Warmth immediately wraps around me.
A fire crackles in the hearth, and little by little the cold leaves my body.
We have dinner, and for the first time, nobody seems interested in starting a fight.
Nobody argues.
It’s so unusual that I find myself appreciating it.
Maybe because I have a feeling it won’t last.
In fact, I have the distinct impression that everything is going a little too well at the moment.
Like this is the calm before the storm.
Not just here.
In my life too.
Right now, I’m doing what I love with people I care about.
And Hunter is here.
Hunter, who makes me feel things I shouldn’t, things that feel too good. And I’m not just talking about the physical side of it.
I’m talking about him holding me through the night, waking up beside him in the morning.
The way, for a few precious hours, everything feels uncomplicated.
By the time we’ve finished dessert and a hot cup of tea, the last of the cold has disappeared from my system.
We pull our jackets back on and step outside.I collect my skis, and clip my boots back in.
“One last run?” Adelaide asks with a smirk. “I might let you win this time, wouldn’t want to bruise your pride too badly.”
She pushes off on her board and disappears down the mountain.
Isaak looks at the rest of us with what, for him, is the equivalent of an eye roll.
“As if I haven’t been lettingherwin all day.”
Then he pushes off and follows her down the slope.
Once we’re back at the base of the mountain, we return the skis and make our way to the car park.
“A deal’s a deal. You’re driving with me. Don’t argue, viper.”
Isaak holds the door open for Adelaide.
She shoots him a murderous look before climbing into the car anyway.
I head towards the other vehicle just as Hunter opens the passenger door for me.
After I slide inside, he circles around and takes the wheel.
We wait for Ophelia and Arlo to get into the back, and a few moments later we’re on the road.
I’m exhausted, barely able to keep my eyes open.
