Chapter 13

The next morning, Brynn was sore and stiff. Natural light filled the room. Much nicer than the darkness that surrounded her when a nurse had woken her up in the middle of the night to take vitals. The chair where Ry had slept last night was empty.

She swallowed a sigh. No reason to be disappointed. He’d stayed the night when he could have stayed at the condo with a comfortable bed.

The door to her room opened. Ry entered, holding two cups of coffee.

Her breath caught in her throat. Tingles flowed through her. He wore the same clothes as yesterday. Even with his hair a mess, he was still gorgeous. She swallowed. “You’re still here.”

“Good morning.” He greeted her with a grin. “I thought you could use one of these.”

“Exactly what I need to get going this morning.”

Next to him.

“Two sugars and a dash of cream.” He handed her a cup. “Your face has more color. Feel better?”

“I do.” Once she got moving, her muscles would loosen. “Doctor Wu wants me to walk the hallways.”

“After you finish your coffee, we can take a stroll.” Ry stretched. “I could use some exercise.”

“You didn’t have to sleep in the chair.”

“Yes, I did.” He winked. “I wasn’t about to tempt Coach’s wrath by sharing your bed again.”

Too bad, because she’d enjoyed falling asleep next to him during her nap. His warmth and strength had made her feel safe and accepted, something that had been eluding her lately. She had no idea if the feelings were due to her situation, injury, or Ry himself, but she didn’t need to analyze them when he’d been upfront about not being interested in dating or relationships. But that wasn’t stopping a crush from developing. Not that he’d ever know.

She grinned. “That’s interesting, considering you used to be the one who stood up to him.”

“I still do with Coach, but not the man who suddenly found himself a father.”

Her lips parted. “He’s not. I mean, he is biologically. But he didn’t seem to want—”

“This situation is new to both of you.” Ry ran his hand lightly along her right arm. “It’s taken twenty-five years for the truth to come out. Don’t expect everything to be resolved right away.”

For all she knew, it would take another twenty-five years for any resolution. Still, she nodded.

“But I have a feeling you’re in for a pleasant surprise,” he added.

If only… But she didn’t dare let herself believe it. Not yet. She sipped her coffee.

Her silence didn’t keep his face from brightening. “And when that happens, I’ll happily say I told you so.”

Funny, but he sounded as if they would stay in touch after they left Sun Valley. That was unexpected, but Brynn hoped they did. “If it happens, I doubt I’ll mind you saying that.”

He raised his cup in a cheer to her before taking a sip.

She enjoyed her coffee. “I want to change before taking a walk.”

“Me, too.” He set his coffee on her bed tray and then picked up his cinch sack. “I’ll change in the bathroom, then you can have it.”

The door closed behind him. Brynn couldn’t believe how easy being around Ry was considering how they’d started out. She had no idea how to define what was going on between them. She enjoyed spending time with him and kissing him. Beyond that…

The bathroom door opened. He came out and struck a pose. The striped jogger pants combined with the long-sleeved T-shirt resembled an American flag. “What do you think?”

“Only you could pull that off.” Smiling, Brynn took a picture on her cell phone. “Chas, Sam, and Jon must have had fun packing for you.”

“They’re probably still laughing. Though these clothes have to belong to someone.” As Ry moved toward the bed, he motioned to the bathroom. “Your turn.”

Cautiously, she slid off the bed.

He held out his arms to spot her.

“I’m okay.” The slipper socks the hospital provided kept her from sliding, but each movement sent a burst of pain shooting through her. Nothing Brynn couldn’t handle if she wanted to ski on Sunday. “But thanks for watching out for me.”

He grabbed her cinch sack. “Do you need the nurse to help you dress?”

“You’re not offering?” she teased.

“That’s what old Ry would have done.” He raised an eyebrow. “Though if you ask…”

With a laugh, she took the bag. “I can do this myself.”

Brynn could, but once inside the bathroom, she left the door unlocked. She might be determined to do this, but she wasn’t stupid. If she fell or the pain got too bad, she would need help.

After untying the straps, the gown came off easily. Dark bruises covered her left side. Not pretty, but they would heal. Not by Sunday, but she would do the best she could to finish the race. A little hurting wouldn’t stop her.

Wiggling into her panties while standing proved too challenging, so she sat on the toilet. That helped. One attempt at putting on her bra made her shove the thing into the bag. The clothes Amelia had packed were baggy enough no one would notice. If they did, Brynn didn’t care. After a quick check in the mirror followed by a grimace, she left the bathroom.

Ry gave her the once-over. “You look nice and comfy.”

“Comfy, yes, but not so nice.” She wore loose-fitting sweatpants and an oversized thick shirt. “I prefer yoga pants, but Amelia made the right choice. Anything formfitting would hurt the bruises.”

His mouth slanted. “What about your racing suit?”

