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She was mentally tough, as well as physically. That didn’t mean she was expected to deal with any more horrendous incidents. Thaddeus would keep her safe, but he’d also endeavor to put an end to this fiasco, as soon as possible.
The trip to the resort was beautiful. The road wound through snowy hillsides and towering pine trees. The air was fresh and brisk. Thaddeus looked forward to getting into the outdoors and cross-country skiing. It was a skill he’d developed as a youth.
Northstar’s alpine ski area offered miles of scenic trails. Jana didn’t need a trail map, as she’d frequently skied there. Cross-country had been the original way of traveling on skis, invented well before the downhill variety. There were no ski lifts involved, just the rhythm of skis moving gracefully across the winter landscape.
Since it was more about taking in the landscape than hurtling downhill, there was a chance of passing a coyote, a mountain beaver, or a nocturnal flying squirrel, a species at home in the cold climate. It was rare to see a black bear, but it could happen. Topping one of the hills, Jana pointed her ski pole toward the left, and Thaddeus spotted a white-tailed jackrabbit.
When a light snow began to fall, Jana sped up, heading for cover. After hours of skiing, she had probably worked up an appetite. Thaddeus sure had, and he could do with some hot food. He needed to refuel and take a break to enjoy the views from a different perspective.
He’d made sure that no one had followed the Jeep, and an analysis of the situation at the resort reassured him the place was secure. It was quiet and tranquil. Plus, being that high on the mountain made it tricky to sneak up. Anyone approaching could be spotted when they were still far off.
Jana suggested lunch at a nearby lodge where she’d eaten before. She guided Thaddeus over to the restaurant, then shed her skis. He did the same and followed her inside. Mountain dining hadn’t looked so good.
The place had floor-to-ceiling views of the Sierra Nevada range. The gorgeous lodge offered a variety of dishes, served in a luxurious family-style room. When Jana ordered a craft beer, Thaddeus made an exception and had one too. One thing about cross-country: it burned calories like a furnace. That included the small amount of alcohol he’d imbibe.
Jana took off her parka and draped it over the back of the chair. She had a pink and blue sweater underneath, which accentuated her curvy figure—not that Thaddeus was looking. He shrugged out of his knit scarf and coat, then rubbed his hands together.
There was a fire blazing in the stone fireplace, radiating welcome heat throughout the room. Thaddeus looked across the table. “Feels good in here.”
“It’s very toasty,” Jana said, then looked around. “I love this place.” She gazed toward the oversized windows. “Just look at that view.”
Thaddeus was looking. Jana’s cheeks were flushed with color and she was enjoying herself, which gave him immense satisfaction. He imagined what she’d be like when life returned to normal. He’d like to know her then.
Out on the slopes, Jana was an expert. She glided hard and fast, in control of her skis and the mountaintop. Her agility and fitness were admirable. She was the kind of woman he’d want, if that was in the cards for him. But he was only dreaming.
“That was a good workout,” Jana said. “I’m really hungry. How about you?”
Thaddeus could think of a couple of things he was hungry for, and food was one of them. He lifted his menu to study the list. “I worked up a healthy appetite, that’s for sure.”
Jana took a swig of beer. “Mmm, I’m going to have the chili. The chef makes it the way it should be, with just the right spices.”
“I’ll go for the Mountain Burger.” Thaddeus scanned the description. “It comes with bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and all the extras.” That should put a dent in his ravenous hunger.
Jana lifted the menu to signal the waiter, then said to Thaddeus, “We’ll order a basket of fries and share.”
The server came by and took the orders. Jana leaned back in the chair, sipping beer. “It’s so lovely up here. I can’t get enough of it.”
Thaddeus couldn’t either. Although it was Jana that made it so inviting. He liked being with her and felt comfortable sharing a meal. It occurred to him that she hadn’t bickered with him all day. Maybe things were looking up.
*****
Jana was invigorated; hours of skiing had that effect. The beauty of the mountain carried her away from any worries. When she was out on the slopes, it was like she had no cares in the world. Her only challenge was conquering the mountain.
Thaddeus was competent at cross-country and had easily kept up with her. Jana suspected he could have passed her, if he’d wanted to. He was strong and muscular, with long legs. He was even sexier when skiing than he usually was.
There was no use denying the attraction. It didn’t mean that she was going to act on it. She could enjoy being with him while he was available. He certainly was eye candy. And he was good to be around. He was handy with defense, athletic, caring…
But it wasn’t going to work. Thaddeus was about as different from Jana as was possible. He was the quiet type, and she would bet he preferred to keep to himself. He was a protector; she was wild and uncontrollable.
Their personalities were opposites, like fire and water. A relationship would be a mess. Jana liked to go out; he’d want to stay in. She’d want to talk; he’d prefer silence. The list could go on. Thaddeus wasn’t meant for her, no matter what she felt.
A one-night stand was out of the question. She’d only known him a short time, but she respected him too much for that. Normally, it was the man saying that. But she supposed it could work both ways. If anything did happen between them—which it wasn’t going to—it would have to mean something.
Jana had been staring into her beer glass. She looked up to see Thaddeus watching her. There was an awkward pause, then the food arrived. It smelled amazing, and she dipped into the steaming bowl of chili. She wondered if Thaddeus had any idea what she’d been thinking.
He seemed very intuitive for a guy who was so quiet. But that was taking it a bit far. Of course, he hadn’t known what was going through her mind. That was why he’d been watching, like he was trying to figure her out.
For once, silence was agreeable. Jana ate her chili then grabbed a few fries. Thaddeus was focused on his burger, eating like a starving man. Why was everything he did sexy?
