AllFreeNovel
Share Us
That’s condescending. “I’m twenty-five, and I don’t swear because I work with children, and I don’t want to be a bad influence.” The truth is I have an obsessive personality, and I’m positive I’d like the way some of those words roll off my tongue. Once I start it would be hard to quit. It’s the same with pastries and shoe shopping. I have an entire closet dedicated to shoes, and a rear end dedicated to pastries.
“You’re a teacher?” The surprise in his voice hurts me. Did he think I wasn’t qualified to be a teacher?
“No, I help with an after school program.”
He reaches his long arm into the back seat and grabs two bottles of water. “Drink this. The altitude will get to you if you don’t stay hydrated.” He hands me the bottle and our fingers touch, sending an electric pulse racing through me. “What do you do with the kids?”
I unscrew the cap and drink deep. It’s probably single digits outside and yet I’m burning up. The water cools my insides while the cold glass pressed to my cheek helps with my outsides.
“I teach art. That’s my major. Lack of funding makes it near impossible for kids to get supplies and the schools are dropping art programs in favor of additional core classes. It’s a shame because all work and no play makes everyone dull.”
“I love to play.” His voice takes on a sexy, slow-flowing, dark Karo syrup quality that makes me think we’re talking about two different kinds of play. “I donate my time as well, volunteering in the summer kids programs. I teach a kids culinary and nutrition class.”
That surprises me because Ripley doesn’t look like the kind of guy who gives anything. I stare at the dashboard clock and realize we’ve been in the car for over an hour, but it seems like minutes. “I did some research on you.” It was a tiny confession. “You have several restaurants, and properties. Why teach? Generally, men like you aren’t real givers.” It didn’t make sense to me why this man would subject himself to teaching classes when his life is already full. I teach to fill my life. What is his excuse?
“Men like me? What does that mean?” A tinge of agitation colors his voice. “I’m a huge advocate for learning. I believe if you have a skill you should share it.”
“You’re right.” I sit up taller because he’s speaking my language. “Sharing is a skill we’re supposed to master in kindergarten.”
“I think most kids master it, and then let the skill slip as time goes by. Talents should be shared freely.”
I shouldn’t ask, but I have to know. For a man of means he charges a fortune for these classes, and I wonder why? “Aren’t you being hypocritical? You talk about sharing and then charge a fortune
for this class.” I looked it up on the Internet. There was a two-year waiting list and it costs five grand to take.
He pulls off the highway and onto a two-lane road. “Aren’t you? I don’t see you donating your gift to the underprivileged. Surely you don’t plan to make pastries for a living. I don’t know anything about you, but I do know your luggage is Tumi and your coat is Bogner. Both brands are rarely seen on discount racks or in the closets of the poor. So wouldn’t this class have been better suited for someone with less means?”
“I’ll have you know this trip was a gift from a friend. Someone who doesn’t notice whether I’m wearing Kate Spade or K-Mart.” This was his gift to me and there was no way I wasn’t coming.
We pull in front of the hotel, and I feel more angry than hungry. “I’ll have to pass on dinner. I’ve lost my appetite.”
“Really? You’re going to beg off dinner because I bruised your ego? Maybe you didn’t learn what you needed in kindergarten.”
I gasp out loud. “How dare you. I learned plenty in kindergarten, like the best-looking boys are always idiots. Take you for instance. You look nice, you seem nice, but you’re not nice. Like you said, you don’t know me. For all you know, I could have been gifted this coat and luggage too.”
“It’s possible. Not probable.”
“Can you be certain?”
“This is all I’m certain of Madison Leclerc. You drive me crazy in ways I don’t understand. One minute I want to spank your ass for thinking you know me. The next I want to shut your beautiful mouth with my cock and show you who I am. Anything beyond that, I haven’t got a clue.”
He opens the door leaving me sitting there with my jaw hanging to my chest. A cold breeze whips through the car when the trunk area opens. The valet pulls on my door and I’m so stunned, I fall out and land on my butt.
I scramble to my feet and look left and right. To my horror everyone around is staring at me. Or maybe they’re staring at Ripley because although I just ass-planted myself on the cold concrete, he’s still standing there looking like he’s arrived for a photo shoot in a men’s magazine.
“Welcome to Vail, sweetheart. Class starts at seven. And by the way, all proceeds go to charity.” He climbs into the SUV and drives away.
Five
Maddy
I stand in the middle of valet parking wondering what the heck just happened? I spent a lovely time getting to know Ripley until I hit a nerve, or he did. I’m not sure who snapped at the other first.
“Checking in?” The young bell cap picks up my bag and takes it to the curb.
“Yes, I’m Madison Leclerc.”
He types something into the computer and tells me to follow him. “You’re in the Conifer Suite. The hotel has four restaurants, room service and a full service spa. You’ve arrived in between seasons, it’s too early to ski, and too cold to golf, but there’s plenty to do around town.”
