I was into living my life free and full of enjoyment and challenges. I’d been to a lot of places and only had a house here that I rented while I worked at Peaks. My family was located back in California and Mom insisted I visit at least twice a year, and that was something I held myself to. They were always supportive of me and my goals.
My family was my one foundation in life, and I always knew they would be there for me. My love for the slopes took me to several places that I loved spending time at, but no woman had ever competed with that for too long.
I wasn’t sure what Avery held for me, but I sensed she was a special woman. Neither of us might be here for long, but we could enjoy the time together while we were.
I spent the next several hours taking photos and headed home to edit them and load them to the lodge’s social media sites. I grabbed some food on the way home, grateful for the excellent vegan restaurant that Peaks offered.
That was a choice my parents also supported when I was in high school. I wasn’t an asshole to people about it, like some vegans were. My personality was just too easygoing for that. I made my choice and lived it, happy to make it work in every situation. I just didn’t want to ingest anything from an animal and stuck to my beliefs.
I knew that I probably missed out on some great cooking from Mama Merchant that way. The staff talked about the amazing food she cooked and with the holidays coming up, she might do it for many people that didn’t have family.
I’d be with my family in California as I most always was. That was something my mom wouldn’t compromise on, and I had no serious attachments to keep me anywhere.
Maybe a competition held me in a location a few times, but that was rare.
Would Avery stay through the holidays? That would be several months of time with her to get to know her more. I pulled into my driveway, parking my Jeep and hopping out to head to my front door.
I unlocked it, whistling for my husky to come greet me. Kiska barked, and I heard her come through the doggy door in the kitchen. I grinned and set my bag down, catching my pup as she leapt into my open arms. “Hey, baby girl!” I greeted her as she whimpered in excitement.
I got Kiska a year ago from a rescue in Vermont. I fell in love with her and that was it for me. She traveled with me and if she couldn’t, I had good friends that cared for her in my absence. Kiska was a snow dog through and through and my companion. I let her go, reaching into my jean pockets for some treats.
Kiska took them and ran off to eat as I took my lunch to my desk. I grabbed some water and set up my veggie bowl before warming up my Mac.
I felt a sense of calm about my life here in Peaks. I had a great job in a great location for my interests. Meeting Jefferson was great timing, and I wondered if pursuing his sister was a bad idea.
I played back our conversation and recognized the obvious interest in Avery’s eyes, feeling good about that. We were both grownups and free to do what we wanted to do, so Jefferson needed to accept that.
I knew that he’d been with Polly for years, but that wasn’t what happened to all of us. Even with my interest in Avery, I couldn’t say that I wanted forever with her.
I’d be happy with just for now.
I finished lunch and posted some edited pictures on the websites and social media for Peaks Lodge, sending Jefferson a text to take a look. I also posted some separate pictures for sale on my website, which brought in a moderate steady income. It was enough to rent this place and live my dream in addition to my sponsorship and winnings.
Life was good, and I had no complaints apart from the fact that Avery didn’t say yes today.
That was nothing a few passes down the slope wouldn’t help. Maybe I’d get to see her again.
CHAPTERFIVE
AVERY
I watched Jack walk away, wanting to run after him and tell him yes to dinner. Hell, I wanted that from the moment he brought it up.
I already jumped into something too quickly with Simon and got burned. I didn’t want to do that again, just over an attraction to a man.
There was my brother to think about as well.
I finished tidying up the flower beds of stray weeds and finished my water as I looked around with a pleased smile.
My stomach growled, and I checked my watch, surprised to see that a few hours had passed, and it was now lunchtime. I threw away my water bottle in the recycling can and went into the large bathroom to wash up, looking at myself in the mirror.
Jack told me I was photogenic after he took my picture. That was a bold move, and I dried my hands as I smiled at the memory. I knew I looked a lot like Mom, and she didn’t look sixty at all. I’d give her late forties at the most, and I hoped she shared her genes with me.
I knew I looked good, and I was happy with myself. I did a little yoga to keep the curves in check and made sure I was active. Baking pastries for a living and taste testing them was not friendly to my figure, so I tried to eat right the rest of the time.
I craved one of the juicy bacon cheeseburgers and fries right now, though. I smiled at the hostess at the cafe and asked for a table outside. It felt chilly out there, but Jefferson upgraded the space heaters out there and I wanted to try them out.
The sun was also beautiful on the snow and the view of the slopes and trees would never get old.