He pops a fry into his mouth. Once he’s swallowed it, he says, “I wouldn’t exactly consider what I did a workout.”
“More than I did,” I point out.
“Still.” He nudges his tray towards me. “It’s after one o’clock. Well past lunchtime. You should have more than a few fries.”
When I hesitate, he adds in a low, earnest tone, “I just don’t want you to be hungry. Or to feel uncomfortable ordering what you want. I told you I get a discount here. So if there’s anything you’d like, whether it’s food or a lift ticket or a new hat”—he flicks the fuzzy pompom of my knit cap— “just tell me. I’m happy to get it for you.”
I don’t doubt what he’s saying. Ronan is one of the most generous people I’ve ever met. It’s not just how he’s offered to help me. It’s at the very core of him. It’s in his years of service and now his work for GMG. It’s the way he helps everyone in town without hesitation, whether it’s shoveling Mrs. Adamson’s driveway after her usual plow guy flaked out or offering to man the first aid tent at one of the many local events.
But that doesn’t mean I want to take him up on everything he offers. I don’t want Ronan thinking that I only like spending time with him because of what he does for me. I want it to be a two-way street. I want to do nice things for him, just like he’s done for me.
Still, I don’t want to be rude. So I take a chicken tender and transfer it to my plate. “Thanks.” As I begin cutting it into pieces—yes, I’m weird and like to eat most of my food with a knife and fork, a fact Haley never ceases to be amazed by—I add, “And thank you for the lesson. Truly. Haley’s just beyond excited about it.”
In unison, we both look at Haley, sitting two tables over with three of her friends. We ran into them when we got to the lodge, and Haley begged to sit with them so she could tell them all about her thrilling ski lesson with one of the Guardians.
“He’s one of the Green Mountain Guardians,” she bragged. “The most important one, since he’s a medic. So he protects people and he heals them.Andhe’s teaching me to ski. That’swaybetter than regular lessons.”
“She did really well,” Ronan replies. “She listened to all my instructions, paid attention to her surroundings, had good control over her skis… I think she’ll be ready for one of the green trails the next time.”
Unease niggles at me. Ronan offered to teach Haley to ski, but he never specified what that meant. One lesson? Two? Enough for her to be able to join ski club? Or just enough to learn the basics? I’m hesitant to ask since he’s doing me a favor, but I also need to know.
“Is there going to be another lesson?” My cheeks heat. “Sorry. That came out weird. I just… I wasn’t sure what you were thinking. And I don’t want to assume…”
Ronan glances at Haley again. She’s chattering away with her friends and paying zero attention to us. “I thought there would be,” he says. “So she can join ski club. Unless you don’t want?—”
“I do. I mean. If you’re sure you have the time.”
“Angel.” Ronan takes my hand. “I said I’d teach Haley to ski. I don’t go back on my promises.” His gaze dips to the table before returning to mine. “But.”
“But?”
“I would be lying if I said it wasn’t because I want to see you, as well.”
My heart leaps. “Really?”
He squeezes my hand. “Yes.” Then he grabs his soda and takes a long sip. “I was thinking we could do another lesson next Saturday, if that works for you.”
I nod, feeling flutters of anticipation already.
It’s not a date, but it’s something. And he just said he wants to seeme.
Some of the tension I’ve been carrying since Justin’s text slips away. It’s not completely gone—I’m not sure that will happen even after I call the lawyer I can’t really afford—but I feel much lighter than I did before.
“Saturday sounds good,” I reply. “Haley will be really excited about it. And… so am I.”
Ronan smiles. “Good.” He takes another sip of soda and says, “Also. I’ve been thinking about your house.”
“My house?”
“Well, the security at your house. You have one of those video doorbells, but I’d like to put up some cameras outside. Just for some added security.”
“Why?” I ask. “I have deadbolts, and it’s not like I have anything to steal.” Belatedly, I realize how that sounded. “I mean, I do. I guess. But there are a lot of houses in Bliss with much more valuable stuff than me.”
A serious expression moves across Ronan’s face. “I’ve heard a lot of people say that. But you’d be surprised. The estates, the mansions—they have extensive security systems that criminals don’t want to mess with. They’d rather try breaking into a house with minimal security because it lowers the risk of being caught.”
“Oh.” I shiver instinctively. “I didn’t think about that.”
His thumb strokes across the back of my hand. “I’m sorry, Angel. I’m not trying to scare you. I just want you to be safe. And with Phil out on bail?—”
