“Oh sure,” Nic said with a smile. “But maybe we should go with the new girlfriend thing.”

“Like we just met?” She shook her head. “My mother would be suspicious. I’m usually very cautious when I meet someone new.”

“Cautious?”

“Yes. Like I don’t just jump in right away.”

“Ah. Like no kissing on the first date?”

“I’m saying, if we just met, I’m not very likely to invite you to meet the family. Not for a ten-day stay, that’s for sure. I think we should go with we’ve been dating for a couple of months, at least.”

“Okay. That’s still new-girlfriend territory. That means we’re having sex and lots of it.” Nic wiggled her eyebrows. “We’ll have to be a little more handsy, but that’s certainly okay with me.”

Abby stared at her blankly. Handsy?

“And you’ll need to tell me what to pack. I’ve not been in the snow before. Ever.”

Handsy? Abby shook that away. “You’ve not? So you don’t ski?”

“Afraid not. Now, I can water ski. Is it similar?”

“Umm, I don’t know. I’ve never been water skiing. But they do offer lessons, of course. You look athletic. I’m sure you can learn.”

Nic took another few chips without asking. “How cold will it be?”

Abby moved the bag before Nic stole all of them, and held her hand up. “Okay, wait. Why are you agreeing to this?”

Nic frowned. “Because you asked.”

“I’m a stranger. Why would you agree to go somewhere for ten days with someone you don’t know?”

Nic met her gaze. “Okay, is this like a test or something?”

“No, it’s not a test!” She leaned closer. “What did you mean about being handsy?” Then her eyes widened. “Oh my god! You think we’re going to have sex? Like for real? Are you out of your mind?”

“I’m beginning to think one of us might be,” Nic murmured just loud enough for her to hear.

Abby took a deep breath. “You’re right. I was completely out of my mind when I asked you. I admit, I freaked out a little, especially about the maid of honor thing.” She waved her hand in the air. “We should forget the whole thing. Forget I asked. I’m sure you’re a very lovely person, but—”

“Well, you see, I’ve already cancelled my Christmas plans with my uncle. So, I’ve got like ten or twelve days free.” She smiled at her. “And I am a very lovely person, yes. And sex? Well, yeah, I assumed. I mean, we’re going to be kissing and touching and all that stuff. I assumed that would carry over to our bedroom. For real.”

Abby’s brows drew together sharply. “What?”

“What?”

“Are you serious?”

“Well, yeah.” Nic smiled at her. “I thought that was your plan.”