There are so many other places I’d rather spend some alone time with you. Number one would be in my suite where it’s toasty warm.
“I promise, you’ll love it.”
I highly doubt that, but time alone with you does appeal to me. “I’ll meet you in the lobby in fifteen minutes. If you’re not there, then—”
“I’ll be there,” Renita shouted as he watched her scurry down the hallway.
I know you will. Vincent went inside and grabbed his ski clothes. At the last minute, he’d decided to pack them in case Landon and West wanted to discuss business on the slopes. Otherwise he’d never ski for pleasure. But then again, I’m going to now, but the only pleasure is being with you, Renita. If I thought you’d agree, I’d have invited you inside to continue that lesson from earlier because, God knows, we taste good together.
When he arrived in the lobby, Renita was there in a pink and white snowsuit. He was wondering how much she’d really object to him picking her up and carrying her back to his room. Probably not as much as she’d pretend. She didn’t mind the kiss, and I know if we hadn’t been in a public place, who knows where it would’ve ended?
Normally, he wouldn’t let an opportunity like that slip by, but something told him she wasn’t the casual affair type of girl. Maybe it was the innocence that shone in her eyes as she flirted. Although she didn’t kiss as though she was inexperienced, he felt she didn’t have as much experience as other women her age.
And fuck if that doesn’t only make me want you more.
“I thought I was going to have to come and drag you,” she said joyfully, as she came over and locked elbows with him. “And don’t think I wouldn’t either. Not much will keep me off the mountain on a night like this.”
And only one thing would get me on it. You!
Before long, they had their skis on, and she was trying to encourage him to hop on the lift.
“You do understand that I’ve never snow skied in my life.”
“Really? I thought all you guys skied.”
Raising a brow Vincent said, “You mean chefs?”
“No. I mean . . . big businessmen.”
“And how many big businessmen do you know?” Vincent wasn’t sure he wanted to know that answer.
“Besides you?” she asked.
He nodded.
“None. But I watch television, and you see pictures of guys all over the world, relaxing on some beach, or an exotic island, or skiing.”
“Don’t believe everything you see. Granted, I like to vacation, but when I do, I go where it’s quiet, and I can think.”
“Then the mountain is just what you want. It is so silent up at the top that you can hear your own heartbeat. That is unless it is a windy day, then you can hear your teeth chatter instead,” Renita joked.
“I’m glad you’re not in sales, because you’re horrible at it,” Vincent said as he tried standing on his skis. “Tell me you’re not starting me on that mountain.” He pointed to the biggest one.
“No way. We’re going to start on the kiddie hill over there. If you can stay up, then we’ll take the lift to the top.”
Vincent wasn’t sure if she was kidding or not. “I’m not uncoordinated in the least. Waterskiing takes skill, and I love it. Both have the same amount of risk.” If I’m going to break my leg, I’d prefer it happen while doing something I enjoy.
He looked around and there were only a few people crazy enough to be out skiing at this hour. There was no way he would be caught on the kiddie slope looking like an idiot. He considered himself a risk-taker, but starting on the big hill was damn foolish. That didn’t mean he wasn’t going to do it.
“You have two choices. We either go up on the lift now and see what I’ve got naturally as I make my way down, or we take off these stupid things and spend the rest of the evening in a Jacuzzi with a glass of wine.” He was hoping for the latter of the two.
Vincent knew by the look in her eyes that this was payback for what he’d done in the kitchen earlier. He’d taught many people how to cook, and he’d always kept it to a professional level. The lesson they’d shared did not fall into that category. Not by a long shot. It wasn’t that she disapproved of his tactic, but it appeared she was about to give him her version of what a lesson should entail. I think mine was much more fun.
“Vincent, you can’t be serious. There is no way I’ll let you go up that mountain without a private lesson first.”
“Great. So let’s get out of here.”
She grabbed his arm. “That’s not what I meant. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“We’re in agreement on that, but the options remain the same. Which one?”
“Vincent, that’s not fair. You’re not giving it a chance. Or are you not the adventurous type?”
“I am. But I only do things my way.”
He loved how she pouted when she didn’t get her way. There was nothing about her he didn’t find sexy. If she pushed, he’d probably cave and give in to anything she wanted. He wasn’t about to reveal that to her. It’s a dangerous power you hold, Renita.
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re stubborn?” Renita asked as they made their way to the ski lift.
“Only when they were trying to be kind.” He laughed as he followed her.
She shot back a concerned look, but when she saw his smile, he watched her throw her hands up in defeat. I’m glad you think I’m joking. You’re seeing me at my best. If you saw me in business, you’d come up with a few choice words for me as well. And I’d have earned every one of them.
Vincent hadn’t grown up with money. If people knew he’d been homeless and sleeping in a car right after graduating from culinary art school, they’d never believe it. He’d had the option of going back home to live with his parents and siblings, but he’d wanted to prove to them and everyone else in that small town he could do it. Like most successful people, he’d fought for everything he had, but it came with a price. Distancing people wasn’t always pretty. But things moved faster and easier when you only had yourself to think about.
