The Wedding Wrecker

13. James

13

JAMES

T he bus bounced beneath us, rattling me and bouncing me into Emma for the tenth time since we’d boarded.

“Come on,” I said. “You know it’ll be fun.”

Emma shifted in the bright pink snow suit, looking anywhere but in my direction. “I only agreed to this because I happen to love the idea of skiing. I’ve always wanted to learn.”

“Wait…” I said. “The idea of skiing? You’ve never done it?”

“Not yet. But how hard could it be? I’ve seen it in movies. It’s just like… falling on purpose, right?”

“Uh… no. I don’t think so. And the general consensus is it’s harder than you’d think.”

“I’ll figure it out,” she said, glaring at me.

“You look cute, by the way. Like a big pink marshmallow.” I poked her stomach, but the suit was so thick I wasn’t sure she even felt it.

Emma slapped my hand away. “Rule number one. Poking is absolutely not necessary touching.”

“Right. I keep remembering when you straddled me and moaned my name, and it makes me forget rule number one is a thing. That’s my mistake.”

Emma scooted further away on the bus seat, only for us to hit a bump a moment later that practically bounced her into my lap.

“You just can’t keep yourself off me, can you?” I asked.

Emma hopped off me like she’d been burned, then whacked my arm. My matching snowsuit protected me from the blow.

“Where the hell did you find these, anyway? And why does mine fit? How did you know my size?”

“I have an impeccable memory. You could say I memorized every one of your curves that night in… rule number three,” I said, stopping myself with a grin. “But you also left a suitcase full of clothes in the room we’re sharing. I just read the tags and then hit one of the resort shops.”

“You went through my clothes?” she snapped, eyes suddenly fearful.

“Yep. What’s the deal with the lingerie? Two sets? Were you planning to meet somebody special here? Or maybe two somebodies?”

Her cheeks brightened. “I… no. I’m not going to dignify that with an answer.”

I shrugged, glancing out the window and seeing we had reached our destination. Even though the bottom of the slopes were visible from Timber Ridge Resort, guests had to take buses to the parking lot with access to chair lifts. A couple other buses were already unloading guests in the parking lot, and I spotted the Wellington crew gathered and talking.

“This is us,” I said, tugging her up to her feet as I stood. “The Wellington’s are down there, so this touching is necessary, by the way.”

Emma reluctantly let me keep my arm around her as we scooted off the bus with a few other resort-goers dressed for a day on the snow.

“Here,” I said, stopping once we were off the shuttle.

It was colder and windier up here than it had been down at the resort, and I didn’t want her getting sick.

I reached into Emma’s front pocket where I’d stashed her gloves and hat. I pulled the hat down on her head while she watched me with murder in her eyes. Just to mess with her a bit, I also tucked the hair behind her ears and spent longer than necessary fiddling with the placement of the hat. I kept going until she finally swatted at me.

“Careful,” I said softly. “They could be watching. Wouldn’t want them to think there’s trouble in paradise. Might make them wonder if they chose the right woman to plan their wedding.”

“I hate you,” she mouthed.

“We both know that’s not true,” I said, taking her wrist and slipping one of the gloves on. “Warm enough?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said. “I feel like a penguin, though.”

“Good. All the extra padding will keep you safe if you fall.”

“Like you care.”

“Hey,” I said. “I enjoy messing with you, but I’m not going to let you get hurt. That’s rule number… ten. So long as I’m your fake boyfriend, I’m going to make sure no harm comes to that wonderful body of yours.”

I couldn’t see much of her face between the scarf I’d wrapped around her neck, the hat, and the goggles she’d pulled up, but I wondered if she was glaring or blushing.

I chose to imagine her blushing.

“Now come on,” I said. “Let’s go surprise the Wellingtons and let them know we’re joining them today.”

The ski area sprawled across the mountainside like a white canvas slashed through with winding, grooved trails. From the parking lot, I could see at least a dozen runs cutting through the trees, ranging from gentle slopes to what looked like near-vertical drops. A massive lodge dominated the base area, its windows reflecting the morning sun.

"Here goes," Emma said, nodding toward where the Wellingtons were gathering near the ski rental building. Beyond them, I could see what looked like the most beginner-friendly slope. It wasn’t quite a bunny slope, but it was pretty close, and the hill looked like it was covered in more children than snow. Further up, more challenging runs rose toward the peaks, where skilled skiers carved graceful paths down the mountain.

Dick spotted us first. "Well, well! If it isn't the love birds!" He elbowed his father. "Look what James dragged in."

