“I swear to God, Dan Montgomery, if you throw that snowball, you’re not getting sex for a week!”
“It’s cute you think that you sound threatening, Birdie. We both know you wouldn’t last a day without needing some double D.” I throw in a wink for good measure and continue to smooth the snow I’m holding into a ball.
“Double D? Are you serious?”
“Dan’s Dick. It’s got a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” I cock my head to the side and move my arm back into a throwing position. “Now, hold still so I don’t miss.”
She shrieks as I let the snow fly, but I purposefully aim for the ground in front of her. I burst out laughing as she glares at me, then… “Oh shit.”
I duck into the trees as a snowball is fired my way but goes wild. “We gotta work on your arm, babe,” I call out, gathering up more snow. I peek around the tree, only to get hit in the face with cold, wet snow. “Damn it.”
Lark’s laughter is a lot closer than I anticipated. “How the hell did you sneak up on me, woman?”
“Revenge is sweet,” she answers, reaching up to brush snow off my chest. “Truce? I’m cold.”
Nodding, I return the favour, dusting snow off her toque. “Truce. Want to head back and warm up?”
When Lark suggested we head up one of the local mountains to go snowshoeing, it was an immediate yes. The best part of living in Vancouver is the proximity to activities like this. My mind has already jumped ahead to next fall, when we can come back and hike this mountain.
After the Tridents win the championship, of course.
It’s called manifesting.
We turn and make our way back along the snowshoe trail that leads to the ski lodge. It’s nice and quiet on the mountain today, with most people already back to work and not out enjoying the winter weather. For most of the trek, the trail is wide enough for us to walk side by side, and I love holding Lark’s hand, even through winter gloves. This shit never gets old. Having her with me, free to be affectionate, not needing to hide my feelings. It’s almost —almost— better than sex.
Nah, who am I kidding? It’s nowhere close. Sex with Lark is fucking life-changing. Earth shattering. Best. Feeling. Ever.
The first few days after popping my cherry, we were insatiable. Thankfully, Lark’s desire was just as intense as mine, or I might have felt a little guilty for how often I wanted her. Then again, I made damn sure she got off every fucking time, so maybe the guilt is misplaced.
Even now, over two weeks later, I can’t stop wanting her. But moments like this, when we can justbe,help ease the ache.
We reach the lodge, and I bend down to help unstrap hersnowshoes. Glancing up from my crouch, I catch her staring back at me, love shining from her eyes.
“You’re a goner for me, Lark Miller.” I wink, loving the way she blushes.
“Pointing out the obvious isn’t all that charming, you know.”
I stand up, her snowshoes in hand, and arch my brow. “Excuse you, I’m exceedingly charming.”
All that gets me is an eye roll. “When you’re not making obnoxious jokes about your double D, maybe.” She’s fighting back a smile.
Leaning in, I kiss her nose, which is red and icy cold under my lips. “Good thing you love me anyway.”
Her arms are around me in an instant, pulling me tight. “I do, I really do.”
We stay there, right in front of the ski lodge, for a minute or two. Until the cold air seeps in, making us all the more freezing now that we aren’t moving.
Reluctantly, I pull back and drape my arm over her shoulders to steer her toward the door. “Come on, Birdie. Let me buy you a fancy hot chocolate.”
The interior of the lodge is impressive, with vaulted ceilings, lots of windows, and plenty of comfortable seating. We find a couch near a large fireplace, surrounded by rocks that go all the way to the top of the building. There’s a nice fire crackling away, giving off some welcome heat.
We discard our coats, and I gesture to the nearby café. “I’ll be right back with drinks.” Lark nods and sits down, removing her boots so she can tuck her feet underneath.
While I wait at the counter, I can’t stop looking back at her.She’s so damn pretty, but it’s more than that. She’s had my heart for years, without even knowing it.
The guys all gave me shit when I got my tattoo, but I didn’t care. Because somewhere along the way, Lark became more than just the woman who stole my heart. She became my best friend.
The barista sets the hot chocolates down on the counter, and I take them with a smile after dropping a bill in the tip jar. Picking up the two mugs, I turn and find Lark looking at me.
