on the little things about the person you love. He hates food that’s green. His favorite color is blue. He doesn’t do politics. He wants to have four kids someday. He dreams of living on the same mountain where he grew up. We slept on and off, his body curled around mine protectively, and when he woke me up at two in the morning to get to the airport, he kissed me so long I thought he might miss his flight.
I glance around. It’s the evening, and people come and go in the lobby, most of them dressed for dinner. There’s a restaurant to my left and an open area to my right that’s a bar. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the walls, providing a view of the snow-covered mountains just outside. It’s a winter wonderland and my breath hitches. No wonder he loves this place.
We have tonight.
Tomorrow he leaves to be with his family, and I’m staying to be with Lila and Colette then flying home to meet up with my parents.
I don’t want to think about not seeing him every day.
I don’t want to think about us not being in the same city.
“How are the slopes?” I ask Lila as we head into the lobby, my gaze taking in the elegant interior. “This place is gorgeous.” Giant antler chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and a rustic timber and stone fireplace crackles around a luxurious sitting area dotted with dark leather couches and chairs. I spy a few students from Braxton, my eyes drifting as I search for him.
Lila laughs. “Fantastic for people who can ski. I tried the bunny thing, got an instructor, kinda hot looking, but I fell on my ass more times than I can count. Benji skis like a pro, of course. So infuriating. Thank God he left that lizard with Marilyn from the bar. Should I hook up with him?”
“I’m staying out of that one,” I murmur as I scan the bar area. I see Kian sipping on a beer. He notices and sends up a hesitant wave.
I snort and wave back.
She follows my gaze and giggles. “I knew he wouldn’t work out, but you have to admit, that revenge thing worked for you and River.”
I nod. “How’s the room?”
Someone breaks away from the bar, and my heart skips a beat. He’s tall with broad shoulders, eyes low on me as he stalks our way.
He’s wearing jeans, a cream-colored fisherman’s sweater, and heavy boots. His hair is mussed, his cheeks flushed. He only has eyes for me as he reaches us and hugs me, his nose in my hair, and I sink into him.
“Oh,” Lila murmurs. “Um, I don’t think you’re staying with us. Or, that’s what he told me earlier.” She grins at River then at me. “I’m going to grab another drink. See you later? Tomorrow, you’re all mine,” she adds with a twinkle in her eye.
I nod absently as she and Colette dash for the bar and sit at a table with Benji and a few other Kappas.
River takes my hands. “Surprise. You’re aren’t staying with them. I upgraded to a private room. Honestly, I won’t miss crashing with Benji. He snores like a train.”
I laugh, a bubbly sound as I touch his face, seeing the pink on his cheeks. “It sounds great. You got some sun. How was the skiing?”
“Beautiful. Going down that mountain makes me happy.” He slides his hands into my hair and takes my nape, and I shiver at the ownership I feel in his grasp.
“Everyone’s watching us,” I murmur, glancing around and seeing the gaze of every Braxton person at the bar.
“Get used to it. I told all the guys who are here that you’re with me. Merry Christmas.” He grins, looking happy.
“And?”
“They want us to be happy.” A rueful expression fills his features. “I’m sure it would be a weird dynamic at the house if I were coming back to school, but I’m not. Guess that’s the only positive of me leaving.”
I push up a smile. “Yeah.”
He tugs me closer and brushes his lips over mine, then gazes down at me, searching my face. “The slopes are open. How do you feel about night skiing? We can get you situated in the room, get geared up, then catch the lift. Just you and me and the snow.”
“Sounds like you’ve put some thought into this.”
“Yeah. This is our night.”
My heart dips and I have to shove down the anxiety that wants to take over, the knowledge that this