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 there’s more sizzling between us than that.
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 just cringe."
"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 just buy me off or offer me free shit for writing a puff piece. 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 just don't see the point of being a writer if I'm not going to be truthful. Why even bother?"
"Well, now I'm really looking forward to reading what you write about our town."
"Oh, once I leave, it won't be ready for a few weeks. I'll need my editor to go through it and add in 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."