Chapter 11

The unit on fall was finished.

Winter units were being planned separately.

And her parents were living together.

“Ugh…how is this my life?” Chloe murmured for at least the tenth time that day.

Her father had been back for almost two weeks, and her mother came home from rehab a week ago.

They’d been shacking up together ever since, and it was weird and awkward every time she went over to visit.

The last of her students had just left and she was sitting at her desk contemplating whether she should just fake a teaching emergency and avoid going over there. Slowly, she lowered her head to her desk and let out a long sigh.

“Well that doesn’t sound good.”

Tanner.

Honestly, he was the only thing keeping her sane right now.

Crouching down beside her, he asked, “You doing okay?”

“No.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“No.”

“Chloe, come on. It can’t be that bad.”

Another sigh.

But…she knew she couldn’t sit here like this forever. “I don’t want to go and see my mom today,” she mumbled.

“O-kay…”

“It’s weird with my dad there. Like…I don’t even really remember what it was like to live with the two of them; all I know is how my mom used to talk bad about him. Now he’s like the only one willing to be there for her and they’re all cheery and happy and having a great time!”

Placing a hand on her knee, he said, “But that should be a good thing. They’re getting along and trying to finally move forward.”

Now she raised her head. “They should have done that while we were kids when it was actually important.” And yes, she was pouting, but she felt fully entitled to this. “I would have loved to sit and hang around doing puzzles with the two of them when I was younger! Now it’s just awkward.”

“They’re doing puzzles?”

She nodded. “Oh, yeah. A big 1,000-piece Thomas Kincaid Disney one. It’s sickening!”

“Don’t you think you’re being just a little…”

“Crazy?” she interrupted. “Because I do. I think I’m totally behaving like I’m crazy, but I can’t help it.” With a huff, she twisted to fully face him. “You know what? The last couple of years have been great. And do you know why?”

He shook his head.

“Because things were steady and predictable. I was settled into teaching my class, my siblings all had some drama, but for the most part, my life was nice and boring and it really worked for me. But now? Now…the town’s changing, school’s changing, I just moved into a house, my parents are living together, and…and then there’s you!”

“Me?”

Another nod. “And you’re seriously the only thing keeping me sane throughout most of this, but there’s still an element of me not knowing what’s around the corner and it scares me!”

God…why? Why are you blabbering on about this stuff?

When she really looked at him, he was frowning. And Tanner rarely frowned.

“Wait,” he began as he stood and straightened. “I’m not sure what just happened here. One minute you were upset about doing a puzzle with your parents and then it went to your life being out of control. I’m kind of at a loss for words.”

“Well that’s shocking,” she murmured.

“Excuse me?”

“Tanner, you always have something to say. All the time. In every situation. You’re like a PR dream because you always seem to do and say the right thing. Can’t you just…do that now?”

He blinked at her for a moment. “I honestly don’t even know what we’re talking about,” he said with a mirthless laugh. “You’re uncomfortable with your parents? So don’t go there today. No one’s forcing you. As for the town and school growth? There’s nothing I can do about that. Things change and not all change is bad. And honestly, none of that has anything to do with you. You’re still this awesome teacher who everybody loves. Maybe stop focusing on all the things you think are bad and focus on…you know…all the things that are good.” He took a hesitant step toward her. “Like us.”

Her shoulders sagged because she truly was acting out of character. It felt like she was on an emotional roller coaster and she really wanted to get off, but didn’t know how.

“We really are good,” she quietly agreed, reaching out and taking one of his hands in hers. “And I appreciate you so much. I feel like I’ve been a little selfish in this relationship and I’m sorry about that. It’s been a lot about my family and me and my feelings.”

He considered her for a moment. “Well then, this might just be your lucky day.”

“Oh?”

Nodding, he explained, “The pro shop up at Summit Ridge just called and asked if I could come up there and meet with some of their management people. They want to do an interview with me for their company newsletter and take some pictures and I thought maybe you’d like to come with me. You know, see a bit of my world.”

