The thick, dark wood of the hotel brought back happy memories of all the times Tripp had come skiing at Dachstein. The resort had its own lift on the lower levels. Guests hopped on just outside the lobby area and took off up the slope. They skied down and into the building on the west side, where the ski shop staff met them, took their things, primed them and stored them for the next day. But Tripp was going heli-skiing first thing in the morning. The helicopter pad was on the opposite side of the building. His assistant had called ahead and everything was set up.

Some crowded around the brothers in the hotel lobby, but nothing like other places. The people here were used to famous guests, royals, but especially Olympic skiers, world champion skiers. And the place was full of those. Tripp and the brothers met up with their childhood friend, Wilhelm Hacher and many from the US team last year. They were all up here in training.

Tripp and his brothers sat near a group of them in the overstuffed chairs by the lobby fireplace. The crackle of the flames warmed them and Tripp prepared to enjoy a week of extreme skiing.

“Tripp my man!” The German stood up and they bumped shoulders in a partial hug. “Good to see you.”

“Hacher, how’s the training going?” A part of Tripp wished he lived the life Hacher did. Traveling from one ski training facility to another, chasing good snow.

“Excellent. I’m on track to qualify again. Just tightening my turns.” He drank long and deep from his tankard. “But let’s not talk about that. You gentlemen are in luck.”

Tripp wanted nothing more than to talk skiing with a world champion skier, but Thad asked, “Tell us, Hacher, why are we in luck?”

He leaned forward and then looked across the hall, raising his glass to someone. “Because all the women’s qualifying hopefuls are here too. Well, all except J.C. She’s coming up tomorrow.”

Tripp didn’t know who J.C. was, but his mouth fell open at the group who approached. His brothers immediately stood and put on their smiles or distant cool expressions, depending. He had never seen anything more enticing to him than this group. They dressed casually, effortlessly. Their bodies tight, their clothes snug. Some wore hats, their hair in braids, very little makeup, but they were stunning. Then a voice grated. “Tripp? Is that you, Tripp?”

He turned his head slowly and then grimace-smiled. Lucan chuckled beside him. “Steady brother.”

Between his teeth, Tripp muttered. “Help me hide.”

Luna, a childhood and then teenage friend ran to him, kissed both his cheeks and then stood at his side as though she owned him.

“How are you, Luna?”

“I’m great! Did you see who all’s here? Everyone! All our old friends. The Baldeez brothers even came this week.”

Nico groaned. And shared an annoyed look with Tripp. If they were here, Monique wasn’t far behind. She had given Nico and Jo some trouble early on in their relationship.

But the Baldeez family was daring, and they and the Valdez family had twice as much fun when they were together. Luna brushed up against him. “I’m happy you’re here, Tripp. It will be nice to catch up.”

“Hmm” He gave Luna a half smile.

One of last year’s Olympic team eyed him. Her eyes went from Luna to him, and she raised her brows in question. He worked to remember her name. Hannah. Really, he wasn’t interested in any of the women, but they seemed ready for fun, and he knew tearing up the slopes with them would be a riot. Perhaps he wouldn’t heli-ski every day. He smiled at Hannah, and she approached.

Luna stiffened beside him but he wasn’t in the mood for her proprietary ways.

“Hannah.”

“Good to see you Tripp. You coming shredding with us tomorrow?”

“And let you totally show me up on the slopes? No way.”

“You hold your own. I thought for a while there, you’d be joining the guys at trials.”

“Well, you know how it goes.”

“I suppose. It’s nice to see a new face around here. Will I see more of you?” Her eyes traveled over him for the briefest moment. Luna grabbed onto his arm.

He stepped back, peeling himself from grasping fingers. “I’m sure you will. But tomorrow, I’m off in the heli.”

“Oh, no fair. We can’t follow.” They were bound by rules from sponsors and their world team to stick to resorts only. No rugged or off terrain skiing allowed. The risks were too great.

“But I’ll be back on the slopes with you guys by Thursday.”

“Ok, the after party then. The hot tub on third is the best. It’s where we decide what’s next for the evening.” Her sultry voice triggered something inside and the idea sounded appealing. At least the hot water jets pounding into tired muscles would be nice. He’d take it from there. “Hot tub it is.”

The Baldeez brothers, all princes, rivals and friends of the Valdez brothers showed up and the noise level and masculine competitive vibe amped up in the room. Tripp nodded to the girls and stepped back a couple steps.

Charlie Baldeez shouted. “Tripp! We gonna tear it up or what?”

Tripp knocked his outstretched fist. “You know it.”

They set up a heli trip together. He would miss the solitude but it was also much safer to go in small groups or pairs.

Charlie fist bumped every guy in turn and nodded to the ladies. “We can’t do off resort skiing every day, not with so much lovely company if you know what I mean. Wait ‘til you see J.C. She’s gonna put even you to shame, Tripp.”

“J.C.?” Tripp didn’t think he knew J.C. Everyone else seemed to know her.

Henry joined them. “Yeah, she had to sit out the trials last year, torn ACL, but she’s back and she’s hot.” He smirked. “In all ways.” Henry Baldeez made even Tripp want to squirm. “Hey, and she’s Torren. I’m surprised you don’t know her.”

Tripp was, too. He racked his brain for all women skiers from Torren. Since he’d been trying to avoid any reminders of his life on the slopes, he hadn’t heard much, but perhaps he heard mention of a J. C. The group started to quiet as everyone made their way off to bed. The skiers started the day with the sun. Those in training got exclusive use of the west side until 10 a.m. And then all the trial courses all day of course. They could get the Valdez brothers in for a run or two also, he knew, and he looked forward to it. He loved to slalom. And as it always did, a ping of regret niggled at him, why had he not given it a go when he’d had the chance? When he was hot.

He'd take a run this week and see how off he was. Perhaps it wasn’t too late.