I shake my head, totally confused on what’s going on right now. Are we in some kind of alternate universe or what? Does he think I’m here with girlfriends and I’m going to hook him up or what? “What do you want?”

  I say it with way more venom in my voice than I probably should. He squats at my feet and picks up the ski. “Pick up your feet.”

  I pick up my right foot, and he snaps the ski into place. I shake my head. Why am I listening to him? “Wait! What are you doing?”

  He smacks my leg, I raise my other foot, and he snaps the ski into place. He stands up, and I have to raise my head to look at him. “Uh, what’s happening?”

  He shrugs. “Well, the way I look at it, I saved you, so you owe me one run.”

  “Run?” I snort. “I’m not running anywhere, and can we get back to me owing you? I don’t owe you.”

  He shrugs. “You’re right. You don’t owe me, but after seeing the way you were giving that couple dirty looks, you wouldn’t be open to me just asking you out. So I figure the only way I’m going to get to spend time with you is if you let me teach you how to ski.”

  I open my mouth and close it again. Wait, did he just say he was going to ask me out? Did I fall and hit my head and don’t remember it? I hold my hands up. “You wanted to ask me out... like on a date?”

  He nods.

  I pull back and start to tumble again, and this time he grabs me before I land on the ground again. He pulls me up and holds on to me, his hands heavy and hot on my hips. “Is this a joke?”

  I barely get the words out when a cute blond woman skis up, stopping right next to us. “Levi, I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I was hoping to get a lesson.”

  I look at the trim, beautiful woman, and just by the way she’s standing here, not teetering, it’s obvious she doesn’t need any lessons. I smirk at Levi. “Well, it looks like you’ve been saved...”

  Levi’s hands tighten on my waist. “Actually, I’m already full for today. Sorry, you may have to check with one of the other instructors.”

  The woman rears back as if she can’t believe she’s been turned down. “But...”

  Levi just smiles. “Sorry about that, but actually the rest of my week is full. But you can check up at the booth and I’m sure you can get signed up with one of the others.”

  He turns his body so that he’s on the opposite side of the woman and stands next to me. “All right, so to start...”

  He continues to instruct me, telling me what I need to do to stay on my feet and to ski, but I’m having a hard time concentrating. Did that really just happen?

  Chapter 2

  Levi

  She has no clue how beautiful she is. It’s that, or she’s been hurt before and probably recently. I saw the look she gave the kissing couple, and I’d do anything to make her smile right now. I don’t know what it is about her, but when I saw her coming out of the lodge, I knew I needed to talk to her. She’s beautiful with her long brown hair and curvy body. But she doesn’t act like she knows it. Of course, women throw themselves at me all day, every day, but the one I want is doing everything she can to get away from me.

  “You could have gone, you know. I’m sure you can’t just turn away customers.”

  She interrupts me as I’m explaining things to her. She looks so unsure, it sort of pisses me off. I mean, who hurt her? And where can I find him?

  “I can turn anyone away that I want. Plus, I’m not stupid.” I gesture in the direction that the other woman just went. “She didn’t want a lesson. She wanted something else entirely.”

  “Oh yeah, what’s that?” she asks and then almost instantly, her face turns red. “I mean, forget it, I know what you mean.”

  I laugh then because I can’t believe how timid and sweet she is. She’s nothing like the women I’m used to. “Tell me your name.”

  It comes out like a demand, and I should apologize, but I don’t. I have a feeling that with her, I can’t be easy and laid back because she’s going to fight me the whole way. No, if I want her, I’m going to have to work for it.

  “Georgina,” she says on a huff. “Look, this is nice of you and all, but I really think I’m just going to go back inside and work on a book, take a hot bath—”

  “So you’re a writer?” I ask, not wanting her to leave.

  She shakes her head. “No, I’m an editor.”

  “Cool. So you can work from anywhere or do you have an office?”

  Her forehead creases. “Anywhere.”

  I nod, taking it all in. “So what brings you to Winter Falls for Christmas?”

