A Wintertime Love

by Alyson Raynes

  “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you, Tristan?”

  I felt my cheeks flush. “Sometimes . . . I can be, especially if I like the company I’m with.” I paused before continuing. “Actually A. J., I have a confession to make. I hope it doesn’t scare you away.” I was hoping that what I was about to tell her wouldn’t make things awkward between us.

  “What’s that, Tristan?”

  “I know we’ve only just met, and I’m not really into the mushy gushy shit, but I can’t help feeling a strong attraction to you. I’d really like to get to know you better—that is, if you’re willing to spend a little more time with me. I know you’re leaving soon, but I was thinking that maybe we could see how the rest of the week goes. Who knows? If it works out, we could even take turns flying out to see each other on the weekends. What do you think?”

  She sat across from me, looking stunned, and it was several minutes before she replied.

  “I don’t know about the flying out part, but I think there’s definitely something worth exploring. Let’s just see how the rest of our time goes before we get too serious. I mean, we just met.”

  “You’re right. My apologies for moving too fast and coming across like a needy bastard. That certainly wasn’t my intention.”

  “It’s okay, Tristan. I like you, probably a little more than I should,” she laughed, “especially after that little encounter we had in your bedroom, but that’s beside the point. I’m just not sure how a relationship will fit in my life right now. I’m leaving in a week, and I have no idea how long I’ll be gone—or if I’ll ever come back to Colorado. I can tell you this though. You’re all I’ve thought about for the past four days, and when you didn’t call, I thought maybe you just weren’t interested. So . . . I decided to make the first move, and I broke down and called you.” She took a sip of wine.

  I had just done exactly what I hadn’t wanted to do. I’d turned a perfectly good situation into something straight out of a psychological thriller, only I was the psycho starring in this movie. I had to change the subject, to something lighter. “Are you about ready to get out of here, so you can see your surprise?”

  “I’m ready whenever you are,” she said, flashing her beautiful smile.

  I paid the tab, got our coats, and drove to our surprise destination. We weren’t far from school; after tonight, I thought, perhaps she might want to sleep over at my place, in bed with me again. This time, I wouldn’t resist touching her, and I was getting hard just thinking about it.

  I grabbed our bags out of the back and took her hand guiding her into the building that held her surprise. The snow gently fell on us as we walked up the stairs and the bitter bite from the cold stole my breath away, once again. It seemed funny to me how much I loved playing a sport that was centered around the ice, but I couldn’t stand it when it was cold outside. I was beginning to think that I was seriously screwed in the head. As we reached the top of the stairs, I opened the door that led us right into the ice arena.

  “What are we doing here?” she asked.

  “It’s a surprise, remember?” I took her hand and led her to the locker room. “You need to change into the clothes you packed, but then you’ll want to put your coat back on. It’s really cold out on the ice.”

  “Holy shit! We’re going ice skating,” she squealed.

  “Yep, and your skates are right over there,” I said, pointing to the bench across from where we were standing.

  “How did you know?” she asked. “I mean, how do you even know what size skates I wear?”

  “I had a little help from some friends,” I told her, pulling her close to me and kissing her forehead. Then I turned her around and smacked her on the ass. “Now go get ready, we have some skating to do!”

  “Um . . . Tristan?”

  “Yes?”

  “I don’t know how to skate. I’ve always wanted to, but I’ve always been too afraid,” she said with her head hung low.

  “Hey,” I slid my fingers down her cheek. “It’s okay! I’ll be with you every step of the way, guiding you and protecting you from any harm. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Now go get ready!”

  When she returned, I helped her finish lacing up her skates, ensuring that they fit properly. She stood wobbling, trying to gain her balance. It was moments before I got her steady, and then I slowly guided her to the ice rink.

  As we entered, the lights came on. They had been changed to blue and reflected off the floor beautifully. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Tony Bennett came through the speakers, as little flakes of snow fell around us.

