Free Falling, Freestyle by Vivian Arend

Kane’s arms, confusion on her face. “What about you?”
    He smiled reassuringly. “Shower’s too small for three. You guys go ahead.”
    Kane stood and jostled her for second, attempting to balance with his open jeans and still carry her.
    “Put me down, you idiot, you’re going to hurt something.”
    “Sack of potatoes…”
    Dara slapped playfully at Kane as he wiggled until he could flip her over his shoulder. She squealed, Kane laughed, and something warm and tender lit in Jack’s belly in spite of the acid bite of jealousy. They were friends—at the root of it all they knew how to care for each other.
    He watched Kane walk down the hall, Dara bouncing on his shoulder. She lifted herself up, happy face smiling as she blew Jack a kiss before disappearing from sight into the bathroom.
    Jack hauled himself off the floor to collapse on the couch. As the sound of the shower clicked on in the distance, he stared into the fire. Tonight had done nothing but offer more convincing evidence that he truly wanted to be with Dara.
    And proof that sharing her was going to be the hardest thing he’d ever done.

Chapter Six
    Alpine Responsibility Code
    Rule #6—You must have sufficient physical dexterity to safely ride all lifts…

    The distant sound of Kane’s slightly off-key singing woke her. Either that or it was the violent shaking of the mattress as Jack threw himself beside her, wrapped his arms around her and tickled. Dara squirmed, attempting to wiggle free.
    “Damn it, Jack, stop.” The quilt was toasty warm from Kane’s body and she didn’t want to lose the lazy sensation in her limbs. She’d forgotten how much she loved sharing a bed. No cold toes, cuddles all night long. Relaxed from their shower the previous night, she’d crawled into Kane’s arms and promptly fallen asleep. Waking in the night and rolling to find a warm body to snuggle against had been a little bit of heaven.
    Still half-asleep, she lost the battle with Jack. Somehow he managed to pin her under his heavy body and she gave up, temporarily. She mock-glared up at his beautiful smile. “Jerk.”
    “Hmm, good morning, sunshine. I see you’re bright and chipper today. Ready for a hearty breakfast? Porridge, eggs, kippers…”
    Her stomach rolled. “Good Lord, that sounds disgusting.”
    Jack grinned at her. “How about a chocolate banana smoothie instead?”
    “Now you’re talking.” One of his legs nestled between hers and she savoured the weight of him against her body. Except for one thing.
    “Think you can ease off my bladder there, big guy? I’m going to have an accident.”
    Jack laughed and rolled, finishing with her on top of him. He nuzzled against her neck and cradled her close. “Sorry.”
    “No worries. How long until the first chair starts?”
    “An hour.”
    “An hour? Sheesh, Jack, why’d you wake me so early?”
    He tugged her against himself, naked except for a pair of plain boxers. “I need a little one-on-one time.”
    His lips were gentle against her throat and the caress felt fabulous. “Where’s Kane?” she asked.
    “In the shower.”
    She dragged her fingers through his hair, loving the soft brush against her fingers. “You didn’t join us last night.”
    He was quiet for a moment, his gaze scanning her face intently. “Wasn’t sure how well we’d sleep with three people in a bed. Besides, you and Kane were wrapped up together pretty tight.”
    She pressed down on his chest, leaning away from him. “You watched us?”
    “Just making sure you were all right. Last night—was everything okay with you?”
    Was she okay? Even now the thought of the previous evening made her wet. There was certainly no problem with physical compatibility between either her and Kane, or her and Jack. “I loved it.”
    His face softened, the concern written there easing.
    Dara rested her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. Yesterday had opened her eyes to a side of Jack she’d never seen before.