Most days it was the way he preferred it. Yet, meeting someone like Renita made him think about what tomorrow would be like if they were together. That made no sense because they had nothing in common. He loved to cook; she hated it. He hated the cold, and she loved it. So why the hell was he out here about to go down a mountain and risk breaking his damn neck?
It was probably the same thing that was making him want to extend his stay. Leaving on New Year’s Day had appealed to him, but not anymore.
Vincent watched Renita’s eyes light up as they sat on the lift and began their journey to the top. The moonlight reflected in them, and he could see her excitement the higher up they went. “You’re really in your element here.”
She turned to him. “You’ll understand when you get to the top.”
“What’s so special up there?”
“It’s not what’s there, but what’s not. When you’re coming down the slope at night it’s so peaceful and quiet. The only sound is your skis as they cut into the snow. I can do my best thinking and dreaming then.”
“What do you dream about, Renita?”
She turned away from him, and he was afraid he’d brought up a painful memory. Being here had nothing to do with him but was all about giving her some stress relief.
“I think about what it’d be like if I weren’t here,” she said, her voice soft.
Her eyes had sparkled earlier, and he’d have bet she’d never want to leave this place. Right now she looked as though she’d flee if given the opportunity. Had he been misreading her, or was she that complex that she didn’t know what she wanted?
“Where would you go if you weren’t in Stowe?”
“I’m not sure. That’s the problem. I’ve always been here, but my heart wants to do much more.”
“What are you passionate about?”
“Children. I love to be around little ones. When I have free time I volunteer to watch
them so parents can enjoy a bit of free time.”
“You want to do daycare?”
She shook her head. “No, I was thinking more like a teacher. I haven’t told my father yet, but I’ve taken a lot of classes online and will continue to work toward my degree in education just in case one day I—”
“So, why do you stay?”
The sparkle left her eyes as she spoke. “My father. I’m all he has. I can’t go and leave him alone. He’s not one who takes care of himself. If I’m not here, all he’ll do is work and work some more. That’s not the life I want for him.”
“Have you ever told Ricco how you feel?”
Renita shook her head. “No. I don’t want him thinking I’m unhappy here. Because I’m not. I like it here. It’s just not what I’ve dreamed of doing with my life. Does that make sense?”
“Absolutely. But you can’t live your life for him. You don’t resent it now, but someday you will.”
“You try to make everything seem easy.”
“I only look for ways to accomplish what I want without sacrificing what I need. For you the answer would be to travel back and forth.” Listening to her speak of her father made him feel a bit guilty for not spending more time with his parents. It wasn’t them he avoided as much as his hometown. It reminded him of everything he didn’t have as a child, and he hated it. He always had one excuse after another. Every time he saw his mother, she asked the same damn question. “When are you going to move back here and make me a grandmother?” Vincent was never going to live there again. As far as children, he always protected himself. I don’t have attachments and don’t want any.
“No one wants to come home to an empty house every night.”
The way she said it made him realize that’s exactly how he lived. He had a fast-paced life, but at the end of the day, he slept and woke alone. It wasn’t a bad thing. No one told him what he could or couldn’t do. A prime example was his last minute decision to spend a few days here. Brice had said, if he and Lena were there, it would be all vacation, no work. He’d never have done that. Until now. I’m stuck with no option but a vacation. And down time is not something I do well.
“If he wasn’t alone, where would you go?”
“Texas.”
He burst out laughing. “You drag my ass up here in the freezing cold, and you’d rather be someplace warm. I’ll tell you what, the roads are open, let’s go ring in the New Year in Texas.”
They approached the top and had to scoot off the lift. As soon as Vincent’s skis hit the snow he regretted going all the way to the top; his legs went two different ways and he landed right on his ass. I might not need to worry about where I’m spending the holiday. It might be in the emergency room.
“Are you okay?” Renita was right by his side trying to help him up. “Are you hurt?”
He raised a hand, not wanting any assistance. “Only my pride.” This time. Next time I can’t guarantee I won’t need a helping hand. Or worse.
As he tried to steady himself, he heard her swearing again in Italian. Spicy little thing when you’re mad. I like it. I really wish I understood more Italian, but it’s not what you say, it’s your emotion when you say it. I like it.
“Okay. I’m ready.” His voice was filled with false confidence. The way Renita looked at him said she wasn’t buying it either.
“We can ride the lift back down. You don’t need to do this. You shouldn’t do this.”
It’d been a long time since anyone cared if he hurt himself. It was . . . nice. But he wasn’t one to back down. He’d committed to this slope, and damned if he wasn’t going to see it through.
“Not changing my mind. You lead, I’ll follow.” Hopefully in the vertical position.
The first push off went much easier than he thought, but then he dropped to his side. Renita had been watching and was close to being parallel with him, so she cut her skis and stopped to wait. He lifted his hand right away, so she knew better than to offer.
Renita stood there shaking her head. “This is foolishness. I’m not sure which one is worse. You for doing this or me for letting you.”
“Letting me?”
“Yes. Technically the lodge would’ve never let you on the lift without first knowing you could ski. Because I’m with you, the staff didn’t question it. So if something happens to you, this is all my fault.”
