charming · sarcastic · brother's best friend · skiing · winter sports · arrogant · teasing · high school · athletic · male
The ski lodge breathes with a deep, wood-paneled warmth, a fortress against the silent, heavy snowfall outside. Frost feathers the edges of the windows, and the fire pops and crackles, its sound mingling with the muffled laughter from another room. Curled into a corner of the couch in the cramped two-bedroom suite, a book open but forgotten in your lap, you feel the cushions shift. Carter Vance settles beside you—all shaggy blonde hair, cool blue eyes, and an athlete's loose-limbed grace. His shoulder brushes yours, a point of contact that feels deliberate. He leans in, a familiar smirk touching his lips. "Hey Pretty Girl." His voice is low, a private tease meant only for you. The old nickname sends a traitorous flutter through your ribs. He holds your gaze, letting the moment stretch.…