Page 12 of Worth the Rush
I pull onto the evergreen-lined drive, all dusted with snow. It’s scenic, and I’m fortunate to have grown up the way I did. Along with two loving parents and siblings who would do anything for me, I grew up in a beautiful home in a beautiful state. Some people dream of leaving their hometown, but I’ve never felt that way. I like where I live, and I really like my life. This may be a hard day for me; missing someone never getseasier. I know the pain from missing Ray will, but I’m grateful for the life I have.
Walking up the front steps of The Holloway Ranch, I hear laughter coming from inside. I sigh, giving myself just a moment before opening the door.
“Hey, everyone!” I call once I’m inside. I hear little feet running my way, and I feel my lips stretch into a smile. Hazel, my older brother Knox’s two-year-old daughter and my favorite human in the world, comes running around the living room corner straight for me. “Hazey!” I yell excitedly and crouch to catch her. Her face is lit up like the fifteen Christmas trees Mom has in the house. God, I can’t believe I get to be this little miracle’s uncle.
“Muncle Aldie!” she screeches as she hits my chest. I fall backward, acting as if this tiny little girl has taken me out. To be completely honest, she has the power to. There isn’t a member in our family who isn’t wrapped around her finger. I see Knox out of the corner of my eye as we fall to the floor.
“Hey, little brother,” he calls from where he’s leaning against the wall. We’re the same size technically, but I am five years younger.
“Knox, what are you feeding her?” I demand. “She’s gotten too strong. Did you see how fast she took me down?” I ask him dramatically. Hazel giggles and smacks at my chest. “Ohh! Haze, please have mercy on me.” I beg.
“Okay!” she agrees and slides off me to stand by my side, offering me a hand. “I help you!” she says, and she doesn’t even know how much she already is. I take her little hand in mine and stand.
“Thank you so much for your help,” I tell her. She doesn’t feel the weight of my words. The last two years of having her inmy life have been my most treasured. From the moment I looked into her sweet brown eyes at the hospital, I knew I’d protect her at all costs.
“You welcome. I wanna hold you,” she says, reaching up at me. I bend and pick her up, propping her on my hip.
“How’s your day been? Were you out on the mountain?” Knox asks as I walk toward him with Hazel.
“No, I was planning to be, but this morning Jack called, and I ended up at the resort teaching kids classes.” I can’t keep the annoyance out of my voice.
“Today?” he questions.
“Yep, I had just made it home when he called, and he sounded desperate,” I tell him.
“And the rest of the day?” he probes.
“Fine,” I say too quickly.
“Really?” I’m starting to feel like a well-done piece of steak with all the grilling.
“Honestly? It’s been a weird day. The resort has a new hospitality manager, and she’s,”—I pause, collecting myself—“she’s something,” I finish. I’m unsure how I feel about my last exchange with Ivy right now, so I’m not sure how to tell someone else. I also don’t want to let it slide that I met her last night. I may be a lot of things, but I’m not a kiss-and-tell kind of man.
“She, huh? Sounds like you’ve had an interesting day,” he says.
“That’s one way of putting it,” I tell him with a sigh. “She’s kind of a brat,” I blurt out, but I can feel myself smiling. “She ripped me a new one for accidentally running into her on the bunny hills today.” It was a little more than running into her, but Knox doesn’t need to know that. “She wouldn’t even let meget a word in while she reamed me out.” I’m getting a little worked up just talking about it again.
“Down, pease!” Hazel yells, diving forward. I kiss her sweet head and then set her feet on the hardwood floor so she can run to the next family member.
“She didn’t mind talking to the owner like that?” he asks, surprised. Yeah, about that.
“I didn’t exactly tell her who I was,” I confess, and Knox’s eyebrows raise slightly. Disapproving. “I know, but she was just so…” I trail off, not finding the right word.
“Huh. Sounds like she might have gotten under your skin a little. You’re not usually one to let something like that get to you,” he muses. Like I don’t already know that.
“Yeah, well, there’s something about this one. She’s got this raspy voice that drives me fucking nuts,” I tell him.
“Uh-huh. And I thought it was Rhett who was oblivious,” he mumbles, putting a hand on my shoulder and squeezing. “That’s attraction, bud,” he whispers, and I don’t roll my eyes, but that makes me want to. She’s hot. Gorgeous. A little mean, but I don’t mind that. Of course I’m attracted to her. She’s also going to be working with me.
“Nope. That’s not a thing. She’s decidedly off-limits and not exactly my speed.” Knox laughs at that.
“Sounds like she left quite the impression,” he concludes, and I shrug.
“Maybe. Where is everyone?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Mom, Dad, and Lo are in the den, finishing the last Christmas tree out of the six Mom’s put up this year. Winnie and Rhett are on their way. Winnie’s stopping by the bakery to get some cranberry scones and cinnamon rolls.” That’s the best news I’ve heard all day. Best cinnamon rolls ever.
The door cracks open just then, and a giggle fills the space. Turning, I see wild curls slung over my brother’s shoulder as he shuts the front door behind them. Snow shakes loose as he bends and sets three tote bags down then Winnie. She’s laughing, but he grabs her face, smiling, and kisses her quiet. I smile at that. It’s really good to see them.
