Hannah cradled her coffee cup in her hands then bent to take a sip. “That’s great news.”
“My partner and I are relieved. Anything new with you, Hannah? I heard a few rumors around town…”
Tripp let out a sigh. “What, that we were making up horror stories out on the mountain?”
“Something like that. Did you really see someone pushed off a chairlift?”
“Since no one believes us, we aren’t discussing what we saw.” Hannah’s lips pinched tight. “At least not right now.”
Tripp snorted. “Maybe the authorities will take us more seriously if a body shows up in the spring. I’m sure they’ll want to hear what we have to say then.”
Luther stepped back from the table. “Well, I’ll leave you to enjoy the rest of your dessert. Have a nice evening.”
Tripp polished off the last few bites of cake since Hannah seemed to have lost interest. He noted her hunched shoulders and frowned. “You give off a weird vibe around him.”
She shrugged. “I can’t help it. I always feel awkward.” The coffee cup clattered against the saucer when she set it down. “Bitter doesn’t begin to describe Luther’s feelings toward my mother. She did pretty well in that divorce—at his expense. So, even though he’s always nice to me, I can’t help having some sort of strange guilt complex. For that reason, I tend to stay clear of him.”
“Why didn’t you say something earlier? We could have gone to a different restaurant.”
“It’s no big deal. I can handle casual meetings, but I don’t want to spend holidays with the man or pretend we’re still family. Anyway, dinner was truly excellent.”
“Right down to the birthday cake.” He smiled then pulled out his wallet when the server stopped by to clear their plates and leave a check.
The man took the card he placed on the tray. “Be right back.”
Hannah sipped the last of her coffee and seemed to shake off her glum mood. “I enjoyed the evening. You’re an entertaining companion.”
“That doesn’t sound very sexy—more like an eccentric uncle, the kind with too many stories to tell and a comfortable paunch hanging over his belt.”
She laughed out loud, turning the heads of the other diners. “See, funny. Definitely no paunch.”
When their server returned, Tripp signed the slip then stood to pull back her chair. “Let’s get out of here.”
She nodded and walked beside him to the entrance, then slipped on her coat while they waited for the valet to bring the truck around.
“Chilly evening but beautifully clear.”
He wrapped an arm around her and squeezed. “Are you cold?”
“Just a little.” For a moment, she leaned against him then pulled away when headlights flashed as the valet returned.
After they were settled inside, Tripp turned to face her. “It’s still early. Want to take a drive?”
“What did you have in mind?”
“I thought we’d cruise down to Emerald Bay. The moon is full tonight.”
“Sounds lovely. Tripp?”
He turned out of the parking lot then leaned back against the seat to enjoy the drive. “Yes?”
“Why did you want to spend your birthday with me? I’m sure you have plenty of friends to hang out with who would have made your evening far more exciting.”
“I wasn’t looking for excitement.”
“What are you looking for?”
He glanced her way, taking a moment to study her profile in the light from a passing car before returning his attention to the road. “I’m not sure. Maybe someone familiar and comfortable. With you, I can completely relax. I don’t feel like I have to be the Wilde Thing the ski crowd expects when I’m out on the town.”
“So, I’m like the old pair of slippers under your bed?”
He grinned. “I don’t think I own any slippers. How about the ski boots I’ve broken in until they’re molded to a perfect fit.”
“Why in the world would you think we fit well together? We’re opposites in almost every way imaginable. You have celebrity status on and off the mountain, and I’m most at home…well, at home, curled up on the couch with a book and my dog.”
“Hey, you’re pretty damn well-known in your own line of work. If Parnell Jones looks you up when he needs PT—”
“Exactly. I might work with sports celebrities, but I’m not one. I’m about as normal and ho-hum as they come.”
“You used to be quiet and unassuming, but that was years ago. Now, I find you intriguing and stimulating…not to mention hot.”
“I’m still not sleeping with you.” Her tone was laced with humor. “If that’s what this is about.”
“Sex hasn’t crossed my mind once in the last, uh, minute or two. Honest.”
A giggle escaped before she slapped a hand over her mouth. “You crack me up. Points for that.”
“Maybe after enough points, you’ll cave in and change your mind about dating a client. At least this particular client.”
“Stranger things have happened, I suppose, since this evening has felt awfully date-like.”
They rode in silence for the next few miles.
“Not to change the subject, but are you still upset by what we saw on the mountain Friday?”
“I try not to think about it. Hard not to, though, when people like Luther bring up the subject.”
“Sorry. I should have let the matter drop, but I could see you were bothered when he mentioned the rumors.”
“Maybe I’ll actually start believing we saw a bag fall if I think it enough times. I guess we’ll never know what really happened, so I shouldn’t stress over it.”
“Probably best, at least for tonight. I call this perfect timing.” He turned into the parking lot above Emerald Bay and turned off the engine. “Check out the moon rising up over the mountains on the other side of the lake. Want to walk out to the viewpoint?”
“Sure. At least I have on boots, even if they aren’t designed for trekking through snow.”
He got out of the cab and met her at the front bumper. “I could always use this opportunity to prove I’m capable of carrying you.”
“Let’s wait until your shoulder is fully healed for you to show off your strength. I wouldn’t turn down an arm, however. The snow is iced over on the path.”
Tucking her hand through the crook of his elbow, he headed down to the viewpoint then drew in a breath. “Lord, we live in a beautiful place.”
The rising moon shed a silver light across the lake, illuminating the dark waters of Emerald Bay with its tiny island in the center. Even the stone walls of the ruined Tea House were visible against the night sky. Glimmering snow frosted the thick forest surrounding the bay.
She sighed. “I love this place. Thanks for suggesting we come.”
“Seemed like a perfect way to end the evening…if you’re still determined it has to end.”
“Tripp.” Her quiet voice held a warning note.
He ignored it and turned her to face him. In the moonlight, her beautiful eyes shone with a hint of uncertainty.