crisp with the taste of winter to come. Snow dusts the mountaintops and a breeze blows Christian’s hair, giving it a sexy, rumpled look. I ask, “What kind of properties are you looking at?”

“I’m looking at vacation homes. Something to invest money in.” His dress shoes tap on the concrete as my cowboy boots echo.

“That’s right, you worked in finance. And according to Gretchen, you were quite successful.” I’ve turned right to walk to my car and wonder if he’s parked this way but don’t question it when he follows instead of stopping.

“I’m still in finance but have decided to I’d like fewer hours and take a bit of a break. I’ll be working with a small firm here.”

Ah, that explains the dress clothes. I wonder if his decision has anything to do with his father’s stroke last year. “Well if you’re going to goof off, this is the place to do it.”

He chuckles and takes my arm. “I guess you’re the white Land Rover up there. Am I right?”

I smile. “I think you have insider information.”

“I do.” The way he says it makes me curious over what else he might know. “Thank you for taking such great care of my sister last winter. I was busy and couldn’t take time off to visit. Feeling like I was trapped by my job is part of why I’m here.”

A car hit Gretchen last winter, and her injuries were extensive enough to ruin her chance at being an Olympic snowboarder. She spent months living with Derrick and me while we helped her recover. “I’m glad you’re here. It’ll be nice to get to know Gretchen’s brother.” It hits me that she should have told me he would be here. “Why didn’t Gretchen tell me you were coming? I would have invited you to stay with me.”

“Ah, well, that’s because she doesn’t know. I kind of did this on a whim.” We’ve arrived at my car, and I watch him comb through his hair with his fingers. “I quit my job last week. I haven’t told my family yet.”

“You rebel.”

He smirks. “Actually, that’s Gretchen’s role. I’m the responsible one.”

I grin because that’s the fun Gretchen I know and love. The one that stole my brother’s heart and makes him whole. Before I think about how the words sound, I say, “You need to stay with me. After your appointment, go check out of your hotel and plan on using my guest room until you’re ready to move.”

He shakes his head slowly. “I don’t think I can impose like that.”

I hold up my hand. “No, it’s not an imposition. I have a big house, and it’s so lonely without Derrick and Gretchen. You’d be doing me a favor, really.”

He cocks his head and studies me. Determined to win, I pull out my phone. “Don’t make me text Gretchen. I hate having to type whole words.”

Christian chuckles and holds his hands out. “Okay, okay. I’ll stay at your house.”

My car beeps when I push the button to unlock it, and he adds, “But you have to let me take you out to dinner tonight. I won’t put you to any trouble.”

I’m not a great cook, so it takes me a nanosecond to answer. “Deal.”

He starts to walk backward the way we came. “Great. Make reservations at your favorite restaurant, and I’ll be by around four.”

“Will do.” I wave and watch him walk away longer than I should. I’m glad I did, because way past where he should care, he turns around and gives me another wave. I almost squeal. I am going on the closest thing to a date I’ve had since moving to Breckenridge.

***

My house is a couple of miles out of the main town of Breckenridge. Set in the middle of an evergreen forest, my one-street development is mostly second homes for people. I never minded until lately. My twin, Derrick, and his fiancée, Gretchen, moved back to New Hampshire in August, and I’m lonely.

My car pulls quietly into my driveway, and when the automatic garage door opens, the rumble is accompanied by the barking of my three Portuguese Water Dogs. I open the door to the house and them barreling out to greet me. I lead them out to the yard, and they do their business.

While I wait, I decide what to wear on our run. There’s a trail behind my house that I take the dogs on daily for exercise. They churn around me for attention, and I soak it up. Instead of fur they have hair, and it’s super soft in my fingers as I pet them. I don’t know what I would do without my canine friends.

“C’mon, guys. Let’s go get ready for the woods.” The clatter of nails on the hardwood stairs follows me up to my room. Built in a log-cabin style, my home has an open-floor-plan section on the ground level with a kitchen that separates an eating area from the great room. A small den and formal dining room make up the rest. The second floor has two master bedrooms, two guest rooms, and a large family room while my basement is designed as a man cave, complete with a pool table.

My drawer closes with a soft thud after I pull out my running tights and a long-sleeve nylon shirt. I’m going to need mittens and a hat today to go with my fleece. This is my favorite time of year to run because it’s not too cold and I don’t sweat much. Plus the smell of winter in the air makes me excited about the season ahead.

Last year I quit my modeling job and became a ski instructor. It was the best decision for me because I’m much happier now. I can eat pretty much anything I want, and I’ve got the curves to prove it. While I’m certainly not overweight, I’m soft and it makes me feel sexy.

The dog’s tags jingle when I clip on their collars, and the two jet-black boys start to bark while my chocolate-brown Cleo gives me her soulful look. I open the door and let them race to the trail. Once we’re on it, they take off in a sprint.

Vapor bursts out of my mouth as I begin to jog. Dead leaves crunch under my feet, and I’m careful to take high steps to avoid tripping. I’m not actually a klutz; today’s display in the coffee shop was uncharacteristic. No, I only get that way when I’m flustered, and Christian Nickelson certainly had that effect. The thought of him hearing my tie comment makes me flush all over again.

