Page 7 of Knotty or Nice


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I lead Emma over to the rental area, where I help her get all the gear she needs. I can tell she's nervous, but she's also excited--which is honestly the best attitude to have when learning to ski for the first time. We go over the basics of how to put on your skis and boots, how to hold your poles, and what to expect on the slopes. Emma seems to be a good listener, and I can tell she's taking everything I'm saying seriously.

Once she's all geared up, we make our way outside. The snow has picked up, but it's nothing we can't handle. I lead her to a relatively easy slope that's perfect for beginners.

"Okay, Emma, remember everything I told you. You're going to do great," I say, encouragingly.

"You'll catch me if I fall, right?"

I laugh. "I'll try to stay with you the whole way--and I wouldloveto catch you."

She's shaky at first, but after a few wobbles, she gets the hang of it. I stay close to her, but she doesn't fall--not until the very bottom of the slope, where she suddenly loses her balance and falls into my arms.

I catch her, and even though I'm on meds that make it easier to control my alpha instincts, her scent is almost overwhelming. I can tell she feels it too as she grips my forearms with a laugh, smiling up at me and meeting my eyes.

"You did great," I say.

Emma's eyes are bright, and her cheeks are flushed with excitement. "Thanks to you," she says. "You were a great teacher."

I can't help but smile back at her, feeling an unexpected warmth spread through my chest. "I'm glad you think so."

I release her from my arms, but I can still feel the lingering effects of her scent on my skin, the way it calls to my alpha instincts. I wonder if she's planning on visiting the heat spa...and I think maybe I should pick up a shift.

We ride the ski lift back up to the top of the slope, and as we ascend, I can't help but glance over at her. She's looking out at the mountain range, her expression contemplative.

"So how's your trip been so far?" I ask. "Are you enjoying the resort?"

"God, yes, it's amazing," Emma says. "This place...it's not like anything I've ever experienced. The way everything is designed to cater to omegas--it's like a dream."

I nod in agreement. "It really is something special. I've been working here for a few years now, and I still feel lucky to be a part of it."

"I can imagine," she says with a smile. "It's not often that omegas get this kind of luxury treatment. And everyone here is so kind and understanding. It's really refreshing."

"I'm glad you feel that way," I say. "It's important to us that our guests feel comfortable and safe here."

"You know...that would almost sound like a company line if I didn't think you meant it," she says. "But for what it's worth, I feel really safe with you, Kai."

I look down at her, so close that I could kiss her if this was a date.

But it's not.

I work here...she's a client. And there are certain rules around what I can and can't do with the resort's patrons.

"What other amenities are you planning on checking out?" I ask. "The gym is pretty great, the pool is incredible."

She flushes bright red, and her voice is quiet when she replies. "I was actually planning on booking a stay at the heat spa in a couple days," she says. "It's coming on soon and I'm...I don't know, I've never gone through it without suppressants. Being in Solstice Bay, it was never safe."

I nod, wishing I could tell her I know about her past--but I don't want to breach that trust. "That sounds rough."

"Do you ever work there?" she asks, big brown eyes meeting mine. "The heat spa, I mean."

I give her a half-smile. "Yeah, I do."

Her blush deepens. "Would you be opposed to me putting your name down? I don't...I don't really know how it works."

"I think that would be great," I grin.

We get off the lift at the top of the slope, and our conversation stalls as we get ready to go another round. This time, I suggest trying out a slope that's a little more difficult--she's a natural at skiing, and I think she can handle it.

Emma agrees, and we make our way to the slope. As we're skiing down, I can't help but admire her grace and skill. I can feel my admiration turning into attraction, and I try to push it down.

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