After a brief conversation, Zach returned his attention to her, nuzzled her neck, and then lay down next to her, staring into her eyes. “We should stay shifted a while,” he communicated. “You’re safer with your fur on. I might be able to keep my paws to myself, but it’s doubtful I could do the same with my hands. Are you warm enough?”
“Yes.” She was calmer and relaxed in her wolf form. She wasn’t the least bit opposed to his idea. He was right. And after the visual of his cock before he shifted…
After several minutes, Zach picked up his head and then hauled himself immediately to sitting. His gaze zoned past her, unseeing.
She went on alert, her ears perking up. He had to be communicating with someone, but whoever it was blocked her out of the chat. As did Zach.
Finally, he glanced down at her, and she would swear he rolled his eyes even in wolf form. It was cute. If wolves could smile, she did so.
“We’re going to have company.”
“Really? Who? Should we shift?”
“Yeah. We should put some clothes on for this.” He hung his head and plodded to the small bathroom, nosing the door shut when he entered.
She took that as a sign she should shift and put her clothes on while he undoubtedly did the same in the bathroom. Without hesitating, she resumed her human form, grabbed her clothes from the chair, and reluctantly stuffed herself back into them.
The tight-fitting pants and turtleneck she’d borrowed from Melinda were damp, but not too wet. She didn’t bother with her bra and panties. Nevertheless, she would have rather stayed in wolf form.
Zach emerged from the bathroom in similar attire, except he hadn’t bothered to put a shirt on.
She licked her lips, unable to blink at the sight of his bare chest again. “You want to tell me who’s coming and how they’re getting here?”
“Corbin Archers. He’s Native American and a deputy on the reservation in Sojourn. He’s been moonlighting for us on the slopes. He was above the upper lodge when the snow started, so he skied to the lodge and has been helping ensure everyone gets safely down the mountain.” Zach lowered himself onto the love seat and reached out a hand to her.
She ambled his way and took a seat next to him, their bodies aligning and touching all down the one side. Immediately, she inhaled a sharp breath. It was taxing being in the same small space with him. Touching him was downright cruel. Every cell in her body jumped to attention. “Go on. You sound a little pissed.”
Zach set his elbows on his knees and lowered his face to the ground. “Not pissed. Just surprised.”
“About what?”
“My mom called Corbin, who volunteered to bring you a spare pair of skis and a few provisions.”
“Sounds…like…a…nice…guy.” What was she missing? “Oh.” Her spine went straight. Fate had her ways…
“Yeah. Oh.”
She reached out and threaded her fingers in his thick brown hair, something she’d wanted to do from the second she met him that morning. “Please tell me you like Corbin.” What a coincidence. A Native American man just happens to be bringing us some supplies. Why am I not shocked?
He tilted his face her way and smiled slowly. “Corbin’s a great guy. You’ll love him.”
“You, Zach. Do you like him?”
“I do.” He sat straighter, dislodging her grip on his hair. He wrapped both of his hands around hers and set his forehead against hers. “I’m just surprised. All this wondering. Waiting. I was picturing a stranger for some reason.”
“We can’t know for sure…” Though she had to admit, it was kind of destined. What were the chances Corbin wasn’t their third? Slim to none. “If this is our path, we’ll handle it.”
“We will.”
“At least it isn’t that Brock guy you don’t care for.” She grinned.
“True. I’m grateful for that. What are you? Glass-half-full girl?” He smiled back.
“Maybe…” A knock sounded at the door. Laurie jerked. “That was fast.”
Zach pulled himself to standing and took three strides to reach the door. The snow was coming down so hard outside, it was a wonder the snow-covered man on the tiny porch had been able to find them.
She stood and stepped closer, wiping her palms on her thighs. He was completely covered in gear. The only thing she could ascertain at first was his height. Tall. Almost as tall as Zach, and Zach seemed to be about six feet.
Corbin had already stabbed two pairs of skis into the ground next to Zach’s—his and the spare pair he brought her. He also wore a large backpack. Amazing how he’d managed all that without losing his balance in the storm. But she imagined anyone who lived and skied in the area all their life would have far more skills than she could ever hope for.