Release: New Adult Sport Romance (Fire and Ice) Read Free Page B

better cut this out. This guy seems genuine, and I don’t want to weave a web I can’t untangle.
    As we walk toward the restaurant, I huddle into my parka and pull up my hood. “It’s supposed to snow tonight, isn’t it?”
    “Yup, and we should get a good dump. Have you skied fresh powder yet?” Kaleb shoves his hands into his pockets, and I wonder why it is so many guys don’t think gloves or mittens are essential winter wear.
    “No. And to be truthful, I’m afraid to.” Though I’m looking forward to getting over that fear. As instructors, we can get on the chair with ski patrol before the mountain is open to the public, which means we get an hour of skiing before work. I plan to take advantage of it most days.
    “Aw, c’mon. It’s not that hard. Once you get it, you’ll be just like the rest of us, living for a powder day.” He nudges me with his shoulder. “I happen to know a good teacher if you want a lesson tomorrow.”
    I’m looking at the license plates of the parked cars we pass, and note the make and model of any that are from New England. “I couldn’t ask you to do that. You don’t want to watch me fall instead of doing what you love.”
    “I’ve had more powder days than I can count. I really don’t mind. Besides, it’s fun to be with someone when they first experience it.” He steps in front of me and walks backward so we’re face-to-face. His look teases me. “You know you want to ski with me tomorrow morning. Just say yes.”
    I snort. “Okay, yes. But you may regret this when you have to retrieve my ski for the fiftieth time.”
    He hops back beside me. “It’ll be awesome, you’ll see.”
    Oh God, what am I doing? I’m letting some guy I have a crush on coach me? Uneasiness settles over me.

Chapter 4

    Musky garlic and cumin swirl around us when we enter the restaurant. I check out all the patrons. “How’s the curry here? Is it super spicy?”
    Kaleb shakes his head. “No, not really.”
    “Good. I like it kind of mild. But I guess you’re a how-hot-can-you-make-it type.”
    He cocks his head at me. “I am. How did you know?”
    “Well, I did have a fifty-fifty chance of being right. Besides, something about you says wild.” Good Lord, I’m shameless! I grab a menu from the takeout counter and hide in it.
    “I wouldn’t say I’m wild. Truth is, I’m kind of a homebody. I’m not very good at the bar scene. I don’t know how some people do it. Drinking all the time is so hard on your body.”
    I look up from the menu and scan him with my eyes. “You’d rather go to the gym, right?” Wow, I’ve really got to stop this. He’s going to think I can’t wait to get him naked. Well, I can’t, but I don’t want him to know that yet. When did I become such an over-the-top flirt?
    “Sometimes. But staying home and hanging out with a few friends is nice, too.” Kaleb tilts his head toward the girl who waits for our order. “Know what you want?”
    “Green curry chicken with brown rice, please.” I slip the paper menu into my pocket to take with me.
    “Hey, Gina,” he says. “I’ll take two lime shrimp, one extra hot, please.” The girl smiles at him in a way that tells me she thinks he’s cute, too.
    We move over to a bench to wait for our order. Large goldfish swim in a tank behind it, and the air system gurgles.
    Kaleb asks, “So what about you? Are you a party girl?”
    I shake my head. “Not really. I can be happy curled up with a good book. But I don’t like too much time alone, either.” There’s nothing like a little alone time to bring on a good panic attack, but I don’t tell him that.
    “Being with me isn’t alone, is it?” He has a twinkle in his eye.
    “Definitely not.” I flirt right back.
    “Good. Because I’m happy to keep you company.” He leans in, and I catch a whiff of a salty, ocean scent mixed with his musk. I want to swim it in.
    I look around the restaurant, doing my usual surroundings check. I realize Kaleb has