9. CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER NINE
B rody
The knock on the front door cuts off as I open up. Sera carries a basket of fresh produce on her arm with a smile on her face.
Before I can speak, she says, “Yes, I looked in my rearview and side mirrors. And no, I wasn’t followed. I didn’t tell anyone where I was going or who I was going to see. Did I get it all?”
It’s been a week since the ladies and I have been at the cabin. Sera has stopped by a few times to drop off the things we need. I’ve grilled her each time to ensure she’s being careful.
“Yes. Thank you.”
She beams and floats past me toward the kitchen. “Hello,” she greets Iris and Ivy cheerily.
“Uh, a new face, thank goodness.” Ivy hugs her.
Iris collects the basket. “What do you have for us today?”
“Everything on the list you sent.”
I remain on the periphery as the ladies catch up. It’s amazing how quickly they’ve warmed up to Sera who has only been over a few times and stays for no more than a couple of minutes. On the other hand, as someone who is constantly present, I am met with cold shoulders and, if I’m lucky, a passing glance.
Sera sticks around for a few minutes before announcing her departure. “Have to catch up with some work stuff.”
The sisters look longingly at her as she leaves.
Ivy’s eyes slip from Sera and lock onto mine. The warmth in them fades the longer our gazes hold. Finally, she rolls her eyes and returns to unpacking the basket Sera brought.
It’s no skin off my back. This is a typical interaction for us.
She’s turned down every attempt I’ve made to talk about the night we kissed. It’s a mistake I don’t regret. Hell, I’ve even savored the memory on some sleepless nights. I wasn’t in my right senses and she smelled like lilies and she was right there. Just what I needed. An angel pulling me out of my nightmares. So I took her in my arms. Realization hit late when she was already in my lap and mewling. It took everything in me to stop.
If only she’d give me a chance to explain. But I bet she’s content to hate me and let the awkwardness fester.
I sit by the window, watching the white outdoors while they putter around in the kitchen. I pretend not to pay attention to them but I do. Especially Ivy.
It’s difficult not to notice her when we’re in such close quarters. My eyes always end up seeking her out. I may be paranoid but I think she may be putting herself in suggestive positions to mess with my head.
Why the exaggerated lean when she wipes the counter? Why does she make soft, moaning sounds when she eats? Why does she make a show of drinking from a water bottle? Head thrown back, eyes closed, and throat bobbing.
She caught me staring one time and pursed her lips. “Can’t look away, can you?”
Those words ring in my head. Did she want a reaction out of me? I refused to give her one. I’ve accepted that the only way to keep the peace between us is not to engage with her. And the more I’ve kept my distance, the more she’s tried to push my buttons.
Sometimes I’m uncertain if I’m mad at her or if I want to throw her down and have my way with her.
I exhale, pushing those thoughts from my head. All they’d bring me is long, restless nights.
Our days have been predictable and similar, one blending into the other. It doesn’t bother me. A big part of serving in the military is waiting. Waiting for something to happen. Staying sharp and looking out for the enemies.
But it bothers Ivy and Iris. At first, it was obvious they were glad to be safe, but then after a few days, it turned to discontent. Unfortunately, that’s what it takes to stay safe so they’d need to suck it up.
A dish clatters on the floor. My gaze snaps in its direction.
Ivy is already there with a broom, nudging her sister away. “I’ll take care of it.”
Our eyes meet and she looks away. She barely speaks to me. The only times I hear her voice is when she taunts me or speaks to Iris. She’s gentle and kind to her. Outside her suggestive taunts, she’s been curt and straight to the point with me.
Not like I’m looking for a talking buddy. I have enough of that with the guys when we convene on a video call to discuss their progress and with Sera who shows up almost daily with anything we request. Nick has updated me about how efficient she’s been back at the office too. Zane had nothing positive to say, but I think she’s a godsend.
The Ross sister throwing me annoyed glances? Not so much. What does she think she does when she gives me an attitude? All it makes me want to do is kiss her into submission. I can still remember how pliant and willing she was that night even though she pretended she wasn’t.
“Dammit!” Ivy throws a dish towel on the counter. “I’m tired.”
That tone of voice. She’s speaking to me. I turn around and of course, her sweet words and tender look— not —are directed at me.
I shrug. “Get some rest if you’re tired.”
“That’s not what I mean.” She marches toward me. “All I’ve been doing for the past week is resting. I can’t take it anymore.”
I keep my expression bored. “This is how you stay safe, Ivy.”
“Can’t we just take a walk or something?” She runs her hands through lustrous brown curls I want to wrap around my fist. “I can almost feel the walls closing in on me.”
I start to refuse when Iris speaks. “Yeah. I don’t care if anyone sees me at this point. I’m going to go insane before the bad guys get to us.”
I exhale, considering. “Fine. We can go skiing. It’s the middle of the week and the holiday rush has slowed down. It’s unlikely that we would run into anyone we would have to worry about.”
Iris’s eyes open wide. She skips forward and stands next to her sister. “Really? We can?” She turns to Ivy. “And you said he would refuse.”
My brows pull together and Ivy gives me a defiant I-dare-you look. I wouldn’t dream of it since I want some peace.
“But, Brody, we don’t know how to ski.” Iris points between herself and Ivy. “Could you teach us? I’d love to learn.”
“You don’t need to teach us.” Ivy sticks her chin out. “We can handle ourselves.”
“No, we can’t.” Iris frowns. “Growing up we never did anything special. Our parents were too busy making ends meet to spend time taking us to learn. And after things got better”—her eyes meet her sister’s—“everything was different. Now, they’re no longer here and we can do something. Together.”
I feel like I’ve invaded a deeply personal moment but Iris doesn’t miss a beat as takes her sister’s hand.
