Chapter 8

That evening, the street party was in full swing in front of a local bar and grill. Ry stood on the edge of the crowd. Sam was going on about his favorite subject—women. Jon Dwyer had deserted them for a pair of blond snow bunnies. Chas and Taylor had been holding hands, whispering, before disappearing into a restaurant.

Ry half listened to Sam over the music playing. He was more interested in staring at Brynn, fifteen feet away, with Lila and a male skier he didn’t recognize.

He should pay attention to Sam, but the sight of Brynn in her faded jeans, boots, and hooded white parka snared Ry’s gaze like a steel trap. So beautiful. Sweet and sexy like her kiss.

Her kissing him had caught him off guard earlier. Unexpected, but not unwelcome. Far from it. All he’d wanted were more kisses, completely forgetting about his so-called lifestyle changes, at least where women were concerned.

For a nanosecond, he’d understood what Chas had meant. A minivan with a ski rack on top didn’t seem so bad, but the image implied settling down, a stable life, working for Guyer Gear.

Not happening.

Instead, he pictured himself with Brynn, lips against each other, and preferred that image. More kissing sounded like the next step except she was worried he would be a distraction. Maybe not him but the kisses. He wanted to help, not be another obstacle to her racing. That was why earlier he’d shot from the hip, rather his lips, spouting nonsense about made-up A team celebration traditions to make her feel better. She’d known what he was doing, too. That had to be the reason she’d said no when he’d invited Brynn to hang out tonight.

A smart move on her part.

He wasn’t here to mess with her.

But he’d enjoyed the way she’d pressed against him in her racing suit. Just thinking about touching her earlier sent his temperature up five degrees. Okay, ten. Welcome on a cold night, but she was correct.

More kisses would get in the way.

Not only hers. His, too.

He needed to forget about what had happened earlier. He’d been trying since saying goodbye. Except he was having trouble because Brynn was different.

And her kiss…

He’d considered the mountains his home, but with his lips against Brynn’s, he’d found a new one, a place he never wanted to leave.

His stomach knotted.

What was wrong with him?

Ry knew better.

Going cold turkey with women might be his problem. Brynn was the first he’d let get close since then. But that didn’t mean he wanted…

Okay, he wanted her.

But he didn’t get serious, keeping things casual had been the way to go. Brynn, however, didn’t seem to be the casual, let’s-hang-out-and-hook-up type. Which left them nowhere to go.

“You aren’t listening.” Sam rocked back on his heels.

“Busty blonde in Vegas.”

“Lucky guess.”

Brynn and Lila laughed at something that skier said.

Ry gritted his teeth. He wanted to tell the bum to get lost.

Wait a minute. Ry did a double take. That was the kid who came in third yesterday. A hot-shot local who’d earned an invite to one of the spring camps.

The guy was hanging on Brynn’s every word. Weird, since Lila was closer to his age. The kid should put a move on her and leave Brynn alone. Except he inched closer to Brynn.

Ry didn’t like it. “Why is that teenager still hanging around Brynn and Lila?”

“Because they are enjoying his company.” Sam smirked. “I know you gave up alcohol, but a soda might calm you down.”

“I’m calm.”

Sam rolled his eyes. “Every time you see Brynn talking to that kid, your nostrils flare like a bull ready to stampede.”

“Yeah, right.”

A get-real expression flashed on Sam’s face. “Don’t tell me nothing’s going on between you two.”

“I’m not here to get a date.”

“Given the territorial pissing match I sense coming in the next two minutes, I’d say you’re past the dating phase.”

As if hit, Ry flinched. He had no idea what Sam was talking about. “I’ve only been here three days.”

“Lust knows no timeframe.” Sam smirked. “And you know her.”

At the innuendo in Sam’s voice, Ry cringed. His fault for what he’d said five years ago, but still… He needed to stop this. Now. “I told you yesterday. Nothing happened.”

“You did, but she keeps glancing your way and you’re ready to stake a claim, so something is definitely going on with you two now.”

Ry’s gaze flew to Brynn, who had turned her back to him. “Very funny.”

Sam laughed. “You just proved my point. Stop fighting and surrender now. Worse ways to go. And the two of you look like a couple.”

“Couple,” like “commitment,” was a word Ry wanted to avoid. He’d been ready for that once, but the future he’d imagined had been nothing but a pipe dream. Pippa, the woman he thought he’d spend the rest of his life with, had wanted him to give up skiing before Sochi and take his rightful place at Guyer Gear. All she’d cared about was the money to be made at his family’s company, not his dreams of representing his country at the Winter Games. Ry had been devastated, but he’d thrown himself into skiing even though he could have easily lost his focus if not for friends like Henry Davenport keeping him on track.

That was why his path—his life for the next three years—was set. Nothing would change that. Why take the chance of another failed relationship knocking him off track when so much was at stake?

Bottom line, he couldn’t. Even if he found Brynn attractive with oh-so-kissable lips.

No partying. No alcohol. No women.

