6
Noah found himself entering the resort lobby on his day off just to get a glimpse of Jessa. He kept his eyes peeled as soon as he entered the double doors, but she was nowhere to be found.
After spending the evening in the bar laughing with her, he knew she was something special. Sure, she may be a tourist who didn’t plan to stay long, but that didn’t mean he didn’t want to spend time with her. Even if he knew it was a bad idea.
Noah smiled at the front desk staff before stepping into the small office behind it. His mom, Karen, sat at a desk working on the computer. He walked over to her and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
“Hey, Mom.”
She turned toward him, and a warm smile lit her face. “Hey, honey. What are you doing here?”
He shrugged and leaned against the desk, crossing his legs at the ankles. “Just bored. Need help with anything?”
“I don’t think so. I’m pretty caught up right now.” She tilted her head, studying him. “Are you doing okay?”
“Of course. Why do you ask?”
“It’s not like you to be bored. And if you are, you usually go up on the mountain.”
He shrugged. He doubted Jessa was up on the mountain skiing, so thought the best chance to see her would be in town. A thought occurred to him at that moment. Vendors were set up across the street, and he hadn’t been by the tents yet. Perhaps she was there.
“You’re right. I just got an idea of something I could do.” He bent down and kissed his mom’s cheek before waving quickly and leaving.
He looked around at everyone milling about the lobby before heading back outside and across the street to the Winter Market tents. The first tent he approached was for the library. They were selling used books before their new set of inventory came in. Jackson was inside chatting with Mia, his best friend and the woman they all knew he’d end up with… as soon as they realized their feelings for each other.
They were too busy talking to notice Noah, but he preferred it that way. The last thing he needed was Jackson grilling him about Jessa.
He moved on to the next several tents, saying “hello” to all the locals as he went. He didn’t spot Jessa anywhere until he hit the clothing boutique’s tent. She was inside, holding a dress up in front of herself. Megan was nodding yes.
Noah remained outside watching their interaction until she paid and turned to exit, spotting him. The deer-in-headlights look had him second guessing waiting there. Did she think he was a stalker?
Well, it’s too late now.
Jessa and Megan walked out of the tent and stopped in front of him.
“Hey,” Jessa said.
“Hey, ladies. Enjoying yourselves?” he asked.
“We are.”
He gestured toward the coffee tent. “Can I buy you both a cup of coffee?”
“We would love that!” Megan said, dragging Jessa by the arm down to the tent.
Noah chuckled. Megan was Jessa’s wingwoman, and he loved it. Jessa shot a glare at Megan, to which Megan only winked.
Noah followed behind and let them each order their drinks before he ordered a vanilla latte for himself and paid. He thanked the barista and tipped her generously as they each took their drinks and stepped back out into the space in front of the tents at a small round table. Jessa kept her hands circled around her cup.
“Cold?” Noah asked.
“A bit. Not used to this kind of weather,” Jessa said.
“Where are you from?”
“Arizona.” She smiled shyly at him and took a sip of her drink.
“What brings you to Wintervale? Vacation?” He suddenly felt stupid that he hadn’t asked these questions last night. But a majority of their conversation was about nachos.
