Page 40 of Things I Read About

“And then?”

“Toronto.”

“And then?”

“Overseas, I think.”

I shake my head. “That sounds exhausting.”

His brows raise a bit. “You don’t like traveling?”

I remember the act I’m supposed to be putting on. “I do, just notthatmuch.”

He leans back as the burgers are set down in front of us. Once we’re all set, he adds, “I’m close to making partner. Then I’ll have more control over my schedule, better clients.”

Partner?“How old are you?”

“Pushing thirty.” He watches my reaction, so I try my best not to have one.

I could pass for twenty-seven, maybe twenty-eight. I’m positive he would have a reaction if I confessed I’m only twenty-three. On my upcoming birthday, that is.

“Sucks getting old,” I say, mimicking Susan.

“Agreed.” He takes a massive bite of his burger.

I have to look away because the site of him devouring his food is making me blush, which is ridiculous. We eat quickly and with minimal small talk about books, and skiing, and the little town we’re in.

I manage two bites of the greasy burger and let Nate eagerly take the rest off my plate. Again, I’m getting sweaty watching him bite into my food. I decide to stare out the window instead. I’ve already made my desperate attempts; I need to try to save the last shreds of my dignity.

Nate pays and then we’re off again.

It’s beautiful and interesting, but like the bike, I can’t fully relax. I also find myself enjoying Nate’s flat warm back too much. I’m almost nuzzling up to him. I straighten and pull back.Dignity, Sally. Femme Fatale vibes.

“You up for some jumps?” Nate yells back to me.

Absolutely not.“Yeah!”

Two seconds later the whole snowmobile is hovering in the air—at the precise moment I have my weakest hold on him.

“Nate!” I scream, terrified. I grip his jacket, holding on with just my fingers as I feel my body lift from the seat. We land hard and a loud crack echoes all around us.

Nate curses under his breath and kills the engine. He throws off his helmet and twists his body in the seat. “Are you all right?”

“Y-yeah, s-sorry. I just didn’t expect to go so high.”

“No, I’m sorry. I should’ve given you more warning.”

We’re both panting. I’m shaking, and he’s studying my face, worried.

“I’m all right,” I say, placing a hand on his back. I feel him relax.

“Well, the snowmobile isn’t.”

Adrenaline rushes through me again. “What?”

“When you screamed, I turned my body, taking the steering with me. Then we landed that way. I better take a look at it, but I don’t think I need to see. I mean, you heard it.”

I nod, watching him get off and circle the front of the snowmobile.