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Because after that conversation, I was all-in. I’d do anything to protect this woman. Even if things didn’t work out between us, we were friends first. I’d always have her back.
At the bottom, she hopped off, her hair wild and her cheeks red. “That was fun. Want to go again?”
“Absolutely.” Joining her, I thought I’d go anywhere with her. She’d been hiding herself for so long, afraid to take a risk, that each new adventure was that much more intense, and I loved seeing her experience it.
It was almost like seeing it through Maggie’s eyes. Alice seemed to soak everything up, stories about my family, time with Maggie, and now, adventures with me.
It made me think she was alone a lot as a kid, especially when Elle was on the show. When cameras followed Elle, Alice had said she wasn’t allowed to be caught on them, so Elle must have stayed away from her. She would have been alone right when she was going through her teenage years. Her nanny left, and Elle was busy with the show. Her parents were gone. Alice had been vulnerable and made some bad decisions, but she didn’t have anyone to guide her.
“What are you thinking about so hard?” Alice asked as we waited in line for the snow tube.
“How amazing you are.”
She shook her head. “I’m not.”
“I think you are.” My tone was firm.
She looked at me, her gaze soft. “I like how you see me.”
“I think I’m the first one to actually see you.” I wasn’t even sure Elle did, especially if Alice had this wall up all the time with her. I liked that Alice only dropped it for me.
It was our turn next, and we arranged ourselves on the snow tube before being pushed down. This time, Alice held my hand while we went over. It made me think she trusted me. That meant more than anything.
We went down a few more times before I suggested going home. I wanted time alone with her before one of us was too tired. We returned our inner tubes before getting in line for the lift down. The gondola was even more special at night. We had a view of the town with the lights on the descent.
I wrapped an arm around Alice’s shoulders, and she leaned into my touch.
“It’s like being in a snow globe,” she said, nestling into my chest.
We were encased in glass, but I wondered if she meant something more. That Telluride was a haven of sorts for her. I hoped it was, and that she felt more comfortable being herself here. No one would ever take advantage of her like Jace had. I’d make sure of it. Ever since she confided in me, tenderness for her flowed through me. I had a strong urge to kiss her, but I didn’t want to miss the view.
“I wish we could ride this all night,” she said, perfectly mimicking my thoughts.
“Me too,” I murmured against her temple, thinking she was perfect for me. It wasn’t just this moment, but the many I hoped to make in the future.
All too soon, we arrived at the bottom and were stepping out. I wanted everything we shared on the mountain to stay with us. That Alice wouldn’t retreat into her shell.
CHAPTER16
ALICE
Ifelt stripped bare after confiding in Sam. But it was also freeing, as if I’d finally let go of the restraints of my past, clearing the way to be with Sam.
Eager for a connection with him, I stepped into his body when he opened the passenger-side door of his SUV and kissed him. I poured everything I was feeling into that kiss, needing him to know that I was with him. I wanted him.
His hand gripped my hip as his other one cupped my cheek. His body was hard against mine. I wanted more. Anticipation shot through me because I wasn’t holding back or afraid of what was to come.
He pulled back slightly, resting his forehead against mine. “You want to take this home?”
I nodded, my breathing erratic.
He kissed me one more time before letting me go to get in on the driver’s side.
He reached across the console to grab on to my hand, resting our hands on his thigh. I leaned my head back on the seat, watching him as he drove. He kept glancing over at me as if to reassure himself I was still here.
I wanted to thank him for allowing me to share my past today without interruption or judgment, but I didn’t want to mar this moment.
When he parked, we hurried inside. He pressed me against the wall next to the door, kissing me like we had outside his SUV. He broke off, saying, “You want this?”
