Out of Mind

by Kendall Talbot

  Once they were ready, they pulled on their ski clothes and headed back outside. Despite the sunshine, it was freezing. She pointed out one aspect of the ski resort after another: the chairlifts, the beginner run where she’d learned to ski, and the side of the mountain where the black run started.

  They entered the resort, and as she peeled out of her scarf and beanie she spied Kelli behind the information desk. When she’d called Kelli yesterday, the crazy woman had been so excited about Amber bringing a male friend that Amber thought she’d hyperventilate. Then again, Amber could’ve said she was bringing the plague with her and Kelli would have emitted the same childish glee. It was in her nature, and Amber couldn’t image anything that would perturb the young woman. Amber liked to think she’d been like that once. But it was impossible to remember back to that time.

  “Hey, Amber!” Kelli waved at her and she headed in her direction.

  “Kelli, this is Oliver.”

  Kelli held her hand forward. “It’s always nice to meet a new victim.” She giggled.

  Oliver shook her hand. “Victim, huh? Nice.”

  “Yep. Amber told me you haven’t skied in a while. How long’s it been?”

  He rumbled his lips. “Oh, about five years.”

  “That’s nothing.” Kelli flicked her hand. “You’ll be on the slopes in no time. Let’s get you geared up.”

  Half an hour later, Oliver had rented his equipment. They’d arranged to meet Kelli in an hour, which was just enough time to get something to eat.

  There were plenty of tables available, and she chose one in a corner next to giant windows that offered a magnificent view up the mountain. She ordered the asparagus and mushroom omelet and Oliver ordered bacon and eggs with extra bacon. Once again, their conversation flowed. She was getting good at directing the conversation toward topics that kept Oliver chatting.

  She ate only half the omelet before she’d had enough and picked up her coffee. Oliver may’ve underestimated the meal sizes, as he seemed to be struggling to finish his. She decided to save him by checking her watch. “You finished? We’ve got just enough time to brush our teeth and get back to Kelli.”

  He stood. “Yep, don’t want to keep her waiting.”

  Twenty minutes later, they were on their skis at the top of the beginner run.

  “Okay, big boy, show me what you’ve got.” Kelli flashed her dazzling grin at Oliver.

  Amber watched as he pushed over the level platform and headed down the hill. She couldn’t stop giggling as his knees wobbled, his skis gradually grew farther and farther apart, and his elbows stuck out like chicken wings. To her surprise, he completed the turn and quickly shot back across the slope.

  But his speed gathered and his arms began to backpedal. He was losing it.

  She burst out laughing when Oliver plowed headfirst into a mound of snow. Kelli was instantly at his side and Amber scooted down to him too. “Are you okay?” she said.

  He came up smiling and brushed away snow lacing the couple of blond curls that’d escaped his beanie. “Yep, all good. The first tumble is always the worst.” He chuckled, and Amber and Kelli laughed with him. Oliver removed a glove to fix his goggles back into place, then made easy work of getting back up on his feet.

  Amber recalled nearly being in tears the first time she tried to right herself after falling.

  “Let’s try that again.” Without hesitation he pushed off, scooting crossways over the slope. He did a tentative turn, with his elbows a bit closer this time, and looked to be finding his balance. After a couple more turns, he increased his speed.

  Maybe it was like riding a bike, because he improved greatly in the space of a few minutes. She left the safety of the deeper snow and scooted down toward him. Her turns were smooth and she felt the now familiar rush of adrenaline as she glided down the ski run with ease.

  She came up beside Oliver and with the flick of her skis cast a wave of snow over him. “Finally, I’m better than you at something.” Laughing, she skied ahead.

  “Is that the way it’s going to be?” His laughter seemed to echo off the trees as she continued to sashay from side to side down the hill. At the bottom, she slid to a halt and watched Kelli mirror Oliver’s every move down the slope.

  “How’d he do, Kelli?” Amber asked when they were within earshot.

  “He’s ready for a green run.”

