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Maya grasped the furry lapels of his jacket, and as the momentum ceased, she was in his arms, clutching his clothing and staring into his eyes.

He was pinned by her soft gaze, like an animal in the headlights, his pulse a good deal faster than a few moments ago. As he inhaled her sweet scent, he was transported to summertime. Specifically, that summer where they’d had more than one clinch in the boot room at the ski resort. He could almost perceive the musty stillness of the space around them, feel the brush of her lips against his, taste her tongue in his mouth, and sense the soft touch of her skin beneath his fingers.

Maya cleared her throat, her voice quiet. “Thanks.”

His airway felt constricted. “That’s okay. Just make sure you’re steady before I let you go.”

Maya nodded, shifting her gaze away to extricate herself. She tested her footing. “I’ll meet you in the car.”

This time, she turned more slowly, gingerly making her way back to her vehicle.

Sam watched, aware that he should shut the bonnet and get his bag. But he had an overwhelming urge to ensure she reached her car without further incident. Shaking his head, he wondered why he felt protective over a woman who held him in such contempt. Although, if she still thought that he was so beneath her, why was she offering to help?

Finally, he managed to close the bonnet and quickly fetch his bag. “Thanks for nothing,” he muttered to the dead automobile, before crossing the tarmac. Maybe Maya had offered to give him a hand because she felt sorry for him. He shuddered, a sick feeling swirling in his gut.

He opened her passenger door and stuck his head in, taken aback that her car was a decidedly normal hatchback rather than the high-end sort he’d been expecting. “Should I put this bag in the boot?”

Maya darted her gaze to the rear and then back to him. “The boot’s full, I’m afraid.”

Sam climbed in, placing the bag at his feet and closing the door. “No problem.”

He took off his jacket, and as he leaned toward her to get his arm out, she moved away, touching her shoulder against the cold window and letting out an involuntary yelp.

For goodness’ sake, I’m not that repulsive, surely?

She shot him a brief smile. “Buckle up.”

Sam tried not to roll his eyes. He knew the drill for car travel. This wasn’t his first rodeo. He rubbed his forehead. “This isn’t what either of us was expecting this evening.”

Maya kept her eyes on the road, her expression neutral. “Not really. I only expect to see my friends’ brothers naked on Tuesdays.”

Sam laughed before he could stop himself. As awkward as it was to be reminded of that fact, Maya making a joke of it did disarm the tension somewhat. “I meant sharing a car. But point taken.”

A smile seemed to play at the corner of her mouth, but then it was gone. He’d always thought her smile to be the most beautiful he’d ever seen.

Sam ran a hand through his hair, feeling a little bolder. “Is it okay if we talk?” He gave her a side glance. “Or do you want me to remain silent for the whole journey?”

A short laugh escaped her lips, and he got the feeling that question was a little close to the bone. She cleared her throat. “Talking is fine.”

Sam glanced over his shoulder, attempting to think of something neutral to say. “Is your boot so full because you’re taking Christmas presents home?”

There was more than a moment’s hesitation, and Sam wondered what on earth could be so controversial about that innocuous question.

“No. It’s all my worldly possessions. I’m moving home for a bit.”

The penny dropped. She’d been trying to keep from him that she was moving home on a more permanent basis. That was why she’d given Kirsty that funny look when they’d been discussing the journey prior to their departure. No doubt she didn’t want him knowing in case he still held a torch for her, which was pretty conceited on her part.

Sam remained silent as Maya accelerated out of town onto the country road. The scenic mountain view was obscured by darkness, but he could just detect its statuesque outline, as if it were hiding behind an opaque gray curtain.

“Oh yeah?” he said, fiddling with the glove compartment and trying not to give any emotion away. If she thought that he’d feel anything about her coming home, then she was sorely mistaken. “Liv didn’t mention it.”

“It was kind of a last-minute thing. I was considering staying on after Rich and I broke up, but then I decided I’d move home and live with my parents instead.” She shrugged, seeming to feign nonchalance.

“I do remember Liv saying that you’d lost your job.” He paused, realizing it would be polite to convey some sort of condolence regarding that situation, and trying to avoid expressing any kind of opinion about her breakup. “Sorry to hear that.”

Maya swallowed. “Well, you know. The firm went under. Sign of the times. But at least it’s not as bad as Moby Dick.”

Sam frowned. “Pardon?”