Chloe felt her smile grow. “That sounds amazing! When do we need to be there? I’d love to run home and change first, if that’s okay.”

“I told them I’d be up there at six and that I was bringing my girlfriend,” he told her with a lopsided grin. “They want to take us to dinner and I think it’s going to be a fun night. Are you sure you want to go? It doesn’t give us a lot of time to get ready.”

She was already collecting her things. “Then we better get going now!” Leaning in, she kissed him. “Text me when you’re on your way to pick me up!”

“You got it!”

Already feeling lighter after her mini breakdown, she was beyond thankful to have a legitimate reason for not stopping by and seeing her mother.

“Note to self: send her a text when you get home so she doesn’t worry.”

When she got to the house, she ran in and took a quick shower before rummaging through her closet for something to wear. Was she supposed to dress up? Go casual? Something in between?

And now I need to text Tanner too.

Wrapped in a towel, she ran out to the living room and fished her phone out of her purse.

Chloe: Hey, Mom! Hope you’re feeling good today. Tanner is taking me up to Summit Ridge for a PR event with the pro shop. Sorry for the short notice. I’ll see you tomorrow! Love you!!

Okay, that’s done.

Next, she reached out to Tanner.

Chloe: How dressy or casual do I need to dress?

Tanner: I don’t think you need to really dress up. Wear whatever you’re comfortable with.

That was the least helpful thing he could have said.

Chloe: What are you wearing?

Tanner: Black jeans and a sweater. Nothing fancy.

Tanner: And stop worrying, you’re going to look beautiful no matter what you wear.

Tanner: I’ll be there in 30 minutes.

Chloe: Okay! Thank you!

Running back to her closet, she also chose a pair of black jeans, an ivory sweater, and her black boots—simple, yet elegant.

Her makeup needed to be completely reapplied, and she blew out her hair. By the time she got dressed and added some jewelry, it was almost time for Tanner to pull up.

Walking around the house, she turned on a few lights since it was definitely going to be dark when they got home, and then looked at her phone and saw she had a text from her mother.

Mom: Feeling good today and no worries about not coming over. It sounds like you’re going to have an exciting evening!

Mom: Your father made a fantastic pot roast for us for dinner. It’s your Aunt Kate’s recipe, but it smells amazing. Would you like me to save you some?

Chloe: Thanks, but you enjoy it. I’ll stop by tomorrow after school. Would you like me to pick up anything for you?

Mom: I think your father’s going grocery shopping tomorrow, so we’re good.

Mom: But I’d really like it if you would bring your boyfriend with you. Everyone’s been talking about him, but you haven’t brought him to meet me.

The groan was out before she could stop it.

Chloe: I was trying to be respectful. I didn’t think you’d want to meet anyone new until you were fully healed.

Mom: You’re so sweet, and with any other person, you’d be right. I was so worried when you told me that you and Evan had broken up. But I hear Tanner is quite an amazing man. I really would love to meet him.

Chloe: I’ll see what I can do.

Just then, her doorbell rang.

Saved by the bell.

Chloe: I’ve got to go. Tanner’s here to pick me up. I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you!

Mom: Love you too!

Tossing her phone into her purse, she walked over and opened the door. “Hey! Just let me grab my coat and I’ll be all set.”

“You look beautiful,” he told her, and she felt herself blush.

Locking up, they walked out to his car and it wasn’t until they were pulling out of the driveway that she asked, “Is it unusual for something like this to come up on short notice? You know, with a pro shop asking you to come in for an event?”

He shrugged. “This is the first time something like this has ever happened, but considering it’s fairly local, I didn’t mind. Any publicity is good publicity, right?”

She didn’t honestly know, but if he was okay with it, who was she to argue?

“What kind of things do you think they’ll talk about?”

