Fierce: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 4)

by Violet Vaughn

  The evergreens are lightly frosted with snow, and dead grass pokes up from the thin white veil on the ground. I know I’m excessive. Swirling the wine in my glass, I watch the edges lighten into a cherry color. I think about how much money I’m holding. Probably five dollars’ worth of liquid, the price of a fancy coffee that Kelly has no trouble buying. But then I look down at my cowboy boots and know I have more shoes and boots than I can count in my head.

  The truth is I felt ashamed when Kelly was telling me to give my money away. I don’t live simply and have no desire to do so. I cringe when I think of the mean things I said to him. His lifestyle is admirable, and I respect his choices. It hurts that he doesn’t respect mine.

  The scurrying feet of the dogs interrupt my thoughts as they run to the door for the garage. Christian must be home. My glass clinks lightly when I set it on the counter and walk over to help him with grocery bags.

  He enters and winds his way through the wiggling. He glances at my wine. “You must have known what I was getting. How does filet mignon sound? With asparagus and the most expensive risotto mix I could find.”

  I grin. “Should I go find an overly excessive bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon for us to drink too?”

  “Yes. And wait until you see dessert.”

  He pulls out a cake box from the bakery and hands it to me. I open it to reveal a lot of pink. The top is heavily decorated with too many white swirls. It has flowers too, and on top a silver plastic tiara.

  “Wait.” Christian reaches over and flips a switch making the crown blink with bright lights set amongst the fake jewels. I notice the writing that’s camouflaged by the frosting scrolls, and it says, “For My Favorite Princess.”

  “I love it.” Tears spring to my eyes at his kindness. “Thank you, Christian. You seem to know a little something about women.”

  “I like to think I do.” He crumples up the plastic bags for recycling. When he sees a tear rolling down my cheek he says, “Hey. You really like this guy, don’t you?”

  I shake my head. “No. I’m crying because—” I wave my hand as more tears spill out, and my throat is thick. “You’re so sweet.”

  I walk to the bathroom and grab a tissue. When I return he’s rearranging the fridge to fit things in. “I’m sorry. No more crying.”

  “No need to apologize. Do you want to talk about it?”

  I shake my head. “No. I called Derrick and made him listen to all my insecurities and let him build me back up again.”

  “Okay, but I’m a good listener if you need one.” A cabinet door slams as he kicks it lightly while setting a pot down on the stove.

  “Thanks.” I take the asparagus from the counter and walk over to the sink to rinse it. “So tell me about your date with Jess.”

  “It wasn’t really a date.” Christian tears open the box of risotto. “We had coffee and talked. She’s nice.”

  “She’s hot too, isn’t she?”

  “I guess.” He purses his lips. “No, she’s cute.”

  I huff. “There’s a difference?” Pans rattle as I search for one to steam the asparagus in.

  “There is. Hot makes you want to strip her naked. Cute works on you more slowly.”

  “Good to know. What about when a guy says a girl’s beautiful?”

  “They care.”

  When Kelly called me beautiful runs through my mind. Did he really care? Shame washes over me as I once again think about my outburst at the Baked Bean. I shake it off and say, “I’m going to go find wine. Any preference?”

  “Nope, I trust your judgment.”

  The basement is cool, and the wine cellar is even cooler. As I’m searching for a Stags Leap red I recall the way Christian had been so close to me in this room that I was flustered. A shiver runs through me, and I wrap my arms around myself. But warmth is spreading in my belly.

  Christian is hot. The idea of stripping him naked has definitely gone through my mind. But he also treats me with respect and genuine kindness. Well, except for when he’s teasing me. I realize I think he’s beautiful too. I hope Jess appreciates him.

  I find the bottle I know will go nicely with the buttery-soft texture of filet and flip off the light. Wandering back through my man cave, I gaze at the pool table. We still haven’t gotten a game in, and I think tonight might be the night.

  A light garlic odor fills my kitchen as the risotto starts to bubble, and when I don’t see Christian I turn down the heat and cover the pan. Movement outside catches my eye, and I notice him at the grill. He’s got the dogs and is throwing the ball for them. It makes me think of Derrick doing the same thing many times last winter. I like having a guy to grill for me.

