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Noah helped me out of my skis and returned our equipment to the attendant at the rental counter. Before we could make it fully inside, Greyson was greeting us with a pinched expression, his gaze softening a fraction when it landed on us.

“Have fun?” he asked, following us to the bench a few feet from the door. He knelt in front of me and started helping me out of my ski boots without a word while Noah went to the lockers lining the wall to get my shoes and bag.

Greyson helped me unbuckle my helmet, yanked my gloves until my fingers were free and ran his hands up and down my snow pants, over my thighs, trying to make sure I was warm. “I can’t believe Noah got you out of bed this early.”

“Worth it,” I said with a giddy sigh when Noah reappeared with my stuff.

His helmet was still on but he eyed Greyson with a furrowed brow. “Why you out here in the middle of the morning?”

“Because your parents are here and I wanted to warn you.”

My stomach dropped, draining all the warm fuzzy feelings I had in a heartbeat.

Noah went still beside me. “It’s only ten o’clock. Check in is at one.”

Greyson pushed out a heavy breath. “Yea, I know. But they insisted they should still be able to check in early because they went through the trouble of driving from Charlotte to beat the traffic.”

“What traffic?” Noah huffed, his voice cold and harsh. “It’s fucking Bliss Peak.”

With a dry laugh, Greyson rose to his full height and echoed, “Yea, I know.”

Dad:

The least you could do is come greet your old man after not seeing him for six months. We’re in suite 14

Was that your Denali out front? You should be in a Toyota. I can get you in a Sequoia by the end of the weekend

You know your sister is lucky I love her, I’m away from the dealership on Black Friday for this

Don’t tell her I said that

Your mother claims you have a lady friend now. Is that right? If it is, it’s about time. When can I meet her?

Noah, why aren’t you responding to my messages?

I can see that you read them

Fine. We’ll have a talk tonight. I’m getting tired of running in circles trying to connect with my son.

And what’s with you sending Greyson to run interference earlier?

Is this because of our last call? You’ve been distant since then. The truth ain’t always pretty, son. One day that boy is gonna get tired of you living off of him. And me and your mother will be right there to clean up your mess.

At least you better hope we are.

Like I said, we’ll talk about it tonight.

I did not like Noah’s father. I mean, I knew that before we ever met. But the second he stretched his hand out to me and said, “Michael Hunt, Hunt Toyota of Charlotte. We’ll hunt you down a deal,” it was solidified.

Who the fuck introduced themselves like that? And at his daughter’s reception? Not even five minutes passed after the couple of honor had made their entrance before a familiar petite woman and a tall, brown skin man were walking our way.

Greyson had kissed my temple and easily sidestepped them, making himself scarce while they closed in on me and Noah.

“This one must be serious, it’s my second time seeing you with her,” his mother pointed out as soon as her husband finished his spiel, her critical gaze sliding over my form,lingering when she got to the dramatic slit exposing my thigh. I’d gone with the deep red, long-sleeved chiffon dress. It hugged every part of me just right and had it been any other person, I would have welcomed the attention.

Noah stiffened beside me, the hand at the small of my back gripping a little tighter while he cleared his throat.

“This onehas a name, mom. And it’s True St. John. True, this is Mischa Hunt.”