  She turns her head but not before I see the pain in her eyes. She’s definitely been hurt, and as the couples and families around us are laughing and having a good time, it breaks my heart to see her sad like she is. I put my glove-covered hand up to her chin and pull her to look at me. “We don’t have to talk about it.”

  She swallows hard, blinks twice, and nods. “I really just need to be alone.”

  I sigh. I’ve never been a quitter, but seeing how upset she is, I’m wondering if I need to let her be. I try to hide the disappointment on my face because I don’t want her to feel guilty. “Gina, I—”

  She gasps.

  I look around and back at her. “What? What is it?”

  “Gina. You called me Gina.” She smiles at me, and I swear it lights me up, making me feel like I may just have a chance yet.

  I hold on to her arm. “Yeah. I like Georgina but”—I shrug—“I wanted to shorten it. I like Gina.”

  She nods. “I do too. And it’s way better than Georgie; that’s what my ex-fiancé calls me.”

  “Ex-fiancé? You were engaged?” I ask, hating the thought of her with another man.

  And just like that, her smile drops, but in its place is determination. “Uh, yeah. And you know what, I think I would like you to teach me how to ski.”

  I don’t even question it. I grab her hand and start going through the movements. I do everything to take her mind off things. We ski for the rest of the afternoon. The longer we’re out here, the better she is. She’s giggly and laughing and having fun. I want to savor this moment and keep it with me always. “Race me.”

  She laughs and smacks me on the chest. It’s the first time she’s touched me, and I grab her hand and hold it to me. “Race me,” I tell her again. I don’t want this to be over, but I know she’s about to tell me she’s done for the day.

  “Why would I race you? You’re going to win.”

  I lift my shoulders. I’d lose if it meant I could spend more time with her. “Okay, we won’t race. Down the slopes one more time.” We haven’t made it to the big slopes yet, but she’s doing well on the medium-size one.

  She nods. “One more time. Then I’m going to have to go in.”

  I don’t argue with her. We go down the slope, and I pull my phone from my zippered pocket. I take pictures of her smiling and laughing as she goes down, and I can’t help but smile with her.

  On the ski lift to the top of the mountain, she’s staring off into the distance. “You had fun, didn’t you?” I ask her.

  She nods. “I did. I really did.”

  I reach for her hand because I can’t go any longer without touching her. “Have dinner with me.”

  Before I even get the question out, she’s shaking her head.

  “Why not?” I ask her.

  She points between the two of us. “Because we don’t make sense, Levi. You’re... you. And well, I’m me.”

  I shake my head. “I don’t understand.”

  She blows out a breath. “Look, you don’t know how much I appreciated today. You were able to get my mind off... everything, and I haven’t been able to do that, so thank you. I’ll leave you a tip at the check-in station. You’ve definitely earned it today.”

  My jaw grits. “I didn’t do this for a tip. I’m not charging you for a lesson. I wanted to spend time with you,” I tell her. We’re getting to the top, and I’m anxious because I know she’s going to escape as soon as she gets off.

  When we’re finally on our feet, she pulls off her skis, and I do the same. I’m done before her, but something tells me not to help her, that she doesn’t want my help. As soon as she stands up, though, I crowd her, trying to get close to her. “Look, Gina. I don’t know what it is, but I feel something when I’m with you. I had fun today, and I don’t want it to end. Just dinner. Just have a meal with me.”

  She wants to. I can see it in her eyes that she wants to. But she shakes her head. “I can’t, Levi. Look, my ex-fiancé broke off the wedding because I was an embarrassment to him. He hurt me and I know, I know,” she says, holding her hands up when I start to cuss, “he’s not worth it. But this trip was supposed to be our honeymoon, so see, I just need time. I can’t get involved with someone else right now.”

  “Do you love him?” I ask. I hold my breath, waiting for her answer. If she loves him, this is going to be harder.

  She tilts her head to the side as if she’s thinking about it. “Do I love him?” She shakes her head. “No, I don’t love him. He has made me question my self-worth. I’ve never had a problem with who I am or how I look, but I feel like I need time to heal.”

