Page 79 of My Greatest Joy

“That’s sweet.”

“I guess add it to my long list of traditions. Going to Bennett’s during the fall and Halloween season, cutting down a Christmas tree after Thanksgiving, and then a weekend away skiing. I think most locals do those things each year too. Well, between lots of shopping in the downtown square and going to the winter festival. In the spring and summer, there are also a lot of family-friendly activities.”

“I wish my boss would’ve assigned me to visit in the summer. There’s something nice about being outside and soaking in the sunshine.”

He laughs. “We have tons of outdoor concerts. We’ll take blankets for the lawn and drink mojitos all day while listening to awesome music. I like to go strawberry picking, but the farmers’ markets are popular, too. Oh, and our Fourth of July parade and firework display are incredible. It’s something I look forward to each year.”

“Wow, it sounds like something is always going on,” I say, not realizing how active they are year-round.

“Maybe you could ask to come back? Experience Vermont all over again. It’s completely different, then.”

His hopeful tone makes me frown.

“Yeah, maybe. Though I’m hoping this article will get me promoted to senior editor, which means less traveling.”

“You don’t like the jet-setter lifestyle?”

“I do, but I’d rather visit places for pleasure, ya know? When it’s always for work, it kind of sucks the fun and spontaneity out of it.”

“You,spontaneous?”

I playfully kick him under the table. “I’m only work-focused when I have to be.”

A server interrupts our conversation to discuss the specials and hands over the wine menu. To my surprise, Levi orders a bottle.

“We’re celebrating,” he says.

“We are?” I ask, confused.

“You skiing and not breaking a bone. Or any of mine.”

“Ha! Funny. But I’m not complaining.”

“That’s my girl.”

“What do we plan on doing after you show me around?” I wonder if he has any other surprises up his sleeve today.

“I thought we’d hang out by the fire or hop in the hot tub. Whatever you want. I’m up for suggestions.”

“Both sound nice,” I say sheepishly. The thought of being isolated in a romantic hotel room with him has my heart racing with anticipation. This man tests my willpower, and I wish I could throw my hesitations out the window.

“You should try the steak. It’s some of the best in the state,” he tells me as we look over the menus, and I notice the prices.

“This is expensive,” I murmur.

“Don’t worry. Guests staying at the resort get a fifty-percent discount.”

“Oh.” It makes me wonder about the cost of our room.

We order the same things—steak and veggies. Although I don’t drink red wine often, he picked one I like.

“This place reminds me of the last restaurant my ex Blake took me to before he broke things off.”

“Blake’s a fucking moron.”

I snort. “I was living in a false bubble and should’ve seen it coming. I wanted us to be exclusive and for him to acknowledge that.”

“Wait…you weren’t?”

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