2
Megan woke up with light shining in around the curtains. She stretched her arms above her head and pulled herself into a seated position. It took a moment for her to remember where she was. Traveling so often left her disoriented, but she recognized the hotel room and knew she was in Wintervale.
She dropped her feet to the floor and stood up, stretching again before walking over to the curtain and pulling it open. The bright light that filled the room had her squinting, and she blinked several times before looking outside.
Then she blinked again. And again.
Thick blankets of snow covered the ground, far more inches than what the weather app said. She slapped her hands to her mouth and muffled her squeal of delight. There were already kids covered in snowsuits making snowmen and snow angels.
The skiing weather would be fantastic.
She quickly got ready and pulled on sweatpants, a long-sleeved shirt, and her winter jacket before heading out of the room. She wanted to hit the mountain first-thing, but she knew she would be hangry if she didn’t get coffee and breakfast in her first.
Megan bypassed the resort restaurant, opting for the coffeehouse down the street. She stepped inside Brewbirds and ordered a drink and a breakfast sandwich. Once they were ready, she walked back toward the resort while eating. Just before reaching the entrance, she ran into someone, literally.
“Shit!” Megan yelled as she lost her footing on black ice.
Two hands grabbed her arms to steady her, but she fell regardless, taking the Good Samaritan with her. Her hot coffee was instantly crushed between them as she landed face-to-face on top of him. She stared into familiar brown eyes and froze. Noah’s best friend, Jeff, was underneath her with his face only mere inches from hers. Her breathing slowed as warmth spread through her.
And it wasn’t just because of the coffee.
“Are you two okay?” The voice was familiar, but it wasn’t until she looked up to see who it belonged to that she recognized Noah standing above her. He reached a hand down, pulling her to her feet before doing the same for Jeff.
Noah turned his humorous gaze to Jeff and chuckled.
“Not a word,” Jeff muttered.
Then both men’s eyes turned to her.
“I’m okay. I’m more pissed about my coffee, to be honest.” Her eyes moved to Jeff. “Hey, Jeff. Long time no see. I’m sorry about all this.” She gestured to the front of his coat, which was just as soaked with the coffee as her own. She thanked her lucky stars they were wearing their coats or the hot drink likely would have burned them.
Jeff bent down and picked up a fistful of snow, stepping forward and swiping it down the front of her coat, wiping some of the coffee off with it. She stared in amusement as he rubbed it over her chest.
Noah coughed, and Jeff stepped back quickly, dropping the snow as his face flamed. “Um, sorry. The snow can help get someof that off.” He bent down again and grabbed another fistful before swiping it over the front of his own coat.
“Are you coming up the mountain to ski?” Noah asked.
“I am. But I think I’m going to go get another coffee first,” Megan said.
“Well, I’ll see you up there,” Noah said. He turned to walk away, and Jeff turned to go with him, but Noah raised a brow and subtly tipped his head toward Megan.
Megan watched in amusement until Jeff turned toward her. “I’d love to join you if you don’t mind.”
Megan smiled brightly. “That would be great.”
Noah winked at her over Jeff’s shoulder, and Megan smiled brighter. She loved socializing with people, and Jeff was always kind when she came to Wintervale. Plus, he was easy on the eyes. Soon they were alone and walking back toward Brewbirds.
“Did you have a good flight here?” Jeff asked.
“I did. I got in last night.”
“I remember,” he said softly. She gave him a questioning look, and he continued. “Noah and Jessa like to keep me updated on everything happening.”
“I see.” Megan wondered if that meant that they were specifically updating him about her. She made a mental note to ask Jessa about it later. “Are you heading home for Christmas? You’re from out of town, right?”
He nodded. “Helena. I decided to stay here and help at the resort. Christmas is a big skiing day.”
They arrived at Brewbirds, and Megan ordered herself another drink. “What would you like? It’s on me.”