Making those vows had been working for him, allowing him to focus on his physical and mental well-being. Nothing had set him back so far. There was no reason to change or amend his plan. Which was why as soon as Ry finished helping Brynn, he would focus on his recovery.

“But given the age of that kid”—Sam motioned to the trio—“he has only one thing on his mind.”

Ry laughed. “You might be older, but you have the same thing on your mind. Lila is around his age.”

Sam frowned. “Lila’s a kid herself. Too young to have her heart broken by some punk.”

A weight pressed on Ry’s chest. Brynn had been the same age as Lila when she’d been in his hotel room. His throat thickening, he rubbed his chin. “Let’s make sure the guy stays in line with the ladies.”

“I'm in,” Sam said.

Ry headed over, forcing his way between Brynn and the teenager. “Quite the party.”

She eyed him warily. “I thought you were staying at your condo tonight.”

“I dragged him out.” Sam was the perfect wingman and knew exactly what to say. Way better than Dwyer, who wanted to be the center of attention. Sam focused on Lila. “How ya doing, kiddo?”

The condensation from Lila’s long exhale hung on the cold air. “Just peachy.”

“Ry. Sam,” Brynn said. “Have either of you met Kaden?”

Kaden rocked back in his expensive snow boots. “Hey.”

The kid was younger than Ry had realized, eighteen at the most. Too young for Brynn. He also recognized Kaden’s admiration after years of dealing with fans. “Good job in the super combined.”

“Thanks.” As Kaden’s face reddened, he extended a gloved hand. “Didn’t know you’d be here. It’s an honor, dude.”

Ry supposed dude was better than being called sir. “Good luck with the rest of your events.”

“Hey, you never wish me luck,” Sam accused.

“I did yesterday.”

Sam hesitated as if trying to remember. “That was the first time, and I’ve known you forever.”

Was that true? Ry had no idea. He’d enjoyed wishing Brynn luck, but a kiss on the cheek would never be enough now that he’d tasted her lips. Except he wasn’t supposed to be thinking about kisses.

He focused on Sam. “Never thought you needed any luck, but I knew you were gunning for Chas so I figured it couldn’t hurt.”

Smiling, Sam stood taller.

Brynn sighed. Lila beamed.

A text notification buzzed.

Kaden pulled out his phone. His face fell.

“Oh, man. I lost track of time. I gotta go or my dad will kill me for being late.” Kaden’s crush-filled gaze lingered on Brynn. “See ya tomorrow.”

Kaden hurried away, weaving through the crowd of people.

“Nice guy?” Sam asked.

Lila shrugged. “Yeah, but a little young.”

Ry moved closer to Brynn. “Enjoying yourself?”

“It’s been a good break.” Her voice sounded normal, but she didn’t meet his gaze. “I’m ready to head to my room and relax.”

“I’ll go with you,” he said.

Her eyebrows lowered. “That’s unnecessary.”

“No but escorting you to your hotel is the gentlemanly thing to do.”

“I have Lila.” Brynn looked around before sighing. “Well, I had her.”

Ry saw Sam and Lila strolling into a coffee shop. “They must be thirsty.”

“I’m sure that was Lila’s idea.”

“Or Sam’s.” Ry shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. “Sam thinks something’s going on between us.”

Brynn’s mouth tightened. “Did you set him straight?”

“Tried, but I’m not sure he believes me.”

Brynn shook her head. “Lila’s the same, but she can be devious when she wants something. I wouldn’t put it past her to use what they think is happening between us to spend time with Sam.”

“He’s a good guy.” Ry wanted to reassure Brynn because she sounded concerned. “Lila will be fine.”

“She’s not the one I’m worried about.”

He laughed. “Sam can take care of himself. He’s been around the block a time or two.”

“Like you?”

“Of course.” Ry fell in step with Brynn. “Not sure what kind of protection Sam has, but I’ve got a fortress built around this heart of mine. Keeps it safe and sound.”

“Unbreachable?”

“Impenetrable.” He kept his tone light as if joking, even if he was serious.

“Whatever works for you.” Except she didn’t sound impressed. Not surprising because most women he knew preferred to follow their hearts, not protect them. But why change what worked for him?

As they walked, the crowds lightened. She didn’t talk, and he didn’t feel the need to start a conversation. The silence was comfortable, not awkward. That was strange because he usually didn’t like the quiet when he was with others.

“Why’d you step between Kaden and me?” she asked finally.

“Kaden has a crush on you.”

Her gaze sharpened. “What’s it to you?”

Ry couldn’t go all caveman, even if she brought out that instinct in him for some reason. “Just watching out for you.”

“I can do that myself.”

She shouldn’t have to. “Friends help each other out.”

“Is that what we are? Friends?”

That was all they could be. “Friends and teammates. The kid seemed to be bugging you.”

“And you walking me home isn’t?” She shot him a questioning gaze. “I’ve got the super G tomorrow, but you’re all I can think about, and I have no idea what to do.”

