Chapter 6
TANNER
I wake up with the biggest grin on my face, feeling like I’m on top of the world.
I can’t remember the last time I slept this well.
Maybe it’s the mountain air, or maybe it’s because of that dinner with Emily.
Yeah, it’s definitely because of Emily. I’m excited—like a kid waiting for Christmas morning.
Axel’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. “Tanner, what’s got you grinning like an idiot this morning?”
I glance over at him. He’s already dressed, looking like he’s been up for a while.
Jace and Ben are still asleep, sprawled out on their beds.
Since the hotel was totally booked out for the wedding, and we weren’t initially supposed to stay the night, we just decided to crash with Jace.
“Just excited about today, that’s all,” I say, trying to play it cool, but I can’t hide the smile creeping back onto my face.
“What’s all of this loud noise so early in the morning?” Jace says as he yawns and starts to sit up.
“Tanner over here is hiding something,” Axel says, folding his arms over his chest.
“Come on man,” I groan, pressing a pillow to my chest. “It’s not that deep.”
Axel raises an eyebrow. “Yeah? I’ve known you long enough to know there’s more to it than that. Spill it, man.”
By this time, Ben has also started to wake up. He groans. “I don’t miss rooming with you guys during training anymore.”
“Don’t you looove us anymore, Benniehaha,” I say, stretching out the syllable.
Ben scowls at me. I know he hates that nickname.
“You know what, even I see it now,” Jace says. “You’re definitely stalling.”
I chuckle, running a hand through my hair. Axel’s not one to let things go once he’s curious. “Alright, fine. I asked Emily out to dinner, and she said yes.”
Silence hangs in the room for a moment after I drop the news.
I can practically feel the shift in the air as soon as the words leave my mouth.
Jace, who was lounging on his bed a second ago, suddenly looks like he’s sucking on a lemon—his brows knit together, and his jaw tightens.
Axel’s face is usually a pretty good poker face, but there’s a flicker of something behind his eyes—surprise, maybe?
Or concern? And Ben, well, he just looks at me with that curious tilt to his head, like he’s trying to figure out if I’m serious or not.
Axel breaks the tension with a low chuckle. “Tanner, man, you don’t waste any time, do you?” He shakes his head, grinning as he folds his arms across his chest. “Didn’t take you long to make a move, huh? You were only talking about her last night.”
“What can I say? I know a good thing when I see it,” I say. And I really mean it.
I lean back on the bed, a cocky grin spreading across my face as I think about Emily. “What can I say, guys? She’s got that girl-next-door vibe, you know? And those curves? Damn. She’s something else.” I can’t help but brag a little—she’s unlike anyone I’ve met before.
“You’ve got it bad man,” Jace says, shaking his head.
“Just don’t let your head get too big, Romeo,” Axel says.
“Where are you taking her though?” Ben says. “Even though the storm has let off, I don’t think the roads are cleared.”
I scratch my head. “Actually, I was thinking of the restaurant in the dining hall.”
“Very romantic,” Jace comments but then he seems to be sober, his brows pulling together. “Listen, Tanner, I know you’re just having fun, but Emily isn’t just some random girl. She’s Hailey’s best friend. If you mess with her, you’re not just dealing with her.”
Something about his tone is definitely off.
“Relax, man,” I say, trying to keep my voice light. “It’s just dinner.”
“Yeah, but we all know your history, Tanner,” Axel says.
I frown. What’s with the tone? It’s not normal for Jace to be protective like that.
I had definitely caught something between him and Emily last night when he mentioned they might have some history.
And it didn’t feel like he was just talking about his connection as Hailey’s brother.
But what’s up with Axel? What’s gotten his ass?
“You’ve got a reputation, and if you’re thinking you can play around with Emily and walk away, think again,” Jace says.
I can’t help but chuckle at that. “Come on, guys. You’re acting like I’m some kind of villain here. It’s just dinner. I like her, okay? She’s different from the others. And who knows? Maybe she’ll see something in me that she likes, too.”
“Hmm,” Axel says, heading out the door. “I spoke to Hailey before and she wants us down for breakfast.”
“Aren’t we heading back to town today?” Ben says.
Jace shakes his head. “Axel has offered to stay back and help me out for a day.”
“I’m staying as well,” I say. “Just in case that wasn’t clear.”
Ben sighs. “Guess I’ll have to stick around if Axel is since I don’t have a car.”
“Does anybody have any decent clothes they can lend me for tonight?” I say as I watch my friends leave. “Guys?”
I take a deep breath, smoothing down the front of my shirt before knocking on Emily’s door.
I don’t usually get nervous, but tonight feels different.
I’m hit with a wave of awe when the door swings open.
Emily stands there in a simple black dress that hugs her in all the right places.
I’m just standing there for a moment, staring like a fool.
“Wow,” I finally manage to say, my voice a little rougher than I intended. “You look...amazing. A lot better than when we first found you. Are you feeling okay?”
She blushes, her eyes dropping shyly as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thanks, Tanner. You clean up pretty well yourself. Yah, I’m good. Let’s just say that I’m grateful to even be here right now.” She grabs coat and slings it across one arm as she steps out.
I look down at my clean shirt that I borrowed from one of Hailey’s cousins.
We start walking down the hall, and I can’t help but notice how perfectly her dress moves with her.
It’s not flashy or over the top, just classic and elegant—exactly like her.
