Page 4 of Autumn's Winterhaven
“Why not?”
I told him what happened and then had to wait for a few minutes for him to stop laughing. It was nice to hear my big brother laugh, just not at my expense. “Are you done?”
“Only you”—his voice still trembled with amusement— “could knock a man off his feet and knee him in the ’nads within seconds of hitting the slopes.”
“Hey, I’m usually very graceful.”
“Until there’s snow.”
“I broke my legonce. One time!”
“Aye, skiing. What about two winters ago when you took out three people in the supermarket car park when you slipped on ice and fell into a load of trolleys?”
“I could have killed someone, Killian. That’s not a funny story.”
“I just don’t understand how someone who dances like an angel suddenly has no grace whatsoever when white cold stuff hits the ground.”
I glared at my view. “You could have reminded me of this when I told you I was planning on coming here.”
“Why? You need time for yourself. I’m glad you’re out there. But for my peace of mind… promise me, no more skiing.”
“I’ll stick to the spa.”
“Thank you.”
“You must be tired. I’ll let you go.”
“Okay. Check in with me tomorrow.”
I rolled my eyes at his protectiveness. “Or the next day.”
“No, tomorrow, Autumn.”
Hearing the sternness in his voice I nodded and then remembered he couldn’t see me. “Tomorrow.”
“Right. Off to bed. Night, sweetheart.”
“Night, big brother.”
“Autumn.”
Something about his tone made me tense as I replied, “Yes?”
“You know I love you, right?”
Tears pricked my eyes. I knew my brother loved me. He’d spent his life raising me, protecting me, and making sure I didn’t feel the sting of my uncle’s lack of affection. When I was little, Killian told me he loved me all the time but as we’d gotten older, he’d stopped saying the words. His actions always spoke louder than them anyway. That didn’t mean they didn’t feel beautiful. And I had Skylar to thank for them.
“Always. I love you, too.”
After we hung up I stared out at the view for a while, feeling momentarily content. Momentarily because I knew that it wouldn’t last. I was restless deep down in my soul and growing more so.
The alarm on my phone went off to let me know my first spa treatment was up. I’d booked a whole bunch of treatments before even arriving so I wouldn’t miss out but after my disastrous morning on the slopes I’d checked at reception to see if they had any availability for other treatments.
An Indian head massage appointment was available.
Hell yes!
I made my way down to the spa in my bikini and fluffy white robe from the room. I also wore the complimentary slippers and had a towel rolled up under my arm. The spa was on the floor below mine which made sense when you saw it—the spa took advantage of the views. I saw on the website that there was an outdoor heated infinity pool that jutted out over the mountains. I couldn’t wait to try it out.
