“Texas.”
He burst out laughing. “You drag my ass up here in the freezing cold, and you’d rather be someplace warm. I’ll tell you what, the roads are open, let’s go ring in the New Year in Texas.”
They approached the top and had to scoot off the lift. As soon as Vincent’s skis hit the snow he regretted going all the way to the top; his legs went two different ways and he landed right on his ass. I might not need to worry about where I’m spending the holiday. It might be in the emergency room.
“Are you okay?” Renita was right by his side trying to help him up. “Are you hurt?”
He raised a hand, not wanting any assistance. “Only my pride.” This time. Next time I can’t guarantee I won’t need a helping hand. Or worse.
As he tried to steady himself, he heard her swearing again in Italian. Spicy little thing when you’re mad. I like it. I really wish I understood more Italian, but it’s not what you say, it’s your emotion when you say it. I like it.
“Okay. I’m ready.” His voice was filled with false confidence. The way Renita looked at him said she wasn’t buying it either.
“We can ride the lift back down. You don’t need to do this. You shouldn’t do this.”
It’d been a long time since anyone cared if he hurt himself. It was . . . nice. But he wasn’t one to back down. He’d committed to this slope, and damned if he wasn’t going to see it through.
“Not changing my mind. You lead, I’ll follow.” Hopefully in the vertical position.
The first push off went much easier than he thought, but then he dropped to his side. Renita had been watching and was close to being parallel with him, so she cut her skis and stopped to wait. He lifted his hand right away, so she knew better than to offer.
Renita stood there shaking her head. “This is foolishness. I’m not sure which one is worse. You for doing this or me for letting you.”
“Letting me?”
“Yes. Technically the lodge would’ve never let you on the lift without first knowing you could ski. Because I’m with you, the staff didn’t question it. So if something happens to you, this is all my fault.”
“So you’re not really worried about me, just about being blamed for my demise?” Vincent asked, arching a brow and grinning.
“Actually, I’m worried about you ruining a perfectly packed white slope with your blood.”
Her tone was so dry that he almost believed she was telling the truth before that sweet smile of hers returned.
“Want to put a little wager on if I make it down?”
“Alive?” Renita teased.
Spunky. I’m glad I don’t intimidate you and that you’re not trying to kiss my ass to impress me. I hate both things. And you do neither. Very refreshing. “I was actually going to say still standing, but yeah, I like alive too.” He laughed.
She smiled. “I’ll take that bet. If I win, you cook dinner.”
“And if I win, you cook breakfast.” He didn’t wait for her to respond as he dug his poles into the snow and started his descent. She was not far behind him as he heard her soft laughter getting closer to him.
He was agile and picking it up very quickly. All it took was a bit of coordination, which he had. Vincent looked at each turn logically and was mastering it quite well. What he wasn’t expecting was how he’d gone off course and was trying to avoid rocks.
“Vincent. Get back on the trail. You’re going to get—”
He heard her scream and turned to watch as she was midair doing flips and landing on her ass. Immediately he cut his skis to stop, pulled them off, and ran up toward her.
Dropping to his knees he asked, “Renita, are you okay? Do you need me to get help?”
“I’m okay. As you said before, only hurt my pride. Here I am telling you to watch out, and I hit one of the rocks myself. Stupid amateur mistake.”
He lifted her gently into his arms. “I think this means I should get breakfast brought to me in bed.”
She laughed and then rubbed her bottom. “I’m glad you were able to turn this around to be all about you. I thought I was the injured party here.”
He became serious. “Tell me, Renita. Are you hurt?”
Shaking her head, she said, “Nothing that won’t heal or feel better after a long soak in a steamy tub. So if you don’t mind putting me down, I think we can call it a night.”
Before he released her, he kissed her lips briefly. “As you wish.” But only this once. Tomorrow night I’ll set the plans, and if we end up horizontal, it won’t be an accident.
Chapter Five
Renita made her way to the kitchen after a very restless sleep. Her mind wouldn’t shut off. Vincent was the first person she’d openly shared her dream to be a teacher. Now she was regretting it. Dreams are meant to be locked away unless you’re willing to chase them. And I just can’t bring myself to abandon Dad like that.
Besides being tired, her body felt sore, even after a long soak in the tub the next morning. Vincent had been kind enough to see her to her room, but the way he looked at her, she knew if she asked him in, a lot more than kissing would’ve happened.
He wouldn’t have been her first, but compared to him, she was naïve and inexperienced. He probably was comfortable with a casual love affair, a quick hook-up on vacation and then never see each other again. That wasn’t her at all. Besides, I’m honestly attracted to him, not just physically either. If I don’t keep my distance, I’m going to fall further, and it’s going to hurt like hell when he leaves tomorrow. Twenty-four more hours, that’s all. I can do this. How hard can it be to resist him for just one more day?
As she opened the door to the kitchen, she heard her father’s booming laughter. Although she was thrilled to see him back on his feet and where he belonged, s
he wasn’t used to hearing him so cheery at work. That was usually reserved for guests or at home. He, like Vincent, ran a tight ship. What has you so chipper this morning, Dad?
When her father stepped to one side, she was surprised even more. Vincent and her father were laughing and cooking at the same counter. Both had been too absorbed in the conversation to have noticed her. I wish I had a camera because this is a sight I’ll never see again.
She couldn’t take her eyes off them. Vincent was smiling and more relaxed in the kitchen than she’d seen him. Almost as comfortable as last night when we were alone. Guess he can let go of business for a short time. He should try it more often.
Thoughts like those were going to get her in trouble. You’ll be gone and will have forgotten my name. I don’t think I’m going to be so lucky. You’ve made me want more.
It appeared she was no longer needed in the kitchen. She was about to turn and head out to the dining room when Vincent called out to her.
“Renita. Just in time for another lesson.”
Oh, no more lessons for me. Especially with my father here, thank you. “I think you gentlemen have the kitchen under control. It’s time I get back to my job and make sure the dining room is ready for tonight’s main event.”
“Nita. You heard Chef Moretti. Come. I shall go and prepare the breakfast while you study.” Her father glared at her as only a parent could.
She smiled at him, wishing she could say what was on her mind. Couldn’t he see she didn’t want to be there? He knew she hated cooking, and now she was being forced to do it with a man who was going to make it impossible for her to concentrate on a damn thing. The entire kitchen could catch on fire, and she wasn’t sure she’d notice if he was kissing her or touching her.
She felt her cheeks grow warm. And this is exactly the reason I need to get out of here. “Dad, I think you’d be the best person to teach me. Why don’t we set a time after this New Year’s Eve party is over?”
Ricco laughed and slapped Vincent on the back as though they were old friends. “My daughter has jokes this morning. I’ve tried to get her into the kitchen since she was a child. Couldn’t even drag her in here. You come along, and she walks in all smiles and bright eyes. Chef Moretti, I believe I’m beginning to feel ill again; maybe I should go back home.”
