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“Let’s go then,” Benji says, looping an arm around my neck and walking me out of the store.
Zane and Wyatt grab two boards each as Benji and I lead the way. The snow crunches beneath my boots as we walk outside, the cold air hitting us in the face without the barrier of the building. Zane pauses to shove the beanie on his head and his gloves on his hands while resting the boards against his legs. My breath escapes in a white vapor.
“It’s busy today,” I observe, glancing around as we all bundle up.
The slopes are packed with families. It’s mid-week, so I foolishly thought it wouldn’t be as crowded. But I forgot this is a prime vacation spot for many avid skiers and snowboarders. People of all ages are milling around.
“It’s like this all winter long,” Zane says. His voice is low and casual, but it still causes a visceral reaction in my body.
“Do you guys get tired of the crowds?” I ask while looking at Zane.
He shakes his head. “We’re used to it by now. Plus, it’s good for the businesses in town.”
Our gaze holds, and my heart rate increases. Even though I’ve explored every inch of his skin, he still makes me anxious. The attraction between us is definitely still smoldering.
“Let’s get you on the bunny slope,” Benji says.
I break my connection with Zane and follow Benji as we walk to the small hill. There are a few kids and some adults in the area, learning how to ski. We move to an open spot, away from the crowd. Benji and Wyatt start going through the basics while helping me strap onto the board. I’ve skied before, but never snowboarded. I find out quickly how different the two are.
Benji runs alongside me the first few attempts down the bunny hill, allowing me to hold on to him until I get a better feel for how to change directions and stop.
“This is harder than it looks,” I admit.
My breath is labored as I pull myself back up the incline with the help of the rope that’s anchored like a railing for newbies like me.
“You’ll get the hang of it,” Wyatt encourages me.
I spend the next hour practicing.
“You ready to tackle a green?” Zane asks, referring to the easiest run on the course.
“I don’t know,” I say honestly, worrying my lower lip.
“I’ll stay with you,” he promises.
He’s standing a few feet away, but when I see the sincerity in those dark blue eyes, I find myself agreeing. I think I’d agree to anything he asked of me at this moment. The power he has over me is dangerous. And exhilarating.
“Okay.”
We make our way as a group over to the lift and stand in line. Benji and Wyatt take the chair before ours, and I end up on a bench seat next to Zane. I glance out across the scenery. The sun is shining brightly today despite the cold temperatures. It creates a glare across the pristine surface of the snow. I adjust my goggles. It’s a sea of white spanning the side of the mountain and extending into the valley below. The pine trees stand majestically amongst the glistening coats of powder.
“It’s so beautiful here,” I observe.
When I glance over at Zane, he’s already looking at me. His goggles are resting around his neck.
“It is,” he says, never removing his eyes from my face.
My cheeks flush red from his attention.
“This must be so boring for you, teaching someone like me to snowboard.”
“Not even a little,” he responds.
Benji turns in his seat to face us and starts swinging their chair. Wyatt smacks the back of his hand against Benji’s chest in irritation, but Benji just cackles. His laughter echoes across the mountain.
I snicker. “Benji’s just a big kid.”
Zane watches his friend with the ghost of a smile on his face.
