I left her office feeling hollowed out.
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Even some of the guests noticed something was wrong. Mr. Hartley came upto me at one point, asking about my past, whether a ‘pretty girl’ like me had a boyfriend. I barely paid attention, just gave him one-word answers until he finally left me alone.
By mid-afternoon, I couldn’t take it anymore. I went back to the hideaway, even though it was the middle of the day.
I was walking down the hallway when I almost ran into Asher. Just like that first night when we’d barely known each other and everything had been so awkward and tense.
But this time felt different.
“Sorry,” I mumbled, trying to move past him.
“What are you doing back here?” he asked.
“I just—” My voice broke, and I felt tears threatening. “I needed to get something.”
“I came back for my phone charger,” he said, but his eyes were on my face. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
I said it roughly because I didn’t want to cry. Not in front of him. There had been too many different emotions these past few days. I couldn’t handle any more.
“You’re upset. Tell me.”
“There’s nothing to tell.”
“I’ll go get Landon for you,” he said, turning.
“I’m okay,” I said.
But a tear rolled down my face, betraying me.
Then he just stepped forward and took me into his arms.
He held me. Ran his thumb back and forth across my back in slow, soothing strokes. I buried my head against his shoulder and cried. Not loud, ugly sobs—just quiet tears that I couldn’t hold back anymore.
He didn’t ask questions. Didn’t tell me it would be okay. He just held me for a long time, solid and warm and steady.
Finally, I started to step back. He let go immediately, giving me space.
I looked up at him, embarrassed to have shown weakness in front of a man who’d felt like a rival until just recently.
“Please don’t tell anyone,” I said.
I didn’t want this getting back to Kai or Landon. Didn’t want this to cast a shadow over what little time I had left with them.
He looked at me for a moment. Then he said simply, “Tell anyone what?”
Then he walked off down the hallway.
Christmas Day was exhausting.
As predicted, we were all incredibly busy. Asher was making special meals in the restaurant, running himself ragged to make sure every dish was perfect. I was allover the resort, helping guests, making sure everyone had what they needed, trying to ensure they were having a great day.
Even Kai and Landon helped out. There were no ski lessons, but they pitched in wherever they could—delivering presents, flowers, and meals to rooms. Directing guests, stepping in when extra hands were needed.
In passing, we said we’d celebrate together some other time. But Christmas Day itself was just work.
That evening, I collapsed on the couch in the hideaway between Kai and Landon. Usually I sat between Kai and Asher, but I was too tired to move, and they were too tired to suggest switching. I fell asleep almost immediately, my head on Kai’s shoulder.