  The cork on the wine bottle pops when I open it. I sniff the black current odor and decide to let it sit to breathe. I pull down two clean wineglasses from the cabinet and then go to the pantry to get dog food.

  When Christian comes back in, he says, “About five more minutes on the steaks. How does the rest look?”

  I turn the switch on the stove for the asparagus, and the gas burner ticks a few times before lighting. “It’ll be ready.”

  He takes the bowls and sets them on the floor for the dogs. They respond to his commands, and once again I’m reminded of Derrick. It’s easy being with Christian.

  When we sit down to dinner, the dogs all lie down under the table. Juice pools under my steak when I cut into it. “Tomorrow is rookie training. Are you ready?”

  Christian picks up his wineglass and swirls the contents. “Somehow I think so. I just ski and find out everything I’m doing wrong while learning how to teach it, right?”

  “Pretty much. I’ll warn you, though. Be controlled with your turns, and don’t go fast or Heather will scold you.” I grin and bite a piece of steak off my fork with my teeth.

  Christian licks his lips and says, “That wine is nice. Good choice, princess.”

  I sigh. “I am a princess, aren’t I?”

  “Yes and no. Sure, you like to be taken care of, but you aren’t helpless. I watched you in action at my house this morning. You know your way around decorating, and I’m not sure the contractor knew what hit him.” His eyes twinkle in the candlelight, and the word hot comes to mind.

  “Thanks. It’s something I love to do. Right along with shopping.”

  “Have you ever thought of opening a retail shop of some kind? You have a great eye for design and love fashion. You could have a clothing store or a home accessories shop.” He stabs a piece of asparagus, and I can’t help but watch his lips wrap around his fork. My core twinges imaging his mouth on me.

  “That would be a big project, though.”

  Christian chews and nods. After he swallows, he says, “Yes, but think how exciting it would be.”

  I take a moment to mull it over. The idea is appealing, and starting a business would be an exciting challenge for me. “I like it. Maybe I will.”

  By the time we finish dinner, my head is racing with ideas and planning the best way to form my business plan. I forget all about playing pool and begin researching on my laptop after dinner instead.

  When Christian announces he’s going to bed, I realize I have immersed myself in the retail shop idea. “I’m sorry I was lousy company tonight. But you gave me a great idea.”

  He’s behind me, and his hands grip my shoulders with a little squeeze. “No worries. I like seeing you so excited. If you need help with the financial piece, I’m all yours.”

  I tilt my head back and grin up at his offer. “I’ll take you up on that. But.” I pause for the effect. “What do you suppose Jess will think when she finds out you’re all mine?”

  He chuckles at me as he walks up the stairs.

  Chapter 20

  The next morning I work on figuring out retail space options in Breckenridge, partly because I’m excited and partly because I dread running into Kelly. But by ten I force myself to go to the mountain. I’m skiing with Lori, and the snow is calling.

  Lori is sitting by my lo
cker when I arrive. “Hey, have you been waiting long?”

  “Nope.” She points up to an envelope taped to the metal door. My stomach sinks because I guess it’s from Kelly.

  “Oh, boy.” The tape rips off the metal when I pull the envelope.

  “Yeah, sorry. I heard about your fight with Kelly. It was kind of the talk around here this morning.”

  “I’ll bet. I do have a flair for the dramatic.” I grin even though I’m not feeling the least bit happy. I flip the envelope over, and the paper is soft in my hand, but I don’t open it.

  Lori says, “It sounds to me like you had a good reason. What happened?”

  I move my gaze from the letter to her concerned face. “He thinks I’m a spoiled brat who should give away her money to live a material-free life like he does.”

  She crosses her arms and leans back against blue metal. “Wow, like he knows what’s best for everyone else?”

  “Thank you. I know I’m privileged. It’s just never been something I was judged for, you know?” I bite my lip and then tear open the envelope. It’s a sympathy card, and I immediately assume it was on sale because of how ugly it is and how cheap Kelly is.

