Rym walked passed his secretary’s desk and out the door like he had an important meeting to get to. Within minutes he was in the locker room, changing into his base layers and slipping on his snow pants. He opened the tall locker on the next aisle and grabbed his skis and boots.

  As he climbed the stairs that lead to the lifts, Amber crept into his thoughts as she often did when they weren’t together. He could hardly believe he’d been married for three months. They worked together as if they’d been married fifty years and still liked each other. It was a good thing, since they were constantly together. At work, at home, in the car, they were rarely apart for longer than a couple of hours. Rym thought he would feel stifled after being alone for so long, but there was nothing stifling about Amber. Instead of weighing him down or making him feel like he had to make conversation, she allowed him to just be. They could sit in the same room and not say a word for hours on end.

  That’s not to say he wasn’t aware that she was there. It was quite the opposite. When it came to Amber, he had a built-in radar. The moment he walked into a meeting, his eyes found hers. If they were at home and she entered the room, his head snapped up. Even when he’d spend a few minutes at the end of the day greeting parents as they picked their kids up at the ski school, he’d know the minute she stepped on the snow.

  Instead of distracting him, his radar gave him the anchor he desperately needed to make it through taking control of the company.

  As he took his seat on the lift that would take him to the upper mountain and the tougher trails, his thoughts stayed with Amber. What would she have done if he’d given in to his impulse and kissed her again? He honestly didn’t know. At times, he sensed she cared for him. He guessed she was attracted to him. At least, he caught her looking at him with an awareness he’d seen in other women. There was something between them. It wasn’t one-sided. Amber had snuggled into him on more than one occasion; she’d instigated hugs and leaned in for kisses.

  Kissing, or any form of a physical relationship, wasn’t part of their marriage contract, and Rym couldn’t help but wonder if Amber had kissed her other husbands. It was a low-down, dirty thought, but he couldn’t shake it off, and it trailed behind him like a bad dream. He wanted to believe he was Amber’s someone special, that what they’d had was different than what she’d shared with her other husbands; but after meeting Jeremy and seeing the familiarity between him and Amber, Rym wasn’t sure that he was more than just Amber’s job.

  The lift slowed at the top of the hill to allow Rym to stand up and skate to the side. He decided to start at his favorite run. He knocked his poles together twice and took off. A month since he’d skied and fresh powder on the hill did wonders to lighten his mood.

  By the time he reached the bottom of the hill, he’d been recharged. Grinning, he made his way back to the lift line. Amber had been right—he needed to feed his soul.

  Chapter 2 6 5

  Amber was leaving her desk for lunch when she was stopped by a man in a black business suit. “Are you Mrs. Hoagland?” he asked.

  “I am.” Amber smiled at the small thrill that shot through her stomach to answer in the affirmative. Being Rym’s wife was a new experience. She had taken her other husband’s names, but never before did it give her such a sense of pride and a feeling of being cherished. The idea that Rym would share something as personal as his name with her left her head in the clouds. Still, it wasn’t quite as wonderful as the feeling that came when Rym kissed her. That feeling was more like a slow burn that started in her belly and climbed through her veins.

  “Here.” The man thrust an envelope into her hands. “You’ve been served.”

  “What?” Amber stared blankly at the envelope.

  “Have a nice day.” The man turned on his heel and left as quickly as he’d come.

  Amber ripped open the envelope and scoured its contents. Reversing her course and forgetting all about lunch, Amber hurried back to Rym’s office, where she dialed Mr. McGraw.

  After explain the situation, McGraw advised her not to discuss the matter with anyone until he set up a meeting. “Where’s Rym?” he asked.

  “He’s on the mountain.” Amber bit her thumbnail.

  “See if you can track him down. I’ll set a meeting with Mr. Pederson. Hopefully, we can have this wrapped up this afternoon.”

  Amber nodded as she reached for her phone. She and Rym hadn’t talked about the cliff incident since that day, and now the girl’s parents were threatening a lawsuit. She dropped her phone and logged into the employee system. Robyn had a class today. Rym hadn’t fired her. Clutching her hands to her chest, Amber said a quick prayer. She dialed Rym and groaned when her call went voicemail.