Her bluntness surprised him. He wasn’t used to that, but her openness appealed to him at a gut level. “I’m not here to get in your way. What do you need from me?”

“I don’t suppose kissing you again would do much good.”

His pulse ratcheted, well beyond his targeted heart rate. A good thing no one was monitoring him. He knew what his answer should be, but suddenly playing it safe didn’t appeal to him.

Besides, it was only a kiss. “Who knows? But if you’re game, so am I.”

♥ ♥ ♥

Was Brynn game for another kiss? Yes. Yes. Yes.

But that didn’t mean she should kiss Ry. She had to keep her head, do what was best for her racing, not what she wanted. Ry had kept her from dwelling on her parents, but that was no reason to make him a bigger distraction, one that could affect her performance tomorrow.

“On second thought.” She forced herself not to meet his gaze. If she did, she might forget her resolve not to kiss him. “Let’s forget I brought this up.”

“Why?”

One glimpse at his lips and her mind went blank. “I…”

“You need to concentrate on your race tomorrow,” he finished for her.

His brain was functioning. Unlike hers, which short-circuited whenever he was around. That didn’t happen with friends or teammates. At least it hadn’t until Ry. “Yes.”

She picked up her pace, eager to say goodnight.

“Hey. Slow down,” he called out. “The sidewalk is slick. You don’t want to fall.”

Brynn stopped and waited for him to catch up. People maneuvered around them, heading toward the street party.

He wasn’t limping, not that she noticed, but he moved carefully.

Oh, no. She hadn’t considered his injured leg, only herself. Her mouth tasted bitter—a combination of guilt and regret. “Sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

“I was guilty of that earlier.”

When they’d kissed.

The words were unspoken but implied.

He caught up to her. “But I’m not sorry about kissing you. Even if I should be.”

Butterflies filled her stomach. Ones that seemed to be directionally challenged given the chaos in her belly. Being near him left her unsettled. Not the icky feeling when she’d left his hotel room so long ago. More on edge, a bit…flustered.

Time to pull herself together.

Being hot and bothered around Ry wouldn’t cut it. She took the shoveled pathway through the snow to where she was staying.

“It doesn’t matter. You’ve sworn off women.” Brynn arrived at the front door. “No need to crank up the charm.”

“Just being honest, the way you were a minute ago. You would shut me down if I tried to charm you. In fact, you have.”

She stepped aside to let people exit the building. “When?”

“That morning in the hotel was the first time,” he admitted. “The last was a few minutes ago when I was hoping you wanted another kiss.”

Brynn wasn’t sure what to think. “More honesty?”

“That’s what you want, isn’t it?” He sounded sincere.

I don’t know. She felt so uncertain around him.

“Yes,” she answered anyway. Except now she was the one not being totally honest. “What do you want from me?”

He removed his hands from his pockets. “You never accepted my apology for how I treated you before. Any chance you could forgive me for being such a jerk to you back then?”

Their past blared like a warning buzzer, a big red flag she couldn’t ignore. Or forget. Unless he was taking care of her or talking to her or kissing her or…

Ry had gone above and beyond to help her, done nothing to make her think he was the same player he’d been. Was it time to put the past behind her for good?

She looked up at him. “If I say yes, will anything change?”

“What do you mean?”

Her turn to be honest. “Will you stick around for the rest of the week or take off?”

He moved closer to her. “I’m here until you finish your last race.”

Good. Brynn enjoyed having him around. “I accept your apology.”

“Yes.” He pumped his hand like her brothers would do.

Men…

Though this one wasn’t what she’d expected. He was special in a way she’d never imagined. That told her saying goodnight would be the smart move. She could retreat to her room, listen to music, and relax.

But staring at him made her want to stay with Ry. She could invite him inside for a few minutes. That would still give her time to think about her race…

Race day.

That came first. And would two more times this coming weekend. But after…

An idea popped into her head. Stupid? Yes, but she was willing to risk it.

Brynn took a breath. “How about after the giant slalom on Sunday we share some cookie dough and a few kisses?”

He leaned toward her. “I wouldn’t be a distraction or bugging you then?”

“No.”

Ry pushed hair off her face. “Best invitation I’ve had in a long time.”

She wiggled her toes. “By Sunday night, I won’t have to worry about racing.”

And maybe they’d be celebrating a podium finish.

Or a victory.

“Can’t wait,” he said.

Neither could she. Brynn would enjoy tasting his kisses and the cookie dough on Sunday night. Though the one that didn’t need to be refrigerated would be her favorite.

“Goodnight.” Saying that was for the best. As was walking through the door alone.

His gaze lingered on hers. “Sleep well so you’re rested and ready to race.”

Her heart beat quicker. “I will.”

Go inside.

She should, except she wasn’t in a hurry to leave him.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” he said finally.

With that, he pushed open the door for her.

Brynn forced her feet to cross the threshold.

He smiled. “Sweet dreams.”

She had a feeling her dreams would be the sweetest. Of her standing on the podium with Ry waiting to give her a victory kiss.