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“Sister?” Nicholas whispers next to me, lifting his chin at February.
I nod. Oh god. I hope he’s not attracted to her. She’s beautiful, so it wouldn’t surprise me. What if he wants me to set him up on a date after this total fiasco is over? I’d be mortified. “She doesn’t live in the city,” I rush out.
Nicholas’ brows draw together. “Um, ok.”
“Like you couldn't date her if you wanted,” I say, matter-of-fact, like the mere thought of him and my sister together doesn’t repulse me.
Nicholas laughs, short and loud, catching the attention of my mother.
“Me talking about safety amuses you?” she asks him, and everyone turns their head toward us.
Nicholas coughs, trying to cover up his initial laugh. “No, sorry. All good, please continue.”
My mother makes a face and launches back into her speech about safety on the slopes, and I lose it. I giggle so hard I can’t stop.
Nicholas stares at me, and after a few seconds he laughs.
“Shh,” February says to us, but it’s no use.
Nicholas and I can’t stop laughing.
My mother rolls her eyes. “Oh, just go have fun, everyone.”
And we’re off.
“Why were you laughing?” Nicholas asks me.
“Just thinking about you and Feb dating.”
“Dating? I’m dating you.”
“Fake dating.” I whisper the words so nobody overhears us. I glance back up at Nicholas and for a split second a strange look overtakes his eyes. Like he’s disappointed.
But it’s gone in a flash as Byron interrupts us and gets Nicholas’ attention.
They talk about stock portfolios before Byron’s rushing down the slopes like it’s the hardest Black Diamond in the world.
Aunt Char sashays by and winks at Nicholas before putting her ski goggles on. I mean, come on. We’re on the bunny slopes. She makes a big show of it and next thing I know she’s off down the slope.
“Ok, you two,” February says. “Ready for a great day of skiing?”
“I guess I should mention now I’ve never skied before in my life,” Nicholas says beside me.
Feb’s all smiles and giggles. “I’m sure January can give you some good lessons. She’s a pro.”
“It’s nice to officially meet you,” Nicholas says in his most charming voice.
My sister nods. “I know who you really are,” she says, and then she pushes away to join half of the family at the bottom of the slope.
“She knows?”
I shrug. “I called her last night when you were in the shower.”
Nicholas nods like he understands. Like he knows the intricacies of having a sister who you don’t keep secrets from. “And she won’t tell?”
“Not February.”
“You sure?”
“She won’t. The person we need to be careful of is Aunt Charlotte.”
Nicholas smiles and it’s otherworldly. Why doesn’t this man smile more? It nearly knocks me off my feet. “Yeah, I think she’s my biggest fan.” He glances over his shoulder. “Oh, and the twins. Jared and Jeremy. They think I’m cool.”
“They think anyone who plays video games is cool.” I glance over at my fourteen-year-old cousins. “Oh, wait, you didn’t tell anyone you own Brighting Gaming, did you?”
“No, January. I did not,” he clips out each word.
“Phew.” I’m relieved. I can already feel my stress level at an all-time high and this week is just going to make matters so much worse.
Everyone appears to love Nicholas. Some a little more than others, and I’m going to hate disappointing my family when I have to tell them we broke up right after the vacation was over.
“We’ve got this,” he says.
My mother and father approach with their approving smiles. “See you at the bottom of the slope.”
“Not if we beat you down there,” Nicholas says, and my father laughs.
“I like him,” Dad says to my mother.
And then something unexpected happens. Nicholas wraps his arms around my waist and tugs me closer to him. “I like her,” he says as he nuzzles his nose into my neck. His lips brush against my skin and chills race through me. Along my skin. Up my spine. Everywhere.
I’m so shocked I can’t even speak. Instead I close my eyes, memorizing the way his beard feels against my skin.
My parents give us a wave before they push off and head down the slope like two Olympic pros.
“What are you doing?” I push him away.
We’re the only two left. I glance down at the bottom of the bunny slope and see all of my family waiting for us.
“I was just putting on a show,” Nicholas says. “Too much?”
I shake my head, trying to erase the memory of his strong arms wrapped around me. “No, it was fine.” I guess.
Was it fine?
Why did I get such a thrill when he touched me?
This is truly going to be a long week.
After a grueling time on the slopes, we retire to the lobby of the resort, sipping on hot cocoa, and planning out the week.
“We have to go into town and do some shopping,” Aunt Yvonne, Frank’s wife, says. Her red hair falls in waves down her back as she points at my mother. “Anne likes the Christmas shoppe there.”
