Page 44 of One Winter Knight
“Yeah. Us older kids all took turns cooking. I can clean and fix shit, too.” Hale went back to the kitchen.
I took a bite of toasty bread, fancy melted cheese oozing into my mouth. My shoulders shimmied in happiness.
Coming back to us, Hale gave Carlos and Dusty plates. Then he grabbed his own and sat on the ottoman.
“This is delicious, thank you,” Saoirse told him.
Hale grinned at her as he dipped his sandwich in his soup. “I’ve seen this movie a million times. But I never thought to watch it inanother language.”
“Right? This is perfect, thanks,” Carlos beamed.
Hale lit up like the sun coming from behind the clouds. “I’m so glad you liked it. I know how much you love cheese.”
My body hummed with contentment as the five of us ate our food, drank our hot chocolate, and watched the movie. This was absolutely perfect, though Dusty seemed a little preoccupied.
Finally, the movie ended.
Carlos yawned. “I’m exhausted. What time are we hitting the slopes?”
Hale started cleaning up. “Did you find a trail for us?”
“I did.” Saoirse nodded.
“Bailey’s in, so I have head cameras. Also signal boosters,” Dusty added as he grabbed everyone’s empty cups.
Peeling myself up off the couch, I started folding the blankets.
“We’re not heading out too early, I hope?” I grumbled.
Saoirse kissed my head. “You can always stay here and join us when you’re ready.”
“I do have a sound check in the morning. I want to check out the stage anyway. We could hit the slopes before or after that?” Dusty suggested.
“I’d like to see the skijoring exhibition,” Hale added. “I was introduced to it last year in Rockland by my sister’s pack and it’s the craziest shit.”
Leaving the guys to do the dishes, I kissed Carlos and followed Saoirse upstairs.
“I’m going to take a shower. Can I use this one?” Saoirse asked.
“Yes, let’s just make this one the girls’ bathroom and the guys can use the other,” I told her. I got comfortable under the covers. The bed was soft, the room cute and rustic, done in shades of blue.
“I laid out your jammies.” I grinned at her.
“Only you.” She kissed me and went into the bathroom.
I crawled into bed, exhausted. Today was fun. But tomorrow… that would be incredible.
Chapter Eleven
Hale
December 24
“Are you ready?” I asked Saoirse.
Bailey, Dusty’s social media person, adjusted the camera on my forehead. We were at the top of one of the expert trails and ready to race.
I had no idea what to expect, since Saoirse had chosen it. That was half the fun.