  When I open it there’s a generic sorry for-your-loss sentiment and handwriting. It says, “I’m sorry I killed our relationship. I do respect you. Please forgive me? Kelly”

  Lori is holding a hand over her mouth and unsuccessfully trying not to laugh. It makes me break into a big smile. She says, “I’m sorry. But a sympathy card? What does it say?”

  “He apologized with a bad attempt at humor.” I start chuckling and let her read it.

  She hands it back to me. “It’s awful but kind of cute anyway.”

  “I know. I need to apologize to him too. I wasn’t very nice.”

  Lori looks down at her phone. “Want to do it sooner rather than later? Kaleb just texted asking where we were. He’s with Kelly.”

  I sigh. “Let’s meet them. I should get this over with.” While my stomach is clenched over the prospect of dealing with confrontation, I can’t help but think there’s more to my discomfort than Kelly being judgmental.

  A half hour later, we’re at the mid station. Walking through the two sets of doors, my nose is running and I sniff. Lori and I stand a moment to search the large lodge for the guys. She spots them first. “Over there.”

  We walk over with deliberate heel-toe steps that clunk with our heavy boots. Kelly is facing us and watching me. His hair is wild-looking, as if he’s been running his fingers through it and pulling. It’s also badly in need of a cut.

  He’s fiddling with the top of his water bottle. I think he really is sorry, and the chill around my heart thaws a bit. The tight shirt across his chest helps too. I say, “Hi.”

  “Hi.” Kelly glances at Kaleb, and he stands.

  Kaleb says, “Lori, come with me and get hot chocolate. Nika, we’ll get you one too.” He winks at me, and I flash a small smile in return.

  Kelly reaches for my hand. This man sure does like to touch me. “I’m sorry. I was a real jerk yesterday.”

  “I’m sorry too. I said some pretty mean things.”

  Kelly shakes his head. “No, you really didn’t. You said the truth, and it stung.” He runs a hand through his hair and does pull a little before he drops it to the table with a thud. “I have an issue with rich people. The ones I’ve known have been assholes, and I let my past rule my thoughts about you.”

  I pull my hand away because the warmth doesn’t feel so good anymore. “Here’s the thing. I am rich. I was before I became a model, and my success made me a lot richer. I won’t apologize for really liking it.”

  I place my hands down on the table and lean in a little closer to speak quietly. “I do spend money like a spoiled brat, because I can. I’m not going to stop. I know it goes against what you believe. I get it.”

  Saying it makes me realize what I want. I need to be liked, and knowing I’m always going to be fighting the rich-bitch idea he has doesn’t sound fun. I don’t want to work this out.

  “It does.” He crosses his arms and sits back in his chair. “I really like you, Nika.”

  I wonder if he just spent so much time wanting me last year that he’s having a hard time letting go instead of realizing we’re too different. “I like you too, Kelly, but I don’t think I’m who you need me to be.”

  “Oh.” He sighs and reaches for my hand again, but I sit back.

  “I have a real issue with needing to be liked. I don’t think I can handle being with someone that doesn’t approve of the way I live.” He’s about to speak, but I don’t let him. “I know you’ll try, but you shouldn’t have to.”

  Pain flickers in his eyes, and it tugs at my heart. “You’re a great guy. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. You’re pretty great yourself.” He gives me a half smile. “No hard feelings?”

  I shake my head. “Nope. You taught me how to snowboard.”

  He grins. “That’s me. Bringing skiers over to the dark side, one person at a time.”

  Kaleb and Lori have returned, and I decide Kelly needs to say whatever he wants to save face, so I excuse myself to go to the ladies’ room.

  Lori follows, and when we’re inside she asks, “So?”

  “It’s fine. We apologized and decided we’re too different to be together.”

  She squints her eyes at me like she doesn’t quite believe me. “You have a kind heart, Nika. And a good idea how guys work. Want me to peek out and see if he’s left yet?”

  “No, I really do need to pee. He should be gone by the time I’m done.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you out there.”