I shake my head to clear the shame and pick up my pace. I think I’ll take him to Stone Soup. They have an elk dish that makes my mouth water thinking about it, and he’ll probably enjoy local game. If not, they have great steaks.

I call the dogs to make sure they stay with me, and I let my mind wander to having Christian in my house. While it was completely normal to invite my best friend’s brother to stay with me, I wonder if it could get weird. He probably thinks I have a huge crush on him. Okay, I do. But the fact remains that she’s going to be my sister-in-law, and he’s her brother. I need to tread lightly here.

Oh, my God!
I have an almost date. Excitedly I pick up the pace, and by the time I’m home I’m panting. From both exercise and anticipation.

Chapter 3

Dres
sed in a calf-length, brown suede skirt with a silk shirt, I decide on a silver-inlaid leather belt and cowboy boots to complete my outfit. I usually wear a ponytail, but tonight I’m wearing my long brown hair down. A little light makeup and I’m ready.

I look down at the three dogs watching my every move. “What do you think, guys?”

Tails sweep against the tile bathroom floor. “Thanks. I think I look good too. Now let’s go downstairs and thaw some shrimp for an appetizer.” While cooking isn’t my thing, I make a mean shrimp cocktail. Plus something about watching a man eat with his fingers is sexy.

I snort at myself.
I’m trying to seduce Gretchen’s brother.
Pans rattle as I search for a colander to thaw the shellfish. Just as I’ve taken the package out of the freezer, the dogs start to bark.
He’s early.

Grateful I got ready first, I walk to the front door to let Christian in. “Sit!” Three bodies quiver with excitement but sit obediently.

Christian is wearing a leather jacket over a button-down shirt and jeans.
Nice.
I open the door before he gets to it.

“Come on in.” I wave my hand toward the dogs. “This is Ollie, Cleo, and Jake.”

Christian holds out a hand for them to sniff. “What beautiful dogs. Gretchen told me about them.”

I watch as he pets them and smiles because most people are surprised when they feel the silky hair instead of fur. He says, “They’re so soft. Almost like stuffed animals.”

“They’re just as cuddly too, so look out, or you’ll have all three on your lap within minutes.” I lead him into the house and direct him to drop his bag by the stairs.

“Can I get you something to drink? I have wine, beer, and even champagne if you’re feeling festive.”

He sits on a cushioned bar chair at my granite counter. “I’d love a beer, please.”

I pull out a Steinlager and a seltzer. Chilled glass frosts up when I pull a mug out of the freezer, and it’s cold in my hand. “So how did house hunting go?”

“Not bad. Now the agent knows what I’m looking for, and tomorrow should be more productive.”

Glass clatters on the counter as I set the beer and mug in front of Christian. “What do you have in mind?”

“I’m thinking something I can turn into an investment property once I’ve had my fun. Four or more bedrooms and a nice big living area like this.” His arm makes a sweeping gesture.

My seltzer fizzes on my tongue as I watch him expertly pour his beer in the icy glass. “Would you like a tour?”

“I would.” He stands and grabs his mug. “Lead the way.”

My boots click on the hardwood floor as we climb the stairs. “Up here I have four bedrooms. Two are masters.”

I turn and take him to Derrick’s room. We enter a large bedroom decorated in dark green and navy. The faint scent of my brother’s cologne tweaks at my heart. I miss having him around. “This is Derrick’s room. There’s a master bath through that door.”

Christian peeks into the bathroom, and I let my eyes scan the back of his body shamelessly. His jeans hug him enough for me to know there’s a tight butt in them.

Walking back down the hall, I say, “There are two guest rooms and a bathroom, and down at this end is my bedroom.” Suddenly nervous about him seeing my space, I don’t enter my room but stand by the door. “It’s the same layout as Derrick’s.” Words tumble out of my mouth. “When I had this built, I knew Derrick would be here for the holidays and wanted him to feel like it was home. You probably know we don’t have any parents, right?”

He peers in instead of entering. “I do. You two must be close.”

The fact he didn’t say he’s sorry endears Christian to me even more. I hate when people apologize for something that had nothing to do with them. “We are. Probably too close, if the way I miss him right now is any indication.”

“I can imagine. You had my sister here too, and I know how much space she can take up.” He chuckles.

“Yeah, she’s not what one would call demure.” I grin and add, “She’s pretty great.”

He touches my arm. “She thinks you’re pretty great too.” The heat of his hand captures my attention, and I imagine the warmth of his embrace.

Breaking away, I continue down the hall, and we enter the family room where plush brown carpet muffles our footsteps. “And the family room.” A large flat-screen TV is on one wall with leather couches facing it.

“Nice layout.”

The dogs’ nails click on the hardwood floor behind us as we head back downstairs. I show Christian the den off the great room and then bring him to the basement door. “And now for the man cave.”

We descend thickly carpeted stairs of red to a wet bar of dark wood. Past the bar is a pool table and dartboard. Beyond that are three oversized brushed-suede couches placed before another plasma TV. Speakers are in the ceiling in a state-of-the-art stereo system.