Page 13 of Mended Fences

“See, you’re a natural,” he murmured close to my ear,sending shivers down my spine that had nothing to do with the cold.

The praise warmed me from the inside out. Peter’s words only ever cut—pointing out my flaws, my inadequacies, how lucky I was that he continued to put up with me. But Chase’s encouragement felt genuine, wrapped in playful admiration rather than manipulation.

It shouldn’t have felt so easy, so nice.

But it did.

We reached the bottom of the run smoothly this time, no ungraceful tumble required. Chase’s hands lingered at my waist as we slowed to a stop, his chest still pressed against my back. He touched me like I was made of something precious—not property.

My breath caught at the intimacy of it all.

But I couldn’t bring myself to step away. The warmth of his body, the fresh pine scent of his skin, the gentle strength in his touch—it all felt right in a way things hadn’t felt right in years.

“Want to try on your own now?” Chase asked.

“Maybe one more run together?” The words slipped out before I could stop them. This was a bad idea. But god, I just wanted one more moment of peace. “Just to make sure I’ve got the technique down.”

His low chuckle vibrated through me. “Can’t argue with being thorough, Doc. Wouldn’t want you hurting yourself.”

I won’t let anything, or anyone else, hurt me ever again.

Thirty minutes later,we were back inside the lodge, seated on a pair of cozy leather chairs opposite a roaring fireplace with mugs of hot chocolate in our hands.

“So, if you’re not in the family business, whatdoyou do?”

Chase’s cheeks were already tinged pink from the cold, but I swore the color darkened.

“I, uh—” He cleared his throat. “I’m between jobs right now. That’s partially why I came here today. I heard they’re hiring an instructor, but I got a little distracted by my newest student.” He winked at me, deflecting.

Was he embarrassed that he didn’t have a job?

“Unemployment isn’t a reflection of character,” I said. “Sometimes it can’t be helped. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

“That, Doc, is where you’re wrong.” He sighed and sank further in his chair. “I don’t have the best track record with keeping jobs. But I’m starting to think I need to get my shit together if I want to experience the finer things in life.”

“Money isn’t everything.”I would know.

“Not talking about money, Sweetness.” His blue gaze bore into me. My body was suddenly aflame, and it had nothing to do with the hearth in front of us.

My phone vibrated, breaking the spell.

TESSA

How ya doing this morning, bestie? Sorry I can’t hang with you today, but I hope you enjoy some spa time. You deserve it!

ELENA

I’m OK. Took a snowboarding lesson. The cold helped the hangover, actually. But now I’m def in need of a massage. Hope the gala is fun tonight!

TESSA

You know as well as I do that it will be

ELENA

Best of luck to you

When I looked up from my phone, Chase was still staring.