Release: New Adult Sport Romance (Fire and Ice) by Violet Vaughn Read Free Book Online Page B

comfortable place to put my hand, and I move it up and down the center bar.
    Kaleb switched his day off to be the same as mine, and I have every intention of getting good enough that he gets to ski what he would normally. I rethink that idea now that the expanse of the bowl is visible. I say, “It looks so big.” A fresh wave of terror spreads through my body and my legs grow weak. Kaleb’s hand rubs my back, and I lean into it and hope to gain confidence by osmosis.
    “Hey, you’ve already accomplished the first hurdle. Riding the T-bar isn’t easy.” Kaleb’s voice soothes my frazzled nerves.
    “True. But we haven’t reached the top yet.” I joke, but he has a point. I wasn’t sure how I’d do after we watched two girls fall off the lift more than once.
    When we get to the trail, Kaleb sweeps an arm. “Look at all that open snow. You could literally traverse the entire bowl; make one turn and then ski all the way over to the other side until you’re at the bottom. See?”
    A ski bowl is like what the name indicates—a large hollowed-out area of a mountain covered with snow, and you ski from the top edge down to the bottom of the bowl. I scan the snow with skepticism. “Maybe. Could I also just sit and slide on my butt?”
    “I wouldn’t suggest it. You can get going pretty fast, and I think that’d be scarier than being on skis.”
    “For you, skis are an appendage. For me? They’re huge clown shoes.” I know I’m being self-depreciating, and it’s not flattering. But that’s how I deal with my fear.
    Kaleb sighs. “Okay, I think we need to talk.” He lifts his goggles and purses his lips.
    “I’m sorry. I know I think the worst.” I lift my goggles to show I’m willing to try my best and follow his instructions.
    “I’ll never take you down something you can’t handle. That’s just mean and, quite frankly, wouldn’t be much fun for either of us.” He takes off a glove and tips my chin up. Damn if my mind doesn’t focus on his lips every time he does that.
    He sees me bite my lower lip and smiles. “Hang on.” He kisses me. “Okay, now I can think clearly.” I raise my eyebrows at him in amusement as he continues. “I want you to close your eyes and imagine skiing this bowl.”
    I shut my eyes and let his deep voice settle around me. “Feel the release of your edges as you point the skis down the hill. Apply pressure to the outside ski and rotate your feet into the turn. Raise your body and then sink into the finish. Slide across the trail and prepare for the next turn.”
    His finger strokes my cheek and a delicious feeling meanders to my core. I open my eyes. He asks, “You’re already more relaxed, aren’t you?”
    “Yes.” A smile creeps onto my face. “I do know how to visualize. I’ve done it many times skating. It never occurred to me to do it to overcome fear.”
    “Weren’t you ever afraid at competition?” Kaleb pulls his glove back on.
    I answer, “Not really. I’d get nervous, but I was never afraid.” Of competing that is. But I sure knew terror.
    “All right. Are you ready to try?”
    I nod and inhale deeply. I point my skis down the hill and make my first turn. The snow surprises me. I’d heard it described as frosting, but never did I fathom what that meant. My skis cut through the snow as if it’s soft butter and carve with ease. After a few more turns, I stop.
    Kaleb stops just below me. “So?” His toothy grin tells me he knows what I think.
    “That felt great.” I take off because I want more.
    Incredibly steep, the thrill surges through my veins. I’m kind of an adrenaline junkie and used to get my fill from the crowd cheering as I performed. I think I may have found a new way to fuel that need.
    Kaleb skis next to me, and when he stops I do too. “That was incredible!” My chest heaves with exertion, and my mind screams with joy.
    “See? It looks much scarier than it is.” Kaleb’s dimples are in full force right now, and I wonder