  I pulled her gently out onto the ice and held her close, to ensure she wouldn’t fall as we slow danced to the song. She really did look beautiful. I kissed her gently as we swayed to the soft melody of the song.

  As the song came to an end, we continued skating around the rink, with me holding A.J . and guiding her every step of the way. She laughed each time she lost her balance, but she remained carefree and was clearly having fun.

  When we exited the ice, there was a bouquet of a dozen red roses waiting for her. She turned to me, bringing my mouth to hers for another kiss, deeper this time. Then she took her cold hands and shoved them up under my coat and started laughing.

  I smacked her on the ass again and she stumbled as I caught her. I turned and held my thumb up, to let Brody know that everything had gone as planned, and to thank him for ensuring that everything had been just perfect.

  We sat talking as we removed our skates. I learned that her parents had wanted her to go to law school, and that she’d pissed them off by choosing a major that was the complete opposite. It made me laugh; I realized she was just like me, only in female form. That was a scary thought, but I liked it.

  I finished packing my skates into the bag, then grabbed our things and left.

  “It’s getting late. Do you want me to take you home or would you like to hang out at my place for a while?” I asked, as we turned the corner toward my apartment.

  She giggled. “Let’s hang out at your place.”

  I parked the truck, then opened the door for her. As we neared the top of the stairs to my apartment, I could hear Dylan’s voice coming through the door.

  “Looks like we’ll have company tonight,” I laughed, unlocking the door.

  “Oh . . . that’ll make it even more fun. Do you like to play games?”

  “Well that depends. Board games? Yes. Card games? Yes. Drinking games? Yes. Head games? No!”

  She laughed, punching me in the arm. “You’re such a dork, Tristan! I was thinking more along the lines of board games.” She rolled her eyes, pushing the door open.

  “Hey, guys!” Christina and Dylan waved.

  “Hey.”

  “Did you have fun tonight, A. J.?” Christina asked her.

  “Oh my gosh, it was so much fun!” she laughed. “I only fell like fifty times.”

  “It’s not as easy as it looks, is it?”

  “No. I don’t know how in the hell those ice skaters on TV make it look so easy. I would break my neck trying to do those jumps. And who comes up with those ideas anyway? Pure craziness.”

  “I know. I can’t ice skate to save my life. Dylan makes fun of me for it, too.”

  We all laughed.

  “So what kind of games do you have?” she asked.

  Before I could answer, Christina jumped off the couch and headed down the hallway.

  “I’ll grab the Monopoly,” she hollered, pulling the game down from the closet.

  “Looks like we’ll be playing Monopoly. Lucky for you, I’m the reigning champ. I hope you’re ready for a good ass whoopin’.” I wasn’t lying. When it came to that game, I was a master. A master at winning that is. They would all soon find out just how good I was at it.

  “I’ll be the banker, too,” I shouted, pulling beers out of the refrigerator, “if that’s okay with everyone.”

  “Works for me,” Dylan announced, taking his seat. “Besides, numbers make
my head hurt.”

  “That’s funny, considering you’re going to school to be an accountant,” I reminded him.

  “Exactly! I get enough of that crap in school. The last thing I want to do at home is play bean-counter.”

  “Are you two done?” Christina asked, rolling her eyes. “Can we start the game?”

  “Of course! Let’s do this. Prepare yourselves for complete domination,” I declared, rubbing my hands together with an evil grin.

  Ten minutes into the game, I landed on Boardwalk and was ready to build my real estate empire. I purchased the much-sought-after piece of property, and then waited for one of those poor suckers to land on Park Place. That’s when the wheeling and dealing would happen.

  I waited and waited, buying up other properties around the board, and then Christina landed on Park Place. It was the perfect opportunity; I knew that soon I would rule the Monopoly world. “Christina, I have a deal for you.”

  “Oh boy, let’s hear it.”

  “Since you don’t have enough money to buy Park Place, I will buy it for you and then whenever you land on it or Boardwalk, I won’t charge you anything. And . . . if I land on any of the utilities, you won’t charge me either. Sound like a deal?”