“I’ll be better by Sunday.” Brynn crossed her fingers behind her back. She had to be. “Ready?”

“Always ready for you.”

Her heart bumped. It had been doing that a lot with Ry. Not surprising given all he’d done for her. “Be careful or I might take you up on that.”

“I’m all yours until Monday morning.”

With that, an imaginary bucket of ice water was dumped over her head. Monday, he returned to Portland for his physical therapy, conditioning, and modeling. And she…

Stop.

Real life would intrude soon enough. No sneak preview required. She needed to focus on healing and enjoy this time with him because that was all she would get.

She held out her hand. “Ready to catch me if I fall?”

Ry laced his fingers with hers. “I’ve got you.”

For now.

If only he didn’t have to let go…

Slowly, they left the room and went into the hall. Each step hurt, but not to the point of grimacing. That was progress. She didn’t want anyone, including Ry, to think she wasn’t capable of competing in the giant slalom. But after the third lap, she needed a break. “Time to ice.”

He gave a mock bow. “Whatever you wish.”

“I wish you’d go to the course and text me updates. Not knowing what’s happening is driving me crazy.” She entered her room. “Please.”

“You’re not getting rid of me.” His voice was calm and steady, but he had to be bored. “Text Taylor for updates.”

“You hate hospitals.”

Ry shrugged. “Staying.”

Brynn blew out a breath. “If you’re still trying to make amends—”

“You forgave me. I want to be here.” He appeared genuine, which warmed her heart. “After lunch, you’ll likely be discharged. Someone needs to drive you to Sun Valley. It might as well be me.”

“Thanks.” His choosing to stay pleased Brynn. Her growing attachment—dare she say affection—didn’t scare her as much as it should.

Friends, teammates, and…

Brynn brainstormed a list of nouns to fill in the blank.

Crush, Date, Boyfriend.

Others came to mind, but those were nothing but fantasies and daydreams. She wasn’t about to list them. Even boyfriend was pushing it, given what Ry had told her.

A date, however, would do nicely.

Brynn hoped Ry would be up for one after she finished racing and before he returned to Portland. After that, they could finish their evening with cookie dough and kisses.

♥ ♥ ♥

Friday after lunch, while Ry went to find the doctor, Brynn hung up from talking to her brother Ace who had called before his game. As she sat on the bed staring out the window, she daydreamed about skiing. Not racing, but with Ry, making fresh tracks in knee-deep powder, switching off the lead, until they skied side by side. Someday…?

Probably not but thinking about that was easier than imagining her teammates and coaches at the slalom course. Brynn wanted to be there, but she was stuck in the hospital.

Only for one night, and that was frustrating enough. This, however, gave her a glimpse of what not competing, let alone skiing, must be like for Ry. Yet, he’d pushed past those emotions to come to Sun Valley to help her, to stay with her at the hospital.

Could that mean something more than him being a teammate helping another? Or a friend?

She hoped so.

Possibilities ran through her mind. Ry didn’t want a relationship, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t see each other, text, talk, or video chat. Friends did that. And no big deal if they happened to kiss occasionally. Friends did that, too.

Being around Ry made her feel as light as the mylar balloon floating in the corner of the room. After three months with an elephant pressing against her shoulders and chest, she wasn’t ready for that feeling to end.

A text notification sounded.

Jax: How’s my fave skier?

Brynn: Ready to be free from her cage.

Jax: Don’t push yourself.

Brynn: When have I done that?

Jax: Since you started crawling.

Brynn: Like you’d remember that.

Jax: Bet you’re smiling.

Brynn: Maybe but you should score a goal for me tonight.

Jax: I play defense.

Brynn: So?

Jax: I’ll see what I can do.

Dr. Pearl entered the room.

“Good news.” Dr. Pearl smiled. “The MRI results are unremarkable. Everything is normal, so you’re going to be released. Coach Tolliver wants you to rest. No going to today’s events.”

“Will do, doc. I won’t leave my room.” Anticipation flowing through her, Brynn leaned forward. “What about racing on Sunday?”

“You’ll need to speak with Dr. Wu and the coaches.” Dr. Pearl gave her a conspiratorial wink. “But if you’re up for skiing, fight for it.”

Brynn wanted to race in the super G. She was ready to wage an all-out war with the coaches, if need be.

“I’ll have the nurse arrange for your discharge,” Dr. Pearl added. “I want you in bed until then.”

Brynn covered herself with the blanket and held the stuffed husky. “Whatever you say.”

Dr. Pearl laughed. “Good luck.”

“Thanks.” Though Brynn hoped she didn’t need it.

After the doctor left, Ry came into the room. “I hear you’re getting out of here.”

“Soon, but I’m supposed to rest until then.” His face appeared flushed as if he’d been running, but he didn’t seem out of breath. “Where have you been?”