  When I return it’s just Lori at the table. She says, “Hey, I’m hungry. Want to get lunch?”

  “Yeah, I didn’t bring anything. Did you?” I rummage through my coat pocket in search of the twenty I keep just for this reason.

  “I did, but I want something bad for me, like chicken tenders.” She places a squashed sandwich on the table that makes me grimace.

  I pinch the corner of the plastic bag with two fingers as if it’s moldy. “Nice.” I throw it in the garbage can not far from us. “Let’s go see what kind of food trouble we can get into.”

  We return with fries, onion rings, chicken tenders, cookies, and two diet colas. The greasy smell is so tempting the both of us are gorging on fries before we even sit. Lori says, “I’ll regret this later when I have a stomach ache, but it tastes so darn good.”

  “Um-hmm.” I swallow my mouthful and sigh. “Only orgasms are better than this.” As soon as the words leave my mouth I see that familiar look of Lori stifling a laugh. “Shit. I’m not sure I want to know who’s behind me.”

  Hands land on my shoulders, and Christian’s baritone voice caresses me softly. “Perhaps I need to start making your lunch if you think this compares to orgasms.”

  I close my eyes and take it. Besides, I’m reveling a little in his touch. Lori asks, “How’s training?”

  “Not bad. I’m not the bad-form poster boy, so that’s a relief.”

  He pulls a chair over and sits down. Taking an onion ring from my plate, he drags it through ketchup. “I’m surprised to see you here. I thought you might spend the day crafting your business plan.”

  “Oh, the thought occurred to me, but I had something to take care of.”

  His eyebrows raise in question, but before I can explain Lori asks, “Business plan?”

  “Yeah. We were talking last night, and I’m thinking about opening a women’s clothing shop.”

  She squeals. “Oh, my God, that’s perfect for you! Tell me it’s going to be all that really expensive stuff—and cool cowboy boots, really cool cowboy boots.”

  I chuckle and Christians says, “You know her pretty well.”

  She says, “I’ll work for you. You don’t even have to pay me, just trade out.” Her eyes get big. “Wait until Casey hears. You’ll have an entire workforce of friends if you want.”

  Her ex
citement is all I need to start sharing my ideas. Remembering how great she was at reorganizing the Kids’ Castle with me, it makes me think she’d be a good person to pull on board with this project.

  Christian listens to us with interest but interrupts a few minutes in. “Gotta go, but I’ll see you tonight?”

  “Yes, I’m cooking.”

  “Looking forward to it.” He winks and walks away.

  Lori cocks her head at me. “Hmm. I don’t suppose cutting Kelly loose had anything to do with your sexy houseguest, did it?”

  “What? No.” She gives me a look of disbelief. “Wait. Why?”

  “It’s just—I see a little something there, that’s all.”

  “Well he does have a way of getting me flustered. The man is an insufferable flirt.”

  She shakes her head. “I wasn’t talking about you.”

  “Oh.” Christian gives off the vibe that he’s into me? Well, well, well. That makes my ego puff up and beam with pride.

  I smile and Lori says, “Uh-huh. I thought you might like that. C’mon, let’s go burn off some of these calories.”

  Chapter 21

  Christian just left for his last day of training, and I’m working on my third cup of coffee and pouring over spreadsheets of numbers before I ask for his help. I can’t explain why, but I want to make sure I’ve done all I can and impress him with the brain that exists in my head.

  I realize I’m in the fortunate position of having money to risk without it making much of an impact on my life, and I’m grateful. But I don’t want that luxury to let me be sloppy. No, I want to do more than succeed with this business. I have long-term plans to open multiple shops in the Rocky Mountain ski areas and crush this.

  My phone rings, and I take the call from my favorite real estate agent, Gerry Jones. An older man that enjoys life’s pleasures, and looks like it, he’s charming in a jovial way.

  “Good morning, Gerry. How are you today?”

  “Very well, Dannika, very well. I’ve got a list of properties to show you and will e-mail you the information. As you know, downtown space is tough, but we may find you something to tide you over until prime spots open up. I was calling to schedule time to look at them.”