Chapter 13
Angelica found her way around the kitchen and decided she enjoyed the simple act of preparing breakfast for herself. She microwaved the bacon, scrambled eggs, and had three slices of toast. If this wasn’t enough carbs and protein to see her through her ski run, then she was in big trouble. She was not going to count calories on this trip, no way, no how.
After a quick cleanup, she began the laborious task of dressing for a day on the slopes. Because her jacket was so old, she made sure to wear several layers of T-shirts and a warm sweater. She put on two pair of tights before topping them off with her old ski pants. First thing tomorrow, she would visit Snow Zone and update her ski gear.
She planned to rent skis when she’d originally made her vacation plans, but was told by the travel agent that the cabin provided skis as well. All she had to do was give them her height and weight, then visit the repair shop, where they would make sure the fit was right for her. As she shoved her foot inside the cold ski boot, she was surprised when her foot slid in comfortably without all the hassle that she usually encountered. Tromping outside in the heavy boots, she found the skis and poles inside the storage shed, just where the agent told her they would be. She should have brought them with her in the morning, when she’d made her trip to the village, but she figured she would just ski to the repair shop, where they could make any adjustments.
Kicking the toe end of her boot, then pushing down on the heel, she found that the boots fit perfectly in the ski’s bindings. Same with the other foot. There was no need for a trip to the repair shop, she thought as she poled her way several yards away to the private lift.
Her skis cut through the snow, leaving tracks in her wake. She took a deep breath, reveling in the pure scent of pine and fresh powder. Her part of the mountain was still and calm, except for the soft whir from the wind that blew gently through the tops of the tall pines. She could get used to this, especially after the city.
Remembering the directions she had read that morning while eating breakfast, she found the private chairlift without any trouble. The operating instructions were easy, so no worries there. It gave her enough time to smooth her hair and add an extra layer of lip balm. As soon as she tucked the tube inside her pocket, she looked up to see Parker, all decked out in Spyder’s latest red and black ski attire. He poled his way across the small expanse to the lift, then turned sharply, spraying her with snow.
Winded, but smiling, he said, “I still have it.”
Angelica’s heart raced at the sight of this incredibly sexy man, but she did nothing to reveal this. “You thought you’d lost it,” she commented wryly.
“Never, but it has been a long time since I’ve skied. Work has kept me occupied, and there really hasn’t been time for a vacation,” he explained.
Of course, she wondered what he did for a living and why there wasn’t time for a vacation, but she was not going to ask. If he wanted her to know, she guessed that he would tell her. For the moment, she was happy to be accompanying him.
“Well, we’re here now. Let’s take the lift to the top of the mountain,” Angelica said. “Or is that too much for a first run?”
Parker gave her a look that sent a warm glow throughout her body. Yes, she was in trouble, she thought, as they poled across to the chairlift. This guy was definitely worth pursuing.
“Of course I’m up to it. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t. What about you?”
“I’m ready. It’s been a couple of years, but I think I can handle a run down the mountain. Though I have to admit, I am a bit leery of this lift. I have never used this kind before.” She had read the instructions just a while ago and hoped the timer was set to allow them enough time to get seated comfortably before shooting up the side of the mountain.
Angelica punched in the number of seconds required for the lift to come to life, then poled over to the entrance area with Parker by her side. In fifteen seconds, the chair, squeaking but moving at a slow pace, swung from the heavy cable, stopping when it crossed the line where they waited. As soon as the chair stopped and touched the back of their legs, they dropped down onto the icy seat, and Parker pulled the safety bar into position.
With a squeal and whine, the chairlift began its climb up to the top of the thirteen-thousand-foot mountain.
Angelica inched into a comfortable position, or as comfortable as one could be on a ski lift, carefully placing her skis on the bar provided directly below the chair. Sitting on the left side, she held her poles in her right hand over her left shoulder. Parker did the opposite. Once they were settled for the slow climb, the wind in their faces and the sun almost blinding in its intensity, Parker turned to look at her.
Glad that her face was covered by her scarf, her eyes hidden behind the amber lenses of her ski goggles, she knew she was blushing.
Damn, I am thirty-two years old! This stuff only happens in those terrific little romance novels I used to read back when I was in high school.
As was becoming the norm for her when she was with Parker, her heart beat so fast, she wondered if it would pound right out of her chest.
His words were muffled when he spoke, but she clearly understood him. “Are you nervous?”
Darn! Am I that transparent?
Shaking her head from side to side, she adjusted her scarf so she could speak. “Not at all, just cold.”
Before she knew what was happening, with his free arm, he pulled her closer to him. Their heavily clothed thighs rubbed against one another, and her shoulder was hard against his. Trying to inch away was not possible as Parker now used his free hand to tilt her chin up. Again, he surprised her when his lips lightly touched her own.
For a few seconds, again, she was at a total loss for words. When she found her voice, all she could manage was a low, “Wow!”