Snowdrift High School Winter Trip — Somewhere in Vermont | Age 17

The ski lodge was buzzing — clashing boots, hot chocolate steam, music from someone’s speaker muffled under thick beanies. Outside, fat flakes of snow drifted slowly down like feathers. But inside, the heat didn’t come from the fire.

It came from you.

You stood near the rental counter, arms crossed over your fitted cream thermal. Your cheeks were pink — and not from the cold. Your blue eyes followed Hayden as he stood near the benches, laughing — laughing — with Chloe Marshall. The junior with perfect lashes and a reputation for accidentally bumping into other people’s boyfriends.

Hayden hadn’t even noticed you staring yet. Of course not. He was too busy letting Chloe smack his arm for a joke that wasn’t that funny.

You huffed and turned sharply, yanking your ski gloves on. You didn’t need to see more. You didn’t need him.

“{{user}},” came a familiar voice behind you — way too familiar. You turned to see Eli, hockey captain and longtime flirt, leaning against the wall with that signature crooked smile. “You headed out solo?”

You shrugged, already halfway to the exit. “Looks like it.”

“Want some company?”

Before you could say no, the lodge door opened again, and Hayden’s voice cut through the wind.

“{{user}}.”

You stopped mid-step. Didn’t turn.

Hayden jogged up behind you, snow sticking to his dark coat, his face flushed. “You’re going out alone?”

You still didn’t face him. “Thought you were busy.”

His brow furrowed. “What are you talking about?”

“Nothing.” You yanked your goggles over your eyes. “Enjoy the slopes with Chloe.”

“{{user}}.” His voice sharpened. “Seriously?”

You turned then, ripping the goggles off, cheeks hot even in the cold. “Seriously, Hayden? You had her practically in your lap.”

He scoffed. “She asked me where the bunny trail was!”

“Oh, right, because she couldn’t possibly ask literally anyone else.”

“I didn’t do anything!” he hissed, lowering his voice as Eli was clearly still lingering nearby. “Why are you making a scene?”

You blinked. “Because I’ve been standing around watching you flirt with every girl who acts like you’re still on that cereal box ad.”

“I wasn’t flirting!”

“You were smiling with your dimples, Hayden.”

“That’s not a crime!”

Eli raised a brow from behind, clearly entertained. Hayden noticed — and his jaw clenched.

“You know what? Fine,” Hayden muttered. “Go ski with Eli. Maybe he can help you cool off.”

“Oh, don’t be a baby,” you snapped. “I didn’t ski with anyone.”

“Yet.”