Page 86 of Even Beneath the Stars

He looks me up and down, then laughs. "You look like you're ready for an avalanche."

"You planned an avalanche for the second part of our date?" I stretch my eyes in mock awe. "Cool! A date where I have to sign a liability waiver."

He chuckles. "Ready?"

I nod, not trusting my voice right now.

The smell of chocolate chip cookies hits me as we pass the kitchen. I stop short, guilt twisting in my stomach at the sight of Finn in his little apron, standing on a stool next to Candice.

"Hold up." I touch Xavier's arm, then go over to the kitchen, up to the counter. "Candice, are you sure you're good with—"

"Girl, we are perfect." Candice waves her spatula at me. "Finn's teaching me his secret cookie recipe, aren't you, buddy?"

"The secret is extra chips!" Finn dumps another handful into the bowl.

"That's… a lot of chocolate chips." I bite my lip.

"Exactly!" Finn beams. "And Candice says we can make smashed-up potatoes after!"

"See? They've got plans." Xavier stoops to grab a backpack from the floor, wincing as he straightens. He slings it over one shoulder, as Candice shoots him a knowing wink.

"Are you sure?" I can't help feeling bad as I watch Finn cracking an entire egg onto the counter.

Candice points her spatula at the door. "Out. Both of you. We've got important baking business to attend to."

"I don't—"

"Maggie." Xavier's voice has that mix of amusement and exasperation I'm starting to recognize. He extends his hand to me. "They're fine."

Gloves clutched in one hand and the other in Xave's, I let him pull me toward the door, calling over my shoulder, "Text me if you need anything!"

"We won't!" Candice and Finn chorus together.

I'm pretty sure Candice suspects this outing is a little more than Xave and I just "hanging out". I'm also pretty sure, based on her reaction, that she isn't toobothered by that fact. If anything, she seems excited. Almost like she's Xavier's co-conspirator.

Xavier leads me toward the back of the house. His palm is warm against mine, and I'm pretty sure I could power the whole mansion with the electricity buzzing through me right now.

Whatever he's planned, I already know this is going to be the best second-part-of-a-first-date ever.

The snow crunches under our boots as we round the corner of the palatial home. Two rugged four-wheelers sit waiting, their black frames stark against the white landscape.

"Your chariot awaits." Xavier pats one of the seats. "You can either drive your own or hop on behind me if you prefer."

"Are you kidding? Of course I'm driving my own!" I rock forward on my heels, already scanning the controls.

"I kinda figured." His grin catches the fading sunlight. He tosses me a helmet, then pulls his own on.

The engine rumbles to life beneath me, sending vibrations through my whole body. Xavier leads us down a narrow trail between towering pines, their branches heavy with fresh snow. The estate spreads out before us like something from a fairy tale—pristine drifts sparkling in the golden hour light, animal tracks crisscrossing the powder.

We weave through the trees, my confidence growing with each turn. The trails split and merge, creating an intricate web across the property. Xavier signals left or right at each fork, leading us deeper into this winter wonderland.

Snow flies from our wheels as we power up small hills and cruise through valleys. Xavier glances back occasionally, checking on me, and I give him athumbs up each time. In return, he flashes a smile bright enough for me to see even through his visor; more genuine than any I've seen on him before.

The forest opens into a clearing, and I gasp. The setting sun paints the snow in shades of pink and orange, making the whole scene glow. Untouched powder stretches before us, just begging for tracks.

Xavier cuts his engine and lifts his visor. "Ever done donuts?"

I lift my own visor, letting the crisp air hit my face. "No. But I've always wanted to."

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