I’ll have to kick him out more often.
Luc’s mouth tips into that smug smirk he does so well when he sees me. “I’m more on time for track walk than you,Petite? What’s going on?”
I roll my eyes. “I’m on time.”
Dane turns Piper toward him, pulling her into a kiss,and they’re so damn cute it’s nauseating. My gaze flicks between Luc and Mason, andfuck, I’d love nothing more than to kiss them right now. Their gazes linger on me for a moment, too, before they both quickly take in the people around us, doing the same calculation I am.
It’s not an option. Not with half the MTB world milling around us, waiting for a gondola ride, since only four people can ride one at a time.
As the next free gondola comes into view, I inch toward Piper and Dane—safe territory—but before I can step inside with them, Luc throws an arm out and shoves Mason and Finn into the gondola with each other before herding me in behind them.
The door slides closed with an ominous click, and I’m boxed in with the three guys I least want to be alone with right now.
The last time I was in a gondola with Finn…
Nope, not thinking about that now.
Luc sits down next to me, and I glare at him for bringing me into this situation while Mason and Finn sit down opposite us. He grins, completely unbothered, and throws an arm around my shoulder. “Don’t look at me like that,Petite.”
I shove his arm off, twisting away. “It’s hot, and I’m sweaty.”
Ignoring my warning, Luc drags his tongue slowly up the side of my neck before nipping at my skin. “You know I’m into it.”
I squirm away as heat rises to my cheeks for the second time today, and he laughs and settles back into his seat, looking triumphant. I jerk my gaze away from him, only to find Finn watching me, a quiet, heartbreakingly sad smile on his face.
Fuck. How long is this gondola ride anyway?
Thankfully, Mason swoops in for the save. “Anyonefigure out which line to take in that upper rock garden?” he asks, rubbing a thumb over his bottom lip thoughtfully. “I usually hit the upper one, but I’m not convinced it’s the fastest. Val di Sole’s always a fucking nightmare.”
Luc snorts, kicking out his feet and sprawling back lazily. “Why are you even thinking about it, Pretty Boy? Just fly over it.”
Mason shoots him an unimpressed look. “Not everyone rides like a lunatic, Delacroix.”
Finn leans forward with his elbows on his knees. “You should take the lower line but come in way less aggressively than you usually do. You’re overriding the entry.”
Mason twists toward Finn, cocking an eyebrow. “Did you just critique my riding style?”
Finn shrugs. “Your melody’s off.”
“What the fuck are you even saying?”
A reluctant smile tugs at my lips. “He compares riding styles to music.”
Luc raises an eyebrow, glancing between us. “What does that mean?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Finn watching me, surprise flashing in his eyes like he didn’t think I’d remember.
But of course I do.
I remember everything about you, Finn Greer. Every note.
He clears his throat, starting slow. “Everyone rides with their own rhythm?—”
“Like a song,” I cut in without thinking, reciting words I’ve heard a hundred times before. “And if your flow feels off, it’s because you’re not on the right track. Not playing the right melody.”
Luc notices my shift in mood instantly. Without a word, he reaches over, grabs my hand, and places it on hisknee, stroking slow circles with his thumb over my knuckles.
“I know it sounds nuts,” I continue. “But he’s helped a lot of people with it, especially juniors. I’ve seen riders shave two or three seconds off their times because of his advice. Myself included.”
