Axl picks up her idea and rushes to expound. “Yeah, Sophie booked this all-inclusive ski package at Mapleton’s ski lodge. We have a cabin, ski rentals, and lift tickets. We have extra tickets because Jackson and his lady friend were going to go, but they broke it off. You should come up. Everything’s already paid for. You’d be doing a favor to not waste them.”
I level my gaze with Paisley’s. We pause for a long moment, as if we are both yielding to the other. She seems as stunned as I am.
Here we are—Paisley and I—sitting together on something that looks like a date, but I don’t want to make her uncomfortable by insinuating things that aren’t real.
We’re definitely not a couple.
We will not be going on any couples’ weekends.
Even though I love snowboarding.
The team doesn’t have a hockey game this weekend, which means that if I have no plans, I’ll be hanging out at the house with my mom and Bill.
I would love a weekend away from Bill.
Paisley’s gaze is locked on mine with no indication that I should refuse this gift.
Hmm, would it be wrong to insinuate a little?
For the sake of snowboarding.
It wouldn’t feel wrong.
It feels like fun.
Paisley still hasn’t uttered a word. She’s sitting on her stool, the muted-yellow bar light looming over her, lighting her best side.
Who am I kidding?
All her sides are the best ones.
I’m looking for a secret wink to let me know she likes free stuff, too, but she’s still. I finally reply for us both. “It’s sort of new . . .” I ease my words to not give away any embellishment. A light pink fires across the tops of Paisley’s cheeks. I tip my head toward her. “I love snowboarding. What do you think? Should we join them in their already-paid-for-couples’ skiing weekend?”
“Er, thank you so much for thinking of us.” She clears her throat and continues with a non-answer, “That’s certainly generous.”
I can already feel the wind in my face as I fly down the slopes. My adrenaline pumps as I lean closer, wagging my brows. “We don’t have a game, so you’re also off. I don’t think it’s an offer we should refuse.”
Her muteness carries on for a beat longer than what feels comfortable before she leans into me, sending waves of her effervescent sweet scent and smiling coyly at me. An electric zap spirals through my body, and it’s still zapping when she says, “I would love a couples’ getaway. After all, this weekend is Valentine’s Day.”
“Oh, really?” I startle. The word Valentine echoes in my head so loudly that I start seeing a mirage of red hearts and stuffed teddy bears. Sweat beads on my brow as I realize that the stakes are suddenly raised.
Why am I the last one to find this out?
Valentine’s weekends are for serious couples.
Not just people who want to get free ski passes.
I’d look like a complete jerk backing out now. I press my teeth into my lip, not enough to hurt but enough for me to feel the sting. “That sounds like, ah, such a great p-plan.”
“Right!” Sophie’s tone ticks up a notch. “We can all ride together. It’s going to be epic.”
My gaze replants on Paisley. Her complexion has gone ashen as she swings her bar stool back and forth. Her straight expression is silently hinting she might need to talk about this.
“Well, it’s getting late.” I stretch my arms wide, pretending I’m not in a hurry to get away from these two before I agree to do something else—like a Vegas trip to get married. I casually look at Paisley, pleading with my eyes. “You want me to take you home?”
“We can get out of here.” She nods as she slides off her stool and slips on her coat.
I stand, placing a protective hand on her lower back as I stride a half step behind her. We are about a yard away from the table before she leans in and harshly whispers, “What were you thinking back there?”
