“Yeah, he’s sexy.”
“I can’t even,” she says and sighs as I pull into the valet at the Lodge. “Before we get out, I just have to know. Is it as good as I think it is?”
I smile and cock a brow. “Girl, I didn’t know it could be this good.”
“Damn it, I knew it.”
A young man opens her door, and wraps both arms around her, helping her out of the car and making sure she’s safely inside as if she’s made of glass.
“That was nice of him,” I comment as we walk into the restaurant.
“Jacob’s trained them to be extra careful with me in the snow,” she says. “You know how clumsy I am, and with being pregnant, well, he’s protective.”
“I love it,” I reply, and we take a seat near the windows that look out over the ski runs, watching people get on and off the chairlift. “It’s busy around here.”
“I see much less of Jacob this time of year,” she says and takes a sip of her water. “He has plenty of staff and could leave it all up to them, but he’s very hands-on.”
“And you like that he’s hands-on,” I reply with a wink, making her laugh.
“Damn right.”
Just after we order our lunch, both Jacob and Christian come walking into the dining room, smiling at us.
“Holy shit, they could burn this place down with those smiles,” I whisper.
“It should be illegal for them to be in the same place at the same time,” she agrees and stands so she can kiss her husband, who sweeps her up into his arms and kisses her as if no one is watching.
It’s damn adorable.
“Hey, fancy face,” Christian says and leans in to kiss my cheek, but he’s careful not to touch me otherwise and glances around to see if anyone is watching or aiming their phone at us.
I don’t like that he has to live his life like this. And that I, in turn, have to do the same. We haven’t defined our relationship, but I’d say we’re a couple, and I am not the kind of person who hides things that matter.
And this matters.
“Darling, I’d like to introduce you to Christian Wolfe,” Jacob says and steps back when Grace turns to greet Christian.
But in true Grace fashion, she trips on the chair and ends up in Christian’s arms.
“Oops,” she says as her face brightens.
“Pleased to meet you,” Christian says with a laugh as he helps her back to her feet.
“I’ve pictured meeting you many ways over the years,” she says, “but knocked-up and swollen was never one of them.”
“No?” Christian’s eyebrows climb into his hairline, and his eyes are full of humor. “How did it go?”
“Well, I did end up in your arms, so…nailed it.” She laughs and leans into Jacob when he wraps an arm around her. “And we’ll just leave the rest to your imagination. I’m a fan, though, so it’s really great to meet you.”
“Grace is one of my dearest friends,” I inform him as they all take seats around the table.
“And how did the two of you meet?” Christian asks them.
“I fell into his arms, too,” Grace says. “But, I’m always falling, so that’s nothing new. Have you guys eaten?”
“I’m starving,” Christian says and accepts a menu from the waitress. “I’d love a burger and fries, ranch on the side, please.”
“I wish I could eat like that,” Grace says and rubs her belly. “I’m not active enough these days.”
“You’re eating for two,” I remind her with a laugh. “You could get away with a burger now and then.”
“I’ll stick with the salad I ordered,” she replies, and Jacob laughs.
“She’ll send me out for a burger for dinner, don’t let her fool you.”
“I totally will,” she says with a nod. “So, Christian, are you enjoying Cunningham Falls?”
“So far,” he says with a nod. “I came up to learn to ski for a movie, and it’s been really fun. The town is beautiful, and I have a stunning tour guide, as well, so I can’t complain.”
The compliment sends my heart beating a mile a minute. He’s sweet, and although he’s not super affectionate in public—for good reason—he’s very attentive and charming, and the man can’t keep his hands off me when we’re in private.
Let’s be honest, I can’t complain either.
Lunch is fun, and just when Jacob and Grace have said goodbye, and Christian and I are heading out, I get a text from Max.
Where are you? I’m at the tree house.
I hurry and call him, rolling my eyes.
“Everything okay?” Christian asks.
“Yeah, it’s my brother.”
“Yello,” Max answers, sounding happy-go-lucky. “Where are you?”
“I’m on my way there, but don’t go in any of the units. They’re all rented out.”
“Oh, cool. Good for you. Are you almost here?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there in five minutes. See you soon.” I hang up as the valet brings my car around. “Can I give you a ride, Mr. Wolfe?”