“After I spoke to the doctor, I ran an errand. So, naptime?”

She yawned. “I’m a little tired.”

He kicked off his shoes and hopped on the right side of the bed. “Human pillow at your service.”

Brynn wouldn’t be complaining about having to rest now. She scooted over to give him more room. “I’m getting spoiled.”

“You deserve it.”

She peered through her eyelashes. “I do.”

Laughing, he placed his arm around her, avoiding her left side as much as he could. “Come closer.”

She didn’t have to be told twice and cuddled against him. The sound of his heartbeat against her ear soothed her. His body heat warmed her. His touch offered a sense of belonging she hadn’t thought possible. Not with so much else going on.

“Sleep,” he murmured.

By the time Brynn woke up, it was time for her to leave the hospital. She signed the paperwork and received instructions to follow. As she sat in a wheelchair with the stuffed dog on her lap, a nurse pushed her to the curb where a four-door sedan idled.

Ry jumped out of the driver’s seat, hurried around the front of the car, and opened the passenger door. “That didn’t take long.”

As he helped her, Brynn slid into the car. She fastened her seat belt.

“We have one stop to make,” he said.

“Where?”

“You’ll see.”

Her lower lip thrust forward. Guess he wasn’t going to tell her.

A short time later, they were in Sun Valley, parking in front of a lovely mountain lodge-style hotel that would have fit perfectly in a quaint European mountain village. Animal sculptures flanked each side of the entrance.

He turned off the car. “Let’s go inside.”

Her breath caught in her throat. The picturesque inn seemed like the kind of place a couple might escape to for a romantic getaway. They’d been getting closer since her fall, but she hadn’t expected him to do this. Whatever this might be.

Brynn’s pulse raced. “What are you up to?”

He didn’t answer, but he got out of the car and opened her door.

“Such manners.” She slid out, forcing herself not to grimace or flinch from the pain. Moving continued to hurt. Her fingers dug into the stuffed dog she carried to keep from crying out.

Ry carried her cinch sack, the flowers, and balloon. “Follow me.”

She hesitated. “I’m not big on surprises.”

“Who said anything about a surprise?”

He hadn’t, except… “Then why are we here?”

Mischief twinkled in his eyes. “You’ll see in a minute.”

Inside, traditional-style furnishings filled the lobby. Old-world charm mixed with stylish mountain warmth. The fabric patterns and textures combined with polished wood reminded her of Europe.

The place was empty except for the hotel staff, and then she remembered the race and the ski resort. Why would anyone be inside when they could be out on the mountain? Well, unless they were with a hottie skier. She’d much rather be here than standing out in the cold unable to compete. Was Ry thinking the same thing?

Her heart rate sped up as if she were making quick turns through blue and red poles on a slalom course. “Has it been a minute yet?”

“Patience.”

Brynn was trying, but her bruises hurt and an ache inside—one that had nothing to do with her injuries and everything to do with Ry’s kisses—grew.

A woman with sandy blond hair stood by the elevator. Brynn did a double take. “Mom?”

“Surprise!” her mother shouted.

Brynn gaped. She touched her lips. “You…you told me you weren’t coming.”

“Oh, sweetie.” Her mother hugged her lightly. “I had to come after Ry called me.”

Brynn had told him why her mom wouldn’t be here, yet… “You called my mom? Even after I told you…?”

No regret shone in his gaze. “You need your mom here, and that’s what I told her.”

“It’s true, and he bought me the plane ticket,” her mom confirmed. “Even though I should have realized that for myself.”

Brynn should be upset at him, but instead she tingled all over. How could she be angry when he understood what she needed? Ry had stepped up in a big way when he could have done nothing. His actions and generosity touched her. “Thanks.”

“We’ll talk later. Rest now.” He handed over Brynn’s cinch sack, the flowers, and balloon. “You’re staying with your mom tonight. Coach Tolliver and Dr. Wu agreed.”

“I’ll take good care of you,” her mom said.

“Tomorrow, if you’re ready, you can move back to your room with Lila.” With his finger, Ry caressed Brynn’s cheek.

So gentle. She wanted to thank him but couldn’t find her voice. Not with her throat thickening with emotion.

“You’ve got my number,” he continued. “I’ll be back in the morning.”

He pressed his mouth against hers. Tender and soft. His kiss surprised Brynn, but she loved the feel and taste of him. Warm with a hint of salt, unmistakably Ry.

He stepped away. “Enjoy this time with your mom.”

As he headed through the lobby, her mom’s gaze bounced from Ry’s retreating figure to Brynn. “You haven’t mentioned him. Is it serious?”

“No.” A part of Brynn wished it were because Ryland Guyer was everything she never knew she wanted in a man. “The coaches asked Ry to help me. That’s why he’s here.”

