ConversationwithValenflowed without break all through dessert.Whatwas it about him that made chatting so easy?
Fordessert, we indulged in baklava.Thelayers of flaky phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup melted on my tongue.
Bythe time we left the restaurant,Iwas stuffed.Wewalked at an easy gait along the village shops, which was welcome after that hearty meal.Themoon was out, twinkling above us among the countless stars, far more thanI’dever see back in the city.
“Dinnerwas delicious,”Isaid. “Thankyou.”Irubbed my stomach. “I’mstuffed.”
“Gladyou liked it.”
Wemeandered a bit more. “Ibetter get back to the hotel.”
“Goodidea,”Valenagreed. “Geta good night of sleep before you go skiing tomorrow.”
“IfIgo back out,”Isaid. “Thememory of today’s tumble is still fresh.”
“Comeon,Cassandra.Youneed to get back out there.”Hefixed a steady gaze on me. “Howabout we go out together tomorrow?”
Islanted my head. “Youwant to go skiing with me?”
“Yes.”
Inarrowed my gaze. “I’msure you’re way more advanced thanIam.”
Heshrugged. “Didyou see my trouble with gravity in the hotel lobby?Andthat was with boots on a flat surface.”
Ichuckled, appreciating his effort to make me feel more at ease.
“We’llstart with the easy groomers and just go out to have fun.Andif we run into any problems, you’ll have ski patrol nearby,” he added with a conspiratorial grin.
Ohyes, he was definitely flirting.AndIdidn’tnotwant it.
“Thatmight help reassure me.Helpme ease back in to skiing again,”Iadded, matching his smile.
Wereached the hotel, and when we turned and glanced at each other, our gazes locked.Aflutter swirled in my stomach, and my heart started to beat faster.Wouldhe kiss me goodnight?
Abreeze stirred through the branches of a nearby tree, sending snow drifting over us.Ishivered and crossed my arms around myself.
“Areyou cold?” he asked. “Comehere.”
Heopened his arms, andIleaned closer to him.Thenhe wrapped me against his broad torso.Hiswarmth enveloped me, like a cozy fire in the lodge.Hisheart beat loud in his chest, unlessIwas hearing mine echo.
Icould have stayed there for hours but forced myself to pull away. “Thanks.Youfeel good,”Imuttered.Ugh, did that sound weird? “Imean warm.Urm,Imean your warmth feels good.”
Stoptalking.
Hegazed down at me, his eyes now glowing brighter with an amber hue. “Youfeel good too.”Hetook a deep inhale. “Andyou smell incredible.”
Thatglimmer in his eyes whispered of desire, and goddesses,Iwanted it.Icouldn’t look away; didn’t want to.Valen’sstare pinned me in place, and my pulse galloped with heated anticipation.
Heleaned forward and bent down.Withhis height towering over me,Ifelt petite.Imoved up to my tiptoes.
Thenslowly, ever so slowly, we came together.Hislips brushed mine, and his soft beard tickled my cheek.Sparksof awareness jolted me.HowhadIforgotten how good it was to feel like this?
Hewrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer.Ilooped my arms around his neck.Thenhe kissed me more deeply, and passion curled from the depth of my core all the way down to my toes.
No,I’dnever felt like this.
Ilost all sense of our surroundings asIfell deeper into that kiss.Whenhe pulled away,Iblinked and readjusted my bearings to where we were.Thetwinkling of lights in the village establishments and solar streetlamps rekindled my awareness.
