“I doubt spending every day with Trip is good for your ego, either,” Grey joked before he sipped his whiskey.
“Wyatt’s not the wimp you are,” Trip shot back with a grin.
“Touché.” Grey raised his glass. “But seriously, the first brush with an avalanche is a crazy experience.”
“Let’s change the subject.” Kelsey appeared to tighten her grip on Trip’s arm. “Avery and I don’t need to be reminded of the kind of danger you two face out there every day.”
“Risks can be managed when you know what you’re doing.” Grey said, then he smirked and jerked a thumb at Trip. “Let’s just hope this clown isn’t too caught up impressing your director to pay attention to the terrain.”
“Unlike you, I can multitask,” Trip smirked. “Besides, yesterday’s snowfall was only five inches of champagne powder. Very little risk.”
Grey directed his attention back to Wyatt. “This terrain couldn’t be more different from what you’re used to.”
“The hardest change is picking a line from below and being able to reverse it once I’m up top. Then there’s accelerating out of turns in varying conditions, dealing with unforeseen obstacles.” Wyatt scratched his jaw. “None of it’s as showy as my old stunts, but it’s every bit as challenging.”
“He’s being modest,” Trip interrupted, laying a hand on Wyatt’s shoulder. “You’ve got mad, natural skill out there. It’s one thing to watch you on TV, another to be right there, up close.”
“Wow, Wyatt. I’ve only ever heard that proud tone when he’s bragging about himself, so you must be good,” Kelsey teased, and Grey practically spit out his drink.
Trip took the ribbing with his typical good humor and then pinched Kelsey’s ass while muttering, “You’ll pay for that later.”
“I sure hope so.” She patted his cheek.
Wyatt knew a moment of envy then for the comfortable banter and affection he witnessed between Trip and Kelsey. He hadn’t had a serious girlfriend since tenth grade, if one could even count that as serious.
He’d had lots of sex, though. Between the competition circuit and Ryder’s recovery, love hadn’t factored much into Wyatt’s life. He still had plenty of time to settle down, but right now he felt a surge of envy for the way Kelsey looked at Trip. He couldn’t recall ever being on the receiving end of something that genuine.
“Come on, Ave,” Kelsey said. “Let’s go find my sister and Emma and talk about bridesmaid stuff. My Valentine’s Day wedding means we don’t have much time.”
Once the ladies left, Grey snickered. “I might’ve gotten engaged first, but you’re being steamrollered down the aisle.”
“Obviously my fiancée doesn’t want to risk letting a good thing slip through her fingers. Don’t get your feathers ruffled just ’cause Avery’s taking her time.” Trip gave Grey a smile and clinked his beer bottle to Grey’s glass before turning to Wyatt. “Now here’s the real question, what’s up with you and Emma?”
Grey, who was shorter, more reserved, but no less interested than Trip in Wyatt’s answer, cocked his head, waiting. Emma. Well, maybe things would be progressing if Trip hadn’t interfered.
“Nothing, just like you ensured when you sold me out to score points with Kelsey.” Wyatt crossed his arms, feigning indignation.
“I’m just looking out for Emma.” Trip set his empty bottle on a nearby table. “She’s a good egg. I didn’t want her to be blindsided if all you’re looking for is a little action to take the edge off.”
Grey laughed. “Wow, that’s irony. I bet at least sixty ‘good eggs’ in town would shoot you on the spot if they heard that sentiment falling from your mouth now.”
Trip shrugged with a broad smile. “Hey, I got no problems with any guy sowing his oats. But trust me, before Kelsey, those women knew what to expect. I never pretended my interest in any woman extended beyond the night.”
“If that long.” Grey shook his head. “You know, sometimes you’d be better off keeping your trap shut.”
Watching Grey and Trip spar made Wyatt think of Ryder and the fun they’d had talking trash, bragging, and picking up lots of girls in bars. Now Ryder hardly socialized with Wyatt and rarely ventured out in public.
Most of the blame could be placed on the lingering effect of Ryder’s injuries, but Wyatt suspected a little part of his brother had just given up, too. Had decided that he could no longer enjoy a normal life, or a beer, or flirting, or anything that most twenty-something guys did on a regular basis.