AfterIordered a cold beer andCassandraa spiked hot chocolate, we glanced at the menu. “Hungry?”Iasked her.
“I’mstill full from the chili.”Sherubbed her belly. “Besides,Ibetter save room for dinner.”
“I’malready hungry and nothing would ruin my appetite.”Igrinned at her and immediately heard the sensual edge to my words, which hadn’t been intentional.CouldIspend five minutes around her and not think of sex?Notlikely.
“I’llorder a couple of apps in case we want to snack on them.”
Overthe next hour or so, we chatted and ate buffalo wings and a spinach dip while we listened to the band play more classic rock covers.Morepack mates streamed in once the lifts closed.Theycame over to say hi, andIintroduced her.Divertingher attention was an unfortunate price to pay by coming here; it was countered by the immense pride that filled me, knowing she was with me.
Theband announced they were going to play their final song, and then they startedVanHalen’s“YouReallyGotMe.”
Nowwas that accurate in my response toCassandraor what?She’dgotten to me in a way thatIdidn’t know what the hellIwas doing.
Themusic ended, we clapped, and they left the stage.Peoplewould start to leave, perhaps rest in their hotel before they went out for dinner.
“Anyplans for dinner tonight?”Iasked her.
“No.It’sbeen a long day, though.Maybesomething easy.”
“Therestaurants will be packed tonight,”Inoted. “Alwaysare onSaturdays.Likelylong waits.Whatdo you think about a quiet dinner away from the crowds?”
“Oh?Where?”
“Mycabin,”Iproposed, trying not to sound too forthcoming, but judging by the low thrill edging my voice,Ifailed. “Wecan order pizza.”Ishrugged. “Keepit simple and relaxed.”Witha grin,Iadded, “Plus, there’s no one to wrestle with for a place close to the fire.”Igestured at the fireplace.
Cassandrastared at me with a sparkle in her brown eyes as she appeared to consider my offer.Asmile tugged at the corners of her lips.
Didthat mean she’d say yes?Myheartbeat raced asIwaited in anticipation.
“Thatsounds wonderful,” she replied. “I’dlove to see your cabin.”
CHAPTER7
CASSANDRA
Acouple of hours later,Valenpicked me up from the hotel and then we picked up pizza.Thescent of them from the boxes in the back seat filled the car.Hisheadlights shined ahead, illuminating our path up the mountain road.Werounded a bend, and his cabin came into view.Theweathered logs, snow-covered roof, and surrounding forest had a rugged appeal.
“We’rehere,” he announced.
“Howbeautiful.Andprivate,”Imarveled as we climbed out of the car.
Hecarried the pizzas and a six-pack of beer to the front door and then asked ifIcould hold the boxes so he could open the door.
“Youdon’t lock it?”Iasked.
“No.”
“That’san advantage of not living in the city,”Inoted.
Heopened the door, turned the light on, and welcomed me in.WhenIstepped inside, the wood smoke from a recent fire filled my nostrils, andIinhaled more deeply.Itsmelled inviting, like somewhere you’d curl up with under a blanket with a good book.Theexposed beams and large stone fireplace provided a warm and soothing appeal.
Hetook the pizzas from me and placed them on a coffee table as well as the beer.
“I’lltake your coat.”Heextended his hand.
AfterIshuffled out of it, he hung it on a coat rack and followed with his own.Weremoved our snow-covered boots and placed them on a boot tray.Iwore black jeans and a soft blue sweater, which was one of the only non-layering ski outfitsIbrought for the weekend.
“Makeyourself comfortable.”Hemotioned to a brown sofa before the fireplace.
