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“This place is amazing,” she said as they climbed out of the vehicle. She shivered in the cool mountain breeze, then laughed. “That wind might take a little getting used to.”

Mitch handed the keys to the valet and wrapped an arm around her as they headed into the resort. “Don’t worry. I have plenty of ways to keep you warm,” he whispered into her ear, and she shivered again for a different reason altogether.

Ten minutes later, the ride in the elevator to the third floor felt like an eternity, and when she stepped inside the luxury suite he’d booked for them, any hesitation or apprehension she’d been holding onto evaporated.

The rustic yet posh five-star accommodation was something she’d only ever seen in travel magazines. Dark, open-beam interiors with a loft-style bedroom, a large jacuzzi tub near the ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking the snow-covered mountains. A seating area with plush off-white leather chairs and a bird’s nest for cuddling near a stonework fireplace that was already blazing.

An ice bucket with champagne sat on the small two-seat table next to a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries.

“What do you think?” Mitch asked, closing the door behind them and wrapping his arms around her waist. He buried his head into the crook of her neck and kissed softly.

Jessica sighed in complete contentment. “I think you may want to cancel all of those activities you planned, because I’m not sure I want to leave this room.” She turned within his embrace and wrapped her arms around his neck. Standing on tiptoes, she kissed him.

He gripped her tighter and held her close. “I think I’m completely okay with that.”


Turned out, Jessica was a natural on the slopes. Despite their claim of not wanting to leave the room, they did eventually venture outside onto the ski hills, and Mitch was having the best time watching Jess experience all that northern California had to offer. She’d stepped out of her comfort zone to join him on the road trip, and she seemed to be enjoying every minute of it.

Snow blew up around him as Mitch weaved his way down the side of the snow-covered mountain. The sun reflected against the surface and the wind cooled him as he made his way to the base of the hill. He hadn’t skied in years, and he’d forgotten how much he enjoyed it.

Of course, the day was even more fun because he was there with Jess. Experiencing this with her. He couldn’t believe they’d only been seeing each other a few weeks. It felt like much longer. Early Christmas with his family and their open acceptance of her had only further solidified his feelings. Contrary to his claim, he was definitely falling in love that holiday season.

If only he knew what to do about it.

He rotated his hips and slowly came to a stop near the lodge, then turned to see Jess not too far behind.

“Again?” she asked, stopping at the base of the mountain, her cheeks flushed from the cool air.

Dressed in a form-fitting pale pink ski suit and matching hat and gloves, her dark hair in a loose braid over one shoulder, and dark ski glasses on, she looked like a pro and so incredibly beautiful, she’d been a major distraction to him on the hills that day. He’d barely been able to take his eyes off her.

He pulled her in for a quick kiss, then checked his watch. “I think there’s time for two more runs, but then we need to get ready for dinner.” The night before, they’d ordered room service and ate in bed naked, and while that had been the highlight of…well, probably his entire life, he wanted to take her out that evening. Blue Moon Bay had nice restaurants, but the view from the steakhouse in town couldn’t be beat.

He wanted to make this trip as memorable for her as possible. Show her how amazing life could be outside of their small hometown. With him. Of course, this was just a short vacation, not too far from home, but it was the first step to potentially opening her horizons.

“Race?” she asked, a fun note of challenge in her voice.

“You think you can take me?”

“I know I can take you,” she said, leaning toward him for another quick kiss.

And she had no idea just how right she was.

They headed toward the chair lift, but an out-of-control skier to their right caught his attention. A small kid was sailing down the steep mountainside and not slowing his pace as he neared the bottom. His ski poles were flailing at his sides, and Mitch could see the look of fear and panic on the kid’s face even from that distance.

He headed toward him, no real plan in mind, just on instinct as the kid lost his balance and crashed down against the slope. He started to tumble, his skis coming overhead and his body hitting hard as he continued down the mountainside. He finally came to a stop several feet from the base of the mountain and lay motionless on the snow.

Mitch’s heart raced as he unclicked his skis and ran across the snow-covered slope to kneel next to the child dressed in a blue ski suit and matching helmet. “I’m a doctor,” he said, staring into the child’s face for any sign of consciousness. He was awake, but barely, and his expression contorted in a grimace of pain as he moaned. He might be eight or nine years old and definitely too small to be skiing the bigger hills.

Jessica was suddenly next to him, a concerned expression on her face as she flagged down the emergency services on sight. “Hey! Help!”

Ski patrol was instantly on the move, grabbing their first aid kit and a litter as they approached. They were trained to deal with emergencies on the slopes, he should let them handle it. Still…

Mitch moved closer to the injured child. “Hello… Hey there, can you tell me your name.”

The child blinked, tears freezing on his eyelids. “Dy…Dylan…” He sounded frightened and in shock.

“Hi, Dylan. I’m Mitch and this”—he motioned Jess forward—“is Jess.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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