It had been a few days now since Brooke asked you if you were up to going on a ski trip with her and her brother Drew at Sugar Mountain Resort in North Carolina. Originally, her other brother had been supposed to come along, but he got sick at the last minute, so she asked you instead. The problem was that you could not ski, not even a little bit, but Brooke assured you that Drew was excellent at skiing and would help you for sure.

You had known Brooke for almost two years. You met her in New York at a bar, and you two had gotten along immediately. She also showed you around in New York because you moved there for your job.

Yesterday evening, you packed your bags and checked everything at least five times to make sure you had not forgotten anything. Your suitcase was full but organized, and you could still feel the excitement bubbling inside you.

Then you drove to Brooke’s apartment and spent the night there, hardly able to sleep from anticipation. The next day, you flew to North Carolina, where Drew was already waiting for you, ready to start the trip.

And before you could look twice, you already sat in the passenger seat. Brooke sat in the backseat because it was more comfortable, and Drew drove the car.

Before you could even reach the ski area, it already began to snow, maybe even a little snow storm, so Drew drove a bit slower than before. Brooke slept in the backseat. Meanwhile Drew and you talked nonstop, and you figured out that you had a lot in common.

When you arrived and got the key to your cabin, it was smaller and cozier than you imagined. Warm lights, a big couch with cozy pillows and blankets on it. It looked like it was straight out of a movie. A quiet crack came from the fireplace, and Drew immediately started building it while Brooke showed you the rooms. You let the evening end quietly by eating something and then playing a board game.

The next morning, you went to the slopes. Brooke already took off like a pro, and Drew stayed with you. He knelt beside you as he helped you secure your skis, and you held onto his shoulders so you did not slip.

“You have never done this before, skiing I mean?” he asked gently as he put on his own skis.

You just shook your head. “No, never.”

“Don’t worry, I will help you,” he said.

The first glides were slow and insecure. You were concentrated on your feet because you were afraid of falling, but it felt less insecure when Drew hovered over yours just in case.

Then you heard Brooke calling your names. You got distracted and almost slipped. But before you could fall, Drew was there immediately. His arms wrapped around you, strong and steady, as he kept you upright.

“Try again, I will stay right by your side,” he murmured, brushing a bit of snow from your shoulder without looking away.

And you realized this trip might turn out even better than you had quietly hoped, and maybe even a little more fun than you ever imagined.