Release: New Adult Sport Romance (Fire and Ice) (5 page)

Kaleb’s warm, ungloved hand reaches for my mitten-covered one as we make our way down the sidewalk, and I marvel at the way it completely encases mine. “Don’t you ever wear gloves?”

He grins. “My hands never get cold. Usually they’re sweating. I wear spring gloves on the coldest days.”

“I wish that were my problem. Must be nice.” The late afternoon temperature makes me shiver. After a long day outside, I’m hungry and cold.

Kaleb drops my hand and wraps his arm around my shoulder, bringing me in close to his body. I melt into him when he says, “Hey, we’ll warm you up in a minute.” He points. “It’s right over there.”

A log building with a large window is ahead. Fogged up around the edges, I imagine that steamy lattes keep the usually dry mountain air moist inside the Baked Bean. When we step inside the door a myriad of smells hits my nose. My stomach isn’t the least bit confused, and it growls in response.

“I don’t have to ask if you’re hungry.” Kaleb’s eyes dance with amusement. “The soups here are what I recommend. They’re hearty, and the big piece of bread that goes with them is homemade.”

“Perfect. That’s just what I’m in the mood for.” I look at the odd décor. I have a ’70s flashback with the split-log chairs and tables. Streamers with triangle scraps of fabric draw my eye to the ceiling. Open beam, it has a rustic quality that insists everything is organic. The interesting interior also lets my eyes wander freely and disguises my need to scope out the occupants.

I order a bowl of butternut-squash soup and honey-oat bread with hot rooibos tea while Kaleb gets chicken chili and a roast beef sandwich with water. He carries our tray to the pickup area. Garlic tints the odor of his spicy chili, but I’m tempted by the sweet, earthy smell of my soup instead.

After we pay, Kaleb walks with our steaming tray to a table in the back. It’s a cozy corner a bit tucked away, and I smile and think it looks romantic. I seat myself with my back to the wall.

“Everything smells so good in here. I see why Casey likes it.” I lift a spoonful of soup to my mouth and blow on it.

“She likes it here for the desserts.” Kaleb takes a big bite of his sandwich.

A vision of Jason watching Casey floods my mind, and I wonder if Kaleb is attracted to her, too. “Do you two know each other well?” I put the spoon in my mouth, and onion-infused squash coats my tongue.

He takes a swallow of his water. “I used to see a lot of her when she dated my friend Blaine. She spent hours with us hanging out at The Bike Shop.

“Blaine?” The tint of green in my psyche fades. I break off a chunk of my bread and spread butter on it.

“He was an instructor at Peak 8 with us. He moved back to California last summer.”

“I heard today that one of the supervisors died in an avalanche last year. That sounds awful.” Buttery goodness fills my mouth, and I resist the urge to moan in pleasure.

“It was. He was the head of kids’ ski school. Casey lives in his old house. He was married with two children. His wife and kids moved to Arizona, I think.”

“Do you ever snowboard places that could have an avalanche?” I sip soup off my spoon.

“Sure. But, I’m smart about it.”

“I would think the head of kids’ ski school would have been smart about it too. What happened?” Deep-berry-colored water splashes into my mug as I pour tea.

Kaleb hunches his shoulders as he finishes chewing. “I don’t know. I guess we aren’t really that safe, after all.”

He looks a little disturbed, and I kick myself for my careless comment. I decide it’s time to change to a lighter subject. “So what’s it like here in the summer?”

“Quiet. But nice. Town isn’t as busy, and people spend a lot of time outdoors like they do in the winter.” He’s noticed I’m done eating. “Are you going to eat that?” He points to the rest of my bread.

“No, go ahead.” I pick up my mug and wrap my hands around it to savor the warmth that spreads to my fingers.

“Do you plan to stay through the summer?” His eyes look hopeful.

“I haven’t thought that far ahead. Are jobs hard to find?” He’s thinking about summer already?

He nods. “They can be. But we could find you something. I’m sure of it.”

My stomach flutters at his kindness. And my head imagines him in shorts and no shirt. I’m staying now. “Then maybe I will.”

