“Looks like we’re getting a foot of spring powder tonight.” I crawl into Aiden’s lap where he sits on the couch facing the ski slopes. A fire roars in the fireplace, casting warm shadows around the room while the snow blows outside of the windows.
“We should ditch work and spend the day on the mountain.” He kisses my neck and trails his fingers down my arm, sending goosebumps over my skin.
“We?” I ask, squirming on his lap. “You don’t have a job to skip.”
He stills my movement and then lifts his hips, rubbing his growing hard-on against my bottom. “True. Didn’t you mention a sore throat earlier today? Headache? Isn’t there a twenty-four-hour stomach bug going around?”
I love that he’s adopted my habit of coming up with hypothetical excuses to get out of things we don’t want to do. “Last Sunday we both woke up with the stomach bug to avoid dinner with your parents. I don’t want to jinx myself by using that one too frequently.”
Post wedding scandal, we’ve had dinner with the Roberts at least once a week. I think Gwendolyn is still in denial over Landon because she never brings him up. Out of sight, out of mind. Easy to do when he and Twyla refuse to return to Aspen. They even skipped the holidays, which is the best possible decision they’ve made so far. At least they have some common sense when it comes to waiting for things to blow over before coming home. I imagine them on the run, constantly moving from place to place, but the reality is they’re living together in a condo in Denver.
Topher moved to New York City, and if the local gossip has it right, is dating a lovely woman from Connecticut.
Aiden nuzzles my neck with his nose. “If the snow is deep enough, you’ll have to work from home. For safety reasons.”
“Oh, that one would be perfect.”
“You’re welcome.” He pulls down the collar of my sweater to kiss my collarbone.
As the official Social Media Director for the Aspen Coalition, I’m working full time in the office. No more slinging crepes at La Belle Femme. I started the job in January after the huge success of the gala. Doesn’t hurt my boyfriend is the newest board member and made a sizable donation to fund more staff. I have no issues with a little nepotism if it’s for the greater good.
I’m thrilled with the position except it puts a dent in my time on the mountain. And it means I spend my days in the office instead of lounging around in bed all day with the aforementioned boyfriend.
We spend the time apart sending each other ridiculous text messages filled with random emojis we try to make dirty.
The end of ski season is a few weeks away and I’m looking forward to the silliness of Schneetag with the girls.
Rumor has it Lee will be proposing to Sage, which is about damn time. Jesse was the first to start the trend over New Year’s, with a sweet proposal involving his dog, Fern, wearing the engagement ring on her collar. Only took Mara two days to notice it. If Justin drops to one knee and asks Zoe to marry him, I’ll once again be the odd girl out.
And I’m fine with that.
Because I know when Aiden proposes, it will be with the most epic romantic gesture yet that will make me ugly cry.
No matter what, I’ll say yes.
He’s my person, my future, and my forever.