For the rest of the drive, he explained what it was like to be a spokesperson. All she could do was sit back and listen, because it was a lot to take in.

“Basically,” he went on, “celebrity branding or celebrity endorsementis a form of advertising campaign and marketing strategy that uses a person’s fame or social status to promote a brand or product. Since my name is widely known in the skiing world, it makes sense that they’d want someone with my reputation and skill to promote a certain brand of gear. In the interview, I’ll be sure to brag about how great their company is, and hopefully it will garner a lot of sales for them.”

“And do you really use their products? Like exclusively?”

He shrugged. “Not exclusively, but I have used them.”

“Oh.”

“It’s not like I have to only use their gear,” he went on. “But I get to test new products and they get pictures of me using it, so it lends some authenticity to the campaign. Once it snows here, I’m sure I’ll go up and they’ll want pictures of me using some of the gear out on the slopes.”

She nodded and within minutes they were pulling up to the lodge and the valet was helping them out. “Thank you,” Chloe said softly as she climbed out of the car. Tanner was right there to take her hand and lead her inside. There was a team of people waiting for them and it was a little like an out-of-body experience.

“Tanner! So good to see you!”

“Tanner! Thank you so much for coming!”

“Tanner! We have some great idea for photos up in the shop if you’re ready!”

And before she knew it, Tanner was being whisked away and she was left to simply follow the crowd.

This felt great, he thought. It had been a long time since he’d felt so valued and appreciated, and he was beyond grateful that he could take advantage of this opportunity. They had taken a ton of photos up in the pro shop—there was a new clothing line that they wanted to get pictures of him in—and all the while, they asked him about how much he was looking forward to skiing here once the first snow hit.

Naturally, he had gushed over all of it—the clothes and how much he couldn’t wait to get his gear on and be the first one down the mountain—and the management and PR team were eating it up. Now they were all sitting around a massive table down in the same restaurant he and Chloe had dined at a few weeks ago, and they were conducting the interview while they ate. It wasn’t his favorite way to be interviewed, but the food and wine were fantastic, and everyone was having a great time.

Except Chloe.

One look at her and he could tell she was miserable. She was eating silently, only making eye contact with her plate, and he didn’t want to say anything to call attention to it and risk embarrassing her.

“Tanner, if you could pack up and compete again for a season, where would you go?” Margaret, the journalist, asked.

Grinning, he replied, “Why would I pack up and go anywhere when Summit Ridge has so much to offer?”

Yeah, everyone got a kick out of that response, but he heard a very faint snort from Chloe.

“But if you had to pick one?” Margaret prompted.

“Without a doubt, the Aosta Valley in Italy,” he said. “Between Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and the Monte Rosa, there’s something almost magical about the area. Those towering mountains offer high-altitude skiing, snow-sure slopes and a view that can’t be beat.” Pausing, he took a sip of his wine. “And the food is phenomenal!”

“That’s for sure,” someone agreed, and then the conversation moved on for a bit to some of the places in the world he’d skied and was the food as good as the snow. It was a silly conversation, but he was enjoying it.

He just wished Chloe was too.

“You went out at the top of your game,” Margaret interjected a few minutes later. “And now you’re a teacher. It’s a commendable profession to be sure, but don’t you miss the excitement of competing?”

“I retired when I did because I had accomplished everything that I wanted to. My end game was always going to be in education,” he explained.

“Why not open a school to train future athletes? Or even give lessons here at Summit Ridge?”

“I’d be open to giving lessons, but only as something on the side. I love what I’m doing now. Teaching kids is incredibly rewarding.” He paused and nodded. “And the fact that I was lucky enough to be offered a position in a school that was so close to a ski resort? What are the odds?”

“It seems like this was meant to be,” Margaret went on. “So, what have you been doing in your spare time while you wait for the snow to start falling?”

“Well…” This time he reached over and took Chloe’s hand in his and gave it a squeeze to get her attention. “Chloe is also a teacher. That’s how we met. We’ve been spending a lot of our spare time together working on lesson plans and school projects. She’s shown me around Sweetbriar Ridge and I’m actually loving small town life.”

