Free Game For Love: Winter Heat (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Tasha Black

hanging all over Samir. It had been so much fun to watch him ride, especially in her gear. She wasn't sure but she thought maybe he'd shifted between runs. But of course that was unlikely. The yeti wouldn't have been able to perform at that level.
    Becca and Christopher ducked into the closest lounge. It had a glorious view over the snowy mountaintops.
    Becca curled up on a sofa by the fireplace while Christopher went to grab drinks.
    The television was on in the background, of course, you couldn't escape the IW Games. But at least Becca wouldn't have to see Samir with Sindhu. The announcers were going crazy describing his record-breaking second run.
    When Christopher appeared with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate Becca gave him a big smile.
    He settled in next to her and they both took a deep breath of chocolatey steam and then leaned back to look at the fire.
    Becca saw that Christopher wore a contented half-smile. All he'd ever wanted was a gold in the all-around at the IW Games. Now that he had it, she was glad that he was relaxing.
    Suddenly, Becca heard her own name. She jumped and nearly splashed hot cocoa on herself. Samir was on screen. Becca couldn't believe her ears.
    "...dedicating my victory to the most important woman in my life, Becca McCall. Without her help I would not be here today. Becca, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You are the most talented, strong and beautiful woman I have ever met. Please forgive me. I would happily trade this medal for one more chance to be your boyfriend."
    "What the heck?"
    Christopher was incredulous.
    "Didn't he break up with you ?"
    The television cut to pictures of Samir with Becca and the footage of him leading her away from Christopher's room.
    The people in the lounge began to not-so-subtly turn to stare at Becca. She supposed that with her red curly hair she was pretty easy to spot.
    "What are you going to do?" Christopher asked.
    "I have no idea, but we can't stay here with all these people staring. Let's go back to the room."
    Christopher rolled his eyes dramatically. But Becca could see that he was enjoying their celebrity. They bundled up again and headed out into the frosty air.

Chapter 30
    T hey had just peeled off their coats when a gentle knock came from the door. Christopher met Becca's eye.
    She shrugged, and headed over to see who it was.
    Although she was sure it would only be one of the skaters, or hotel staff, Becca wished with all her heart that it would be Samir. Though she didn't want to forgive him, she still felt his absence like an open wound.
    Taking a breath, she opened the door.
    Samir stood in the doorway. As handsome as she remembered him, it was nothing compared to the real man.
    He was huge; he loomed in the doorway. His too-long black hair was tousled and his eyes were desperate.
    "Becca."
    At first she couldn't speak.
    With a heartbreaking effort, she managed to tear her eyes from his.
    "Samir, you made your choice. And I'm sure Sindhu wants to know where you are right now."
    He was silent and she snuck a glance at him.
    He looked confused, and then understanding dawned on him.
    "You didn't get my letter."
    "What letter?"
    Suddenly, Christopher hopped off his bed.
    "I've going to go grab some ice," he said.
    Becca's eyes went back and forth between the two men.
    "Christopher, do you know anything about a letter?"
    He sighed and took her hand.
    "Promise you won't be mad?"
    She shook her head slowly.
    "You were so upset and he was such a jerk. Then, just when you were feeling better, there was a letter. I threw it in the fireplace downstairs."
    Becca closed her eyes and counted to ten.
    "It's okay."
    "Yeah?"
    "Yeah. Don't leave."
    Christopher slunk back to his bed and sat. Although he whipped out his cell phone and studiously swiped at it, she knew he was listening for all he was worth.
    And that was just fine. At least what Christopher had done, he had done to protect her.
    She turned to Samir.
    "Well?"
    "I know you think I'm a rich