My Greatest Joy (Maplewood Falls #2)

Chapter Seventeen

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

LEVI

DAY 12

With only two days left before the festival this Saturday, the last thing I should be doing is taking a day off work. But it’s exactly what I do.

Fallon’s scheduled to fly out on Sunday, and I haven’t been able to take her to the ski resort outside of town.

A part of me is taking her for selfish reasons because I want to spend more alone time with her, especially after yesterday’s turn of events.

But I also want her to experience the slopes for her article.

After she crawled into my bed last night and kissed me, I knew the spark between us was still ignited. There’s no denying our physical attraction and chemistry, but we have more than that sizzling between us.

The way she opened up to me and shared personal details about her mom drew me even closer. Not only has she embedded herself into my home but under my skin as well. It’s hard to imagine what life will be like when she’s gone.

“All packed?” I tap my knuckles on her door and smirk when I see Dasher lying on her bed while she shoves things into her bag.

“I think so.”

“Great, we can head out then. Gotta take Dasher to my parents’ first.”

When Fallon walks past me, I grab her suitcase. “Let me.”

“Okay, thanks.” Her eyes meet mine as unspoken words float between us. Neither of us brought up the two kisses we shared yesterday, but waking up with her in my arms had me wanting to stay in bed with her until noon.

She lifts her computer bag and maneuvers it over her shoulder as Dasher and I follow her downstairs. Though she hasn’t shared many details about her article, I hope she’ll let her heart guide her. Once we drop off Dasher and chat with my parents for a few minutes, we hit the road. Fallon plays with the radio until she finds a station that isn’t playing Christmas music, and I chuckle at how her avoidance has returned.

“You have to admit, some of it is cringy.”

“They’re classics!” I argue.

She rolls her eyes. “Hard pass. I’d rather listen to Dasher’s heavy breathing in my ear than ‘Silent Night.’”

I gasp dramatically. “That’s criminal. Take that back.”

“Never!” She laughs, and it’s the sweetest sound I’ve heard all day. As soon as I turn onto the road that leads to the resort, Fallon’s eyes widen as the building comes into view. “That place is huge. And look at all that snow.”

“It’s a tourist favorite. The owners have invested a lot of time and money to keep it updated. The amenities are some of the nicest I’ve ever had. They get featured in several magazines every year for the best slopes in New England.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

“You’re so cynical.”

“I have to be in this business. Otherwise, people would bribe me to write puff pieces. Even though it’s a lot of work to travel and deal with new environments, I take my job seriously. I want the readers to know that I’m always honest and they can trust my word.”

“You’re probably one of a few journalists left like that,” I say.

She shrugs. “Maybe. I don’t see the point of being a writer if I’m not going to be truthful. Why even bother?”

“Well, now I’m looking forward to reading what you write about our town.”

“Oh, once I leave, it won’t be ready for a few weeks. My editor will go through it and add photos and captions. It takes me a few drafts, especially when I’m between jobs and traveling.”

“Where are you going after here?” I ask as I pull into the guest entrance.

“I’m supposed to write about coffee roasters in Washington,” I explain. “But that’s not until January.”

“That sounds more up your alley.” I grin.

After I park, I walk around and open Fallon’s door. Then I grab our bags and hand my keys over to the valet.

“Mr. White, how lovely to see you again!” Mrs. Shepherd smiles wide, walking around the counter to give me a hug.

“Likewise! It’s been too long.”

“I was wondering if you’d come visit me soon.”

“You know my winter isn’t complete until I see you.” I shoot her a wink.

Mrs. Shepherd is a sixty-year-old woman who’s worked here since I was a kid. While she’s in upper management, the woman enjoys working the desk and greeting the guests.

“I set you up in the Snowball Suite.”

“What’s that?” Fallon asks next to me.

I almost warn Mrs. Shepherd about Fallon being a journalist but decide not to. I want her to enjoy herself without feeling as if she has to be professional anytime she leaves the room.

“It comes equipped with a full kitchen, fireplace, hot tub, and separate living room. There’s also a balcony off the bedroom so you can watch the skiers.”

“Sounds nice,” Fallon says, and I know she’s taking notes mentally.

“What time would you like your turndown service?”

“Let’s do six,” I tell her since it’s already one, and we’ll be leaving for dinner around that time. “Instead of two hot cocoas, can you send one coffee, please?”

“Of course.” She continues typing on the computer. “Do you need an access code to the workout room or pool?”

“Yes, please. I’d like to show my guest around.”

“No problem.” Mrs. Shepherd grabs our keys and writes down our codes. “As you know, complimentary breakfast is from six to ten. Here’s the number for equipment rentals or if you need a shuttle to the other ski lifts.”

“Got it.” I slide one key to Fallon and shove the other in my pocket. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome. I hope you both have an amazing time.” Mrs. Shepherd glances at Fallon with a wide smile. I’ve never shown up here with a woman, so I can only imagine what thoughts are going through her head.

I grab our bags and lead Fallon to the elevators.

“She was very nice,” Fallon says as we wait.

