Page 40 of Racking Up Penalties
Tristan chimes in but there’s silence from Ethan and Liam. The tension is a silent hum underneath the surface of our excitement.
Chapter 19
I’m shivering slightly in the crisp morning air, my breath forming delicate clouds that drift lazily upwards. The anticipation has me bouncing on the balls of my feet when I hear the unmistakable rumble of an engine approaching. A large van swings into view around the corner, and my heart leaps.
“Finally!” My voice comes out more excited than I intend as Luka, with his broad-shouldered frame and blond hair gleaming in the sunlight, pulls up right in front of me. He grins wide, gray eyes twinkling.
Emma runs over and kisses him.
“Morning! Ready for an adventure?” His energy is contagious, and I can’t help but return his smile with equal enthusiasm.
“Born ready,” I quip, tossing my bag into the back before sliding into the middle row of seats with a soft thud.
The sound of tires on gravel draws my attention to Ethan, Liam, and Tristan arriving in their respective cars, driving up like some sort of cavalry. Their presence sends a fresh wave of excitement coursing through me, mixed with a dash of surprise. Even though they said yes, I wasn’t sure Ethan and Liam would show up.
Ethan steps out first, all athletic build and brooding intensity, his dark hair a sharp contrast against the white snow around us. Liam follows, his lean form moving with a fluid grace and those striking gray eyes scanning the surroundings.
I watch as they unload their gear with practiced ease.
“I am so glad you’re here!” I say to all of them.
Alec and JD are looking at Ethan with suspicion while Luka is kissing Emma.
Tristan, with his sandy hair and reassuring blue gaze, rounds the trio off. There’s a protective aura about him that never fails to comfort me. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he responds, his voice carrying a warmth that sets my nerves at ease.
The van fills with the sound of laughter and the shuffle of bodies as we find our places amid suitcases and ski equipment. But as the van starts rolling, so does the tension. It becomes almost tangible between Ethan and Liam with me in between them. They’re sitting far apart, their body language stiff.
“Guys, chill,” Alec chimes in from the driver’s seat, his tone light but firm. “We’re supposed to have fun, remember?”
I catch Tristan’s eye, and he shrugs with a resigned smile, trying to play peacemaker as usual.
“Speaking of bad ideas,” Tristan intervenes, shifting the topic, “are any of you nervous about a ski trip mid-season?”
“Horrible idea,” Liam agrees, though his lips twitch upward, unable to suppress the thrill of rebellion. “But who could say no to spending time with their girls?”
“Definitely not me,” Ethan adds, and despite the tension, there’s a glint of sincerity in his eyes.
I didn’t even think about that but I’ll leave the choice up to them. They’re adults.
Excitement for the slopes mixes with anxiety over the brewing storm between Ethan and Liam, while the steady presence of Tristan is a balm to my frayed nerves.
“Let’s make this a trip to remember,” I say, my voice laced with hope. It’s a silent plea for peace, for the joy of gliding down snow-covered hills without the weight of conflict.
Hours later, the van door slides open and the crisp mountain air rushes to greet us, tinged with the promise of fresh snow and pine. My boots crunch on the gravel as I step out, my heart skipping with the kind of excitement that only a ski resort can bring. The towering lodge ahead, with its timbered façade and frosted windows, looks like something out of a winter fairy tale.
“Check it out!” Emma is practically bouncing on her toes, her arm looped through Alec’s as Luka and JD trail behind, their laughter mingling with the sound of skis being unloaded.
“There are three bedrooms,” I say.
Luka, JD, Alec and Emma share a look before Emma says, “We will share one!”
Ethan stiffens at the suggestion, his jaw clenching. “I’ll take a room. Alone or with Tessa,” he declares, the words hanging heavy in the chilled air. His intense brown eyes lock with Liam’s, and the air crackles with their silent challenge.
“Already drama,” I mumble under my breath, disappointment souring the thrill of our arrival. I catch Tristan’s sympathetic glance, a silent understanding that echoes my hopes for peace.
“Liam and I can share as long as Tessa is between us,” Tristan teases.
Liam nods, his gray eyes flickering with an unreadable emotion before settling on mine. Just like that, my belly tightens with anticipation.
