“And I think it was really great of you to help Cassie start her business.” She blurted the words out quickly, true-to-Erika fashion.

Ah, so his sister had told her. He wished she hadn’t. Giving Cassie his share from the sale of their mom’s old pub in Mat-Su Valley had been a no-brainer for him and she had to get over feeling like she owed him something. He shook his head. “I didn’t do anything. She had everything she needed—the business plan, the great idea... I just helped with the funds. And really, it wasn’t even my money, so...” He shrugged.

“But I know how much she appreciated it.”

“Me, too.” His sister was not someone to take advantage and if she said she could make her business idea work, he believed and supported her the entire way. There was nothing he could have done with the money that would have made him feel better than seeing his sister’s business thriving. He was proud of her.

“Well, I think you’re great. I mean, what you did... It was great,” she said quickly, but not before he could take advantage of her slipup, his ego refueled.

“You think I’m great?”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh God. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Admit it, you’ve always had a crush on me.”

She snorted. Actually snorted. And it was the sexiest snort he’d ever heard. He couldn’t hide a smile as he pulled his truck into the parking lot of Snowpeaks Powder Guides and cut the engine. He turned in the seat to face her as he unbuckled his seat belt. “Come on, be honest. You’re still hot for me.”

Her jaw dropped slightly, but she quickly recovered. “You wish.”

“Maybe.” It was suddenly hotter in the cab of his truck, as the truth of the simple word hit him. He did want her to want him.

“Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but that night in the woods, a long time ago, was the one and only time I’ll be falling asleep in your arms,” she said, opening the door and climbing out of the truck.

It was more of an escape.

Remembering the way she’d kissed him a few nights ago, Reed couldn’t help but hope that she might change her mind.

* * *

THE SEVEN-MINUTE SCENIC helicopter ride over the Chugach Mountain Range would have been breathtaking, if Erika could have focused on the mountain peaks and valleys, covered in the freshest dusting of powder on earth. But seated next to Reed in the back of the helicopter, her pulse was racing and her heart echoed loudly in her ears.

Thank God for the hum of the helicopter and the large, noise-reducing headphones they wore. She didn’t want him to know how much he affected her. How right he was in assuming she was hot for him. Playing it cool and unfazed was her game plan for the day—one she’d spent all night figuring out.

Too bad it had gone straight to shit the minute his truck had pulled up in front of Cassie’s. For a day that wasn’t a date, it was the closest thing to one that she’d had in a long time, especially with a man as gorgeous as Reed.