“I’ve known her for most of my life. Sweetest lady you’ll ever meet.”

Once we get on and I press the button for the top floor, Fallon faces me. “This seems a lot like a romantic getaway.”

“Well, it’s a resort for couples and families. I wanted you to experience everything they had to offer, so I booked the best room.”

“On such short notice? How’d you manage that?”

I smirk with a knowing shrug. “I have connections.”

She snorts. “I’m sure you do. Is it one of those stay thirty-eight times, get the thirty-ninth free promotions?”

Barking out a humored laugh, I throw my head back at her reference. Of course I just pulled a random number out of my ass, but the fact that she’s still thinking about it means something.

“Number forty is the freebie. What are you doing next weekend?” I flash her a wink.

“Keep dreaming.”

“You break my heart, Fallon Joy.”

We arrive at our floor, and as soon as I open the door to our room, Fallon walks in and examines every inch of the place.

“What do you think?” I ask, setting our bags down on a bench.

“It’s massive.” She goes from room to room, then checks out the tub and kitchen. “Um…there’s only one bed.”

“It’s a king-sized,” I reassure her.

“Like that’s ever stopped you from snuggling with me.”

I chuckle, amused she’s putting up this act, considering she’s the one who initiates it every time.

“We should get ready to hit the slopes so we have time to see everything. The patio has a nice seating area with a firepit and bar.”

“I’ve never skied, so bear with me.”

“No problem. There are plenty of instructors.”

“What? No, that’s embarrassing.”

“Hey, it’s one of the perks. Newbies get free ski lessons with a professional. Or you can fall on your ass a hundred times and potentially break something, your choice.”

She groans. “Fine.”

While Fallon adds layers, I contact the equipment rental and ask about lessons. Once it’s settled, I look her over.

“I rented all the gear for you,” I tell her as she glances at my snowsuit, helmet, and goggles.

“I’m going to freeze, I know it.” She groans. I stand in front of her and grip her shoulders. “If you wear all that, by the time you suit up, you’ll be sweating. Ski clothes aren’t a joke, and I bet once you experience how warm it keeps you, you’ll never wear anything else in the snow again. Trust me?”

She nods and her shoulders slightly relax.

“If you’re not having fun, we’ll end the lesson, but I wanted you to experience it. Who knows, you might enjoy it.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

I chuckle at her deadpan expression.

“Alright, let’s go. We need to get your gear and meet the instructor at the bunny hill.”

“Bunny hill?” she asks with a brow popped.

“It’s cute. You’ll see.”

“My ass is numb,” Fallon mutters as I help her up for the fifth time in twenty minutes.

“From falling or from the cold?” I tease.

“Both.”

“You’re doing great. Just take it slow and focus on your balance.”

The ski instructor worked with Fallon for an hour, but for the first thirty minutes, he yapped away about safety on the slopes and taught her how to snap her boots into the skis. The last thirty minutes were the hands-on lesson, and I was happy when it was over. I didn’t like the way he kept touching her hips and making flirty comments. I was moments away from telling him to back off before the lesson was over, and it’s a miracle I didn’t.

Since then, I’ve been doing my best to teach her the basics. She’s gone down the tiny hill a few times but gains too much speed, panics, and then falls.

“I’m going to stand behind you and slowly guide you down this time,” I tell her, clicking out of my skis. “That way, I can catch you if needed.”

“Now that sounds like fun,” she quips.

“Don’t fall on purpose,” I warn. “You might take me out, and I’m not used to landing on my ass like you.”

“Hey!” She swats at me, and I laugh when she stumbles into me.

I grip her hips and stand behind her, holding her tight as she slowly glides down the hill.

“This is embarrassing. Six-year-olds are skiing better than me.” She looks out at the kids zipping down the beginner hill.

I lean down closer so she can hear me. “You’re doing great, my love. Just focus.”

She breathes out and slowly moves again.

Once she’s halfway down the hill, I release my grip, and she glides faster, staying in complete control.

I follow, and when she nears the bottom, I notice she’s trying to slow down before she topples through a bunch of little kids playing at the bottom.

“Fallon, turn!” I call out, chasing after her, knowing they aren’t paying attention.

She squeals, shifting her body to miss them.

I meet up with her right as she turns and catch her as she falls. But she takes me down with her.

“Argh,” I mutter as her knee gets awfully close to my groin. “You okay?” I ask when she doesn’t move.

“Can I please be done now?”

I bellow out a laugh. “Yeah, you’ve given me enough bruises, I think.”

Once she’s up, she clicks out of her skis, and I carry both pairs to the rental place.

“So overall, not too bad, right?” I ask as we wait to turn everything in.

She shoots me a glare. “Two out of ten, but we’ll see how sore I am later.”

“Practice helps.”

She points at herself. “Not a fan of the cold, remember?”

“How could I forget?” I grin. “Luckily, our room will be toasty when we get back.”

Fallon offers me a smile as we slowly walk back to the resort.

I’d keep her warm all night with my face buried between her thighs, but I don’t dare say that aloud.

Doesn’t mean I’m not thinking it.