It was absolutely stunning and magical.
Aliyah parked the car and turned off the engine. The car’s cabin instantly dropped several degrees and they hurried to grab their bags from the back and head inside.
The inside of the resort was just as beautiful as the outside. Warm wood furniture filled the lobby. A giant fireplace glowed with flames. Candles flickered in nooks and on tables, while the scent of snow and fresh-baked cookies filled the air. A giant Christmas tree decorated with red satin streamers and fake snow stood proud in the center of the room.
“Wow,” Aliyah whispered as they walked wide-eyed through the lobby to the check-in desk. “This is nice.”
“Yeah.”
“Welcome to the Blue Aspen Resort and Spa,” the woman at the front desk greeted them with a smile. “How can I help you?”
“Hi. I’m Aliyah Jameson and this is Holly Jones. We have a reservation.” Aliyah smiled at the woman as they set their bags down on the floor. “Holly won the Educator's Award.”
“Of course.” The woman quickly typed something into the computer. “Here you are.”
Holly grinned at Aliyah. This was going to be great.
“You’ll be staying in one of our premium suites.” The woman handed them two plastic key-cards with mountains engraved into them. “These are your room keys as well as your lift tickets. You also have equipment rentals through our rental shop. You can pick up your gear any time tomorrow morning.”
Holly slipped the key into her back pocket.
“Breakfast starts in the main dining room at five in the morning and goes until eleven,” the woman continued. “The gym is on the third level with the spa. You also have access to the main pools and the network of hot springs pools around the resort. Your keys will let you into those areas as well. You can reserve any of the private ponds here or online.”
“Network of hot springs?” Aliyah asked, her brow crinkling.
“Yes,” the woman replied with a nod. “Blue Aspen Resort has a natural hot spring. There are several pools and private soaking ponds throughout the resort. They all interconnect and combine into the main pool just outside. It gives us a naturally heated outdoor pool.”
Aliyah’s jaw dropped open. “That’s awesome.”
The woman smiled at her and slid an envelope across the desk. “These are your tickets to the Educator's Award Ceremony tomorrow evening. The dress is formal.”
“We already have a hair appointment booked,” Holly informed her. Holly was going all out for this party. She even had a fancy designer dress that she’d borrowed from a friend.
“Excellent. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Please enjoy your stay here at Blue Aspen.” The woman smiled at both of them. “Do you need any assistance with your bags?”
“I think we’re okay. Thank you,” Holly replied. She bent over and picked up her duffle bag full of snow gear. Beside her, Aliyah did the same, but groaned slightly with the motion. Holly figured her friend was just sore from being in a car for three hours.
Holly turned and nearly ran directly into a man in a dark wool peacoat.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said quickly, stepping back and nearly into Aliyah. Holly’s eye widened as she took in the expensive suit under the expensive jacket. She didn’t recognize him as a celebrity, but then she wasn’t exactly up to date on all the newest stars.
He certainly was handsome enough to be a celebrity.
“No harm,” the man replied with a smile. His eyes were warm and dark. Holly blushed and quickly stepped out of the way. Aliyah was already halfway to the elevators w
hen Holly caught up with her.
“Did you see that guy?” Holly asked her, glancing back at the man.
“No,” Aliyah replied, shaking her head. She pressed the elevator button twice in rapid succession and it miraculously appeared.
“Huh.” Holly looked at the man one last time before stepping onto the elevator. She started to grin.
This was going to be an amazing trip.
Chapter 2
Merryweather