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Setting my phone down, I let out a breath feeling exhausted yet excited at the same time.
CHAPTER EIGHT
HAVEN
Talk about cliché.
When I woke up this morning, the birds were chirping. Bright sunlight was streaming into my room. I was so happy, little animals could have started singing, and I would have thought it normal.
I’m going on a date with Reese Dyer.
It’s been a long time since I was this excited about a date. It’s not because he’s famous, in fact, out of everything that I learned about him last night, him being famous is my least favorite part. It’s not lost on me that him being a celebrity means he’s probably going to be under constant scrutiny. I’m not looking forward to that, but what really bothered me was all the women. I don’t like to share, and seeing all those women throw themselves at him like he was a mating bull irked my nerves.
Everything else about him, though . . . I couldn’t get enough of.
He’s sweet, attentive, funny, unbelievably gorgeous, and we have more in common than I thought was possible. When he told me about his interest in snowboarding, I figured it was something like a passing fancy, but he spoke with such conviction and passion that I can’t deny he loves it just as much as I do. When he asked me to go snowboarding with him today, I almost agreed before he could get the entire question out of his mouth.Reese was going to pick me up this morning, but I thought it better I get out there on my own just in case the vibes aren’t as good between him and me as they were last night.
Rushing to finish washing up, I dug into the back of my small closet to pull out the snowsuits that I owned. Since I go snowboarding so frequently, I have a plethora of options. Still, since I’m considering this my and Reese’s first date, I want to look nice for him.
After slipping three of them on and instantly rejecting them, I grab hold of my pink and gray suit. It’s not as comfortable as the others, mostly because it’s a bit more form-fitting, but I can still move freely in it. I want him to be impressed.
I grab my snowboard, my bag, and everything else I need to get to Vail. I’m sweating by the time I get outside to my car, but still, the excitement hasn’t ebbed. When I look in the rearview mirror, I see my flushed cheeks and bright eyes.
I wonder if he’s as excited as I am.
Not wanting to show my cards too soon, I mentally will myself to calm down. I’m worried if he thinks I’m too into him too fast, it could turn him off. I just need to take it easy. After doing a quick meditation, I pull out of my parking spot and make my way to meet up with Reese. I’m ready to feel that fresh powder under my board.
* * *
Every time I come back to Vail, I remember just how beautiful it is.
With it being so early in the day, there aren’t many people around. In fact, I’ve only seen two people going up the mountain so far. Reese hasn’t arrived yet, but I’m a little early. I tried to slow down while I was driving here, but the excitement gave me a lead foot.
I’m glad I’m able to spend some time out here on my own, though. My eyes scan the absolutely breathtaking scenery. It’s not too cold, and there must have been some snowfall in the last few days because the ground has a fresh layer of snow.
Leaning down, I run my gloved fingers through it to feel the texture. If it were too cold, the ground would have frozen up, and that’s never good for any type of skiing or snowboarding. Wiping out on ice is painful.
As my gaze wanders up the mountain, I notice the thick evergreen trees that stand tall and the dusting of snow on the tips. Birds fly high above, and there’s not one cloud in the sky. We couldn’t have picked a better day for this.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
I jump at the sudden intrusion. I didn’t hear anyone walk up behind me, I was so focused on looking at the mountain. When I turn around, Reese is standing behind me, and my thoughts slingshot faster than a ping-pong ball in my mind.
First, I’m embarrassed that he caught me unaware, then I’m happy he’s here, and finally, I’m completely turned on by how hot this man looks. Covered from neck to toe, he’s still dropped-dead gorgeous. He looks like he trimmed up his scruff. He’s smiling wide and seems so carefree.
Gorgeous.
Last night while we were at the club, he was open with me, but there were a few times when it looked as if he was tensing up. I like the carefree Reese much more than the tense one.
“When did you get here?” I ask, moving closer to him. He seems to draw me to him without even trying.
“Only a few minutes ago. Sorry if I’m late.” He looks down at his wrist.
“No, you’re not. I was in a bit of a rush this morning.” I giggle and internally cringe. Could I sound like any more of a schoolgirl?
“Oh?”
Play it cool, Haven.