“So you’re not really worried about me, just about being blamed for my demise?” Vincent asked, arching a brow and grinning.
“Actually, I’m worried about you ruining a perfectly packed white slope with your blood.”
Her tone was so dry that he almost believed she was telling the truth before that sweet smile of hers returned.
“Want to put a little wager on if I make it down?”
“Alive?” Renita teased.
Spunky. I’m glad I don’t intimidate you and that you’re not trying to kiss my ass to impress me. I hate both things. And you do neither. Very refreshing. “I was actually going to say still standing, but yeah, I like alive too.” He laughed.
She smiled. “I’ll take that bet. If I win, you cook dinner.”
“And if I win, you cook breakfast.” He didn’t wait for her to respond as he dug his poles into the snow and started his descent. She was not far behind him as he heard her soft laughter getting closer to him.
He was agile and picking it up very quickly. All it took was a bit of coordination, which he had. Vincent looked at each turn logically and was mastering it quite well. What he wasn’t expecting was how he’d gone off course and was trying to avoid rocks.
“Vincent. Get back on the trail. You’re going to get—”
He heard her scream and turned to watch as she was midair doing flips and landing on her ass. Immediately he cut his skis to stop, pulled them off, and ran up toward her.
Dropping to his knees he asked, “Renita, are you okay? Do you need me to get help?”
“I’m okay. As you said before, only hurt my pride. Here I am telling you to watch out, and I hit one of the rocks myself. Stupid amateur mistake.”
He lifted her gently into his arms. “I think this means I should get breakfast brought to me in bed.”
She laughed and then rubbed her bottom. “I’m glad you were able to turn this around to be all about you. I thought I was the injured party here.”
He became serious. “Tell me, Renita. Are you hurt?”
Shaking her head, she said, “Nothing that won’t heal or feel better after a long soak in a steamy tub. So if you don’t mind putting me down, I think we can call it a night.”
Before he released her, he kissed her lips briefly. “As you wish.” But only this once. Tomorrow night I’ll set the plans, and if we end up horizontal, it won’t be an accident.
Chapter Five
Renita made her way to the kitchen after a very restless sleep. Her mind wouldn’t shut off. Vincent was the first person she’d openly shared her dream to be a teacher. Now she was regretting it. Dreams are meant to be locked away unless you’re willing to chase them. And I just can’t bring myself to abandon Dad like that.
Besides being tired, her body felt sore, even after a long soak in the tub the next morning. Vincent had been kind enough to see her to her room, but the way he looked at her, she knew if she asked him in, a lot more than kissing would’ve happened.
He wouldn’t have been her first, but compared to him, she was naïve and inexperienced. He probably was comfortable with a casual love affair, a quick hook-up on vacation and then never see each other again. That wasn’t her at all. Besides, I’m honestly attracted to him, not just physically either. If I don’t keep my distance, I’m going to fall further, and it’s going to hurt like hell when he leaves tomorrow. Twenty-four more hours, that’s all. I can do this. How hard can it be to resist him for just one more day?
As she opened the door to the kitchen, she heard her father’s booming laughter. Although she was thrilled to see him back on his feet and where he belonged, s
he wasn’t used to hearing him so cheery at work. That was usually reserved for guests or at home. He, like Vincent, ran a tight ship. What has you so chipper this morning, Dad?
When her father stepped to one side, she was surprised even more. Vincent and her father were laughing and cooking at the same counter. Both had been too absorbed in the conversation to have noticed her. I wish I had a camera because this is a sight I’ll never see again.
She couldn’t take her eyes off them. Vincent was smiling and more relaxed in the kitchen than she’d seen him. Almost as comfortable as last night when we were alone. Guess he can let go of business for a short time. He should try it more often.
Thoughts like those were going to get her in trouble. You’ll be gone and will have forgotten my name. I don’t think I’m going to be so lucky. You’ve made me want more.
It appeared she was no longer needed in the kitchen. She was about to turn and head out to the dining room when Vincent called out to her.
“Renita. Just in time for another lesson.”
Oh, no more lessons for me. Especially with my father here, thank you. “I think you gentlemen have the kitchen under control. It’s time I get back to my job and make sure the dining room is ready for tonight’s main event.”
“Nita. You heard Chef Moretti. Come. I shall go and prepare the breakfast while you study.” Her father glared at her as only a parent could.
She smiled at him, wishing she could say what was on her mind. Couldn’t he see she didn’t want to be there? He knew she hated cooking, and now she was being forced to do it with a man who was going to make it impossible for her to concentrate on a damn thing. The entire kitchen could catch on fire, and she wasn’t sure she’d notice if he was kissing her or touching her.
She felt her cheeks grow warm. And this is exactly the reason I need to get out of here. “Dad, I think you’d be the best person to teach me. Why don’t we set a time after this New Year’s Eve party is over?”
Ricco laughed and slapped Vincent on the back as though they were old friends. “My daughter has jokes this morning. I’ve tried to get her into the kitchen since she was a child. Couldn’t even drag her in here. You come along, and she walks in all smiles and bright eyes. Chef Moretti, I believe I’m beginning to feel ill again; maybe I should go back home.”