Wicked Weekend by Gillian Archer Read Free Book Online

tattooed across her forehead. “Sure. One more. That’s it.” She listened intently as Barry went over the snow plow position with her for the fifth time. It sounded simple enough. She dutifully assumed the position: knees bent, hands just above her thighs and the tips of her skis pointed slightly inward. After a deep breath, she pushed off and began to coast downhill. The farther she went, the more her speed increased. She was certain soon she would be flying past the resort and straight onto the highway. Remembering that the key to speed was the angle of her skis, she pulled her knees together and pushed her heels apart. Her skis pointed inward and she immediately slowed.
    Unfortunately, her skis continued to move toward each other. Before she could remember how to maneuver them outward, her skis crossed and tangled. Knowing that she was going to end up on the ground again, Lauren didn’t fight the fall and gave in to gravity. She twisted her body to the side and took the brunt of the impact on her shoulder and hip. Falling seemed to be the only thing she could do well when it came to skiing. It was the next part she hated with a passion—getting up.
    She lay in the snow for a few moments, not wanting to move. Maybe if she lay there long enough, winter would be over and no one would want to continue this stupid sport. Watching six-year-olds skiing circles around her really wasn’t her idea of a good time. Why’d she let Crystal talk her into skiing today? It’s not like they were spending quality time together—Crystal was on the real slopes while Lauren was stuck in kiddieville.
    Just as her bottom started to numb with the cold, a hand appeared in front of her. Figuring the nearest ski instructor had taken pity on her, Lauren bit back her grumble, placed her hand into the palm and tilted her best game face to the figure standing over her.
    “Thought you might need a hand after that spectacular fall.” The deep voice washed over her before he pulled her upward and onto very unsteady legs.
    “Ah, thanks, Pierce.” Lauren looked into his tanned, smiling face and felt…nothing. Strange. Even after the engagement announcement, just catching a glimpse of him sent her heart racing. But now? Meh. “I didn’t expect to see you on the bunny slopes.”
    “Well, I knew you’d be here.”
    “And you thought Crystal wouldn’t be far behind?” She forced out a laugh. “Like she would be anywhere near these slopes. I think you’d have better luck at the other end of the ski lift.”
    “I know exactly where Crys is and it’s nowhere near here. No, I came over to see you. ”
    Lauren jerked her hand out of Pierce’s grasp. She didn’t like the tenor of that. “I-I, uh, I should really get inside. I’ve been out here for a while and um, I’m starting to get cold.” She tried to point her skis around him and not get tangled up again. Her legs felt like lead, weighing her down and unresponsive.
    “I’ll see you inside. There are a few things I think we should discuss.” He was probably trying for a seductive tone, but all Lauren got from it was a slimy, dirty feeling.
    And not the fun kind of dirty.
    The marked difference between his and Jamie’s approach made her really see Pierce for the first time. He wasn’t the gorgeous Adonis she’d believed him to be. He was actually kind of…smarmy. Suddenly she was very glad she hadn’t been the one for him. At least he’d given notice about taking a new job a few weeks ago so she would only have to see him at family functions.
    “Oh, about the wedding? I’m sure we could find Crystal and go over whatever details together. The three of us.”
    “Well, Lauren, I’m shocked! I mean, I always had you pegged as a good girl. The goody-goody brownnoser.” His gaze swept her body before he stepped close to her and ran a hand down her arm. “Who knew all that sheen of perfection hid such a raunchy party girl. First a one-night stand with a stranger you just picked