  “Christina, No!” Dylan pleaded, “Making a deal with Tristan is like making a deal with Satan. Don’t do it! I can help you instead,”

  “But you don’t own Boardwalk, and you don’t have nearly as much money as he does.”

  “I’m warning you. You don’t want to make a deal with him.”

  “It’s the perfect solution for her, Dylan. Let her think for herself.”

  “What about A. J.? Why don’t you save your slick moves for her instead?”

  I laughed. “Because she didn’t land on Park Place. Christina did.”

  “I hate playing this game with you! You’re such a fucking cheater, Tristan,” he accused.

  “It’s not cheating. You’re just pissed because you didn’t think of it first.”

  “You’re damn right! I wanted Boardwalk and Park Place! How is it that you always end up with both?”

  “Because I’m just that damn good.”

  “Screw this, I’m done!”

  “Don’t be such a baby, Dylan. You act like this every time we play this game.”

  “Because you cheat!”

  “I don’t cheat. I use my amazing negotiation skills, and you’re just pissed because I’m better at it than you are.”

  He laughed. “Dude, you’re so full of shit, but I still love ya, bro. And on that note, I’m going to head off to bed. It’s been fun.”

  “Yeah, it’s getting late, I think I’ll join you.” Christina replied. “Tristan, you and A. J. have fun.” She winked, walking to their room.

  I decided to make the offer at least and see what happened. “So, do you want me to take you home or would you like to stay here?”

  “I’m a little tired, and your bed is really soft and warm.” She smiled.

  “Great. I’ll take the couch. Sweet dreams, A. J.!” I kissed her forehead.

  “I appreciate you taking the couch, it’ll leave more room for me to sprawl out on.” As she said this, she was rubbing my thigh.

  “If you want me to sleep on the couch, you should probably stop doing that,” I warned. “I can’t be held accountable for what I might do if you continue,” I was already imagining what it was going to be like touching her for the first time.

  “Fair enough, Tristan. Goodnight!” And just like that, she disappeared into my room.

  Friday came, and the time was nearing when I’d pick A. J. up and take her to the charity ball as my date. Dylan and I rode together to pick up our tuxes and grabbed a quick bite to eat. I glanced at the clock: I’d need to get moving if I was going to pick A. J. up on time.

  We returned home, and I quickly showered, dried myself, and put on my tux. I spent a little extra time putting gel in my hair, spiking the top more than I usually would. I looked pretty damned good, even if I did say so.

  Dylan knocked on the bathroom door to let me know my ride had arrived.

  The limo was ready and waiting for me downstairs. The driver held the door open for me as I got in. I pulled out a glass, poured some whiskey, and sipped it on the way to A. J.’s. I also sent her a quick text, to let her know that we were headed in her direction.

  The car pulled in just a little after five. I got out and walked to her door. There she stood, waiting for me. She was dressed in a royal-blue ball gown that accentuated her curves and matched her eyes. Her hair was pulled up, and small curls draped down her neck. My breath hitched, and I wanted to just skip the damned ball and take her to bed.

  I helped her with her faux fur coat and guided her to the limo. The driver held the door open for us as we entered. I gave him the directions to our destination.

  “It’s gonna be a little chilly where we’re going next, but I promise it will be worth it,” I said, holding her hand.

  “I’m not worried, Tristan. I know you’ll keep me warm.” She smiled.

  “You look beautiful tonight, A. J.!” I kissed the back of her hand.

  “You look beautiful too,” she said, placing a kiss on my lips.

  I laughed. “Is it even possible for me to look beautiful, A. J.? I’m a guy, for cryin’ out loud!”

  “Yes, you are,” she said in a sexy tone. “And yes, you are beautiful, Tristan, both inside and out!”

