Pulse: Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 6) (14 page)

T
he safety bar
of the chairlift clunks down once we’re seated, and I practically yell so she hears me over the engine’s roar, “Casey, please. I’m dying here. Where is Nick?”

“He’s on his way to Long Island.”

“What?”

Her green eyes are intense as she says, “Let me start at the beginning. When Nick came back, he moped around for a couple weeks and then decided he couldn’t be here without you. So he enrolled in a couple classes at CU in Boulder this past fall to update his teaching certificate with the intention of finding a different job once this winter was through.”

I recall the way Nick was with his students and his unwavering patience with even the most challenging person. Casey continues, “But something changed his mind a few weeks ago. Maybe it was because Stacy blew out her knee and learned she injured it so badly she’d never be able to ski aggressively again. I don’t know.”

She touches my arm. “All I know was I was so excited when he told us he got a job at a prep school in the Hamptons. I was dying to tell you, but he wanted it to be a surprise.”

He wanted to surprise me?
“Oh my God.”

“Exactly. He’s in a car somewhere on his way to New York to get settled in and then find you.”

“And I’m here to get him back. I had this great plan to move here for winters so I could be with him. And I was going to beg him to find a way to be in New York for the summers.” I unzip my jacket to reach for my phone.

“Do you have any idea how romantic this is?” Her eyes get wide. “You have to text him.”

I wave my phone at her. “On it.”

Icy wind bites at my fingers as I remove my glove to type. I speak as I do so Casey knows what I’m typing.
“I booked a private lesson with a sexy instructor, and he blew me off.”

I lift my phone and say, “Smile for Nick.” She holds her hands up and raises her eyebrows as if to say “I don’t know.”

The shutter clicks, and I send him the image followed by,
“This is who they gave me instead. I want my money back.”

Casey says, “Hey. I’m going to take you to all the fun places.”

“Yes, you are.” I lift the chairlift bar as we approach the exit ramp. “Because I’ll go crazy if all I do is wait for his reply.”

The familiar rush of snow under my skis sounds as we slide over to a trail. One of my all-time favorites, it branches off into chutes, and I recall many powder days in my mind as we take off. While the snow is hard packed today, it doesn’t lessen the joy I feel as my muscles flex with power to move me through my round turns. Casey doesn’t stop at the chutes, and I follow her as we blast through. My chest heaves with the exertion when we stop at the bottom.

“That was so fun.”

“Not bad for a corporate girl.”

My phone rings, and I whip open my jacket, knowing it has to be Nick. It is, and I say, “So I’m at the bottom of the chutes right now, and you’re not here. I’m going to have to tip the redhead.”

Nick’s laughter rings out, and my heart wants to burst with happiness at the sound. He says, “That damn Casey’s stealing my best clients.”

She yells, “I heard that!”

Nick says, “You’ve kind of ruined my New Year’s plans. I was going to knock on your door and beg you to take me back.”

“What do you think I was coming out here to do?”

Nick’s voice gets low, and he says, “I love you, Megan. Ditch the skiing and come be with me.”

“I’ll be on a plane tomorrow.” I ache for his touch. “When will you get to Long Island?”

“Tonight.” The swish of skiers makes me glance in their direction as they race by us.

“I can’t wait to see you,” I say.

“I’m excited to see you too.”

I’m afraid he’s going to end the call, so I ask, “Nick?”

“Yes?”

“I love you. And no matter what I have to do this time, I’ll do it.”

“Same.”

When I end the call, I glance over at Casey to find her eyes shining. Mine tear up too, and she says, “You’re better than a movie.” She sniffs and says, “C’mon, we’ve got trails to ski.”

When I finish my time with Casey, I don’t bother to go in. Instead, I stay out skiing until I physically have had enough. After a hot shower and phone calls to arrange my travel, I walk into town to visit Dannika and Lori at Rhinestone Cowgirl. On the way, I stop at our favorite café to bring them fancy coffees and cake.