  She looks so sad it makes me wish I had five minutes alone with her ex. Five minutes is all I’d need to fix him right up. Gina turns to go, and I know I should let her go, but I race after her. “Will I see you tomorrow?”

  The sadness is back on her face. “Maybe. I don’t know.”

  I wait, hoping for more, but she doesn’t say anything else. This time when she goes to leave, I let her go, but I know I’m not going to just let her get away. One afternoon with her is not enough.

  Chapter 3

  Georgina

  I sit back in my chair with my hand over my belly. I ate the steak special, and it was probably the best steak I’ve ever eaten. I’m waiting on the check, ignoring the couples and families around me when I hear it.

  “Georgie, is that you? What are you doing here?”

  My mouth falls open, and I look in the direction of the voice. It can’t be. No way.

  But my stomach plummets because I know it’s him. I would recognize that voice anywhere. “Hello, Richard,” I say, taking in the gorgeous redhead on his arm.

  I wait for the jealousy to surge after seeing my ex-fiancé with another woman, but it doesn’t. The only thing I feel is anger.

  He towers over me, trying to intimidate me. “I thought you canceled this trip.”

  I roll my eyes. “It was nonrefundable, so I decided to come on my own.”

  He laughs out loud, and I can feel the eyes of the people at the other tables turning to see what’s going on. I look for my waiter. I need to pay and get out of here. I had no idea that Richard would be here. I need to get off the side of this mountain.

  “Georgie, we both know you can’t ski. Are you following me?”

  Richard barely gets the words out, and I feel hands on my shoulders. “There you are, baby. I’m so sorry I’m late.”

  I lean back, and Levi is standing over top of me. He had to have heard what was going on because his face is filled with sympathy and anger all in one. He takes the opportunity of me looking up at him to lean down and press his lips to mine.

  I gasp, and I should pull away, but the soft heat of his lips on mine is more welcoming than I would have imagined. He deepens the kiss, and when a small whimper escapes me, he reluctantly pulls away. “Are you ready to go? I’m ready to get you home.”

  I blink, completely dazed by the fact my ex is watching us, the redhead is eyeing Levi, and Levi is watching me as if I’m the only woman on the mountain. “Uh, yeah, I’m just waiting on the check.”

  He shakes his head. “Don’t you worry about it. I’ll take care of it. Let’s go.”

  I put my hand in his and slide to my feet. Richard is not one to be ignored and moves in front of us. “Georgie, who is this?”

  “Georgie?” Levi says. He looks at me. “I thought you hated that nickname. I thought your ex-fiancé was the only one that called you that.” Levi wraps his arm around me, pulling me into his side. He then looks straight at Richard. “And we don’t like the ex-fiancé.”

  Richard’s face turns red, and he starts to sputter, looking between Levi and me. “Georgie, I’ll ask you again. Who is this guy?”

  I start to stutter when Levi presses his lips to my forehead. I feel an instant calm from his touch. “I’m her boyfriend. Now I’m sorry, but I’ve been away from her for three hours now, and I’ve missed her. I need my Gina time, and unfortunately for you, I don’t like to share. Come on, baby.”

  Levi grabs my jacket off the back of my chair and pulls me with him. I hide my smirk when I see Richard get even madder as he watches us leave the restaurant. I’m busy enjoying his anger, but as soon as we’re out of sight, Levi stops. “Gina.” He puts his hand to my cheek. “Last chance. I can tell by the look on that man’s face he’s regretting his decision. If he wants you back...”

  I interrupt him. “Are you trying to get rid of me already?”

  He crowds me, lining his body up against mine. “Never.”

  Levi lets out a breath and leans down, pressing his forehead to mine. “I wish our first kiss wasn’t in a restaurant—under those circumstances.”

  I freeze in his arms. What does that mean even? “You didn’t have to kiss me,” I tell him.

  He smiles and pulls away, pulling my chin up to look at him. “I wanted to kiss you then and I want to kiss you now. Come home with me.”

