He looks away, and I can breathe again, heart hammering against my ribs.
"Did you see that?" Joelle whispers.
"See what?" I try to sound casual.
"The ski instructor. He was checking you out."
"He was not—"
"He was." Madison leans over. "That was not a professional sweep-the-crowd look. That was a hello-beautiful look."
I shake my head, but my pulse is racing. They're wrong. They have to be wrong. Men like him don't look at women like me that way.
The rest of the orientation blurs. More staff introductions, logistics, and a reminder to stay hydrated at this altitude. I nod along, but I'm not processing anything. I'm too busy trying not to look at Nick while being aware of where he's standing.
When Kelly dismisses us for dinner, everyone stands in a chattering mass. I hang back, letting others funnel toward the doors, when a voice beside me makes me jump.
"Are you here for the ski lessons?"
I turn and Nick is right there, close enough that I catch his scent—pine and something clean and masculine. My mouth goes dry.
"I—yes. I mean, I'm here for the whole retreat, but skiing is part of it, so—" I'm babbling. Oh God, I'm babbling.
His mouth curves into a slight smile. "First time skiing?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"No." His eyes crinkle at the corners. "Just asking. Good to know skill levels before we hit the slopes."
"Total beginner," I admit. "Like, I'll fall approximately a thousand times."
"Everyone falls. It's how you learn." He's still standing close, still looking at me like I'm not invisible. "Are you planning on booking any private lessons? One-on-ones can help build confidence faster."
Is he... suggesting I book time with him specifically? Or is this a sales pitch he gives everyone?
"I... uh, I hadn't thought about it."
"Think about it." His smile widens. "I'll be teaching the beginner group sessions, but if you want focused attention, private lessons are the way to go. You can book them at the front desk. I’m Nick." He puts out his hand, and I take it, not expecting a mini-explosion to race up my arm.
“Daria.” I stumble over my name, and blush as I drop my gaze.
“Nice to meet you, Daria. Think about those private lessons.”
Focused attention. From him.
"Okay," I manage quietly. "I'll think about it."
"Good." He nods once, then turns to talk to another staff member.
I stand there for a full ten seconds before my legs remember how to work.
Madison materializes at my elbow. "What was that?"
"What was what?"
"Daria." She grabs my shoulders. "That man just gave you his full attention and suggested private lessons. Private. Lessons."
"He's just being professional—"