“I’m still hungry. If I get dessert do you want one?” Kaleb puts our dishes on the tray and I help.

“I’m not sure I could eat a whole dessert—they look huge. But if you could find it in your heart to let me have a bite I would be grateful.” I bat my eyelashes at him in a blatant flirt.

He snorts. “Trust me, I didn’t expect to get dessert and not share it with you. I’m smarter than I look.”

He walks off with the tray, and I watch. His shoulders are broad and taper to a narrow waist. My eyes are drawn to his tight, round butt in jeans. Yup, he’s definitely hot.

I scan the customers and notice a couple having an argument. I can’t hear what they say, but the guy has moved back to lean in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. My pulse quickens as my body reacts to the anger. He’s done with whatever they’re discussing, and I discover I’m holding my breath. She’s finished speaking too and bursts into tears. His face softens, and he leans forward. His hand reaches out for her arm, and he appears to say something soothing. I relax as she shakes her head and he pulls her into his lap.

Oh my gosh. I tear up. I’ve just witnessed what real people in love do when they argue. My heart aches, wanting that. I dab at my eyes with a napkin and notice Kaleb is back.

He places the tray down, and his eyebrows lower in concern. “Are you okay?”

Uh-oh. Quick, how do I explain this? His hand lands on mine, and I smile up at him. I decide to go with emotional female. “I’m fine. I’m just having a girl moment, witnessing something sweet. I should learn not to get so involved in my people watching.”

His face warms in a smile. “You’re cute.”

“I don’t know about that. It’s kind of creepy when you think about it.” I smile, but it’s fake. What’s creepy is my reaction to conflict. Any conflict. I pick up the extra fork. “What’ve we got here?”

“Black Forest cake. I guessed you like chocolate.”

“Good guess.” I plunge my fork into a rich-looking, oversized slice of cake. I put it in my mouth, and the sugar makes me salivate in pleasure. “Ummmm.” I close my eyes to concentrate on the taste. “Oh yeah, Casey knows good dessert.”

When I open my eyes Kaleb is looking at my mouth. His eyes are hooded, and my core twinges. He’s hungry for more than dessert. So am I.

I take a few more bites before I’m full and watch in amazement as Kaleb manages to polish off the rest. “You surprise me. I didn’t take you for a dessert guy.”

“It’s my weakness. I’m a sugar addict. You know my dark secret now.” He sits back and sighs with satisfaction.

“If that’s your dark secret, I’m afraid to tell you mine.” For real.

“That’s okay. I’ll figure it out.” He taps his temple with a finger. “I’m pretty psychic when it comes to women.

I hope not. But I grin. “And cocky too.”

“Yeah, maybe.” He winks at me. “But it’s all part of the charm. How am I doing?”

“It works for me.” I give him a coy smile. I gather my tea items and stand to bring them to the dirty-dishes bins. Kaleb stands with his dessert plate.

I say, “I’ll take that. Be right back.” I walk off and hope he watches me the way I watched him and that he likes what he sees.

When I return, Kaleb holds my coat for me, and I put it on. When he turns me to face him and zips it up, we’re so close I want to kiss him in the worst way. He licks his lips, and it’s a telepathic message to the pit of my belly.

“C’mon, let’s get out of here.” His voice is low and deep, and it resonates through me. He takes my hand and leads me out of the café.

With a full stomach, and plenty of time to warm up, the brisk night air doesn’t penetrate my jacket. Although the anticipation of kissing the hot guy holding my hand might have something to do with that. We walk in silence back to our vehicles. Our feet beat out a rhythm. Stars twinkle over the dark outline of the Continental Divide.

“Isn’t the sky here beautiful? It makes me feel so small.” Kaleb looks up at the stars, and the streetlights reflect in his eyes.

I say, “I know. It’s amazing when you think about it. We’re nothing in this huge universe.” I snuggle in to his side as we walk slowly.

Kaleb stops and puts a finger under my chin. Tilting my head up he leans down to kiss me. Soft lips nibble my mouth tenderly. His tongue darts in just enough to test the waters. I meet him with mine and we explore more deeply. He tastes of salt, spice, and sweetness. When he pulls away, my lips throb for more.

