Erika nodded. “So, where are we headed?” She frowned when he took the village exit onto the main highway.

Obviously she wasn’t one for surprises. “The best slopes are west of Chugach Mountain Range. I’ve arranged a day pass with Snowpeaks Powder Guides.” He’d spent the afternoon before arranging the details, wanting everything to be great. He’d never wanted to impress someone as much before, but Erika was used to the best. If she’d been planning this, she would have spared no expense, so that’s what he’d done. This time of year, he’d had to call in a few favors to secure the full-day ski and lunch on the mountain package, but he was looking forward to showing her the best heli-skiing experience of her life. Better than if she’d gone with Tyler. “It’s a full day on the slopes, so I hope you got a good night’s sleep.”

“Not really,” she said, biting her lip. Her hands were clenched tight on her lap.

Oh no. “You do know how to ski, right?” He took the highway exit and stopped at a light, glancing at her. If she’d allowed him to book an adventure designed for advanced skiers and had never been on skis, he was calling off the day. Cassie would kill him if anything happened to her friend.

“Of course I ski.” She was nodding but staring at him as though there was something she wasn’t saying...

But there was definitely something on her mind. “Don’t worry, these guides are the best and there are varying degrees of ski trails from beginner to extremist. Snow Trek partners with them all the time...”

“I’m not worried about the skiing.”

“Okay.” He was. Worried he’d smack right into a tree, staring at her ass. They should probably stick to safer trails. From the corner of his eye, he took in her sexy thighs hugged by the dark blue fabric and his mouth watered slightly.

And she was still looking at him funny.

“What?”

“Nothing,” she said too quickly.

“Spill it. Are you regretting agreeing to this?”

“No. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Wishing Tyler was the one taking you instead?” His stomach tightened as though preparing for the blow. Maybe he shouldn’t have stood in Tyler’s way. If she preferred him...

“No,” she said. “I’m glad it’s you taking me.”

Didn’t sound convincing enough to save his ego, but he’d take it as truth. “Well, what’s up? And don’t say nothing. If you’re having second thoughts about this, it’s not too late to cancel.” It was totally too late to get his money back, but if she was nervous, he’d happily take the financial hit.

“Reed, the skiing will be fun. It’s just... Well, I just feel like I should apologize...”

He glanced at her. “You already apologized for taking over my rescue the other day.”

“Not for that. I mean, for judging you without knowing you.”

He shifted in his seat and cleared his throat. “I think maybe we’re both guilty of that.” He slid a look at her and she smiled. The pretty, upturned lips and the genuine, expressive eyes nearly making him go off the slippery highway.