“Chloe,” Margaret began, zeroing in on her. Tanner felt her tense a bit and hoped Margaret wasn’t going to say anything offensive. “How does it feel to be dating someone as famous and talented as Tanner Westyn? Were you a fan of his before he came to teach at your school?”

“Oh, um…I actually didn’t know anything about him,” Chloe admitted. “I don’t follow any sports, but Tanner’s been teaching me about skiing since we met. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action when the season starts.”

“Any chance you’ll let him teach you how to ski?”

Beside him, she laughed softly. “I’m not particularly athletic, but I’m more than happy to be a spectator and cheer him on.”

“And who couldn’t use their own personal cheerleader, right, Tanner?” Margaret asked with a laugh. “In the past, you’ve always been involved with women who either competed just like you or who at least could ski. Do you think not having this aspect of your lives in common will cause any conflicts?”

For a moment, he was too stunned to respond. Chloe had gone completely still, and Tanner had no idea if he should call out Margaret for being so tactless or comfort his girlfriend.

He went the diplomatic route instead.

“I don’t think couples have to have everything in common,” he said stiffly. “And I love all the things Chloe and I do have in common. This is the best relationship I’ve ever been in, and I feel lucky that she’s been so willing to put up with me talking incessantly about the glory days of my skiing career.”

Everyone was silent and he hoped he made his point.

“Anyone ready for dessert?” their server asked with perfect timing.

It appeared that the interview portion of the evening ended, and for the rest of the meal, the conversation was still focused on the sport, but things were a little more neutral and less focused on him and Chloe.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered for only her ears. “That was a little catty and I will reach out to my rep to let them know.”

“It’s fine,” she said. “I don’t blame her. You’re…you know…you. This big, famous athlete, and I’m just…me.” She shrugged. “Trust me, I’m used to it.”

And he hated that more than anything—the fact that she put herself down.

Suddenly, he couldn’t wait for this night to be over, to take Chloe home and show her how amazing she was and how much he truly adored her.

Loved her.

Because…yeah. He did.

It took another hour before they could leave, and he was mentally exhausted by the time the valet brought their car around. Neither said a lot on the drive back to her house, and he was okay with that. Right now, he needed a little peace and quiet to think about what he was going to say. Was tonight the right night to profess his love for her? Should it be something he did on a romantic night out? Would she freak out when he told her?

Or worse, would she tell him she didn’t feel the same way?

And then, because he was an overthinker, would she think he was throwing the L word out there to make up for the awkward evening? Would it appear trite or a bit like he was trying to mollify her?

Pushing that particular thought aside, he let out a long, low breath. Beside him, Chloe was staring out the window into the darkness.

“Penny for your thoughts,” he said before he could stop himself.

Without looking his way, she said, “They’re not even worth that.”

Shit.

“Chloe, look, I know this night didn’t go quite the way I had hoped, but…”

Now she turned her head to glance at him. “Don’t, okay? You’re not responsible for the things that Margaret person said. I know that.”

“But I’m definitely going to make sure my publicist knows how rude she was. That was totally not cool. I probably should have said more, but…”

“But you have an image to uphold and a professional relationship with these people that you need to maintain. I get it. It’s not a big deal.” Then she returned her attention to the passing scenery and his heart sank.

This was her go-to reaction. He’d learned enough about her to know it. She retreated and got quiet when she was hurt or overwhelmed because she wasn’t confrontational. And as much as he didn’t want to argue with her, he certainly was going to fight for her.

Just…not here in the confines of the car.

By this point, they were literally only five minutes from her house, so Tanner was fine with finishing the drive quietly. Once they pulled into her driveway, however, what Chloe said kind of shocked him.

“I don’t think you should come in tonight.” Her words were spoken softly but firmly.

