Chapter 7 Seven

Sierra's POV

I should have been more careful, but how could I after that spark?

It always ignited so many emotions I rather keep at bay. I felt his arm around me with one at the back of my head, keeping me still on his chest. Despite rolling down a steep this high, I wasn't scared, but my heart pounded regarding something else.

With my ear to his chest, I heard his heartbeat. It was calm, like it was his territory. He slammed his leg on a rock and our body stopped almost instantly. It took me a while to realize that we were no longer moving.

Raising my head, I met his gaze already on me. He didn't let me go, but I didn't try to go away either. I never thought I would ever be on top of him.

No.

I have thought about it.

A billion times in a space of a few hours, but with something more nasty attached to it.

However, I never expected it would happen this way; missing my step and rolling down a steep. His eyes searched mine, and it made my cheeks burn, both from embarrassment and being shy.

"Not bad for your first day, huh?" he said, but I could not answer.

How could I when our faces were so close we exchanged hot air? My eyes annoyingly dropped to his lips and my lips parted slightly. I wanted to kiss him. Not just on my lips but somewhere else too. Despite the cold, I felt hot.

My body burned for something I should not. Not only was he my brother's best friend, but he was out of my league.

Correction, I was out of his league.

He would not want me. I would just be part of the many girls who fawn over him, seeking attention. Even being this close to him made no difference to how good-looking he was. He had the skin of a five-year-old.

Neat and clear, with not a single blemish.

But it didn't stop my body from wanting to have a taste of his lips. Just one. I kept singing to myself.

He tucked some of my hair behind my ears and our lips met. He didn't react. He stayed still as though I had done the most crazy thing he could have ever imagined. And that snapped me out of my madness.

I scrambled to get up. "I'm sorry," I quickly apologized, avoiding eye contact.

"Sierra," he called, but I quickly ran off.

I heard the pity in his tone. I had just done something stupid. I knew I should not have done that. I should have resisted disgracing myself before my brother's best friend.

Well done, Sierra.

My eyes were slowly getting blinded by my tears, but I did not let that stop me. The moment I crossed the gates of the reserved area, I quickly took off the boots and laid it down at the side for him to take it when he got to the gate.

He was close, and I could hear him still calling out to me. I wanted to stop and apologize, but I was too embarrassed. I made a mistake by kissing him.

I would just be one of those girls who throw themselves at him with no shame whatsoever. I quickly got into my car and drove off. The streets were filled with snow but fortunately, my car could move through them.

I got home, slammed my door shut and turned the knob to get in, but the door did not budge. With a blurry gaze, I opened the fake plant at the side and took out the keys, helping me to get in. The moment I got to my room, I laid flat on my bed and let the scream I had been holding on loose into my pillow.

My brain kept replaying the incident over and over again without giving me a single break. I should not be thinking about all of this. I just fucking got divorced, and I had a child to care for. I should not be acting like a high school student that was just told no by her crush.

I took off my clothes and headed for the bathroom, expecting to be better once done, but it only got worse. I dozed off and woke up to a knock on the door. "Rea, come help me in the kitchen please," Mum said.

I didn't want to stand, but I rather occupy my head than be stuck in my room doing nothing. Now that I had been woken up, it would be hard to get some sleep.

Mum smiled at me the moment I stepped out, and I could only manage a small smile. "Mum!" Elvis' voice echoed throughout the house with his hasty footsteps.

He came into view, holding a huge fish. The smile on his face was infectious. "Mum, I got a huge fish. Grandma," he turned to her and Mum nodded.

"My boy is a good fisher," Mum said, and I nodded.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" I asked, placing a kiss on his forehead as I led him down the stairs with Mum holding the fish.

"Yes, yes. Grandpa taught me how to find worms," he said with so much excitement that I could not help but chuckle.

He told me all that happened while we helped Mum with her meal. I said a few things once in a while to show I was listening, but my mind usually doses off the topic. Mum occasionally glanced at me and gave me a warm smile.

I had a feeling she believed I was thinking about Vance. I could see she wanted to say something to me, but she kept holding back. I wanted to ask that she say what she wanted, but I doubted I wanted to listen to any of it right now, so I rather concentrate on the meal I was preparing.

Mum handed me salt and the look she gave to me made me speak. "Say what's on your mind, Mum. You don't have to keep staring at me like that," I said.

She shrugged and darted her eyes around like I had spoken to someone else. I shook my head at that. "I have nothing to say," she said.

"Youe looks say otherwise," I retorted, but she was stubborn.

"That's not true," she defended herself.

I didn't bother pushing for it. Whenever she wanted to, she would. During dinner, I was quiet. Everyone chatted and Elvis recounted the events of the day, and I was glad he enjoyed himself. It made me believe I did the right thing to bring him back here for the holidays.

He needed to feel the love of a family. It wasn't something that was always there with Vance and I. I shut my eyes briefly. I didn't want to remember the past.

After dinner, I washed the dishes and Mum helped me to wipe them down. "He is a good guy, you know?" she said, making me frown.

"Who?" I asked.

"Oh, you know who I'm talking about," she said, waving her hands briefly.

She stopped wiping down the plates and turned to me fully. "You've been thinking about him, right? I saw the way your cheeks turned red in the dining. It had to be him, right? I'm sure you two had a nice time at the resort," she said.

"Mum, you... wait a minute, how did you know he came to the resort?" I asked.

"I told him. He came moments after you left, and I guessed that would be the first place you visit," she said with a proud smile.

"Mum, don't try setting us together," I said.

"I'm not," she said, and I was about to argue, but she interrupted.

"I know, I know. You just got through your divorce, and you don't want a relationship," she looked out the kitchen and then placed a hand on my shoulder. "Your brother won't be happy about what I'm about to say, but you should give him a chance. I know you like him already".

I said nothing and finished up the dishes before heading to my room. Mum wanted to tuck Elvis to bed, and so I was free. Her words lingered in my mind, but the moment I got on my bed, I shoved it aside. It didn't matter. All I wanted was for the day to be over and the troubles of today gone.