“I wasseven,” Haley emphasizes. “I know better than that now.”
“Yes, you do.” I give the braid poking out from beneath her hat an affectionate tug. “But what do you say we let Ronan get started on the lesson? And I’ll be right down here, taking lots of pictures.”
“Keeping an eye on me?” Ronan teases.
“It’s not that,” I reply. “I just thought it would be nice to watch. And this way, I can take some videos of her learning to ski instead of spending all my time trying not to fall.”
And I didn’t want to take advantage of Ronan’s generosity by having him find me a lift ticket and discounted rentals on top of Haley’s, but I’m not saying that part.
Ronan’s gaze softens as it meets mine. “I could help with a refresher. Take you down some of the easier slopes.”
I can imagine it. Ronan skiing right beside me, protecting me, putting his hands on my body to show me the correct posture, the two of us squeezed together on the ski lift, and maybe it stops midway so we’re all alone in the air?—
“Can we go up?” Haley asks. She bounces on her skis. “Are we ready, Ronan? I’m ready. Are you?”
I can’t help but laugh at her exuberance. “Patience,” I remind her. “Ronan is the teacher, remember. When you’re in school, you don’t tell Mrs. Casey to hurry up, do you?”
Haley has the grace to look sheepish. “Sometimes. But I apologize after.”
Ronan chuckles. Then he pats Haley on the head. “Okay, Speedy. Let’s do this.” Then he shifts his attention to me. “I mean it, Angel. If you want to go skiing, I’d be happy to take you.”
There’s something in his expression that tells me he has a pretty good suspicion why I turned down his initial offer of an extra lift ticket and equipment rental. And it’s not because I secretly want to watch him.
At least, Ihopethat’s not what he’s thinking.
Cheeks heating at the thought, I quickly say, “Maybe.”
He looks at me for another long moment before turning to Haley. “Alright. Follow me to the carpet lift. I know it doesn’t look like much from here, but remember, this is just the first stage of learning. When you’re feeling more solid on your skis, we’ll try some of the other beginner slopes.”
Haley gazes up at Ronan with a grateful look that makes me feel unexpectedly teary. “Thanks, Ronan,” she says. “In case I forget to say it later. I’m really glad you’re teaching me to ski.”
For a moment, Ronan looks taken aback. Then he seems to shake it off and flashes her a smile. “It’s no problem.” His gaze moves to mine. “I’m happy to be here.”
As I watch them head off to the carpet lift, Haley trailing close to Ronan and mimicking his movements, I allow myself a moment of what-ifs, even though I know I shouldn’t.
What if things between Ronan and I really do work out?
What if this is only the start of many more Saturdays like this, with the three of us going skiing and hiking and taking trips like an actual family?
What if, on the nights when Haley goes to a friend’s house for a sleepover, Ronan and I have our own special date night? We could go nighttime skiing, or have dinner out, or stay home to watch a movie and order pizza. And when it gets late, we’d head to bed together, and Ronan would peel off my clothes and kiss me all over. I’d run my hands across the ridged muscles of his chest and stomach, finding his ticklish spots and making him shiver. Then we’d make love—-by then it would be love, and not just sex, and?—
From my jacket pocket, my phone buzzes, rudely interrupting my fantasy.
My cheeks flame hot as I realize I was just thinking about sex with Ronan at the base of the baby hill with dozens of parents and kids around me.
They don’t know what I was thinking. Of course. But still.
As I’m fumbling with my jacket—how many freaking zippers does it need?—I hear Haley call out, “Look, Mom! I’m heading up!”
And indeed she is. Haley’s standing proudly on the carpet lift, nearly a foot taller than the younger kids around her. And Ronan’s keeping pace with Haley as he walks up the slope sideways on his skis. She gives me a little wave before turning her focus back to the lift. Then Ronan lifts his hand and flashes me a smile that makes my heart go all fluttery.
Though I’ve told myself time and again over the last week that I don’t need a man, that Ronan and I are just friends, that he’s just being helpful because of Hazel, not to get disappointed when nothing comes out of this, it doesn’t stop me from hoping.
Maybe,I allow.Maybe this time, I’ve found a good one.
By the time I retrieve my phone, I’ve nearly forgotten why I was reaching for it in the first place. Then I see a new text message on the screen and remember the buzz that so rudely interrupted me.
I don’t recognize the number, but as soon as I read the message, I realize exactly who it’s from.
