Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
“You’re a bad influence,” I commented wryly.
Mark lifted a brow and grinned. “Daring you to sneak Dad’s Scotch from the bar when we were teenagers isn’t the same as calling you on the fact that you overdo it. When was the last time you just let yourself chill?”
It was tempting to point out that he and I weren’t in the same position career-wise. Mark and his wife, Emily, were wealth management consultants who’d recently started their own business. And it was going really well, judging by the looks of this place. I didn’t have the luxury of renting a posh mountain getaway with an open-style kitchen that would make a seasoned chef swoon and space to accommodate a slew of houseguests. Maybe I would someday, but at my current pace, my path to success would require a fuckton of patience.
“It’s been a while,” I admitted.
“Now’s your chance. An extra twenty-four hours to unwind can do wonders.” He patted my shoulder and stepped aside. “We’ll be gone by the time you get back, so enjoy and lock up on your way out.”
“Will do.”
“Oh, and Drew…if there’s a chance of gettin’ some, I highly recommend going for it.”
I snorted my coffee. Literally snorted it, then coughed to catch my breath. Which apparently was the reaction my brother was hoping for. His childlike chuckle morphed into a belly laugh when I flipped him off.
Ah, siblings.
I stared out the kitchen window as I rinsed my cup in the sink. Only an idiot would walk away from a glam cabin in a secluded section of town. The nearest neighbor lived beyond a copse of giant snow-laden pine trees. You had to make the five-minute drive into the village to see actual humans. And for a guy who was around people for the majority of every day, the quiet felt refreshing.
Untouched snow piled on top of the patio furniture. The sky was a robin’s-egg blue, not a single cloud in sight. It was peaceful and serene. Two things I didn’t get much of in my regular life. I’d been pushing myself hard for months—no…years. It would be nice to add a full twenty-four hours extra to my long weekend.
However, that didn’t mean I was going to spend it with Liam. I mean…I’d go skiing with him ’cause I’d already promised to pick him up in thirty minutes and yes, I wanted to see him again. But that didn’t mean I was up for a repeat of last night.
Geez, I couldn’t believe we’d gotten each other off in my Jeep. That sounded cheesy or sophomoric, but it was hot as fuck. I had zero regrets, but I’d had a strong conversation with myself regarding Liam. Something along the lines of, “Grow the fuck up, Drew.” I had a thing for sharp-witted jocks with a goofy side, and I’d been known to barrel headlong into relationships when the sex was good and the guy made me laugh. Those were both great qualities, but they weren’t enough to build a future.
And that right there was the biggest issue, folks. I needed to concentrate on building my future. It wasn’t fair to drag someone else along for the ride. I had a tendency to get ahead of myself; I was the guy who implemented Plan C and D before Plan A fell apart. Not a good look.
So yeah, I’d go skiing with Liam because I said I would. And I’d try not to kill myself because I really didn’t want to meet my demise on a fucking ski slope. And somehow, I’d try not to metaphorically get out over my skis and convince myself that a fun night at the bar followed by an incredibly hot blowjob was a sign he was the one.
Note to self…stick to your strengths and remember, skiing isn’t one of them.
It started out okay. Liam was armed with his equipment and a thermos full of coffee when I picked him up at his friend’s cabin. He piled his stuff into the back of the Jeep, pleased to see that I was prepared.
“I thought we’d have to make a stop at the rental shop. This is great. More time on the slopes.” He fastened his seat belt, then twisted to flash a sunny grin at me. “How’d you sleep?”
That smile dazzled me. I returned it, pausing to admire Liam in the daylight. He hadn’t shaved and no lie, there was something uber sexy about his scruffy beard. He wore a puffy navy jacket, matching ski pants, and a striped beanie cap. I’d never considered a beanie cap a sexy accessory, but I obviously hadn’t seen one on the right guy. The hint of blue in Liam’s made his twinkling eyes pop and—
Okay…he caught me staring. Again.
I cleared my throat noisily as I put the Jeep in Drive. “I slept very well. You?”