Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72586 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72586 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
“No,” I said carefully, bringing my mouth close to her ear. “Because I already got to fuck you. I already know what noises you make when you come.” I pulled back, biting my lip as I smiled. “He doesn’t.”
Emma’s cheeks were already red from cold, but they went a deeper shade. “That… probably violates a rule,” she said in a weak voice.
“You can write me up for it later. But we should really keep working on your skills. Despite what Theo said, your form is terrible.”
“Jerk,” she said.
“I’m just the guy trying to keep you from splattering yourself into a tree. You should thank me.”
“No, I don’t think I will,” she said haughtily, but not without a touch of a smile.
“Lover’s spat?" Dick's voice made us both jump. He stood nearby with Richard Wellington. “If you two are done fighting, we’re all going to head up to Thunder Ridge. Want to join?”
"She's stil warming up," I started, but Emma cut me off.
"Totally ready,” Emma blurted.
"Emma—"
"I've got this." She met my eyes, that familiar stubborn set to her jaw. She lowered her voice. “You taught me how to slow down and stop. I know how to fall down safely if I get in over my head.”
“It’s out of the question,” I said firmly. “You could get hurt trying that run. I won’t allow it.”
“Is there a problem?” Mr. Wellington cut in. “If Emma wants to do Thunder Ridge, why not let her? There are no trees to worry about. It’s just steep. Kids could handle it.”
I doubted that part, but he was at least right about the trees. A hard fall into the snow was maybe the worst of the dangers on a run like that.
“She has been feeling a little off today,” I said. “I’m just worried she might be pushing herself too hard.”
“Ah,” Theo said as he joined the conversation. “No worries, James. We’ll take good care of her.”
Theo actually put one of his arms around her, and for a moment, I saw red.
I stepped forward, taking her by the waist and pulling her to me, which thankfully got his arm off her. “I really think she should sit this one out. I wouldn’t want her to get hurt.”
“Oh, come on,” Mr. Wellington said. “Emma is a big girl. If she wants to give it a shot, you wouldn’t stop her, would you?”
“It’s okay, James,” Emma said. She bit her lip, then leaned in and gave me a cold-lipped peck on the cheek. “Thank you, but I’ll be careful. I had a good teacher, right?”
My stomach felt like it was turning over. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“I’ll be fine. Trust me,” she added with a wink.
I let out a sigh, feeling like the only sane one in the group. But it seemed like there was no stopping her, so I followed as we all headed to the top of Thunder Ridge with her.
“Ladies first?” Mr. Wellington said.
“I’ll go with her,” I said, moving to Emma’s side.
“Oh, come on,” Mr. Wellington said. “Do you hold her hand when she pees, too? Where’s your sense of adventure?”
I grated my teeth together as I stared at the man, who was watching with something in his expression I didn’t like.
“If she asked me to, I’d do anything for her.”
Theo chuckled. “Go easy on them, Uncle Richard.”
Mr. Wellington regarded Theo, then shrugged. “Suit yourselves.”
“Alright,” I said. “Hold on to my wrist. We’ll get through this together. All you have to do is not let go.”
I took one of her ski poles and set it aside so she could grip my wrist instead.
“Look how cute they are together,” Alex—the red haired one of the three brothers—noted with laughter in his voice. “Where the hell did you get those snow suits? Maybe we should all get some matching ones,” he suggested to no one in particular.
Ignoring them, we inched closer to the drop. “Ready?” I asked.
“Probably not,” Emma admitted.
We jumped into the run and gained speed almost immediately. I did my best to control our speed, but Emma was flailing, screaming, and jabbing me in the ribs as we tore downhill.
I tried to steer us away from a jump midway down the run, but somehow, Emma dragged us straight toward it.
“Stop steering us! Just relax!” I shouted against the wind roaring in our ears.
“I’m going to die!” she shrieked.
And then she ripped her arm out of mine and went into full meltdown mode at maximum speed.
I watched helplessly as she veered away from me, heading straight for the ramp.
“Emma!” I shouted.
But it was already too late. She flew up a dozen feet into the air, slowly rotated like an unathletic, noisy ragdoll, and then landed in a spectacular explosion of snow and pink fabric.
I skidded to a stop beside where she crashed with my heart in my throat.