She enjoyed the experience as the mountain stretched out before her. The afternoon sun was bright as it sparkled on the snow. The mountain smells clean and fresh, the scent of pine surrounding her. It was one of those rare, few ski days. Damon was right that she should take advantage, but deadlines were deadlines. And she was already pushing it with her supervisor for not going into the office that week.
Sophie reached the bottom without incidents, no life or death terror like when she was lost in the woods.
Damon edged to a stop beside her. “How did that feel?”
“Pretty good.” She sighed. “A great run to break my ski legs back into shape.”
He smiled at her. “Great.” He motioned for her to follow. “Come on. We don’t have much time. Let’s make the most of what we have together.” He skied back over to the chairlifts.
His words could mean their opportunity to ski today or their short week together in the mountains. Either way, he was right, and she wouldn’t waste a moment.
Time with Damon flew by. She stayed on the easier trails until they had to separate and return to work.
He skied with her back to his cabin. He gave her a kiss on the lips, chaste in comparison to the passionate ones from the night before. Still, it left her simmering with desire and it took her a few minutes before she could switch back into work mode.
Sophie worked on her projects until he returned before five. Damon greeted her with a long kiss that seared her down to her toes.
“How about grilled cheese and tomato soup?” he asked.
“Ooh,” she responded. “Some of my favorite comfort foods.”
Sophie finished up answering emails while he cooked. Soon, the cabin smelled like melted cheese and toast.
They sat across from each other at his small round oak table. When she took a bite, she moaned with pleasure. “This is heaven. So good.”
He grinned. “I’m glad. It’s on regular rotation on my bachelor menu. I wasn’t sure how it would be for having guests.”
“Delicious.” She wiped a string of cheese that dangled from her lips.
“I used Muenster. But I like to try different cheeses so it’s not always the same.”
“Mmm,” she murmured. “I would love to sample your other experiments.”
He gave her a solemn nod. “I’ll see what I can manage while you’re here.”
While she was here. Right, her time here had an expiration date. She better not think of them having a future.
Chapter 10
Damon
Damon gave Sophie space after dinner last night so she could focus on her project and meet her deadline. Tuesday morning, though, they spent a couple of hours skiing together before she returned to her work and he completed his shift.
They met up after the lifts closed and went down to the village to Kelley’s Pub. The wood-paneled space with framed photos of Ireland was a popular spot with locals and visitors, especially for their après-ski specials.
Each had a cold glass of beer in front of them, his was a spiced winter lager, and hers was an orange wheat brew. The Romantic’s Talking in Your Sleep played in the background. Once their server brought over a heaving plate of nachos that smelled amazing, they dug in.
Sophie finished eating one. “You’re right—these are killer nachos. Good choice.”
He took a swig of his cool beer, relishing the flavors on his tongue before he swallowed, and then put down his glass. “It’s one of the draws. We come here often after work.”
“Only problem is my body is going to turn into cheese with the amount I’ve eaten while I’m here.” She frowned. “Hopefully, I’ve burned some off while skiing.”
He stared at her, picturing her luscious curves in the bikini. “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.”
She cocked her head and gave him an odd look. “You’re kidding, right?”
“No. Why would you say that?”
“Because.” Her expression turned critical as she motioned to her body. “I can’t believe I summoned up the courage to wear a bikini in front of you.”
He blinked a few times. “I’m grateful you did because I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.” He reached across the table to take her hand. “You’re stunning, Sophie. Don’t you know that?”
She squirmed on her stool. “No one has ever called me that before. My ex often gave me crap about losing weight.”
Damon grunted, not even wanting to picture Sophie with another man. “Then he was blind and a fool. Not only are you beautiful, but kind, smart, creative.”
Her lips spread into a small, appreciative smile, which then reached her eyes.
Rafe and Grayson entered the pub. When they saw Damon and Sophie at a table, they strode over.
Is she the one? Grayson communicated silently.
Yes. Damon then introduced them all, “Sophie, this is Rafe, the CEO of the resort, and Grayson, the CFO.” He grinned. “My bosses.”
“And family,” Grayson added.
Damon nodded. Indeed. “True. Grayson is like my older brother. Always keeping me in line.”
After quick small talk, Rafe addressed Damon. “We have a meeting tonight. Come to the lodge at seven.” Although his expression revealed nothing, when Rafe added, We’re meeting with the Sacco pack, worry rang clear through his tone.
“I’ll be there,” Damon agreed.
After Rafe and Grayson headed over to the bar, Damon attempted to shelve the questions until later. His focus was on Sophie.
A couple in their twenties a few tables over began to raise their voices, capturing attention.
“What do you think they’re arguing about?” Sophie lowered her voice and arched her brows.
He could hear the barbs as clear as day thanks to his shifter hearing—infidelity. “I’d say she found out he cheated on her.”
Sophie wrinkled her nose. She sipped her beer. When she put the glass down, she said, “That sucks. I know what it feels like. My ex-boyfriend cheated on me.”
“He