  McGraw stuck his head in the office, his phone at his ear. “He can be here in thirty minutes.”

  “I can’t reach Rym.”

  “We need this meeting.”

  Amber nodded her understanding. She spent the next twenty minutes reviewing Robyn’s employee file and dialing Rym every two minutes.

  Except for the cliff incident, Robyn had a spotless record. She noted the dependents on Robyn’s list and cringed.

  Mr. McGraw escorted Mr. Jarrett into his office. The lawyer had attractive salt-and-pepper hair cut short, a prominent chin, and an air of confidence. He was pleasant in his greeting and offered a smile to Amber as they shook hands.

  After introductions were finished, Amber asked the question that had burned in the back of her mind since she read the papers. The sums listed were extravagant, and Iron Mountain, Rym, and Amber were all listed as defendants. “What exactly is it your client wants?”

  “My client is more concerned about the safety of children than they are about the money.”

  “Then why ask for so much?”

  Mr. Jarrett smiled easily. “Because they think they can get it.”

  Amber blanched. How dare they? She exchanged a look with McGraw. “How would paying one family keep children safe?”

  “Well,” began Mr. Jarrett, “they would be willing to drop the charges if you could assure them that the instructor responsible was unable to take responsibility for another class.”

  Amber’s stomach tightened. “If you’ll excuse us for a moment.” Amber signaled for McGraw to join her outside Rym’s office.

  “What do you think?” Amber asked.

  McGraw tugged at his tie. His eyes fell to the floor. “It’s policy to fire the instructor. If they will drop the suit, it’s worth it.”

  “Financially,” said Amber. But what about in principle? If she fired Robyn after knowing how Rym felt about it, Rym would be furious. And he’d have a good reason to be. “What’s the likelihood that we’d win the case?”

  McGraw stroked his chin. “Historically, we’ve done well in cases like this. However, one of the reasons we win is our policy to fire the instructor. Also, with Rym having been there, they might win the case against him personally.”

  “He’d lose everything,” Amber whispered.

  “Worst case scenario. Best case scenario is he loses half of everything to pay the legal fees and a settlement. The case could suck years out of his life.”

  Amber checked her phone. Still no word from Rym. Did she protect Rym at the expense of his trust? Trust she’d worked hard to earn. Trust that was still fragile. When Rym held her close, she could see his affection, maybe even love, in his eyes. She also saw that flicker of uncertainty. In time, and with consistency, she’d hoped it would fade away. Firing Robyn would cause it to explode.

  “From a business standpoint, it makes the most sense,” encouraged McGraw.

  Iron Mountain was the center of Rym’s soul. If he lost this place, it would kill him. Almost as much as it would kill Amber to lose Rym. But Amber couldn’t sacrifice Rym’s happiness to ensure her own. Amber nodded before leading the way back into Rym’s office, where Mr. Jarrett waited patiently.

  She pasted on her professional smile. “Would a copy of the instructor’s release packet be enough to satisfy your clients?”

  Mr. Jarrett smiled easily. “I believe so.”

  “I’ll have it emailed to your office before the end of the day.”

  “Wonderful.” Mr. Jarrett stood and adjusted his suit coat. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Hoagland.”

  “I’ll be in touch,” said McGraw as he followed Mr. Jarrett out the door.

  Amber sank into her chair. What had she done?

  Chapter 2 6 7

  As Rym made the last turn on Homeward Lane, he lifted his eyes to take in the view. From up here, he could see down to where the lodge nestled into the small valley. It was the perfect place for a skier’s home base. With mountains on either side, there were plenty of easy trails for beginners and instant access to lifts for those who were more advanced. Heading off trail to take some of the rollers, Rym kept his eyes on the snow in front of him half the time, and the other half he scanned the area for Amber. It only took him a second, thanks to his radar and her bright-colored coat, to pick her out of the crowd. Had she been wearing a white coat, it would have been almost impossible to see her through the heavy snowflakes, but the sapphire blue was unmistakable … just like Amber.