The Baked Bean is bustling with people, and I stand in a long line that almost reaches the door to place my order. I glance over at the table where Dannika first saw her husband, Christian, and recall that day as she embarrassed herself being overheard saying he was hot while Casey, Lori, and I tortured her about it. A grin covers my face as I dart my eyes over to the table where I told Casey that Nick and I were moving in together. It feels like a lifetime ago. My head is full from the happy memories this place brings, and I’m still daydreaming when it’s my turn. The girl behind the counter drags me back to reality. “Miss?”

“Oh. Sorry.” I order our food and pay before I step aside to wait. A couple having an argument captures my attention, and I watch as she gets up to storm out. But her boyfriend grabs her arm and pulls her into a hug. He whispers to her and kisses the top of her head as my lower lip starts to tremble as I imagine her pain. I want to tell her that if it’s meant to be, everything will work itself out.

“Megan.” I turn to the guy who called my name, alerting me that my order is ready.

I say, “Thanks,” and take the food. The cardboard tray holding the drinks is warm in my hand, and I don’t bother with gloves before pushing my way out the door to the street.

My legs are tight as I walk to the clothing store, and it’s a reminder that this is no longer my world. Wind blows my hair, and I lift my face to the icy breeze instead of cowering. I glance around at the people walking along the sidewalks. I wonder if any of them have an idea what a magical town Breckenridge is. It’s the place where love can be found and thrive. It’s a resort town where people run to escape their troubles but learn eventually we all have to face them. And it’s the place where I met the love of my life.

I texted Nick earlier asking him if we could talk later tonight when he’s done driving for the day. He’ll call around nine my time. I look forward to telling him so much while in return he shares his new plan. A woman walks out of Rhinestone Cowgirl just as I arrive and holds the door for me. I thank her before walking in to warmth and the welcoming arms of good friends.

S
tuffed with too much pizza
, I make my way back to my hotel. Some of my friends came to see me at Rhinestone Cowgirl, and we laughed as we caught up on old times and new. I tuck my chin into the collar of my jacket to escape the cold. The fleece lining is soft on my face. My phone should ring any minute, and it seems appropriate that I answer it under the stars and sky of the town where Nick and I first met.

When it rings, I stop under a streetlight to speak, and my breath is a blast of white vapor as I do. “Hi.”

Nick’s voice echoes as he speaks. “I can’t believe you went all the way to Breckenridge to talk to me. Why didn’t you just call?”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Good point.” I hear the clomp of his feet on what I guess is a wood floor, and that echoes too. I picture his strong fingers combing through his dark locks as he walks and talks at the same time. “I left too soon. I let pride get the best of me, but once I was in Breck without you, it was awful. Nothing felt right, and nothing helped my loneliness.”

“Oh, Nick. I’ve been miserable without you, too.” I gaze up at the night sky to watch the beginning of snow flurries float down. “Casey told me you got a teaching job.”

“Yes. I knew I would eventually, once being a ski bum got old. I’m the new English Literature teacher at Hampton Prep School.”

“That’s fantastic. And a really good school. I’m impressed.”

“It was the power of networking. Gracie’s the one who helped me get the job.”

“Really?”
Does she have plans for him too?

“She’s not as awful as you think. As a matter of fact, she’s a big supporter of you, and us.”

I picture Drew’s face when he sauntered into my office with his love connection idea and grin. The sound of Nick’s feet hasn’t stopped, and I ask, “Where are you?”

“In an empty dormitory great room. They’re putting me up over the holidays until I find a place to live.”

I begin to walk toward my hotel to stay warm. “I know of one you might like. And it comes with some pretty great amenities.”

“There’s only one amenity I need.”

“Same.” The snow is falling more heavily, and it sticks to my hair. “I came back to Breck because I was going to buy a house and do the telecommuting thing during the winter months to be near you.”

“Wouldn’t that have been hard?”