The elevator doors opened. Laughing, her mom stepped inside. “Some help.”

Brynn followed, and her cheeks warmed. “Mom.”

“He seems to take his job seriously. He also kissed you.”

The elevator doors closed.

“We’re not together, not even close. That kiss…” Whatever Brynn said would only raise more questions. Ones she didn’t want to answer. “Until this week, we didn’t really know each other.”

“That doesn’t seem to be the case now.” Concern clouded her mom’s gaze. “Please be careful. Male elite skiers are only concerned with one thing…themselves. They will put their skiing first each and every time. You’ve been through enough. You don’t need your heart broken, too.”

It already had been by her mom and Sully. “Is that what happened to you and Coach?”

The elevator doors parted. Her mom motioned to a door on the left. “Let’s talk inside.”

Less than a minute later, they stepped into the room. The mauve and cream color scheme contained a combination of plaid, stripes, and geometric-patterned fabrics. Oak furniture with a French flair didn’t take away from the open feel of the room. A nightstand separated two queen-sized beds. A table with two upholstered chairs occupied a corner, and a cabinet held a flat screen television. “Lovely room.”

“Ry booked it for us.”

Of course, he did. His errand must have been taking care of her mom’s arrival. The realization sent tingles skittering across Brynn’s skin.

“You have goose bumps.” Her mom sat on the bed farthest from Brynn.

The good kind, but Brynn wanted to keep that to herself. She climbed under the covers of the bed closest to her. “I’ll be warm soon enough.”

The lines on her mother’s face appeared deeper, but she still looked to be in her forties, not late fifties. A hair stylist took care of the gray in her hair. Running after four grandchildren kept her active and in good shape.

Brynn wished her mom had sat on the same bed with her. “You were going to tell me what happened.”

“It’s nothing, really. Just a warning.”

“Because of your experience with Coach?”

Her mom nodded. “I was so young. We both were. When Mike…Coach Frederick…made the national team, he was so excited. I didn’t blame him. It was everyone’s dream. He wanted to make the most of the opportunity. A girlfriend back home would have been a distraction. So, he broke up with me. I never saw or heard from him again until the wedding.”

Not “nothing.” The pain underlying what she said was clear. Coach Frederick had broken her mom’s heart.

Brynn reached across the space between the beds to touch her mom’s knee. “I’m sorry.”

“That was a long time ago, but I remember what it was like. Please be careful around Ry. Anyone who follows skiing knows he’s set on competing in Beijing.”

Not only competing. Winning. And like Coach, Ry wanted nothing to distract him from his goal. That included women.

Her.

She pulled back her arm and adjusted the pillows behind her.

“Are you thirsty?” her mom asked. “Ry filled the fridge with food and drinks.”

“I’m fine.” Brynn rested against the headboard. “I’m happy you’re here.”

“Me, too. Though it shouldn’t have taken a call from Ry to get me on a plane. Sully…” Her mom exhaled before wiping her eyes. “I’m sorry for what I’ve put you through. I had no idea what the consequences of my actions would be to you. Now, or back then.”

It’s okay sat on the tip of Brynn’s tongue. Only she realized what happened wasn’t okay. She remembered what Ry had said last night. “You had your reasons.”

“Not very good ones given the way Sully treated you. I grabbed the stable and secure life instead of following my heart and taking a risk. I assumed when he agreed to give you his name he would accept you as his daughter. But he never even tried. My decision was the right choice for your brothers but not for you. I allowed Sully to treat you horribly. I was too afraid to speak up. Worried what might happen to you, your brothers, and me if I did. That was wrong, and I’m sorry.”

Brynn had held a grudge against Ry. Avoided him as much as possible. Not spoken to him when he was near. Her anger had accomplished nothing except to build bitterness. The past belonged behind her; what had happened wasn’t part of her present or future.

“I know you’re sorry, Mom.”

Her mother’s expression grew more serious. “There’s something you should know. When I told Sully I was flying to Sun Valley to see you, he gave me an ultimatum—you or him. I chose you.”

Brynn gasped. Sully’s actions didn’t surprise her, but she was shocked her mother had gone against him. Her mother, who needed stability and was so dependent on her husband, had thrown her safe life—and the family—into upheaval. “What will you do?”

“That’s a conversation for another time. Today is about you.”

“Mo-om.”

“Brynn.”

“Thanks for coming.” Brynn felt as if she were in the middle of a dream. That was a hundred times better than the nightmare she’d been living these past three months. “Having you here…”

“I’m relieved Ry called and kept me from taking the easy way out once again.” Her mom sighed. “There’s no place else I’d rather be. I hope you believe that.”

Unfamiliar peace settled around Brynn’s heart. “I do.”

She would have to find a special way to thank Ry for getting her mom to Sun Valley. This was exactly what Brynn needed.

Maybe Sunday after the race…