Page 30 of On the Slopes of Tahoe
But here he is, solidly inmyspace.
“Rory.” I don’t think I’ve ever heard my name sound like a caress before. “I owe you an apology.”
Oh no. This is Wes’s doing. He must’ve told Breck what I said—big brother coming to the rescue—and now he’s been shamed into a pity apology. No thank you, I don’t want it.
“Breck, don’t.” I hold up a hand just as the car lurches and it lands on his chest. Our eyes track to where I touch him, unable to pull away, and I continue. “I’m guessing Wes said something, but it’s fine. We’re good. Okay?”
“No. It’s not okay. I’ve been looking for a chance to talk to you, but you’ve been avoiding me.”
“I have not,” I protest, even though I totally have. “I’m right here, aren’t I?”
“Yes.” He bites the word out. “But you’re still not listening.”
“I heard you loud and clear the first time.” I huff out a breath, then realize I’m still touching him.
“Dammit, Rory, would you just stop? I hurt you with what I said, and I’m trying to apologize. I’m trying to explain what I meant to say.” He’s not quite yelling, but his frustration is clear in the way his voice has risen. I’ve yet to see him mad, and it shocks me into silence. His voice softens before he starts again. “Don’t be mad at Wes, he was just looking out for you. I know you probably hate that, but it’s his wedding day so you can’t be angry at him. Ireallywasn’t trying to push you away.” I lift my eyebrows skeptically and he sighs. “Okay, I was. Sort of. But not for the reason you think.”
“Look, I don’t need you to do this. I told him not to say anything because I didn’t want you feeling sorry for me—Wes’s poor little sister who got her feelings hurt. I’m fine. You don’t have to smooth anything over because I get it. You don’t have to apologize. I’m not mad.”
I’m clearly mad. Mostly at myself for getting into this situation in the first place, but also for telling my brother who I knew couldn’t keep his mouth shut.
The gondola reaches the bottom of the mountain just as I finish my tirade. The moment the doors open, I’m up and out, leaving Breck behind me. I storm straight past Jamie, who looks adorable holding Willow’s hand. I’d smile if I weren’t fuming. The surprise on his face is evident, and I only just catch the look of determined protectiveness that replaces it before I’m gone. I hope Breck is ready to be told off by another man in my life.
Right now, I couldn’t care less.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Breck
“That went well,” I grumble, my eyes glued to Rory’s retreating figure.
I ignore an affronted-looking Jamie, who’s just stepped into my path, and look instead to Willow. “Did you have a good ride, Willow Bear?”
“So good. Jamie pointed out all the ski runs and told me about Tahoe Tessie! They have a water monster here too, just like in Scotland.” I ruffle her hair with a laugh on my lips, but when Ilook up at the imposing Scotsman, he doesn’t look amused. Best get this over with.
“Willow, I see Jaz over there, why don’t you go say hi?” I say, pointing to where the rest of our group is congregated.
“Okay!” She runs off, and once I see her collide with Jaz’s legs, I look back to Jamie.
“I—”
“Listen, man,” he cuts me off. “I like you. I respect the hell out of Wes, and I know you’re his best friend.” He pauses and points in the direction Rory stomped off in. “Rory ismybest friend. She’s as much a sister to me as she is to Wes, and if I see that look on her face after being alone with you again, we’re going to have a problem. Understood?”
I don’t particularly like being taken down a peg by this guy, but I almost don’t mind it. Was I trying to do the right thing and apologize to Rory? Yes. But he doesn’t know that, and I can appreciate him looking out for her. I swallow my pride and my desire to argue, opting for a nod instead. “Understood.”
“Good. I’m going to go find Rory. See you in there for dinner?” Just like that, he’s the same casual, easy-going guy I’ve been slowly getting to know. He’s shown up a fair amount over the last week, whenever we went out for dinner or to hang out at the house in the evenings. Wes treats him like a younger brother, and I want to pretend I didn’t feel a wash of relief just now when he mentioned Rory being like a sister…
I make my way over to Willow, who’s twirling in her dress in front of Jaz and Paul, and the rest of the wedding crew milling about. We all head into the casino where we’re booked for dinner. I just hope Rory will give me another chance to explain. I’d love for us to get back to that easy friendship we were finding… before I put my foot in my mouth and it all went to shit.
I watch the setting sun across the lake through the gable windows and I’m awed at what Rory’s accomplished. The fact that she was able to get us a private room on New Year’s Eve on such short notice seems like a miracle. The space isn’t large, but it’s perfect for the twelve of us. Plus, there couldn’t be a more picturesque backdrop for the evening.
“Rory, bring your camera over here. I want to see some of the pictures you took,” Wes calls down the table.
Joss smacks him across the chest and chastises him with a quiet “Bossy.” He catches her hand over his heart and holds it there, tugging her closer for a kiss. I’ve always been affectionate, but I nearly shield Willow’s eyes from the show he puts on. Paul catcalls them from the end of the table and Rory mimes gagging. The only ones not laughing are Wes and Rory’s parents: Erica’s lips are a fine line, though I think that may just be her face, and Dean looks unimpressed.
Rory stands, camera in hand, and meanders over. I try not to notice the way her hips sway in her fitted green dress, or how the reddish-blonde coloring of her hair pops in comparison. She crouches between Wes and Joss, the slit of her dress showcasing a milky white thigh that I’m certain was covered with tights or something earlier.
Yes, I noticed that too.