  He leaned forward to increase his speed and popped out of the side trail like a kid on a trampoline. She probably couldn’t see him, but he wanted to show off a little. Crossing over the run, he went up the side of the hill and dropped off the nearly ten-foot edge, landing as easily in the powder as he would have on a pile of feathers. He wove back and forth, spun in a three-sixty, and pulled out a snow-spraying hockey stop in front of the lodge.

  Popping off his skis, he grinned as Amber made her way over.

  “Was it a good day?” she asked.

  Still a little winded from pushing it, he grinned. “One of the best.”

  She opened the door to the co-ed locker room where the ski lockers were, and followed him inside. He’d need to get his things out of here; this area was really for instructors only. Maybe he could take his stuff up to his grandpa’s office. There was a ski rack on the wall. It was full, but he could take a few pairs out. He hadn’t really looked that closely at it.

  A strangled sob drifted over the top of the lockers. Rym ducked around to see Robyn hunched over on a bench, her hand pressed against her lips. “What’s the matter?” asked Rym.

  Robyn jerked and then her eyes hardened. “I guess money means a lot more to you than people.” She stood up, slammed her locker, and brushed past Rym.

  “What was that?” Rym pointed toward Robyn’s retreating figure.

  “Let me explain.” Amber placed a hand on his arm.

  Rym’s chest went cold. “What is there to explain? Why would she say that?”

  “We had another lawsuit filed against the resort—and you and me.”

  Rym watched Amber’s throat bob as she swallowed. His mind raced. They hadn’t had any accidents since … He cursed. “The little girl over the cliff?”

  Amber nodded. “They offered to drop the suit if we fired Robyn.”

  Rym took a step back and held up his hands. “You caved? They’re bullying us and you caved?”

  “Rym, try to understand. From a business perspective—”

  “How many times do I have to tell you it’s not always about business?”

  “You could have lost the resort.”

  Rym stepped close, anger boiling, making his head burn and his face flush. “You’re trying to teach me a lesson again, aren’t you? It’s the whole ‘position of power’ thing all over. People aren’t your playthings, Amber. Robyn has a family, responsibilities.”

  Amber’s eyes widened. For the first time since their first few days together, Rym saw her composure slip. “I know she does. She also has dreams of being a paralegal, but working as a ski instructor wasn’t getting her any closer to those dreams.”

  “So you thought you’d kick her out to motivate her? What is it with you? Do you think you can coach everyone into their dream life? It doesn’t work that way. Life isn’t like that.” Rym pulled back and leaned against the lockers. “And you aren’t the person I thought you were.”

  “I know you’re upset—” Amber moved forward.

  Rym threw his arms out to ward her off. Stepping over the bench, he went for the door. “This isn’t working out, Amber.” He spoke with his back to her. “I thought it was or would, but … it’s not.”

  “What? What are you saying, Rym?” Amber’s voice had a vulnerable quality Rym had never heard before. He must have misheard it. Amber didn’t need him. She was all about the job. If she cared about Rym, she would have fought for what he believed in, not caved to save money.

  “I went through with the wedding. It was BMB that said it had to last for a year, not grandpa’s will. You’ve gotten me through the first season. I’ll talk to McGraw and we’ll figure out how to get you into your next …” He stopped himself from saying “marriage.”

  There was a quick intake of breath, and Rym strode from the room, his steps more sure than he was. Once in his office, he shut the door and sagged against it. Pressing his hand to his chest to hold back the pain, he tried to breathe and found it hurt like a branding iron to his heart. Having opened his life, his home, and his heart to Amber, there wasn’t a part of him that didn’t ache at the loss of her.

  Chapter 2 7 8

  Amber sank slowly onto the bench, shocked. She’d been fired. Canned. Sacked. Given her pink slip. Dismissed.

