This is the first novel I attempted to write. The research that I did told me that romances were fairly easy to get published. I figured, after reading a few that I could hammer one out. But like the old lady arguing with the schedular at the radiology department today, I had conditions. No sex. I know, is a romance without bumping ugly really a romance? Turns out it is. The result was Rylee Rising.
Chapter 1
This powder is totally awesome, and there aren’t many people here yet. This is great!”
Thom looked up at Chip’s extended hand. “Look at the snow!”
“Exactly, Thom. Look at the snow. It’s starting to get heavy.”
Chip pulled Thom to his feet and then pointed at the overcast sky.
“Keeps the noobs off the slopes.”
Thom resettled his goggles and grinned. “Race you to the lift!”
The two men stumbled and ran through the deep snow to the chairlift. Thom tried to use his snowboard to block Chip, but a wind gust caught the board and sent it flying off down slope instead.
While Thom was retrieving his board, Chip arrived at the lift and found it shut down. He looked up at the sky.
“Hey, buddy, looks like we’re done here. Might as well head back in.”
“What? No way!”
“Thom, it’s a blizzard.”
“It’s not snowing that hard. I can still see my hand in front of my face.” Thom argued. “Oh well, the family might be here by now. I can’t wait to see Lexie in her snowsuit.”
“The one that’s going to make her look like a Panda?”
“Pandas are cute.”
“That poor kid isn’t going to have a choice. Her first pair of real shoes will be ski boots.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
Reproachfully, Chip replied, “I guess with your mother nearly making it on the Olympic Ski Team, it must be in your genes.”
“Alternates are officially on the team.”
Suddenly animated, Thom added, “Hey! I have one of those neat little wooden sleds for Lexie. She’ll be riding on the slopes tomorrow! Why wait until she can walk?”
Chip gave Thom a disapproving look, then shook his head. “You are one sick puppy.”
“I’m just glad that we arrived early enough to enjoy it before the snow police shut us down. It will be nice to take Lexie out this afternoon. Might as well head back to the cabin. We could have been out on the snow even sooner, but you decided to sleep in.”
“Did not. I don’t drive a rocket on four wheels like you do. Maybe if I weren’t a starving student and was getting paid what I was worth by a certain very junior representative who pretends to be a practicing lawyer, I could have a fast car.”
“Chip! I’m wounded. Truly cut to the quick. According to the newspapers, I’m a very junior representative who pretends to practice law and playboy boss. And don’t you forget it!”
“Uh-huh.”
Chip pushed Thom and tried to run, but fell in the deep snow. Thom started laughing and sat down on Chip’s chest.
“Very, very junior representative who pretends to practice law, Playboy boss. Say it. Say it!”
“Never! I’ll go to my grave before I submit. Besides, you haven’t been sworn in yet. I might leak a juicy scandal, and they will kick you out or something. That way, you’ll be a pretend lawyer.”
Thom stopped laughing as the wind suddenly picked up.
“Man, we’d better get back to the cabin. Mom probably has hot chocolate with marshmallows waiting for us. I love cocoa with marshmallows. It’s nice that she still thinks I’m ten.”
By the time they reached the family lodge, the blizzard had developed. As the pair struggled through the snow to the massive front doors, the wind stung their exposed skin.
“Wow. They’re not here yet,” Thom said.
Chip stripped off his snow gear and turned on the radio for the local news and weather. The two men, still cold and now increasingly uneasy, listened intently as the news reported a major accident on a nearby state highway.
Thom said distractedly, “They must be stuck in that accident. The news guy said traffic was backed up for miles. However, the good news is that it looks like we’ve seen the worst of the storm. We should be able to go out again tomorrow. Did you see the highchair I got for Lexie?
“Can she even sit up yet?”
“Yes. Well, sort of.”
Given how you pamper your niece, I dread the day when you have kids of your own. They’ll be spoiled rotten.”
The two men stood motionless for a moment more, anxiously listening to the radio.
With a hint of apprehension in his voice, Thom said, “Well, I’m certain they’ll be here soon and will be hungry. I reckon we should rustle up some grub. How does chili sound to you?”
“Made by you?” Chip smirked.
“I can cook. I fry a mean egg. However, Mom has some chili in the freezer here.”
“Oh. If it’s your mom’s chili, then it’s okay.”
“To your room, young man, until you learn to respect your elders.”
The doorbell rang, and they looked out the window to see a police SUV. Thom walked toward the door.
“Steve said he was stopping by to see Mom and Dad.”
When Thom opened the door, he was greeted by a sober-looking uniformed officer. Thom jabbed at the guy.
“Steve, good to see you, buddy. Mom and Dad aren’t here yet.”
“I know. Can I come in?”