A man in uniform holds the hotel door open for me, and I stomp my feet free of snow when I get to the grates inside the breezeway. I say, “Yes. But sometimes you have to jump into the icy water to get what it is you really want.”

“Huh, I heard that analogy recently from someone else.”
Drew?
The grin that covers my face is huge, and I wonder if he and Gracie worked together on this. “I love you so much, Nick. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.”

“I know.”

Nick and I continue our conversation until I can barely keep my eyes open, and when I say goodnight, I lay the phone on the pillow next to me and curl up, imagining his arms around me once again.

R
eggie greets
me at the airport, and I’m so excited, I reach up and kiss him on the cheek. He chuckles at me and asks, “What has you in such a great mood? You cut your trip short.”

“Love.” I slide over the cool leather of the town car’s backseat, and the door slams.

When Reggie gets in the front, he glances in the rearview mirror at me to ask, “Aha, is there someone new you’re racing home to see?”

“Nope. Nick moved back to Long Island, and my trip was unnecessary.”

His teeth flash in his smile for me. “That’s fantastic news. Do you have plans for this evening?”

I gaze out the window at the snowstorm. “I hadn’t given it much thought. We’ll probably just stay in and get caught up.”

“Good. I wouldn’t want to think of you out in this storm tonight.”

I recall the champagne I gave Reggie along with a hefty bonus for Christmas. “What are you and Janice doing tonight?”

“About the same. She’ll cook us a nice dinner, and we’ll relax on the couch in front of movies. Then we’ll go to bed before midnight, because we’ll be too tired to stay up.”

“That sounds lovely.”

“That’s what old married couples do. We don’t need the fanfare, just sleep.”

I smile to myself, imagining Nick and me as an old married couple. “Sleep is a wonderful thing.”

“And so is love. It’s nice to see you happy again, Megan.”

“Thank you.”

I mentally plan my afternoon. While the first thing I want to do is see Nick, we’ll need a proper New Year’s Eve celebration. And that calls for lobster, clams, and plenty of champagne. The alcohol is covered with the never-ending supply my mother keeps on hand, but the seafood will require a trip.

I pull out my phone to place an order at the fish market, and I ask Reggie to swing by it on my way home. For the rest of our meal, I’m sure I can figure something out with whatever is in the fridge.

My fingers shake with the anticipation of seeing Nick when I tap out a text to him.
“I’ll be home in an hour.”

“I’ll be the guy on the front step, waiting.”

I squeal on the inside, thinking about throwing myself into his arms.

I send him a heart emoji and click off my phone. Holding out my hand, I glance at the ring he gave me months ago. With all my money, it’s still the most beautiful diamond I’ve ever seen. Maybe my world does include fancy clothes, nice cars, and expansive homes, but none of that is what matters. My ring is a perfect example of how important love is, and how important it is to make the right one fit. The stone is cool on my lips as I kiss it with the vision of Nick in my mind.

The silly grin on my face makes Reggie laugh at me as he pulls in next to the Subaru. I jump out of the car the second it’s in park and race to Nick as he comes toward me with open arms. He swings me around, and I squeal before his mouth meets mine. His kiss is my touchstone as the world falls into place. We break apart, but I can’t stop touching Nick, and I yank him by the hand to get inside quickly. My fingers tug at his jacket to reach the warmth of his flannel shirt underneath.

Reggie moves around us as I strip off Nick’s coat, and it falls to the floor with a whoosh. While I push him toward the kitchen, he mumbles, “I think I’m the one coming home, and you know what that means.” He scoops me up and carries me.

Reggie’s amused voice sounds as my groceries thump on the counter. “I’ll just let myself out. Happy New Year!”

Nick whispers as he continues to the living room, “I’m going to take what I need.” He sets me down, and his eyes are dark with lust as he removes my coat from my shoulders. “I’m going to unwrap you like I’ve been given the most precious gift.”

I gaze up at him. “I’ve always been yours.”

