Take Me Down (The Knight Brothers 2)

Colby nodded. “Well, after the tour, if you’re interested, we can sit down and discuss packages that included transfers from hotels, excursions to town, ski time, catering, and facilities.”

“Actually, once I approve, I’ll have someone call you to go over those details. I’m just checking the place out first. I already nixed one too-slick resort that would have my people freezing up instead of relaxing. At a glance, this place is perfect for what I’m looking for. I just need to see the amenities.”

“Great.” Colby glanced at Emily, who smiled but remained silent, leaving Parker to run his own show. “Let’s get started.”

For the next two hours, Colby was the perfect host as he explained the amenities of the resort and the reasons it would be perfect for what Knight Time Technologies needed for their retreat. From the town at the bottom of the mountain to the gym at the top floor, the saunas and hot tubs, not to mention the exemplary ski runs that gave Parker a pang of longing, the personal accommodations were perfect. There were two cafes and grills for smaller groups of people, and a larger restaurant that offered American and continental cuisine rated Four Diamonds by AAA.

As for meeting areas for the actual bonding and work time, there were different meeting areas. A conference room for groups of up to twenty-five people to escape everyday demands of work and focus on company strategy, private dining rooms that held groups of up to thirty-five for relaxed dinner meetings, and a larger dining room with views of the village.

“Can I take you two to dinner tonight on the house?” Colby asked when they were finally back in the lobby after a long day of walking the resort.

“That’s so sweet of you but it’s our last night and we have plans,” Emily said before Parker could bark out a rude no because all he wanted was to get Emily alone again.

His gaze fell to Emily and softened. “I waited too long.”

She blinked in obvious surprise, her face flushing with heat. She really had no idea the effect she had on men, which was one of the many things he found endearing about her.

“Colby–”

He glanced at Parker. “Take good care of her.” He extended his hand and Parker took it, liking the man despite the fact that he wanted Emily. They shook in silent understanding, which left Parker shaken, because by no means did he and Emily have any kind of future secured.

* * *

After a delicious dinner that consisted of a light Chardonnay, an amazing Dover sole, and conversation that was light and fun, Emily now waited for a chocolate soufflé she could not wait to try. It was their last night away and she had enjoyed every minute with Parker. She let all her troubles drift away, she didn’t think about the future, and she just let the good feelings of being in the present envelop her.

There was that awkward moment with Colby… She’d had no idea he had any kind of feelings for her beyond friendship. But that was the only thing that marred an otherwise perfect couple of days. She’d checked in with her father and he said everything at the inn was fine and he’d see her when she returned. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so happy.

“What was that sigh for?” Parker asked, bringing her out of her musings.

She smiled, looking into his amused blue eyes. “I was just thinking how perfect everything has been here. I’m glad we got away. Do you really feel like this is the right place for your retreat?”

“I do. There wasn’t one drawback except the distance from the airport, but they accommodate that, too, with drivers and vans. I think even Ethan will love the place.”

She nodded. “Me, too. I’m glad.”

“So … I have to ask you something, and if you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine, but I noticed how you froze when Colby asked about your time in Chicago. You’ve told me some things about Rex… Want to tell me the rest before dessert?”

She froze. Again. Parker got that word right. Did she want to tell him? He’d exposed his deepest vulnerability to her, his skiing career being cut short, his fiancée dying in a car crash, his refusal to get back on the mountain. Did she owe him her own truths? More so, did she owe it to herself to unpack the pain and finally unburden herself?

She’d never seen a therapist. Merely come home to take care of her sick mother.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything.” His hand covered hers and he squeezed lightly. “I understand.”

But she heard the disappointment in his voice. “I want to. It’s just hard. I’m sure you’ve already put two and two together from meeting Rex and from listening to the things he said. He wanted to change me. He did change me. And I let him.” She swallowed hard, picked up a spoon, and twirled it between her hands.