The three guys I'd noticed earlier turned as one, like a boyband hitting their cue. Up close, they were even more obviously related—same jaw, same perfect teeth, same air of casual wealth.

"Theo Wellington," the dark-haired one said, extending his hand to Emma. "These are my brothers, Alex and Noah. Didn't expect to see you on the slopes today."

"Oh, I ski all the time," Emma said with obviously fake confidence. I felt her tense beside me. "Back in... San Francisco."

Alex's eyebrows rose. "Really? Where's your usual spot?"

"You know..." Emma waved vaguely at the mountains. "Around. Show me snow, and I’ll be there."

"Perfect," Dick cut in. "Then you won't mind joining us on Thunder Ridge after you warm up. Best run on the mountain."

I glanced where he pointed—it was obviously a much more advanced trail that looked more like a cliff than a ski run. Emma's grip on my arm tightened.

"Can't wait," she said weakly.

The rental process was an education in Emma's growing panic. She kept whispering questions like "Why are there so many buckles?" and "Are these things supposed to be so tight?" while trying to maintain her facade of expertise.

"Just follow my lead," I murmured, helping her waddle toward the safest slope. The Wellingtons were already taking the chair lifts much higher up the mountain, content to warm up on more advanced runs.

"Okay," I said once we were alone at the top of the slope. Little kids were everywhere. Some were falling face first, waiting to be rescued by parents. Others screamed and slammed into each other. Overwhelmed instructors were everywhere shouting helpful cues that kids ignored as they zipped in every direction. "The most important thing to remember is how to slow down and stop. So you just?—”

Emma shot forward with a shriek. For some reason, she kept pumping her ski poles, as if her panic response was to go faster.

What the hell kind of flawed instincts were those?

Her arms windmilled as she continued to pick uip speed. She weaved past kids, nearly blasting a few of them into orbit as her screams carried on the cold air.

I took off after her, catching up just as she lifted one leg, spun her arms, and somehow flipped forward to face-plant and slide several feet forward.

"You okay?" I asked, helping her up and brushing snow from her suit. My heart had nearly stopped watching her fall.

"I think I ate snow." She spat out some white powder. "Why do people do this for fun?"

"Because they usually listen to instructions first."

"I panicked!"

"I noticed." I tucked a loose strand of hair back under her hat. "Try again? I won't let you fall this time."

She looked up at me, cheeks pink from cold and exertion. "Promise?"

Something in her voice made my chest tight. "Promise."

For the next hour, I taught her the basics, keeping one hand on her waist as she got the feel of the slopes. The Wellingtons occasionally checked in before hopping on the ski lift for another run. The muscle brothers took turns checking on Emma specifically, and I was beginning to wonder if the assholes were trying to make passes at her.

Pretend or not, she was supposed to be my girlfriend, and I didn’t need their constant hovering. Even if the guys seemed okay, compared to the other Wellingtons, it didn’t mean I wouldn’t start throwing punches if they pushed it much further.

"You've got a fan club," I noted after Noah swung by to ask how her “warm up” was coming and to complement her form.

Emma noted the expression on my face and gave a taunting wiggle of her brows.

“Jealous?” she asked once Noah was gone.

“No,” I said carefully, bringing my mouth close to her ear. “Because I already got to fuck you. I already know what noises you make when you come.” I pulled back, biting my lip as I smiled. “He doesn’t.”

Emma’s cheeks were already red from cold, but they went a deeper shade. “That… probably violates a rule,” she said in a weak voice.

“You can write me up for it later. But we should really keep working on your skills. Despite what Theo said, your form is terrible.”

“Jerk,” she said.

“I’m just the guy trying to keep you from splattering yourself into a tree. You should thank me.”

“No, I don’t think I will,” she said haughtily, but not without a touch of a smile.

“Lover’s spat?" Dick's voice made us both jump. He stood nearby with Richard Wellington. “If you two are done fighting, we’re all going to head up to Thunder Ridge. Want to join?”

"She's stil warming up," I started, but Emma cut me off.

"Totally ready,” Emma blurted.

"Emma—"

"I've got this." She met my eyes, that familiar stubborn set to her jaw. She lowered her voice. “You taught me how to slow down and stop. I know how to fall down safely if I get in over my head.”

“It’s out of the question,” I said firmly. “You could get hurt trying that run. I won’t allow it.”

“Is there a problem?” Mr. Wellington cut in. “If Emma wants to do Thunder Ridge, why not let her? There are no trees to worry about. It’s just steep. Kids could handle it.”