Ivy smiles softly at her. “Fine. He can teach us.”
“Well, thank you for the privilege.” I can’t resist the opportunity.
Ivy sends a withering look my way.
“Oh, thank you! I’ll go get ready.” Iris runs along to the bedroom.
“Why are you being nice?” Ivy asks.
“I’m just doing my job,” I say flatly. “Don’t mistake that for niceness.”
She huffs and stomps away, giving me a sweet view of her tight ass. I hope I survive the day playing tour guide.
Soon after, all three of us are leaving the cabin we’ve been enclosed in for days. I can already see life breathed into the sisters. Iris has a scarf wrapped around her lower face but her excitement is clear in her bouncy steps. Even Ivy who likes to be mad all the time has a soft smile on her face as we walk.
I kind of like her this way. Calm, centered, and not fighting me.
“Maybe we should take a tour first. I’ll show you around the grounds before we go skiing.”
They share a glance and Ivy nods.
The resort is spread out over acres and acres of land with trees covering large areas. It has hills and valleys and cold winds whisk through.
I show them around the main lodge, the other cabins, and the ski school.
On one of our long treks, Iris pauses and looks around us. “I can’t see anything. What does the resort do if someone gets lost up here?”
“You get that orientation if you’re a guest. There are spare cabins scattered around the plot and there are markers to find them. They have all the supplies to keep someone safe for a few days. And there’s a phone to reach the front desk and ask for help.”
“Oh, that’s good then. I’ll hate to think anyone would get lost out here without help,” Iris says.
I glance away from her to her sister. She looks at Iris with tender eyes. I’m supposed to be protecting them both but sometimes, I feel like the second line of defense. Ivy acts like she will be the first take on someone who comes after her sister. Even though I know her puny arms and slim frame cannot handle any threat, it’s impressive that she has the heart.
She meets my eyes and lifts a challenging brow.
“Let’s head to the rental.” I lead the way.
As predicted there’s no one out here but us and a few employees. They mill about, minding their business. I rent some gear and outfits, handing the latter to the ladies.
“What for?” Iris asks.
“Put them on. You’ll need it.”
“How did you know our sizes?” Ivy demands.
I take in her frame, and her cheeks turn a curious shade of red. “Doesn’t matter. Changing room is that way.”
They meet me out on the carpet shortly after. Showing them how to put on the helmet and skis is the easy part. The challenge ensues when they have to move.
I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a more abysmal duo. Every attempt at gliding results in both tripping over their own legs.
I convince myself that they’re three-year-olds and take it slowly and gently as possible. This works because soon enough, they’re moving across the carpet on their own.
“Look what I can do!” Iris throws her hands up with a wide smile on her face as she slides.
Ivy cheers her on.
I refrain from telling them that’s nothing at all. The real difficulty is taking on a run. Yet, they’re having fun. That’s what matters.
Ivy’s eyes meet mine but she doesn’t frown as I expect.
Is that an olive branch? I can only hope. “Since we’ve gotten this step, it’s time to take on the slopes.”
“Bring it on!” Iris says.
She’s always so quiet in the cabin that this side of her takes me by surprise, but I’m not complaining. We head to the lifts and take a seat. Iris slides in first. Ivy follows and I come in last. Even though we’re covered in thick jackets, I’m aware of how close we are. It’s the closest we’ve been since the kiss.
Her lily-like scent comes clear and crisp on the wind, tempting me to pull in a long breath. I don’t. When we arrive at the other end, I get down and offer my hand to Ivy. She stumbles into me and it frightens me how badly I want to keep her there.
I set her aside quickly and help Iris down and then we head to Tiny Trail, the easiest of all the runs. It’s nearly as flat as the carpet and where beginners start learning to take on the slopes.
Iris’s jaw drops. “That is a long way down.”
“Yeah.” Ivy squints her eyes. “Are you sure we should be doing this?”
I hold back my laugh. “Don’t worry. It’s going to be alright.” I hand them their poles. “You’ll get it in no time.”
“Shouldn’t we get actual instructors?” Ivy eyes the range.
“I’ve been doing this since I was a boy. I’m as good as any instructor you are going to get.”
She eyes me and looks away.
I pay her no mind and start to show Iris the ropes. It’s a pretty simple explanation but it takes a while before she’s ready to try. She falls flat on her face at her first attempt, making us laugh.
“Your turn,” I tell Ivy. She holds the stick wrongly. “Hold it the other way. Nope. Not like that.”
I should take her hand in mine and place it correctly. Cover her from behind and puppeteer her movements, but certain thoughts batter my brain that have nothing to do with skiing. Being that close to her would only send me over the edge I’ve been teetering on.
Ivy finally gets it and her result is as good as Iris’s. The next step is to show them how to move well. It’s easier with Iris because she feels more like a little sister than anything else. When I’m close to her, I’m not trying to catch her scent and my heart’s not racing. Her sister, on the other hand, brings out curious reactions in me. I avoid getting too close and try my best to show her how from a safe distance.
They’re no better skiers by the time we’re done for the day, but their eyes are bright and happy. They remain in high spirits as we return to the cabin.
Iris beams at me. “Thank you for that, Brody. Now I can cross something off my bucket list. But first, I’ll cross a bath off my to-do list.” She leaves for the bedroom.
Once the door shuts, Ivy speaks. “Could you be any more obvious?”
I turn to her where she’s kicking off her boots by the door. “Excuse me?”
She shrugs off her jacket, leaving her in long tights and a shirt. “You were so scared to touch me.” She rolls her eyes. “Just unbelievable. Were you so afraid you’d lose control if you did?”
Her proud, self-satisfied look pushes me over the edge.
Maybe I should show her how I lose control to shut her smart mouth.