The smile on her mouth tells me she’s not really upset with me.
“I wasn’t trying to lie. I was easing your mind. You might not have stayed if you knew we were the only two staying in the hut together.”
“You’re right. I wouldn’t have stayed.” Her face turns solemn. “I have a confession to make as well.”
“Should I be scared?”
“I had a schmexy dream about you that night. That’s why I woke up.”
My smile is instant. “You dreamed about me?”
Now, it’s her smile that’s instant. “About kissing you.”
I don’t think anything has ever made me happier.
She playfully punches my shoulder. “Oh, don’t look so pleased.”
I roll my lips together, trying to play things cool. But the thing is, I’m so in love with this woman I can’t play things cool. I can’t be smooth or suave or anything. Summer has completely screwed me up. My heart is helpless.
“So I was right.” I smile bigger. “This hut is a crime scene. There were dreams and cuddling and—”
She holds her fingers over my lips, stopping me. “I maintain everything was innocently done. I had no intention of hurting Justin.”
“I know. Neither of us did. I’m just joking. And I promise Justin will get over it.”
“Are you sure? Because things have been so awkward this week.”
“He just needs space. That’s why we’re at a ski hut on New Year’s Eve and not at his condo, cuddling in front of the fire. And that’s why I just bought a house in Telluride.”
A smile falls over her lips. “You bought a house?”
“I did.”
“What about your house in Arizona?”
“There’s nothing in Phoenix that I want.” I gather Summer into my arms, pulling her back into me. “If you’re in Telluride then that’s where I need to be.”
“But what about your job?” She turns her head, trying to look up at me.
“There’s plenty of dare devil things to do in Telluride. And, every once in awhile if you want to see the world, we can take a working vacation.”
She snuggles in close. “I’d love to see the world with you.”
“But tonight, it’s just you and me in the middle of nowhere. That’s how I want it.” I dip my lips down to her ear. “And here, we need to sleep in the same bunk to stay warm.”
“Or you could just chop more firewood.”
“Why would I do that?” I brush her hair aside so I can kiss her neck.
“Okay, fine.” She sighs as my lips graze her collarbone. “You can keep me warm tonight.”
That’s exactly what I plan to do.
“But first”—she turns her head so her lips hover next to mine—“we have to ring in the new year with a kiss.”
Her lips brush against mine, and I don’t hesitate to pull her close, taking full advantage of the moment.
SUMMER