  The car came to a stop, indicating that we had reached our destination. As we stepped outside, there was a white horse-drawn carriage waiting for us. The air was cold, with snow gently falling all around us, but there was enough clearing in the black sky where you could still see the stars. It was a beautiful night; one I hoped she might never forget.

  I helped her into the carriage and covered her with a wool blanket, then climbed in next to her. I pulled her close, cuddling her as the carriage began to move, taking us to the ball at the Prescott Mansion. We didn’t say a word—just took in the scenery around us and held each other as tightly as we could.

  Everyone was awaiting our arrival at the mansion. As the carriage pulled up, Dylan and Christina came to greet us. “Wow! You look beautiful, A. J.,” Christina said.

  “So do you, Christina.” She gave her friend a hug.

  “You two look really happy,” Christina said, pointing at us.

  I smiled, nodding my head. “We are very happy!”

  “You guys want to go inside? It’s freezing out here!” I pointed inside the mansion.

  Dylan laughed, “Dude, for somebody who comes from one of the coldest places on Earth, you sure bitch an awful lot about the cold!”

  “Fuck off! Maybe I secretly hate the cold and should re-think where my next move should be.” I smacked him on the back.

  “Point well made, my friend.”

  Mrs. Prescott was in the dining room waiting for us and was overjoyed to see me with a girl. She took my hand and pulled me aside. “I see that you brought a date. Do you like this girl, Tristan?” she asked.

  “Well, I haven’t known her long, but so far, yes ma’am, I do.”

  “She certainly is beautiful.”

  “Oh Tristan,” she assured me, “if this is real, and you truly like her and she truly likes you, you’ll both find a way to make it work. Relationships are hard, whether you’re in the same state or not.” She hugged me and added, “I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. I appreciate that.”

  “Oh, and Tristan . . . You can stop calling me ma’am. It makes me feel old as dirt. Call me . . . Momma Prescott, or something like that. We’ve known each other far too long to be this damn formal.” As she said this, she grabbed a drink from a tray as a waiter walked by.

  I laughed, “Okay, Momma Prescott it is!”

  “That’s better. Now you go back to that girl, before she thinks I’m trying to steal you.”

  I walked over to where I had left A. J., but couldn’t find her. I aske
d Christina if she’d seen where she’d gone and was pointed in the right direction.

  She was on her phone. I could see the panic and then sadness in her eyes as she hung up.

  “What is it?” I asked. “Is everything okay?”

  Tears fell down her face. “No. That was the agency. Alyson Raynes needs me in New York . . . on Sunday!”

  “Well, that’s no surprise, sweetheart. You already knew that.” I wiped her tears.

  “No, Tristan. You don’t understand. Not next Sunday, this Sunday!” She used her fingers to wipe under her eyes.

  “Oh. Well, I guess you have to go sooner than you planned then.” I was trying to figure out what to say next.

  “I don’t want to leave you, Tristan, not when we’ve just met. But I can’t miss out on this opportunity, either.” The tears started flowing down her cheeks once again.

  “Listen, A. J., I have an idea. But let’s get through tonight first, and then I’ll tell you my plan. I think you’ll like it, and it’ll work great for both of us.” I kissed her cheek as I wiped her tears. “Now, let me see you smile.” She did and she was beautiful, even though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. At that moment I’d take whatever I could get.

  “Flight 287, Denver to New York, will be boarding in fifteen minutes,” the airline stewardess called out over the intercom. “Please make sure you have your boarding pass and photo id with you as you board the plane.” We sat waiting to board the plane that would take us to New York. A. J. had insisted on stopping in the little bookstore on the concourse to ensure she had enough reading material for our flight. I laughed when she purchased three books, thinking she could read them all on this one flight. She was adamant about one of the three in particular because Christina had apparently read it and loved the story. It told the story of a rich man who was broken, and the heroine who saved him from his life. She also explained that he was young and ‘super hot.’

  I laughed, pointing out to her that guys like that didn’t really exist in real life. Her response to me: “A girl can dream, can’t she?”