I didn’t chase her.
I didn’t admit that I wanted that kiss too.
I let her run, so that I didn’t have to.
Because, after all…That was a mistake.
NATALIA
I’m adjusting my goggles when Zack glides up beside me, slowing easily.
"Hey," he says, tone light. Careful. "Just wanted to check in."
I wince. "I’m really sorry about that. He kind of… stole our lesson. I had no idea that he was going to do that."
Zack laughs, shaking his head. "Yeah. I gathered."
I brace for irritation that never comes.
"It’s fine," he adds. "Honestly, I got the sense you two know each other a little better than two strangers on the same mountain."
"Something like that. We work together."
"Uh, I see. Is that it?" he asks, lowering his voice slightly. "I’m not trying to pry. I just get the feeling he doesn’t want me anywhere near you."
So I didn’t imagine it.
"I mean," Zack says, easy grin back in place, "I’ve taught a lot of couples, siblings, friends, clients. That wasn’t any of those vibes."
Heat creeps into my cheeks. "He’s just a client," I say quickly, because it’s true.
Even though I may have just lost all professional integrity with Luka, and if Carey finds out, she’ll assume what she already suspects–that I’m trying to sleep my way into getting Luka to do what I want.
Zack holds up a hand. "Hey, not judging. Just… noticed."
"We don’t exactly see eye to eye right now."
Then Zack clears his throat. "Since we’re already being weirdly honest—"
I glance up.
"I was planning to ask if you wanted to go with me to see some live music in the village this weekend. The café near the square. It’s an open mic thing." He shrugs. "Totally casual. No pressure. But it could be fun. Something different from almost dying on the slopes."
I laugh before I could stop myself.
Because he’s right. It would be nice to do something that doesn’t involve strapping myself into death traps and hurling my body down an ice mountain with a prayer and a helmet.
Besides, Luka spends his nights shooting pool and flirting with women who think he’s an easy target.
So far, I’d say that’s false advertising.
"Casual," I repeat. "No pressure."
"Exactly."
I nod, feeling relieved to have a distraction after what just happened between Luka and me just now. I can’t believe I kissed him. After repeatedly telling him that I don’t sleep with clients, I threw myself at him like a horny teenager. I feel like such an idiot.
"That sounds like exactly what I need," I tell him truthfully.