  Oliver’s smile beamed. “I’ll catch up to you in no time.”

  “We’ll see,” Amber said, but she had no doubt he would.

  Kelli led the way to the chairlift and then stepped aside. “You two lovebirds go first.”

  Amber’s heart fluttered at the reference and she turned to Oliver. When they smiled at each other, something teetered between them. It was fresh, exciting, exquisite. And as his eyes bounced from her lips to her eyes and back again, she was certain he felt it too.

  Their turn on the chair came quickly and they jumped on and lowered the bar together. The chair swung back and forth with their weight a couple of times before it steadied. Rising quickly, tiny flurries of snow fell upon them, peppering their legs in a layer of white. Twenty feet below them, a group of kids about half her size skied along in a smooth practiced line.

  Oliver reached behind her back and placed his gloved hand on her shoulder. Her heart swelled as she wriggled over so their legs touched. It felt so natural to be in his embrace, and she curled her gloved hand over his leg and nestled it between his thighs.

  It’d been an eternity since she’d felt so wonderful, and a sense of peace enveloped her as they rode up the mountain. “Thank you for coming.”

  “Thank you for letting me come.”

  She nestled in, and with her head resting on his shoulder she listened to the beat of her own heart in her ears.

  All too soon, they crested the top of the ski run and the turnstile hut appeared. They raised the safety bar above their heads, and the second their skis touched the snow they pushed off the chair. She’d half expected both of them to end up in a tangle of skis, but Oliver handled the dismount with ease and they glided to the side and waited for Kelli in the following chair.

  She turned to face the magical view. Trees, heavy with snow, lined the sweeping slope, and the sun painted everything pure white, creating a magical glow.

  “Ready to go again?” Kelli’s smile was extraordinary, and with the circle of fur from her hooded jacket surrounding her face she could easily grace the cover of a sports magazine. A pang of jealousy hit Amber out of nowhere, and for a brief second she wished she’d never introduced Oliver to Kelli.

  “I am.” Oliver turned to Amber, and when he touched her elbow that bout of protectiveness vanished in a flash. Instead she found herself puzzled once again over how a man as spectacular as Oliver could want to be with her.

  “Sure am.”

  Together the three of them tipped their skis and glided down the slope. Oliver handled the turns well and became faster with each leg of the run. His quick learning surprised her, and it was hard to believe he hadn’t skied in five years.

  As the day progressed, his skiing ability improved extensively, and when they arrived at the bottom for the fourth time, she decided to let Kelli go for the day.

  “Hey, Kelli, Oliver and I might do another run by ourselves. Is that okay?”

  “Of course it is.” Her high-pitched voice could dislodge icicles. “You two lovebirds enjoy yourselves. But stay clear of the moguls and the black run.”

  Oliver saluted her. “Yes, boss.” With his ski mask covering most of his face, his distinct cheekbones and angular jaw made him look even more handsome—if that was even possible.

  Kelli playfully slapped his shoulder. “You look after her.” She indicated to Amber. “She’s special.”

  “I know she is.” When he gazed Amber’s way, his eyes softened and a flush of warmth washed throu
gh her.

  Kelli released a cute moaning sound before she skied away, heading toward the main resort building.

  “What’s the plan?” He rubbed his gloves together.

  “Would you like to take the green three-mile or do the longer blue run on the west slope?”

  “I liked the blue.”

  “Me too.”

  They turned and skied down to the chairlift in unison. Their turn on the lift came quickly, and as her feet left the ground Oliver draped his arm across her shoulder, and she pulled down the safety bar and nestled in beside him.

  The sun had almost set and their view from the chairlift spanned the entire west face of the mountain. Brilliant orange and pink hues bounced off the low-lying clouds and reflected in the snow, creating a perfect postcard setting.

  “This’s magnificent.” Oliver read her mind.

  “It’s the best time of the day.”

