“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.

“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.”