Free King Sized Beds and Happy Trails (Beds Series) by Becca Ann, Tessa Marie Page B

gives him a major tongue r in front of everyone. I groan and make my way to Lex. She laughs and bends down to make sure her boots are tight.
    “You sure you want to do this hill?” I gaze over the edge. “It’s not exactly for beginners.”
    I hear someone swish up behind me, sending snow all over the back of my legs and my butt.
    “Actually, this one isn’t so bad. If you stay to the right, it’s pretty much a straight shot to the bottom.”
    I turn around, and douchebag is looking Lex up and down, giving her a grin I’m ready to punch right off his face. Her cheeks go crimson and a little giggle comes out her lips that sends my breakfast up my throat.
    Maybe I should’ve gone to the baby hill.
    Sean steps between me and Lex, knocking me over backwards into the snow.
    “Sorry, man.”
    Normally, this would be the part I swipe him down with my ski pole, or jab it into his calf, but Lex—for whatever reason—likes this kid, so instead I extend my arms out and say, “Little help?”
    Nate and Lexie help me up, and I’m not sure if she realizes it or not, but she wipes me off. Back, butt, legs… then shoots upright, cheeks blazing as she mumbles, “Uh, you okay?”
    She’s so damn cute. Her brown hair, peeking out of her hat as her cheeks melt the small amount of snow she’s got on her face. I’m tempted to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, but again, I keep my hands to myself.
    “Of cours e.” I smile and shove my way back next to her, looking at Sean. “It’s not like it was a hard hit or anything.”
    His top lip curls up , and he extends his hand out for Lexie. “Hey, I’ll help you down, if you want.”
    She smiles, but it’s not one of her “happiest” smiles. At least there’s that, but still, when she takes his hand, heat shoots up the back of my neck, and even though I downright suck at skiing, I follow them.
    “Hey, Ryan!” Nate y ells from behind me. I wait for him to tell me to leave them alone, but I should give him more credit, because he just smiles and says, “We’ll meet you at the bottom.”
    I know I said I didn’t want to be witness to all the gag-worthy flirting, but some other—much stronger—emotion is pulling me toward the two of them. I want to say it’s to protect her, keep her from tumbling down the hill, but that’s not it since I’ll probably be tumbling right along with her. It’s more about keeping her heart from breaking as dumb as that sounds. Though so far, I’m doing a lousy job. I really should take Nate’s advice and just tell her I think this whole operation is stupid, and she can do so much better, and he’s a dick who’s going to hurt her. Because isn’t he dating someone else right now ? Yet, he’s up here on the hill running his hands all over my best friend. But knowing Lex, she’ll translate whatever I say to: “It’s ‘cause you think no one will stick around because I’m not worth it.”
    Now I’m wishing I was back in the cabin. Ju st me and her, and no other shit to bug us.
    “Okay, beautiful,” Sean says to her as I sidle up. She melts into him as he puts his hands over hers and talks some crap about gripping. He moves her from side to side, and it looks like he’s pressing his junk into her back. All I hear is the grinding of my own teeth.
    “I think she’s got it.”
    They both jump, as if they didn’t realize I’ve been here the whole time. Lex shoots me an evil look, and the flush in her cheeks flares up again. I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m not.
    “Okay… then let’s all go together.” Sean glances at me and chuckles. “You re a—”
    I shove off before he can finish. Lex lets out a tiny yelp when she takes off too. She passes me within seconds. Whoa, she’s pretty good, especially for her first time. I’m trying to keep my legs together, and she’s swerving left, right, left again, tagging a flag with her pole.
    “Did you see that?” she calls. “I hit the flag thingy!”
    I want to give her a thumbs