“Just that you operate and own a winter sports rental shop just up the Summit.”
More like barely manage and co-own, but Lance didn’t care to make that distinction verbally. “Major Hart Mountain Sports,” he said, keeping his response to a minimum.
“That’s the one. That’s awesome. Every guy’s dream, am I right?” Hector’s enthusiasm was contagious, his grin catching. “So, I’ve had this idea to visit the Swiss Alps ruminating in my brain for years now. You know, curate and document the most adventurous yet still reasonably accessible winter vacation for my readers.”
“And you haven’t made your way over there yet in all your travels?”
“Nope. The last two books I published were geared more toward water sports and beach locations. Surfing. Parasailing. Waterskiing. I’m not a professional in any sense—just a guy with a keyboard and a way with words—but I always like to have one with me to show me the ropes and make the experiences more authentic.”
“I had the opportunity to visit the Alps a few years ago with my work partner. You’re seriously going to love them.”
“That is, if I can find someone to make the journey with me.” A dark brow cocked over Hector’s eye. “Not something you’d ever be interested in, is it?”
Lance nearly bit his tongue when he chomped down on the baby carrot.
“I wouldn’t expect you to write anything of course,” Hector quickly added. “That’s my job. I would just want someone there who knows the ins and outs of snow sports. Skiing. Snowboarding. Snowmobiling. Maybe even a little sledding and tobogganing. I have to be completely honest; I was raised in San Diego and to be totally transparent here, this is my first trip to the snow.”
It still surprised Lance that there were people who could go their whole lives without seeing snow, especially considering he had the fortune of living in a winter wonderland his entire life.
“It’s why I booked this retreat the moment my friend, Tawnya, told me about it.” He gestured over his shoulder to an author with sleek hair that skimmed her jawline.
“You’re a travel writer and you’ve never visited the snow?” Lance didn’t mean to sound incredulous, but it couldn’t be helped. It definitely felt at odds with the man’s profession.
“I’ve made my name in tropical destinations, a small niche that’s served me well for many years. But it’s time to branch out.” Hector slipped his hand into his back pocket and pulled out a business card. “Here’s my info. I don’t need any answers right now, just think about it and shoot me a text or email if you’d like more information.”
As Lance accepted the card, he mulled over the opportunity, wondering if a change of scenery—and the fresh challenges it promised—was exactly what he and Major Hart Mountain Sports needed to get things back on track.
CHAPTER 23
Holly Calloway hefted the warm to-go bag onto the counter with a solid thud, the appetizing aroma of the contents wafting into the diner’s air. “Two bacon grilled cheeses, two orders of curly fries, and three chicken strips, my dear. All set and ready to go for you.” The woman looked at Sarah and then toward Laney clinging to her mother’s hand. “I’m guessing this is for more than just the two of you?”
“Thanks, Holly.” Lifting the brown sack into her grip, Sarah answered, “And yes. We’re visiting Lance over at the shop and thought we would bring along some food. Never like to show up empty-handed, especially during lunchtime.”
“You two have been spending a lot more time together since you’ve been back.”
“We have. I guess you could technically say we’re dating. Or in a relationship, actually.” She still felt flustered by the labels. “It’s new.”
“I mean, notentirelynew.” Holly let out a bark of a laugh. “You two have always had a thing for each other. Glad to see the timing is finally right.”
That’s exactly what it came down to, she supposed. The timing of things. Returning to Snowdrift Summit, taking a jobat the library, even the retreat—all of these elements aligned seamlessly, falling into place within a perfect timeline.
Minus the fact that Sarah had taken all of the Inn’s rooms during Lance’s busiest season. The timing certainly was not right when it came to that minor detail.
Ten minutes later, Sarah and Laney stepped into Major Hart Mountain Sports, anticipating the lively energy that typically defined the store during this season. However, instead of the usual bustling scene, they found Lance, Holden, and Brady, along with Tahoe and Scout, noticeably adrift. Holden meticulously refolded already neat stacks of striped sweaters by the entrance, Brady rhythmically tapped a pen on the counter as if twiddling his thumbs, and Lance leaned casually against a snowboard display, lost in thought. The dogs were both curled up on one large dog bed, contentedly dreaming accompanied by raspy snores and twitching legs.
It was the very opposite of adventure. Alull.
As Sarah surveyed the scene, a mix of confusion and concern furrowed her brow. “Everything good here?”
Lance and Holden shared a look before Brady chimed in, “We’re declaring it a snow day at Major Hart.”
“Isn’t a snow day actuallygoodfor business in your line of work?” she teased but realized the insensitivity in that phrase the moment the words came out. Businesswouldbe good if she hadn’t made it impossible for their clients to visit the Summit this particular time of year.
“Hey.” Lance stepped forward and touched her elbow. “Want to join me outside for a walk? I have something I want to share with you.”
Sarah lifted the bag from the diner up between them. “And I have something I want to share with you.”
“What about sharing with your brother?” Holden piped up. He’d already taken Laney into his arms, happily bouncing herso her curls coiled up and down all around her face like springs. He stuck out his tongue, which expectedly made the little girl devolve into a fit of giggles that caused Sarah to instantly join in. Their silly joy was catching.
