The Billionaire Athlete’s Christmas Fling - Leslie North Page 0,12
I’d never win a competition again, and not enough people trying to encourage me to move forward. They acted like winning was all that mattered. It seems to me that all Lindsey hears is what she can’t do.”
Guilty. “How would you know that?”
“Because of how excited she is to take ski lessons and yet, she’s never skied. She’s living at a world-class ski resort, and her mom goes out to hit the slopes every day. And she’s only allowed to watch. Tough thing to accept for a kid without an opportunity to try and see for herself.”
“That’s not what I’m doing. I don’t ski for pleasure—”
“I just feel like she and I have some of the same issues. I think the lessons would be good for her. Let her spread her wings a little bit and at least try to see what she can handle. You can’t keep her in a cocoon all her life, never letting her experience the thrill of victory, no matter how small.”
Chase was right—she’d limited Lindsey’s activities all her life in hopes of keeping her safe. “It’s the agony of defeat I’m worried about. I don’t want anything to happen to her. If she pushes too far, and her leg gives out on the slopes, she could get hurt. I’d never forgive myself.”
“But you want her to be independent, right?” There was no sting behind Chase’s words. “One day, she’ll have to leave home and try new things and fend for herself. The ski lessons might help her with that. In fact, they will help her with that. It’s my personal guarantee.”
She’d come here to say no—to turn down the offer and disconnect from Chase. But now, Tana found herself battling the urge to lean against him, wanting to press her forehead to his chest and breathe.
“—few runs.” She’d been caught up thinking about what she wanted to do with Chase, that she’d missed what he said.
“What?”
“What about a trial run?” The corner of Chase’s mouth turned up in a smile. “You let her take a few lessons with me, and if it doesn’t work out, we can stop. I’ll keep a close eye on her and watch for any issues, I promise. But if it does work out, then she’s learning from the very best. Aside from you, obviously. You’re great.”
“Nice try. I must say, you’re very convincing,” Tana said, as she mulled over his words. She was seriously considering taking him up on the offer.
“Hey, I meant what I said. But I do think it’s easier for someone to take lessons from a person they don’t know. That’s just my experience.” Chase looked down at his watch, then back up at Tana. “How about this—tomorrow’s Sunday and we can meet up then, or whatever your next day off is. You can stick around and watch to make sure Lindsey’s doing okay. Deal?” Chase stuck out his hand.
To her utter astonishment, she took his hand and shook it. “Deal.” Her own reservations clamored for attention, but for once, she wanted to give Lindsey a chance to do something she’d always wanted to do. Ski. “Thank you.” Tana squared her shoulders and brushed past Chase, heading for the door. “I’ve got to get back to my next lesson. But I’ll see you tomorrow. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Let me get the door for you.” Chase reached around her for the handle, bringing their bodies close together. “And I want you to know that I meant what I said. If you come to the conclusion that it’s too dangerous for Lindsey, or she starts having problems, you can stop the lessons any time.”
Chase was so close that Tana couldn’t help but tip her face up toward him. God, he smelled good. Like cedar and expensive cologne. She could see every bit of razor stubble and appreciate the green of his eyes streaked with silver. Eyes that were currently fastened on her lips. A shiver of pleasure moved through her.
His gaze drifted back to hers. Tana forgot how to breathe, the hunger in his eyes the only thing that existed at that moment. She took a tiny step forward, and all the sound reasoning not to do what she was thinking, disappeared.
Chase leaned in, closing the distance between them. “I want to kiss you. Do you trust me?”
She was so close, but at the last moment, she panicked. “I don’t know,” she whispered and took a big step back. “I’d need to think about that, too.” Tana whirled