When we pass the sign for Wolfe Mountain Chalet, Devin stops in the middle of the road. “Crap. I almost forgot.”
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a slim white gold ring. “I really hope this fits.”
A jolt of adrenaline zips through me as Devin takes my right hand, slipping the ring onto my third finger. “It’s perfect,” I murmur. The unbelievably fine filigree pattern of leaves glows as I turn it in the soft light of a sunbeam.
“Good. It was the only thing in the store that seemed right for you.”
It’s touching that he was thinking about me, not what would impress his coworkers. It feels like a sign that this weekend is going to go well, as long as we don’t get caught.
“If anyone asks, you never wear your engagement or wedding rings on vacation,” he says with a grin.
“Oh, of course not.” I wave my hand, admiring the ring. “That would be a whole other floater insurance policy, wouldn’t it?”
Devin grins, drawing my eyes to his perfect jawline. I’ve never thought of a man as both rugged and beautiful at the same time. It’s a dangerous combination that’s making it difficult to calm the butterflies having a dance party in my stomach.
He drives carefully up the winding, snowy road. “So, I probably should have cleared this with you earlier. Since we’ve been married for a year now, it will look better if…”
The way he trails off makes me look over to him. “You mean, you’ll need to hug me, sling an arm around me…casual affection kind of thing?”
“Yeah.” His extraordinary brown eyes lock on mine for a moment. “Is that going to be all right?”
“Sure, no problem.” I’m impressed that my answer is so immediate. “I’ll play along.” There’s what might be a sultry look in his eyes a split second before he turns away. I hope I’m not imagining it.
“I’ll be a gentleman, of course,” he continues. “But for the next few days, I’m your man. So opening doors, carrying bags, all that stuff… I’m going to be caring for you.”
My entire body shrinks into the seat. I’ve never had a man care for me, especially not a huge, gorgeous man like this, and I’m surprised by how much I like it. “That would be nice. I mean…I’ve been on a few dates, but nobody has ever…”
“Felt right?” Devin parks the car, then turns to me with a smile. “Yeah. Me either. And why waste time on someone you don’t connect with, right?”
“Right.”
Devin opens the door for me and carries our bags as we trudge through the snow toward the chalet. It's beautifully old-fashioned and charming, like a Swiss hideaway in the Alps, with gingerbread woodwork and bits of stained glass at the huge oak door. Several chimneys are sending up delicate wisps of smoke. The snow dusted trees act as a fence, sheltering the chalet from the worst of the wind.
When we go inside, I’m pleased to see the Valentine’s decorations are very subtle. A heart-shaped wreath of branches and red berries on the front door. A few flower arrangements in pink and white. The red tablecloths and runners could be left over from Christmas. Not a single Cupid in sight.
The next fifteen minutes are a blur as I meet a large chunk of the company all at once: Eva from accounting and her husband Mark, who cannot wait to hit the slopes together. Lawrence and his wife Janine, excited to go cross country skiing as soon as the sun is up. A few more couples whose names fall out of my head the second I’ve heard them.
Everyone seems nice, and excited for this getaway. They're also dressed in that business casual look that has always amused me.
I follow Devin to the front desk to check in, and he nudges his elbow against mine. "I caught you stifling a giggle. What's up?"
I release a bubble of laughter. "It’s the whole upscale casual Friday thing. Everyone is trying to look as understated as possible while accidentally revealing how expensive their clothing is. It's all gray and cream and smoky blue, but designer everything."
Devin laughs with me. "Excellent point. Am I blending in okay?"
I swallow hard. The button-down shirt slightly stretched across his shoulders and chest has been attracting my attention during the entire drive. "I do like that chocolate brown color on you." I lift my gaze to meet his and feel another family ofbutterflies warming up for a tap dance routine in my stomach. "It accents your eyes."
He grins, tapping my elbow again. "I'm just happy to hear you're checking out my eyes. I should have brought my blue pj’s to match yours."
We burst into laughter, together with the lady at the desk who clearly heard the last bit of our conversation. Her eyes are bright and friendly, and she wears her auburn hair smoothed back in a neat bun.
“Hello,” she says warmly. “I’m Mrs. Harrison. You must be Devin and…Laila, is it?”
“Yes.” Devin confirms his information and she hands him some old-fashioned room keys.
“Wonderful.” She beams in a motherly way that makes me think she’s worked at the chalet forever. “You’re going to love the food this weekend. Our usual cook is on her honeymoon, so we’ve called back one of our previous gals. Rosa is an expert on ridiculously cozy food in the winter.”
“Sounds great,” Devin says with a grin. “And did I see there’s a library where Laila can get a little work done?”