I doubted that part, but he was at least right about the trees. A hard fall into the snow was maybe the worst of the dangers on a run like that.

“She has been feeling a little off today,” I said. “I’m just worried she might be pushing herself too hard.”

“Ah,” Theo said as he joined the conversation. “No worries, James. We’ll take good care of her.”

Theo actually put one of his arms around her, and for a moment, I saw red.

I stepped forward, taking her by the waist and pulling her to me, which thankfully got his arm off her. “I really think she should sit this one out. I wouldn’t want her to get hurt.”

“Oh, come on,” Mr. Wellington said. “Emma is a big girl. If she wants to give it a shot, you wouldn’t stop her, would you?”

“It’s okay, James,” Emma said. She bit her lip, then leaned in and gave me a cold-lipped peck on the cheek. “Thank you, but I’ll be careful. I had a good teacher, right?”

My stomach felt like it was turning over. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“I’ll be fine. Trust me,” she added with a wink.

I let out a sigh, feeling like the only sane one in the group. But it seemed like there was no stopping her, so I followed as we all headed to the top of Thunder Ridge with her.

“Ladies first?” Mr. Wellington said.

“I’ll go with her,” I said, moving to Emma’s side.

“Oh, come on,” Mr. Wellington said. “Do you hold her hand when she pees, too? Where’s your sense of adventure?”

I grated my teeth together as I stared at the man, who was watching with something in his expression I didn’t like.

“If she asked me to, I’d do anything for her.”

Theo chuckled. “Go easy on them, Uncle Richard.”

Mr. Wellington regarded Theo, then shrugged. “Suit yourselves.”

“Alright,” I said. “Hold on to my wrist. We’ll get through this together. All you have to do is not let go.”

I took one of her ski poles and set it aside so she could grip my wrist instead.

“Look how cute they are together,” Alex—the red haired one of the three brothers—noted with laughter in his voice. “Where the hell did you get those snow suits? Maybe we should all get some matching ones,” he suggested to no one in particular.

Ignoring them, we inched closer to the drop. “Ready?” I asked.

“Probably not,” Emma admitted.

We jumped into the run and gained speed almost immediately. I did my best to control our speed, but Emma was flailing, screaming, and jabbing me in the ribs as we tore downhill.

I tried to steer us away from a jump midway down the run, but somehow, Emma dragged us straight toward it.

“Stop steering us! Just relax!” I shouted against the wind roaring in our ears.

“I’m going to die!” she shrieked.

And then she ripped her arm out of mine and went into full meltdown mode at maximum speed.

I watched helplessly as she veered away from me, heading straight for the ramp.

“Emma!” I shouted.

But it was already too late. She flew up a dozen feet into the air, slowly rotated like an unathletic, noisy ragdoll, and then landed in a spectacular explosion of snow and pink fabric.

I skidded to a stop beside where she crashed with my heart in my throat.

Within a moment, all three of the handsome brothers appeared right beside me.

Emma lay still in the snow, and for a terrifying moment I thought the worst.

But then she groaned.

"That wasn't supposed to happen," she mumbled as I reached her.

"Don't move." I ran my hands over her legs, checking for injuries. "Does anything hurt?"

"Just my pride. And maybe my ankle. Just a teensy bit."

The brothers hovered anxiously. "Should we call ski patrol?" Theo asked.

"I've got her." I slid my arms under Emma, lifting her easily despite all the layers. She curled into my chest with another groan.

"Show-off," she muttered.

"Says the woman who just tried to ski Thunder Ridge after one lesson."

"I was doing great until gravity got involved."

I couldn't help laughing, relief making me a little giddy. "Come on, Pink Marshmallow. Let's get you inside before you try anything else crazy."

"My hero," she said sarcastically, but her arms tightened around my neck.

As I carried her toward the lodge, I couldn’t help notice Richard Wellington and Dick having a somewhat heated discussion as they shot occasional looks our way.

I couldn’t make out the words, but it was a reminder that I needed to find more time to look into them and their secrets.

As soon as I started looking into Marcus and Lily’s engagement, my alarm bells had begun to ring. She was young, beautiful, and the owner of a rapidly growing business that was poised to be worth multiple millions if she kept it up. She was the whole package, and supposedly, so was Marcus. He didn’t show any of the usual signs of a cheater. But there were signs. Little warning flags I’d picked up, and I was determined to get to the bottom of it.

But that could wait. Right now, I had a wounded marshmallow to take care of.

And if I enjoyed that job a little too much? Well, that was nobody's business but mine.