Sophie glanced around sheepishly. Fortunately, no one was near enough to have overheard Tara.
After picking up her bags, she walked over to the ski rack where she’d stashed her skis and poles.
Damon pulled up in a red Jeep a minute later and smiled in a way that made her heart jolt with excitement. While he loaded her skis and bags into his Jeep, she climbed into the passenger seat.
Once he climbed in beside her, he turned to her and grinned. “Hungry?”
“I just had breakfast with Tara before we checked out.”
“Okay, I have plenty of food at my place if you get hungry. Help yourself to anything.”
He drove up the narrow road on the side of the mountain to where his house was set, passing a number of small houses en route. She spotted a couple of log cabins, an A-frame, and a chalet-style home, all perfect little hideaways surrounding by the forests of the mountain.
“Who lives in these? Coworkers?”
“Right.”
She nodded. “It must be great.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you’ve made a life for yourself in the mountains doing what you love. I think that’s admirable.”
“What’s stopping you from doing the same?”
“I like the city. I have a life there, friends, family. I like the convenience of being able to walk to get whatever I need within a fairly short distance.”
He motioned behind them to the base of the mountain. “We have all that here. Pretty much anything I need, I can find in the village.”
She tilted her head. “True. I’ll give you that. It just seems so—remote. Away from everything. And everyone.”
He grinned as he pulled into the parking space in front of his house. “That’s the appeal.”
She laughed. “You’re right.”
“I never understood why anyone would want to live in a city.” He grunted. “It’s so congested and polluted and loud.”
“And lively,” she pointed out.
After he parked the Jeep, he stashed her skis and gear bag in a mudroom right inside the entrance. He had a rack and boot tray set up to store them, convenient for living slope side on a mountain resort.
She’d looked around the space quickly before she’d left last time. This time it would be her home for a short period. She glanced around the open space in the log cabin with picture windows that revealed a view of the mountains and forests. A brown suede sofa and worn leather recliner sat across from a fireplace. In one corner was a TV and some electronics. An end table had a few books on wilderness adventures and This Old House magazines stacked upon them.
She stole a quick glance at his bedroom door that was ajar and noticed the dark wooden headboard of his bed covered with a burgundy bedspread before she carried her bag into the guest room.
“Make yourself at home,” Damon said when he returned to the living room. “I need to work this morning, but will be back at lunch. If you’re up for it, maybe we could go cross-country skiing.” He furrowed his brows. “Unless you need more rest. Wait, how’s your head? Have you noticed any signs of a concussion like Sebastian noted?”
“I feel fine,” she replied, warmed by Damon’s concern. “Food and rest has made a huge difference. It will be great to go outside and get some fresh air.” She slanted a smile. “Besides, I’ll have you with me in case I run into any unfortunate situations.” Jeez, was she flirting?
“You bet. If you slip, I’ll be there to catch you.” He gave her a resolute nod as if it was a promise.
“I’ll walk down to the shops in a bit and pick up some things for the week.”
“For whatever you buy, just give them my name and tell them to bill me. They know me here.”
She tilted her head. “You don’t have to do that, Damon.”
“I said I’d take care of you and I will. I want to.” The possessive look he gave her was fiery enough to melt the snow outside—and sizzle her insides as well. Her mind took it a step further, fantasizing just how good it would feel to be in his arms.
Maybe she was in over her head with this guy. A simple look from him was powerful enough to leave her unsteady. If that’s how he could affect her with a mere glance, how would she manage sleeping under the same roof as him all week?
Damon
At lunchtime, Damon met up with Sophie at his cabin. Once he entered, the scent of a cooked meal reached his nostrils and he moaned. “It smells delicious in here.”
“I made panini for us,” she declared with a jubilant smile and opened the panini maker that he’d used maybe twice the entire time he’d owned it.
She wore a soft off-white cashmere sweater that set off her auburn hair and clung to the lush curves of her breasts. Her black jeans hugged her rounded hips and thighs. He salivated, and it had nothing to do with the food.
His wolf wagged his tail. She’s perfect for us.
She made sandwiches. Settle down, Damon told his wolf. It’s just lunch.
“You didn’t have to cook.” He strode over to Sophie and kissed her on the cheek. “But I’m glad you did.”
She scooped the panini, each dripping with cheese, onto plates. “I wanted to. After all, you’ve been taking care of me. It’s the least I could do.” She picked up an apple and sliced it. “I also picked up some fruits and veggies.”
He laughed. “I tend to forget to buy those.”
“I noticed.” She grinned and added the pieces to their plates. “Hope you don’t mind that I fiddled around in your kitchen. I figured I’d make us some lunch before we head out.” She opened a jar of pickles and added a spear besides the panini.
“Fiddle at will.” He picked up the pickle. “Consider this your house while you’re here.”
They carried their plates and glasses of water to the small rectangular table near one of the picture windows. He’d designed this