“Chloe…”

Even in the darkness, he could see her close her eyes as if to fortify herself. When she looked at him, however, he saw a world of weariness.

“Please,” he said gruffly. “I don’t want to just go home. We need to talk about this. You know we do. I won’t stay long, just…just enough so that we both feel good about what we say.”

She agreed, but he already knew he was losing her.

Following her into the house, Tanner mentally scrambled to find the right words—the words that would make everything okay again. Or maybe find some sort of magical time machine that would take them back to after school today and he could simply opt to go to the lodge by himself and leave Chloe out of the whole thing.

Only…he didn’t want to leave her out. He wanted her to be part of his world.

But he also just wanted his world to be kinder to her.

She tossed her coat onto the one oversized chair in her living room before sitting on the sofa and looking at him expectantly.

Okay, so…he was going to have to start the conversation.

Awesome.

Carefully, he began. “I know tonight didn’t go the way we were expecting. In my defense, I’ve never done a meeting or event like what happened tonight. This was all so random and even I wasn’t sure what exactly was going to happen.” Pausing, he sat down on the opposite end of the couch. “But it didn’t give anyone the right to speak to you—or about us—the way that journalist did. I’m going to ask to have the interview pulled. It’s only fair.”

For a moment, she looked a little confused, but then…she sighed. “Tanner, it wasn’t just the interview, it was…it was everything. From the moment we walked into the lodge, I disappeared. No one saw me. You got swept up in the excitement and I ended up following the group like some sort of reject.”

“No,” he argued, but then took a moment to think and…

Oh.

Shit.

“Chloe, I…”

“When we got to the pro shop and the manager tried to tell me this was a private event and I’d have to come back tomorrow, that was when you finally acknowledged me and introduced me. Then I was relegated to a spot in the corner for almost two hours! No one offered me anything to drink or even a place to sit! It was incredibly uncomfortable!”

“Okay, but…”

“All I wanted to do was leave,” she went on. “I contemplated texting Ash and asking her to come and get me, but I didn’t want to embarrass you.”

“I had no idea. I’m so sorry!” But he realized that might be too little, too late.

“Here’s the thing, the last guy I dated was a big-time corporate lawyer.”

“Wait…seriously?”

She nodded. “He worked with the billionaire guy responsible for all the growth here in Sweetbriar. Anyway, we had nothing in common—not really—but ultimately we figured that out. I didn’t fit in his world. I enjoy my life here. It’s simple and uncomplicated, and I’m really beginning to see how much I need that for my happiness.” Another sigh. “I don’t fit in your world, Tanner.”

“But you do!” he countered. “What happened tonight is beyond rare! Hell, I can make sure it never happens again!”

She shook her head. “That’s not what I want, and if you’re being totally honest, it’s not what you want either.” Pausing, she gave him a sad smile. “I watched you tonight and you were…you looked happier than I’ve ever seen you. You were eating all that attention up and there’s nothing wrong with that. You are a big deal and you deserve to have people praising you. It’s just not something I enjoy being around and I didn’t appreciate being treated like I was invisible.”

“Chloe, that will never happen again. I promise. I’ll make sure that you are front and center at every event moving forward! That you get treated like a VIP! I can totally work that into any contract for any promotional event I do!”

Her shoulders sagged. “You’re not hearing me, Tanner. I’m not asking you to change anything for me. I’m not a VIP and I don’t want to be a VIP. I hate the spotlight. It makes me incredibly uncomfortable. I…I just want my life back. The one where there are no surprises, and my family is just all happy and healthy and…that’s it.”

“Chloe, sweetheart, that’s not a life. That’s not living,” he told her. “That’s asking to live in a bubble. Life is messy sometimes. People screw up and make mistakes, but then they make things right. And surprises don’t only have to be bad. Just like changes. You know the saying that change is the only constant in life? If you refuse to handle the changes…”

“I don’t expect you to understand,” she clarified. “But tonight just…it made things clear for me. We already know I’m not handling the stuff with my parents very well, and we talked about my feelings about all the other changes earlier today. And with the upcoming ski season, it sounds like your time is going to be pretty full with that.”

