Page 159 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“Today?”

“Yeah, this afternoon. Addie can get us all fixed up with the gear.”

The idea of learning how to ski was glorious. She wrinkled her nose. “But what if someone recognizes me?”

“That would be highly unlikely with your trusty wig, goggles, and a snow suit.” His eyes sparked in a challenge. “You game?”

It only took her half a second to reach a decision. “Absolutely.”

A crooked smile tugged at his lips making him look adorable. “You like that word, don’t you?”

“Absolutely.”

He groaned. “Pops started something.” He removed his arm from her shoulders, sitting up. “All right. Put your wig back on, and let’s get out of here.” His voice quivered with excitement. “I can’t wait to show you Birchwood Springs. There’s no place more beautiful after a fresh snow. Afterwards, I thought you could make us some sausage gravy and biscuits.”

“That sounds divine.”

“Then,” his voice went husky as he trailed a finger down the length of her hair, “I can make a fire and we can talk …” his eyes lingered on her lips “… or practice.”

A slow-burn tingled through her stomach. “Practice is great,” she said softly, leaning in for another kiss.

Chapter Eighteen

For a rookie, Delaney was doing quite well. After a short tutorial by one of the instructors, she’d gone down the bunny slope. As soon as she did her first run, she pumped her fist victoriously in the air letting out a loud whoop. Corbin loved the fire in this girl.

“Are you ready for something a little more challenging?”

“Let me go down the bunny slope a couple more times, and I’ll be ready. You wanna do this one with me?”

The excitement in her voice caused him to smile. Coming out here was a good idea, giving them both a chance to decompress. Delaney didn’t know it, but before they left the cabin, Corbin had made a quick call to Sutton, verifying that Hugh and his men were still in Northern Cal. He explained that he was taking Delaney to Bear Claw Resort for the afternoon. He wanted Sutton to know where they’d be in case anything unexpected happened.

A couple hours later, they were in the lodge sitting in front of a toasty fire, their hands wrapped around steaming mugs of hot chocolate when Corbin glanced over and saw Madison Wells approaching.Crap!It had been against his better judgment to bring Delaney into the lodge, but she was cold and wantedsomething warm to drink. He wished he could jump up and take her out of here this instant. He cringed at the cheerful ring in Madison’s voice. “Corbin Spencer, I didn’t realize you were back in town.” Madison was the blonde, peppy cheerleader type. Her voice oozed sweetness as she flashed a bright smile. Dutifully, Corbin stood as she stepped up to him and gave him a tight hug.

“Hey,” she said in an intimate tone. “You should’ve called and let me know you were in town.”

He stepped back, clearing his throat as he tightened his hold on the handle of the mug. He motioned at Delaney who rose to her feet. “Um, Madison, this is my girlfriend, Dee.”

Madison’s face tightened, going blistering red. She shot Delaney a vehement look then seemed to realize how she was coming across. A strained smile stretched over her face as she held out her hand. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.”

Delaney slipped her free hand through Corbin’s, stepping closer to him. “Nice to meet you too.”

“You have the cutest accent,” Madison said with such condescension that it made Corbin cringe. “Where are you from?”

“Alabama,” Delaney shot back, giving her a steely look.

“Oh, Ala-bam-y,” Madison twanged. “How cute.”

Her phony Southern drawl grated on Corbin’s nerves. Everything about Madison Wells got on his nerves, which was why he was so glad he’d ended things with her a long time ago.

Hurt clouded Madison’s eyes. “I didn’t realize you had a girlfriend.” Before he could answer, she turned to Delaney looking her up and down. “Huh,” she grunted.

“I beg your pardon,” Delaney said. Corbin had to bite back a smile, loving how territorial Delaney was acting. He still couldn’t believe that this stunning, amazing woman was with him.

Madison laughed. “Oh, I’m just surprised.” Her lips turned down in a frown as she zeroed in on Delaney’s hair. “Corbin hasalways preferred blondes.” She flipped the ends of her shoulder-length platinum hair, giving Delaney a smug look.

Delaney turned to him, her eyes dancing. “Is that right? Good to know,” she mused.

A bewildered expression crossed Madison’s features. Corbin was ready for the diva to go away, but it was obvious that she had no intention of leaving just yet.

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