“Seth, look at me.” And when he did, she said, “I’ll be okay. It’s probably just a sprain. It’s not a big deal.”

“You wouldn’t have gotten hurt if I hadn’t dragged you up here.”

“What?” She rounded on him. “You didn’t drag me anywhere. I chose to come up here. The Ego has many sides, doesn’t it? This isn’t about you. It was just a freak accident.”

He stayed stubbornly mute as he lined up their skis perpendicular to the slope and gently shifted her so she sat on the skis. She was proud of herself for not making a peep while he moved her even though it hurt like hell. But she had to say something when he zipped off his jacket, and put in around her shoulders.

“What do you think you’re doing? You’re going to freeze.” She tried to shrug it off but he planted his hands firmly on her shoulders.

“I have an extra thermal shirt in my backpack. I’ll be fine.” His expression told her that he wasn’t going to change his mind, so she let him wrap his jacket around her. Once he put on his extra layer, Seth carefully placed his backpack under her injured leg to elevate it. The throbbing became slightly more bearable.

“Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me,” he said glumly.

“Stop beating yourself up. My ankle hurts pretty bad and I don’t have the strength to argue with you right now.”

“Shit. I’m sorry, Tara.” He knelt beside her and brushed her hair away from her face with cold fingers. Geez. He’d taken his gloves off to get her situated. The sweet—and unnecessary—gesture squeezed her heart.

“If you’re sorry, stop fussing. And put your gloves back on. Okay?”

“Okay.” He sat facing down the hill, so his back was supporting her side. “Lean on me.”

She leaned into his broad back and sighed. She was in pain and cold, but having him beside her made things not suck as bad. She might go as far as to say it bordered on nice. “This is kind of nice.”

“What?” He swiveled his head toward her, but she was hidden behind his back. “Did you hit your head, too?”

“No, I’m serious. This is the longest stretch of time we’ve ever spent together, and I haven’t killed you, yet. I say it bodes well for our remaining two dates.”

She felt his back tense against her, but his tone was light when he responded, “That really must be some sort of a record. Admit it. I’m growing on you, aren’t I?”

“Don’t try to sabotage the game. You know the rules. I’m not allowed to fall in love with you, so I can’t let you grow on me. I’m not taking any chances.” She was messing around with him, but it was also a good reminder not to let herself get too attached to him. With a mental shrug, she snuggled closer to his back. “I’ve just gotten more skilled at tolerating you.”