  At the top, they jumped off the chair, skied to the side, and paused with their masks pulled up to admire the stunning panorama. It was fairy-tale perfection as the setting sun bounced off the scattering of clouds and filled the sky with a potpourri of oranges and purples.

  “Wow, check out that sunset.” Oliver’s magnificent smile added to her already glorious view.

  But, for the umpteenth time, the venom of deceit snaked through her. When Oliver turned to her, he may have sensed her turmoil, because the dancing pleasure that’d been in his eyes seconds ago morphed to concern.

  He reached for her hand and his eyes softened like he knew exactly what was troubling her. A thread of desire ran through her. She inched closer and clasped his hand tighter and he leaned in, head tilted, lips parted, and when he closed his eyes, she closed hers too. Their lips met and every ounce of concern evaporated when she melted into him.

  His kiss was brief, way too brief, and every part of her ached for more. That moment confirmed what she already knew: she was falling in love.

  She had never thought she’d have that pleasure again. She’d always thought Milton would be her one and only, and when that’d shattered to a million pieces she’d believed she was destined to be alone forever. But now, standing on top of a mountain with a man who made her heart sing, she was tempted to believe that she’d been wrong.

  Except he didn’t even know her real name.

  That horrible detail had caused her countless sleepless nights. Oliver had been incredibly patient with her. Never pressing when she failed to elaborate on one of her quirky requests. He deserved her honesty, and as much as it terrified her to admit her deceit, she couldn’t deny him any longer. She just hoped he’d still look at her with desire in his eyes once the truth was out.

  Oliver playfully smacked her bottom. “Race you to the bend.” He launched off the leveled-out snow and became airborne over a gentle mound.

  “You little shit.” Laughing, she pushed off and raced after him. It seemed a day of skiing was all he needed to perfect his skills. Oliver looked like a professional.

  On a mission to catch him, Amber didn’t sashay from side to side. Instead, she shoved off, rammed her poles into the snow a few times then tucked them up under her elbows, squatted down, and let momentum do the work. It was the same move she’d done on the day of the storm, except instead of being filled with dread, this time she was filled with exhilaration.

  Oliver glanced over his shoulder and she heard his deep, throaty laugh as he drove the poles into the snow over and over in an attempt to increase his speed.

  She shot right past him. “Come on, slow-poke.” Her heart pounded with both adrenaline and a delightful throb for him. Not just him, but everything he represented: stability, security, comfort, fun, and, most of all, passion.

  At the bend in the ski run, she slowed and arced gracefully into a turn that flicked up a wave of snow. Oliver was seconds behind her. He reached out for her, but misjudged his distance. Their skis tangled, and as he wrapped his arms around her they collapsed, laughing onto the soft snow.

  “Well, that didn’t exactly go as planned.” He chuckled. “Did I hurt you?”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  “I think you’d say that even if I’d broken your leg.”

  She giggled. “Probably.”

  He reached around her shoulders and pulled her to his side. She rolled toward him, nestling into the crook of his shoulder and inhaling his spiced cologne. Delicate snowflakes floated onto them like sifted icing. The snow was cold on her back, yet she’d be happy to stay right there in his arms forever. She ached to stroke her hands over the muscles she felt beneath his padded ski jacket.

  When their plumes of breath began to settle, he removed a glove and placed his soft palm on her cheek. “Don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted.”

  Her heart swelled at his nonchalance over touching her hideous scar. “Me too, but we can’t stop yet. We’re not even halfway down.” “Let’s get going then. I can hear a warm fire and a cold beer calling.” When he withdrew his arm, she was dizzy with a want that’d eluded her for years.

  She’d fallen into a powerful spell, and it was wonderful to be there.

  They clipped their wayward skis back on and pushed off again. But this time they took it slow, gliding from side to side in synchronized turns like they’d being skiing together since they were kids.

  The sun had disappeared behind the trees and nightfall was making its presence. They took turns going over small jumps that would have them airborne for a second or two, then Oliver led the way through a short track he’d spied through the towering trees.

