Valenstared into my eyes, his eyelids still lowered and gaze utterly smoldering. “Ihad a great time tonight.”Hisvoice was smooth and rich, like dark chocolate cocoa.
“Metoo.”Mybody remained ignited like a furnace.Ididn’t want the night to end. “Valen?”
“Yes.”Hisvoice was a sexy low rumble.
Invitehim in.Justdo it.“Thanksagain for dinner.”
“Anytime.”
“I’llsee you in the morning.”Damnit.Ichickened out.
AsIstepped into the hotel lobby,Isagged with regret.ButasImade my way to my floor, the high of the kiss lingered.Istepped inside my hotel room, leaned against the door, and pressed my fingers to my lips.
Iwanted more.Iwanted to seeValenagain.
Itlooked likeI’dbe strapping on some skis and striving to keep up with him tomorrow.
CHAPTER6
VALEN
AsIwaited forCassandrain front of the hotel, my heart raced.Icouldn’t stop thinking about her after that kiss.Lastnight,I’dpaced around my cabin, which wasn’t easy considering the confined space.Toorestless to sit still,Iwent out for a run in wolf form after midnight.Mywolf was giddier thanI’dever experienced, still insisting that she was our mate.Thatwas a big part of what left me unable to settle down and rest untilIburned through my energy.
Yes,Iwas attracted toCassandra.Thechemistry that built during dinner last night had almost detonated when we kissed not far from whereIstood.Andyes,Iliked her—a lot.Ofcourse,Iwanted to see her again, andImost definitely wanted to sleep with her, but that didn’t mean she was mymate.
Butwhen she stepped outside the hotel, her blond ringlets trailing beneath her black helmet, my tongue almost rolled out of my mouth like a cartoon dog.Mywolf stirred, anxious to get close.
Shewalked toward me, andIinhaled her scent.Deargods, it was as intoxicating as the promise of fresh morning snow on the mountain.Ahint of floral notes wrapped around me, stirring my senses like spring in the valley with all the newly formed buds.
Mywolf clawed to attention, all primal instincts, which were attuned to her.
“Goodmorning,Valen.”Hereyes were bright, sparking with warmth.Andher lips curled slightly as if we shared a secret.
Didit have anything to do with our kiss?
“Normooring,”Ireplied.
Shechuckled. “Someoneneeds more coffee.”
Whatthe hell was that string of vowels and consonants that tumbled from my mouth?HowdidIgarble such an easy greeting?Icleared my throat and straightened. “Imean good morning.”ThenIlaughed to offset my sudden unease. “Iforgot you don’t speak wolf.”
Settledown,Itold my wolf, althoughIsuspected he had nothing to do with my verbal garbage.Thatwas all on me.
Cassandraarched her brows. “Thatwas wolf speak?”
“No.”Igrinned. “Justseeing if you were listening.”Imotioned to the mountain ahead. “Comeon.Let’sget out there before it gets too crowded.”
“Holdon,Ineed to bundle up some more.It’smuch colder than yesterday.”Ina lower tone, she added, “AndIdon’t have shifter heat to keep me warm.”
“Butyou have a shifter,”Iuttered beforeIcould censor myself.Lastnight,I’dwondered ifI’dbeen coming on to her too strong.Butshe didn’t run off.Infact, she seemed interested, butIbetter not push my luck.Thelast thingIwanted was forCassandrato ski away from me the way she’d taken off from the chairlift dating event.
Shepulled on her gloves and then tapped my forearm. “Imight take you up on that offer later ifIget too cold.”Theplayful gleam in her eyes struck me with a sensual promise.
Orthat was wishful thinking on my part.Still, a low moan edged with longing rumbled out of me.BeforeIdid something foolish and suggest we skip skiing and get right to warming up naked in her room,Ipointed to a rack. “Myskis are over there.”
Oncewe were geared up, we skied over to the chairlift line.Ischooled my face not to show discomfort, the wayIdid every timeIhad to face my fear of heights.Wesettled into our seats, and a chilly wind nipped at us.
“Brr,” she said and leaned over to me.
