Kissing Jenna (Big Sky 2)

“What are you up to, beautiful lady?”

I turn to find Christian approaching, his skis resting on his shoulder. He’s in his gear, his hair messy and sweaty, and his chin stubbly.

I swear, he gets better looking every day, which is most likely impossible, but here we are.

“I’m packing up my car,” I reply and internally high-five myself when the door closes without an issue. “I have a bunch of people coming over today for an open house-type party. My friend Penny is closing out a small business, and we always love an excuse to get together to chat and drink wine.”

“That sounds fun,” he says and rests his skis on the ground. “I haven’t seen you in a couple of days.”

It’s true, it’s been a couple of days since our dance lesson.

“I’ve been busy,” I reply with a cringe. “I had an issue with a rental unit in town, and it required a lot of my time. It’s fixed now, but I’m moving out of the Ponderosa for today’s party and so I can start renting it out next week. I make too much income from these to keep them all to myself.”

“How can I help?”

“You absolutely do not need to help. You’re a guest.”

I walk past him to the staircase that leads up to the front door, and I can hear him walking behind me.

“I’m here, and I’m available,” he replies. “I’m happy to help. But I won’t stay for the party.”

I laugh as I turn the handle and turn to him. “No? You don’t want to gossip, drink wine, and try on leggings?”

He swallows and frowns as if he’s wondering how on earth I think that’s fun, which only makes me laugh harder.

“It sounds like a girl thing.”

“Totally a girl thing,” I agree. “But I will take you up on a little prep work.”

“Good.” He drags his knuckles down my cheek, and there’s that buzzing in my skin again. “I’ve missed you.”

“You’re sweet.”

“I’ll go drop this stuff off and come back over to help.”

“Thank you.”

He winks, which seems to be his signature thing that makes me swoon more than I’m proud of.

I’ve just finished unloading the dishwasher and wiping down the clean countertop when he returns.

“How was your lesson today?”

“Great, actually,” he replies with a nod. “I can see why so many people are addicted to skiing. It’s an adrenaline rush for sure, especially when you catch air off one of the little cliffs and such.”

“So I’ve been told,” I reply and reach for a broom to sweep the floor. “I was never good at it. And then I had a friend lose her husband in a skiing accident a few years ago, and it just hasn’t appealed to me since then.”

“I’m sorry about that.” He takes the broom from me and begins sweeping up the kitchen.

“I feel weird about you cleaning when you’re a guest.”

“I don’t get to do this often,” he says with a smile. “It’s kind of fun.”

“Well, you can stop anytime you want.”

“Hey, Jenna! I’m a little early so I can set stuff up before they get here.” Penny comes hurrying in, carrying a big tote, not even looking our way. “I’m going to set this down and go get the other one. Be right back.”

She marches right out again without sparing us a glance, and Christian and I share a smile. In less than thirty seconds, she’s back, and then she sees Christian and comes to an abrupt halt.

“What the fuck? Did I take too many sleeping pills last night? I’m not sleeping, am I?”

“No,” I reply with a laugh. “Penny, this is Christian. He’s a guest here and has become a friend. Christian, this is Penny.”

“Nice to meet you,” she says and holds out her hand for his. She smiles, showing off a dimple, and then steps back and rubs her hands down her thighs. “Sorry for my language. I wasn’t expecting, well, you.”

“No worries.” He waves her off and then turns to me. “If you guys have this, I’ll head out.”

“We have it,” I assure him and walk him to the door. “Thanks for offering to help.”

“I’ll be about thirty feet away if you need anything.” He kisses my cheek, and then he’s gone, and I’m left with a very curious Penny.

“Christian Wolfe just kissed your cheek.”

“Yep.” I open her tote and begin pulling out clothes. “Where do you want these? Did you bring your rack thingies?”

“I don’t give a shit about that,” she says and props her hands on her hips. “Christian Wolfe had his hands on you. And if the way he looks at you is any indication, he wants to put more than that on you.”

“Whatever.” I snort and shake my head. “He’s a guest. He’s learning how to ski for a movie role. That’s it.”

“Uh-huh. Sure.” She narrows her eyes. “Why did it have to be you? You never gossip.”