  It was the most fun she’d had in years, and she was disappointed when she paused over a rise and saw the resort in the near distance. Hundreds of twinkling lights outlined the building, and wisps of smoke trailed from the stone chimney and absorbed into the surrounding darkness.

  As they approached, subtle music from speakers hidden somewhere within the snowcapped hedges filled the alpine silence. They glided right up the steps, removed their skis, and climbed up to the foyer. The warmth hit her like a balmy cloud and she wrestled her skis to one arm so she could remove her beanie. Kelli waved hello from reception but the mischievous grin on her face indicated she wanted to say so much more.

  People were everywhere, and based on the excited banter, every single one of them was having a wonderful time. After shoving their equipment into their lockers, she unzipped her suit and pulled off her gloves.

  Oliver strolled toward her, rubbing his stomach. “I’m famished. Does the restaurant do takeout?”

  “I have no idea.” She’d always brought her own meals, and today was no exception.

  “Well, let’s go ask. I’d rather sit by the fire at home than in here.”

  Amber’s heart sang a beautiful melody at Oliver’s comment. She loved that he’d called it home, and she’d also love nothing more than to sit around the fire with him.

  Just him.

  The bar was overflowing. Based on the raucousness, some people had been drinking there for hours. They walked past the bar and approached one of the restaurant staff. To her delight, not only did they do takeout, but they also offered to deliver it to her cabin when it was ready. They placed their orders: spaghetti Bolognese and garlic bread for Oliver and vegetable lasagna for her. After thanking the staff, they headed toward the exit.

  Outside, radiant moonlight gave the snow an incandescent aura, and fresh snow like moonlit crystals fell upon them in a mystical dance. Their shoes crunching in the snow was the only sound. Oliver offered his hand, she clenched his palm to hers, and they set off toward the cabin as a couple. The moon was an enormous beacon, startling in contrast to its black velvet surroundings. It seemed extraordinarily close, and she could easily see hundreds of craters pockmarking its luminous surface.

  At the cabin they stripped out of their padded ski gear and she told him to make himself comfortable whi
le she showered. She cut her normally long shower brief, then pulled on leggings, a long-sleeved sweater, and pink socks that had a cat knitted into the pattern, complete with ears and whiskers. She was embarrassed to wear them and annoyed at herself for not thinking to pack anything else, but she’d been bringing the same clothes up here for months.

  When she emerged from the bathroom, Oliver had the fire going and had filled two long-stemmed glasses to the top.

  “I hope you drink champagne.”

  “Sounds lovely.”

  “I brought red and white wine too. And port.” He shrugged. “I wasn’t sure what your preference was.”

  She chuckled. “Champagne is fine.” Their fingers touched as he handed her the glass, and her stomach fluttered. When their eyes met, she sensed he wanted to say something. He probably had a thousand questions, yet he’d resisted. His patience had her falling for him by the second.

  “Okay.” He dragged his eyes away. “Well, take a seat and I’ll get showered too.”

  She sank into the corner of the sofa, curled her feet to the side, and watched Oliver pluck clothes from his bag. He gave her one last grin before he dashed to the bathroom.

  Amber sipped her bubbles and stared into the dancing flames, accepting the warmth in the room like it was a welcoming hug. She was the most settled she’d been in years, and yet at the same time her mind was a battleground as she tried to strategize over how to tell her secrets.

  Oliver opened the door to the bathroom wearing just track pants. “Ah, that’s better.”

  When he ran his hand through his wet hair and strolled across the room to toss his clothes into his bag, she felt like she’d stepped onto the set of a sexy magazine shoot. She had to resist grumbling when he pulled a shirt over his torso.

  He collected his drink from the coffee table and held it toward her. “Cheers.”

  “Cheers.” They clinked their glasses, and as they each took a sip the front door chimed, signaling dinner had arrived.

  They ate their meals and chatted about their day, but the whole time Oliver studied her with his inquisitive eyes, yet he didn’t ask a single question.