“And I didn’t know what I had.” He pulls my shirt over my head and sighs at the sight of what he reveals before he drops to his knees to unfasten my jeans. I kick off my shoes to step out of my pants when he lowers them.

Tiny hairs stand up on my skin as I tremble with my ache for his touch. He says, “Oh, Megan.” His lips nibble my stomach. “My darling, Megan.”

I grab his hair in one hand and grip his shoulder with the other as he slides my panties down my thighs to nuzzle my mound. A small cry passes my lips as he swipes his tongue over my folds, and I spread my thighs to allow him better access. But it isn’t long before my legs are like jelly, and he lowers me to the couch to continue. I arch up into the man who takes me places I didn’t know existed, and my cry is loud when my orgasm breaks.

Nick crawls up to kiss me, and I work my shaky fingers over the slippery plastic of his buttons to remove his shirt. I push him off me so I can sit up and take what I want. “My turn.”

I straddle his lap to take off his shirt and slide my hands along his strong shoulders and down his chest as I kiss my way toward my destination. His musk wafts up to my nose as I undo his pants and remove his thick shaft. Nick lifts his hips and pushes his jeans down to help me get them out of the way. His boots are still on, and he reaches down to undo them while I unhook my bra and let it slither down my arms when he sits back up.

I’m on my knees, and the carpet is scratchy under them as I lower my mouth over his cock. The silky skin is smooth on my tongue as I drag it up the length before I suck him in. His sigh is all I need for encouragement, and I give him oral pleasure in the way I know he enjoys.

When he pulls at me to stop, I grab his jeans, and the worn denim is soft on my hand when I reach for the condom in his pocket. I hand it to him and climb over his lap again. I whisper, “Whose turn is it?”

He pulls my hips down to enter me quickly and says, “Mine.”

I throw my head back as I ride the waves of pleasure that consume me. Each one takes me higher, until I reach my peak. Nick’s words are soft and stroke me in harmony with his thrusts, and when I’m about to crash, he flips me onto the couch to drive home my climax and his.

When we’re done trembling, Nick lifts off me and leans on an elbow to lessen the weight of his body. I trace the line that travels between his pectorals, and the dampness is slippery under my finger. “I think we both took what we needed.”

“We did.” Nick places a hand on my cheek, and I lean into it as he says, “God, Megan. I missed you so much.”

I turn my head to kiss his palm. “I know. I’ve been so unhappy without you.”

“We’re going to have to set some ground rules this time. I don’t want us to end up back where we were last summer.”

“Agreed.” I wiggle out from under him to sit up. I need to put the seafood in the fridge. I get up off the couch and pad my way over to the kitchen as I say, “I’d already put in motion a way to slow down, and even though I’m not going to move to Breck now, I think I need to stick to my plan.”

Nick follows me, and the cabinet under the sink clicks open as he deposits the used condom in the garbage. “What was your plan?”

“Drew and Alex will be in charge of the two arms of Bellae, and I’m going to sit back and take a less hands-on approach. It should free up my time, and I can promise you weekends will be ours.” The refrigerator door sucks shut, and I wrap my arms around Nick’s naked waist.

He says, “I’ll be responsible for activities outside teaching, so some weeknights I won’t be available, if that helps you at all.”

I gaze up into his brown eyes. “It does. But let’s promise each other that Saturdays belong to us. Can we do that?”

“Yes. As much as I’d love to return to the life we had as ski instructors, it’s not realistic any longer.”

“No. It’s not. But what we have now is going to be just as amazing. I know it. Because now we can plan for a future.”

“No more secrets?” asks Nick.

I nod. “And we talk things through instead of letting them eat away at us. Okay?”

Nick says, “Deal.” He grabs my hips and lifts me up onto the sandstone counter.

“Hey! That’s cold.” I squirm in his grip as he slides me to the edge and steps between my legs.

“I know a way to warm you up.”

I throw my head back as he kisses my neck, and I let him do just that.