  Worse than that—she’d been dumped. Rym loved her. Not that he’d ever said the words. They’d barely had three months together, and yet she was more in tune with him than she had ever been with Braden, Derik, or Jeremy. She knew he loved her. She’d seen it reflected in his eyes. Had hoped it would grow into something stronger than his independence over the next year and they could renegotiate her contract.

  She’d gotten her wish: they were going to renegotiate her contract—only they were going to make it shorter, not longer. Amber stayed on the bench, unsure if she should, or even could, go home. What was the protocol after a breakup? She pressed her palm to her forehead and doubled over. Why was she thinking about protocol when her heart was breaking? She’d spent much too long keeping her heart on a shelf, out of reach. She’d known Rym would be upset; she just didn’t think he’d ask her to leave. He didn’t know it, but she was protecting him.

  She gathered herself up. There was still one more thing she could do, had planned on doing for a month. Dialing BMB, she asked Tina to put her through to Harrison.

  “It’s good to hear from you. I thought you’d dropped off the planet.”

  Amber didn’t smile. “It’s been spring break busy here. Sorry.”

  “It’s fine. I finished up those documents. Do you want me to send them to you?”

  Amber thought fast. “No, send them to Rym.”

  “Sure.”

  “Um … can you put an email with it?”

  “Sure.”

  “Just say—‘Every penny can count.’ And then put my name.”

  Silence filled the line.

  “Amber, is everything all right?” Harrison had lowered his voice, and Amber heard a door shut on his end of the line.

  “No, it’s not.” She sighed. “But if you can send those papers, a wrong will be righted.”

  “Then I’m on it.”

  “Thanks, Harrison.” Amber gulped. This could be her last conversation with Harrison. Pamela had adequately impressed upon Amber’s mind the importance of this contract. She’d become distracted by Rym’s kisses, and now she was paying the price. Her future at BMB looked bleak. “I appreciate all you’ve done. It’s more than you needed to, and I know it’s outside of your job description.”

  “Are you kidding? It’s a great cause. I’m glad I could be a part of it.”

  “You’re a stand-up guy.”

  “Thanks.”

  The door opened on the other end of the line and Amber could hear Trish announce someone. “I’ll let you go. Thanks again.”

  “Bye, Amber.”

  Amber hung up the phone and stared at it. “Bye, Harrison.”

  A moment later her phone rang, and she picked up without looking at the caller ID.

  “What’s going on?” demanded Trish.

  Amber’s eyes burned. The tears fell, and she sucked in, feeling as if she’d never be able to fill her lungs again.

  “Oh, sweetie,” Trish cooed. “I’m booking a flight. I can be there tonight.”

  “No,” Amber choked out. “I’ll come to you.”

  “Is Rym coming with you?”

  “No. It’s just me.”

  There was a pause.

  Amber swiped her face clean. “I wanted him, Trish.” Amber sniffed. “I let myself want him.”

  “I’ll have Tina make the arrangements. I’ll pick you up at the airport and you can stay at my place.”

  “Thank you,” Amber whispered.

  “Hang in there, sweetie.” Trish hung up.

  A fresh wave of tears overtook Amber. Within five minutes, her phone beeped and she had the information for a flight out at nine that night. She might have been flying to California, but she was leaving her home and her heart behind.

  Chapter 2 9 8

  Rym finally made his way to the desk and sat in his grandpa’s chair. He contemplated the furniture. All of it was left over. He hadn’t even brought in a picture or his skis. Grandpa’s skis still hung on the wall, waiting.

  Waiting for what? For someone to take them out on the hill again? Skis were objects, tools; they weren’t animated. Much like Rym had been before Amber entered his life. He’d been an exemplary employee, a world-class instructor, and a roommate who helped pay the bills. He’d been a tool other people had used to accomplish their goals of increasing their skill level, lining their wallet, or building a reputation. Until Grandpa left him the resort.

  Rym thought back. That wasn’t true. Even after he’d moved into this office, he had been on a tether. But slowly, under Amber’s tutelage, he’d become part of the legacy. He’d kept the resort running during a time when it could have fallen into disorder or been made into a heartless machine.

 

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