Page 1 of Desiring Destiny
1
GRIFFIN
"...And Chelsea makes twelve," I say to the group of kids gathered in front of me. I look over the roster one last time and count heads, nodding to myself when I see that everyone is here. "Before we get fitted for skis, does anyone need to go to the bathroom? Go now or forever hold yourpee-ace.” I smirk at my own lame joke, not caring that most of the kids think it’s cheesy. It got a few snickers which is worth it.
Several girls peel off toward the bathroom here in the lodge of Colorado’s most luxurious ski resort, Frosted Mountain. In my five years working as a ski instructor, I’ve learned that the first step to a successful lesson is making sure to take care of bathroom breaks up top. Once we’re out on the slopes, it’s a major headache to stop and get out of all the gear. This is true of kids and adults, so everyone gets the reminder.
The rest of the students in my twelve and under class are chatting amongst themselves, giving me a few moments to take in the picturesque winter scene before me. Looking out of the floor-to-ceiling west-facing window, I smile to myself when I see snow flurries floating wistfully in the cool afternoon breeze. They catch the sunlight and sparkle as they make their way lazily to the ground.
I take a deep breath, loving the smell of the fireplace mixed with fresh pine from the Christmas trees and decorations we put up last week. I love this time of year and I’m once again thankful to have a job where I can enjoy nature and have a cozy fireplace to warm up next to while sipping hot cocoa.
When I’m not giving lessons or working in the ski shop, I act as a handyman of sorts. I’ve put my blood, sweat, and tears into this resort and I’m proud of every square inch of it from the logs that make up this structure to the red and gold ornaments dotting the perfectly trimmed Christmas trees. It’s a beautiful sight. I don’t know that the lodge has ever looked quite this festive.
And then the front doors open, revealing a goddamn angel. I didn’t think this picture-perfect scene could get any better, but the aura surrounding the woman standing in the doorway illuminates the entire lodge in a soft light.
My breath is caught in my throat and my chest grows tight with an unfamiliar tension. The big double doors shut behind the beautiful creature, the movement causing her long dark hair to swirl around her shoulders before settling back in place.
Why can’t I look away? Why can’t I breathe?
The longer my gaze is trained on her, the stronger my need is to talk to her, to touch her, to be next to her in some way. I’ve never had these obsessive thoughts about anyone before, let alone a stranger.
As if sensing my possessive thoughts, the woman lifts her head and fixes her eyes right on me. Bright blue irises meet mine, a look of surprise flashing in them. Her cheeks are a light pink, but I’m not sure if it’s from the cold or from my prying stare. She tilts her head to the side and I wonder if she’s feeling whatever I am.
Then the ethereal woman dips her head down, breaking our connection. A chill passes through me and I realize I want all of her attention. It belongs to me.Shebelongs to me. Whoever she is.
Get it together,I yell internally. Even as I think the words, I know I won’t forget the angel with blue eyes and coffee-colored hair.
I watch her chatting with the manager behind the front desk, observing the way she holds herself. The woman seems… a bit timid. Like she’s not sure she belongs here. She gets the key card to her cabin and then grabs her rolling suitcase by the handle and starts walking in my direction.
I try not to stare at her hips as they sway back and forth or her generous curves that I can see even through her thick winter coat. Instead, I focus on the way her dark hair frames her delicate face, her round cheeks tinged with the slightest blush and her full lips. Her button nose coupled with a light sprinkling of freckles is almost too adorable for me to take.
She draws ever closer to me, every one of my senses on high alert. Part of me knows she’s not actually walking towardme, but rather toward the back door where she can easily access her cabin. Still, I can’t seem to stop myself from saying something.
“Welcome to Frosted Mountain Ski Resort,” I greet her, giving her my best smile. The woman gasps softly and has to tip her head way up to meet my gaze. She’s a short little thing, with curves in all the right places. I get the insane urge to scoop her up and take her back to my cabin here on the resort property.
“Uh, hi,” she squeaks out, the pink tint in her cheeks turning red. “Thanks.” She tucks some of her hair behind her ear, drawing my eye to the motion. My fingers twitch with the need to comb through her long locks. I wonder if they are as silky as they look.
“Want a ski lesson?” I blurt out like an idiot.What is wrong with me?I don’t normally get flustered or tongue-tied. I’ve been told I’m a smooth-talker and even charming on occasion. Right now, however, I feel like I’ve never held a conversation in my life.
“Oh. Right now?” She tilts her head to the side again and nibbles on her bottom lip. I want to nibble on that lip. I want to kiss her fully on the mouth and see if she tastes as sweet as she looks.
“Sure. Yes. Now. Or later. Whenever.”Smooth. Very cool. Good job, bud, I tell myself sarcastically.
“It seems like you already have a full class,” she answers, nodding toward the kids gathered around me.
Idiot, I scold myself for what feels like the hundredth time since meeting this radiant goddess. How could I forget about my twelve and under class?
“Right,” I say, clearing my throat and rubbing the back of my neck. “Yeah. I meant later, then. I could give you a private lesson.” I wince, realizing how that could be interpreted.
“Do you give lots of private lessons?” she asks, lifting an eyebrow.
“Never.”
It’s true. I know the effect I have on women. That’s not me bragging. In fact, it’s kind of annoying. I’ve had plenty of divorcés beg me for “private lessons” and even a few married women who are looking for a weekend fling. I’m not into that sort of thing and never have been.
My momma raised me right, along with my grandma and aunt. Between the three of them, they made sure I grew up with a healthy respect for women and relationships. I always knew when I foundthe one, that would be it for me. Why would I want to waste my time and energy on anything else?
“Oh. Okay then,” the woman says, bringing me back into the present moment.