I want to ask her about Jace, about what the deal is between them, but I decide against it.
Tonight’s not the time for that. Tonight, it’s just about getting to know her.
“So, are we having dinner in the hall?” she asks, glancing up at me with those big, curious eyes.
I grin, shaking my head. “Not quite. I’ve got something a bit more private in mind.”
As we reach the doors leading outside, she wears her coat, buttoning it up. I pull at her lapels without even thinking. Our eyes meet and the air between us crackles, and, for a second, I entertain leading her back to her room but stop myself.
“It’s a little chilly out there.” I step back and hold the door for her.
She seems to shake loose the spell that had momentarily cast on us, and tightens the coat around herself as we step into the cold night air.
With Collie’s help, I arranged a private space just outside the main building.
It’s this insulated carousel thingy—a sort of pop-up gazebo with clear panels that show off the snowy landscape around us.
Inside, I’ve set up a small table with candles and fairy lights strung up around the ceiling, casting a warm glow over everything.
There’s a little heater in the corner to keep the chill at bay, and a couple of plush blankets draped over the chairs.
When I hear her quiet gasp, I know it’s everything I wanted the whole setup to be. I want to pat myself on the back and give myself a high-five, but I refrain.
“Tanner, this is perfect,” she says.
“I’m glad you like it.” I resist the urge to take her by her palm and kiss it.
I settle into my seat across from Emily, watching as she takes in the cozy setup.
“So?” I say.
“So?” she repeats.
I chuckle. “Ever been up in the mountains before?”
“Hailey is the mountain girl. I used to go camping with her family sometimes. Never been here though.”
“Hmm,” I say, sitting back in my chair. “I wish you were, though.”
“Why?” she says curiously.
“I would have met you a lot earlier.”
Emily blushes, ducking her head.
“You work in the city?”
“Yeah, Chicago.”
“What’s life like in the city? I imagine it’s a lot different from what we’re used to up in the mountains.”
She smiles, a little more at ease now. “It’s...fast-paced, I guess. I work in marketing, so my days are pretty packed. Lots of meetings, deadlines, that sort of thing. But I like it—keeps me on my toes.”
“Sounds intense,” I say.
“So says the firefighter,” Emily shoots back. I like how zesty she is. I can’t help but grin.
“Well, I’ve always been an outdoors kind of guy. Grew up in Colorado, so the mountains are like home. I joined the Colorado Hotshot Firefighting team a few years ago, where I met the others, and we’ve been friends since.”
“That sounds...intense, but also rewarding. It must be terrifying sometimes, though.”
“It is,” I agree, my mind drifting briefly to my buddies.
Axel, Jace, and Ben are more than just friends; they’re like brothers to me. We’ve got each other’s backs, no matter what. That’s how we get through it.”
Emily looks thoughtful for a moment, then says, “It must be nice, having that kind of bond. Hailey and I, we’ve been friends forever, but I imagine it’s different with you guys, given what you do.”
“Yeah, it’s definitely something special,” I agree. “And Jace, well, you probably know him pretty well, right?”
Emily nods, her smile fading a little.
Shit, did I ruin the mood?
Emily concentrates on the food, pushing it around her plate with her fork.
The main course features a hearty beef stew, tender chunks of beef simmered with potatoes, carrots, and onions in a rich, savory gravy. There’s also a creamy mashed potato side to go with the stew, along with a green salad with a light vinaigrette to complement everything.
I observe Emily, who catches me staring. “How about we take a walk around the resort before dessert? The snow is really coming down, and it might be nice to get some fresh air.”
Emily looks at me, considering the offer. “A walk? That sounds...nice, actually.”
I let out a sigh of relief. I almost thought she would turn me down, and that I had ruined the date somehow. I had never felt this out of sorts on a date before. What is it about this girl that is driving me bonkers?
I get up and help her with her coat, and we step outside into the crisp, cold air. The snow is still falling, creating a soft, sparkling blanket over the resort.
“Hailey’s not going to like this,” she says, eyeing the snowflakes that continue to fall.
“It’s supposed to clear by tomorrow,” I murmur. I couldn’t care less about what Hailey would want. This moment is perfect. “It’s magical, don’t you think?”
“It is. It’s just...a little inconvenient.”
We continue walking, chatting about everything from Hailey’s wedding plans to the latest news in our lives. The path becomes a bit icier as we round a corner, and I notice Emily’s steps growing cautious. Before she can react, her foot slips out from under her, and she starts to tumble.
She gasps, her arms flailing as she loses her balance. Instinctively, I reach out and catch her, but the momentum causes us both to tumble down into the soft, powdery snow.
We land with a soft thud, and for a moment, we’re both stunned, lying side by side with the snow gently settling around us.
Emily looks up at me, her face flushed and her eyes wide with surprise.
I’m on top of her, my body pressed against hers, and the sudden closeness makes the air between us crackle with a new, electric tension.
We lie there for a few seconds, our faces inches apart. I can see every detail of her—her flushed cheeks, the way her lips are slightly parted, the flecks of snow in her hair. Her gaze is so intense, so vulnerable, pulling me to her. I can’t escape her.
Before I know it, her fingers graze the side of my face, and I lean in, feeling the softness of her skin against mine. Our lips meet in a slow, tentative kiss before I pull her against me. She gasps, her mouth opening. I stroke her bottom lip, coaxing it open before I slip my tongue inside.