The mountain air was a sharp, crystalline departure from the humid lowlands, carrying the scent of pine needles, freezing stone, and the promise of impending snow. Garrett pulled the car into the gravel lot of the Alpine Peaks rink, the tires crunching loudly in the preternatural silence of the high altitude. High above, the sky was an ink-black velvet, perforated by stars so bright and sharp they looked like scattered diamonds against the void.
He killed the engine, but neither of them moved. The silence inside the car was heavy with the residual tension of the dinner and the kiss that was shared in a raw emotional moment, but it had softened, tempered by the long, winding drive up the mountain slopes.The tension had turned into longing and anticipation.
Garrett turned to look at her. T