I hook my arm around his as we continue down the sidewalk. My truck is only feet away, and I don’t want this night to end. “I had a really nice time.”

He says, “Me too. Will I see you early tomorrow morning?” We stop by my driver’s door.

“Yes.” I reach up to grasp the fabric of his coat by his chest. He leans down to kiss me again. This time it’s deeper. I lose myself in the sensation of his tongue as it explores my mouth. His arms pull me tight against his chest, and heat seems to seep through layers of fabric to ignite my desire.

When he pulls away, I blurt out, “Wow.”

He grins. “I was thinking the same thing.”

I hold back the excited noise that threatens to escape and pull my keys out of my pocket. While I fumble with the lock, Kaleb kisses the top of my head. “Good-night, Lori.”

The lock turns with a click, and I turn to him. “Good-night, Kaleb. See you tomorrow.”

I let myself into my truck and watch him walk away. I can’t help myself and let out a little squeal of delight. I drive home with the stars shining down on me and my head in the clouds.

Chapter 7

I should have known it would happen. The dream. It had been so long since I’d had it I thought maybe it was gone forever. I thought wrong. Last night I woke up sweating and shaking and so sure Lucas was in my room I wanted to crawl under the bed. The vision… I shake my head, hard. I try to clear the awful memory.

But the image of my face and my body won’t go away. A naked person lies on an ice rink. Jet-black hair is splayed artfully, and the girl looks posed in a beautiful sleep. Only, because it’s me, I’m embarrassed.

It’s been a while since the ice was resurfaced, and frosty residue from sharp skates is everywhere. As if I’m zooming in with a camera, the scene gets closer, and my body gets larger. My skin is so pale it’s translucent, and I see blue veins.

My hand reaches toward the porcelain face, so unlike reality. I see a piece of my hair is in my mouth and I want to take it out. I would find it annoying. Frost is on my eyelashes and nostrils. Am I alive? I reach to pull the hair out of my mouth, and something comes with it. Fear grips my heart as ice flows through my veins.

I’ve never seen what it is that comes out of my mouth. But whatever my mind blocks me from seeing, it causes sheer terror.

The memory makes me hug myself, and a tiny shudder runs through my body.

In line at the post office, a voice behind me speaks. “Cold today, huh?” I turn to sleepy brown eyes.

“Yeah, but the snow was nice.” I’m being polite. The skunk-like odor of the guy behind me makes me uncomfortable. Sometimes I feel completely out of my element. I suppose that was the plan, but it still seems weird.

“I have a package.” I hand the yellow notice to the mail lady behind the counter. I take the priority box from the woman’s hands. “Thanks.” Not even my dream can ruin my happiness right now. It’s like Christmas morning as I glide out to my truck, anxious to open the package. Not here, though. Instead, I put it on my passenger seat for later. I lock up and head toward The Bike Shop.

The bell attached to the top of the door jingles as I push it open. Numerous people are inside, and I know Kaleb is too busy for me to hang around. Spotting him with a customer, I wait to catch his eye. He sees me and nods his head to indicate he’ll be with me when he can.

I walk to the ski rack and listen to two guys talk. I hear the words “wood” and “titanium,” which tells me I have no interest in what they have to say. I move toward the bright-colored ski poles.

“Lori.” I turn and am startled by Kaleb’s crystal-blue eyes. He reaches for my hands, and I clasp on. His warm, strong fingers wrap around mine.

“Hi.” I let the big grin I’ve been containing spread across my face. “My skates are here.”

“Great. You look more excited about tomorrow than I am.” Kaleb steps in close, and I catch his clean, salty scent.

I want to put a hand on his chest and feel the tight cotton of his T-shirt strained against his well-defined pecs. I lose myself for a second before I look up at him. “Uh-huh.”

He shakes his head. Yeah, I think he’d like me to touch him, too. “I wish it weren’t so busy.” He takes a step backward. “Tomorrow night, I’m all yours.”

I rub my hands together and raise my eyebrows. “That you are, and I have plans for you.” Tomorrow night, I plan to kiss Kaleb in a way that leaves him wanting so much more.