12. Eva

Twelve

Eva

Sunlight glints off the snow-covered trees, and the lodge buzzes with activity as people take advantage of the clear skies. I planned on spending the morning in my room, hiding from a certain tall, sexy hockey player, but Emily has other ideas.

“C’mon, lazy,” she says, barging into my room without knocking. “We’re having brunch by the fire pit.”

I groan, burying my face in the pillow. “Can’t you just send me a plate instead?”

“Nope.” She yanks the covers off me, ignoring my grumbled protests. “You’re not staying in here all day. You’ve got that glow. Gotta show it off.”

“What glow?” I ask, straightening up, now fully awake.

“The ‘I’ve got a six-foot-five hockey player chasing me’ glow.” Her grin is wicked as she dodges the pillow I throw at her.

“Em, I swear—”

“I’m just saying.” She winks, grabbing my arm and pulling me to my feet. “It’s cute.”

* * *

The fire pit is surrounded by chairs and blankets, a cozy setup for the group brunch Emily promised. Platters of waffles, fruit, and eggs are laid out on a long table, and the scent of fresh coffee and maple syrup fills the air.

And of course, Eli is sitting in a corner, his dark eyes scanning the group until they land on me. The intensity of his gaze is a physical thing, heating me from the inside out.

Emily smirks as she catches me glancing his way. “Still pretending you’re not into him?”

“I’m not into him,” I lie, grabbing a plate.

“Uh-huh.” She gives me a knowing look. “You might wanna tell your face that.”

I ignore her, focusing instead on the food. But even as I load my plate, I can feel his burning eyes following me.