  “Home with you?” I ask him.

  He nods. “Yeah, I know you already ate, but I can make dessert. You don’t want to hang around here, do you? I’m sure he’s going to come looking for you.”

  I know I shouldn’t. I should go back to my room and call it a night, but how can I? Levi just saved me. “I’m not sleeping with you.”

  He nods. “I understand.” He holds his hand up. “And just to be clear, I want you. I wanted you as soon as I looked at you and even more now that I got to spend time with you today. But I also know that you’re vulnerable right now. I won’t take advantage of that.”

  He wants me. I can see the truth in his eyes when he says it. A rush goes through my body, and I can’t stop the tremble. “Okay. Dessert and then I’m coming back to the lodge.”

  He nods. “Deal.”

  He puts his arm around me, and we walk down the hall to the front entrance of the lodge. Nerves are setting in, but I don’t stop. I want to go with him. Levi has been nothing but nice to me. I may not understand it, but I’m not going to question it. Not yet.

  Before we step outside, he holds my jacket open for me. I slide my arms in, and he turns me around, buttoning it from top to bottom and then pulling the hood up over my head. “You have any gloves?” He takes his out of his coat pocket to hand to me, but I pull my own out. “Got them.”

  I put them on, and he asks, “You okay?”

  I nod, speechless at the care he’s given me. I’ve never had someone so focused on me and what I’m feeling and concerned that I’m okay.

  The wind has picked up, and the snow is falling heavily. I’m about to tell him let’s go back when he sits down on a snowmobile. “Get on.”

  I look at the big machine and then at him. “I’m not getting on that.”

  He smiles indulgently at me. “Trust me, you don’t want to walk. Get on, I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  I tilt my head to the side. “Are you sure about this?”

  He nods and holds his hand out to me. I stare at him just a minute, knowing I should weigh my options, but before I can talk myself out of it, I’m swinging my leg over the snowmobile. His hands go to my thighs and pull me to him so he’s fitted between my legs. He starts up the snowmobile and looks at me over his shoulder. “Hold on to me.”

  I put my arms around his waist and he says, “Tighter.”

  I scoot even closer to him, enjoying the warmth his body provides and link my hands across his waist. There’s no way I can get any closer.

  He grunts something, but I don’t know what it is. He hooks his hand around my thigh and takes off down the road. The farther we get, the more I huddle into him. The snow is thick, and it’s almost impossible to see, so I bury my face into his back, clench my eyes closed, and hang on. I know it’s only minutes that go by, but it seems longer. I don’t raise my head until we’re stopped. I can see a light but nothing else. Levi gets off first and then helps me. “Man, it’s really coming down. Come on.”

  My teeth are chattering, so I don’t even try to answer him. As soon as he opens the door, I am inside clapping my hands together. “Oh my goodness, that was crazy. What were we thinking?”

  He’s standing in front of me, not even worried about himself. He’s rubbing my arms and then grabs both of my glove-covered hands and does the same to them.

  “Come on. Sit down and I’ll get a fire going,” he says as he starts to unbutton my jacket. He helps me take it off and then grabs a blanket off the back of the couch. While he’s doing that, I take the time to look around the cabin. It’s a cute one-story with big wood furnishings. He guides me to the couch and wraps a blanket around me when I sit down.

  “I’ll get a fire going,” he says, and even though I’d love to explore his home more, I can’t take my eyes off him as he discards his jacket and then starts putting wood in the fireplace. He has on a tight long-sleeve Henley shirt that pulls against his back muscles as he moves. I swallow hard. Forever, it seems that I’ve been frigid. At least that’s what I thought and that’s what Richard told me. I’ve never really been interested in the happenings of a relationship or felt such immense attraction like I do now.

  Levi gets the fire going and turns back to me, sitting on the edge of the couch. “I’m so sorry, Gina. I didn’t think it was going to get that bad. If we had broken down or something...”

  I reach out for him. “But we didn’t.”

  He looks at my hand on his and turns his over, threading our fingers together. “I just don’t want you to regret this.”