“I’ll back out of all of it,” he said, willing to beg.

But she shook her head again. “It’s not you, Tanner. It’s me. I think it’s best if we just…cooled things off for a while. It seems like we both have outside distractions and obligations, and they’d be better handled…separately. I’m sorry.”

For a moment, he couldn’t quite comprehend what he was hearing.

“I understand what you’re saying and that you think it’s what you want, but…I’ve seen this…this…change in you since we met. I’ve seen you step out of your comfort zone and simply turn into this even more amazing version of yourself. I know things are scary and a bit unsettling for you right now, but I don’t think reverting back into your shell is going to make you happy, and it certainly isn’t going to stop all the things from happening.”

“Tanner…”

And it was something in her tone that stopped him.

“It won’t matter, will it?” he murmured. “I could sit here all night and tell you all the ways you inspire me or how incredible you are, and you won’t believe it. You don’t want to. I can list a thousand ways that you’re amazing and you won’t see it.”

Her eyes shone bright with unshed tears, but she looked away before any of them fell.

“Do you want me to beg?” he asked, his voice raw. “Because I will. I think we’re worth fighting for. I think we have something good here, Chloe. Something that has the promise of an incredible future.”

“Sometimes you have to know when it’s not going to work out. Even if it hurts more than you ever thought possible,” she said quietly, letting out a shaky breath. “Sometimes wanting someone isn’t enough.”

“It’s not just wanting you. What we have is so much more than that, and I think you know it.”

She looked up at him. “I need to feel good about myself, and I don’t right now. I’m sorry.”

They sat in silence for several long moments, and he had to admit the truth—there wasn’t anything he could say to fix this. He could schmooze with pretty much anyone in the world and win them over, but for the first time in his life, he didn’t have the words.

He didn’t have the charm or anything to win over the one person in the world he wanted most of all.

And it crushed him.

“Okay, then,” he whispered. “I guess I should go.”

A nod was her only response.

Slowly, Tanner got to his feet, but instead of walking to the door, he walked over to her and gently kissed the top of her head. “I’m willing to give you the space that you need, but I’m not giving up on us.” He straightened and waited to see if she’d look up at him, but she didn’t. “I’ll always be there if you need me. For anything.”

And when she still didn’t look up, he turned and walked out the door.

Out of her life.

The cold air hit him like a slap in the face and yet…he was numb.

How had this night gone so wrong? Six hours ago, he couldn’t wait to introduce Chloe to the athlete part of his life. Now he wished he’d never done it.

Hindsight and all…

With nothing left to do, he trudged over to his SUV and climbed in. He wished he lived farther away so he could let the drive clear his head. Two blocks simply wasn’t far enough, but he also wasn’t interested in driving just for the sake of driving.

So he went home and walked into his quiet house.

Normally it didn’t bother him, but tonight it felt like a weight on him.

An awful, heavy weight.

“Better get used to it,” he mumbled as he hung up his coat. “This is going to be your life for the next long while.”

Having Chloe come over had been like a breath of fresh air. He’d lived alone before and was fine with it, but there was something to be said for having a person in your home who meant something to you and who cared for you in return. Before moving to Sweetbriar Ridge, he’d spent so much time traveling that the apartments he’d rented and townhomes were merely places to sleep. It wasn’t until he moved here that he realized what it was like to have a home.

And now he’d lost it.

Kicking off his shoes, he made his way through the house, shutting off the lights on his way to the bedroom. Tomorrow was a school day and he had to be up early.

He just had no idea how he was going to handle working so closely with Chloe and knowing they were over.

“And I don’t want to know,” he whispered as he undressed and crawled into bed.

But sadly, he was going to find out.

Sooner rather than later.