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I didn’t know exactly what I was trying to achieve with that. At that moment, the teenager crashed into Ruben’s knee, sending him flying forward and straight toward me. Undecided whether I should save myself, whether that was still possible, or whether I could still help Ruben in some way, I stood there and mentally prepared myself for the collision. Which happened pretty much exactly as I expected.

Ruben in my arms, a board against my shins, the sensation of flying for a fraction of a second. And then the impact. Exactly as hard as I expected. The snow cushioned our landing somewhat, but the shock through my bones and limbs was unavoidable.

But it was immediately clear that I wasn’t seriously injured. A scratch on my leg, and that was it. I immediately got up, pulled my arm out from under him, and checked Ruben out.

“Are you okay?”

His eyes were closed, and he was turning his head from side to side.

“Ruben?”

Finally, he opened his eyes and laughed. “I thought I could tell everyone I hadn’t fallen once.”

I sorted out my board and slipped out of the binding.

The teenager came up to us. “I’m sorry,” he said, then continued on his way.

Instead of worrying about him, I turned my attention back to Ruben.

I kneeled over him while he was still lying on his back.

“No one can remain standing when someone hits them in the side of the legs.”

Ruben made an indefinable sound. “Ah.”

“Are you okay?” He appeared kind of dazed.

He stretched, and I leaned closer to him. He tapped my helmet with his gloved finger. “Yes.”

He had his dark eyes fixed on me. His mouth opened slightly. He ran his finger over my brow.

As if his hand had connected with my face, I moved closer to him.

“After our argument today, I didn’t think we’d have that much fun.”

He looked so serious when he said that. His dark eyelashes emphasized his concern. The corners of my mouth twitched upward. “What argument?” I teased.

Surprised, he pulled his hand back slightly and laughed when he realized I was joking.

“That’s what has always fascinated me about you. No matter how important a discussion is, you fight it out and don’t let it get you down but continue in good spirits.”

I didn’t know what he was getting at with that statement. “It’s not that I shake everything off and forget.”

This time Ruben didn’t let himself be deterred and stroked my chin. “That’s not what I meant. Sometimes an argument or a harsh word affects me for weeks. You’re much better at dealing with these kinds of things and don’t let them negatively impact your life. But I’m under no illusion that you’ve forgotten our argument in the cabin.” He let out a heavy, sorrowful sigh that made me smile.

“An argument or a misunderstanding doesn’t mean it’s all over. We can fight and still have a great day on the slopes.”

The seconds ticked by. What was Ruben searching for in my face? What answer did he think he would find?

Finally, he nodded. “I guess I understand. Usually, those things happen quite quickly. Something isn’t right. I get blocked. Ghosted.”

I inhaled sharply. Obviously, I didn’t have the slightest idea about Ruben’s former dating life.

“I promise you one thing. If I don’t want to talk to you, if I don’t want to have contact, I’ll tell you. If I don’t, it always means I want to be close to you.”

Ruben slid his hand down my neck and pulled me toward him.

His warm breath brushed against my skin. My face. All I could see was Ruben. Had I said yesterday that I wanted to wait? For what? He was here. He wanted me. And I wanted him. More than anything else.