He noticed the additional creases marring her forehead. “Because twenty-five grand doesn’t cover my losses. Medical bills, lost wages and tips, extra business expenses because I had to hire a replacement, and more.”

“Twenty-five grand?” Her eyes widened in surprise. “That’s all the liability coverage Andy carries?”

“It’s the state minimum.” Grey couldn’t even criticize the guy, considering he’d lived most of his life by the same philosophy when it came to car insurance.

“Well, how much do you need?”

Grey crossed his arms, closing his eyes so he didn’t have to see the panic in hers. How had he thought he could keep his personal feelings out of this mess?

“Listen, we really can’t discuss this.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs. “It’s not personal. I’m not trying to hurt anybody. Not you. Not even your brother.”

“That’s what I told him.” The relief exuding from her grateful smile pierced straight through his heart. “Thanks for proving me right.”

Hell. She’d clearly misunderstood him. He didn’t want to hurt anyone, but he wouldn’t roll over and lose everything either.

Absent some miracle, he knew he’d probably have to go after Andy’s interest in their home. Despite his good intentions and near-desperate sexual desire, this friendship—or whatever this was—with Avery was as doomed as a sandcastle on the beach.

Chapter Six

Chaos—the only word that adequately described the scene at the Sterling Canyon Annual Tent Sale. Each late-April after the slopes closed for the season, all the retailers pitched canopies along Main Street, dragged out their remaining stock, slashed prices, and let the customers go crazy. By midday, the entire Sterling Canyon population milled around in a disorganized frenzy, scoping out that perfect deal.

“Ave, I’m gonna go home.” Andy cast a quick glance over his shoulder at old Vanessa Cartright, who had just sneered at him and was now whispering something to her husband.

Throughout the weeks following the accident, Avery had discovered the locals had divided into three groups.

The smallest group—those who were standing by Andy—could be counted on her fingers and toes. Then there were those who weren’t particularly eager to see him punished, but who salivated over the latest gossip and were quick to point out how lucky he was that nobody died. And finally there were those who jumped at the chance to openly criticize and ostracize him for his mistake.

Avery threaded her arm through Andy’s, placing her body between him and Vanessa. “Don’t let that old bag bother you. Besides, you promised to help me find a new pair of skis.” She tweaked his nose, hoping to force a laugh, then rested her head against his shoulder.

“It doesn’t make me feel better when you treat me like a baby.” He shrugged free. “I’m taking off.”

“Fine. No more babying. I drove, and I’m not ready to go home.” She grabbed his hand. “Besides, your lungs and ribs are healed now, so no more excuses for lazing around the house. Sooner or later you need to start walking around town with your chin up.”

“Now you sound like Dad.” His observation caused her to bat him on the shoulder with the back of her hand, which only made him grin. “Knew that’d getcha. But you can’t control me or my feelings, Ave. I’m going to walk home.”

She looked at his Merrell hiking shoes. “That’s a long walk.”

“I can use the fresh air.” He bent down and kissed her cheek. “See you at home.”

Avery drew a deep breath and exhaled slowly as he walked away. She shook her head and then ducked into Gary’s Gear to look for new skis for next season. An attractive pair of green Atomics caught her attention. She plucked them off the makeshift wall to see if they were long enough.

While holding them along her body to determine if the tips were at about the same height as her nose, she felt someone approach. She braced to deal with a pushy sales person, but it was Grey’s voice she heard. “I doubt those are what you’re looking for, Bambi.”

Like a reflex, she grinned and turned to face him. Only two weeks earlier she’d stormed out of his apartment, relieved his insulting nickname for Kelsey had weakened her growing crush. Sadly, that feeling had only lasted until their next therapy session. Now she was back to battling against her attraction every minute they spent together.

Even dressed in old gray sweatpants and a faded Whistler hoodie, he looked handsome. She raised her brows in question. “Why do you say that?”

Grey took the skis out of her hands and put them back against the wall. “You grew up here. You’ve skied all your life, right?”

“So?” She chafed at the way he’d swooped in and taken over.

“You ski the whole mountain?” His hands rested on his hips.

“Yes.”

“Ever go out of bounds?”

“Not often.” When he grimaced, she said, “I’ve got to be careful. An injury could affect my ability to work.” The minute she heard her words, she felt idiotic. If anyone understood how a serious injury could mess with one’s profession, Grey did. Fortunately, he let the comment pass.

“Regardless, that particular Atomic is for beginners. The radius is too short for you, and there’s not enough rocker for the times when you might need it.”

“But it’s the prettiest pair and it’s half price.” Her protest made him roll his eyes. “Hey, Atomic makes a good product.”

“I know, but that’s not the right ski for your needs.” Grey studied the other skis still available, his silvery eyes focused, thoughtful, serious. Eventually he picked out a red set of K2s. “Now this ski is perfect for someone like you. A medium-length radius, rocker/camber/rocker combo, and a strong core reinforced with bamboo. It’s even got skin grommets built into the tip and tail in case you want to hike up a ridge.”

“But that red clashes with my ski outfit.” She heard Grey laugh, like Matt used to do when he disagreed with her decisions. Her body lit with heat, making her snippy. “What’s so funny?”

“Normally you aren’t afraid of throwing different colors together.” He held out both hands to fend off the light punch she threw his way. “Come on, Avery. You know gear isn’t about fashion. This is an all-mountain ski that will do everything you need for your level of skiing. I promise, I wouldn’t steer you wrong.”

His sincerity softened her attitude, making her realize she’d overreacted. Grey wasn’t Matt.

“You have no idea what level I am.” She gestured between them. “We’ve never skied together.”

“Maybe we’ll remedy that next season.” He watched her closely, as if willing her reaction to confirm that he would, in fact, ski again. Of course, all she could think about was the idea of skiing with him, which made her flush. “In the meantime, I can tell you’re athletic. Your brother’s an instructor. And the fact you ever go out of bounds tells me you’re technically an intermediate to advanced skier, probably the latter. But if you don’t trust me, ask your boyfriend when he comes back.”

She felt her eyebrows pinch together until she realized he must’ve seen her with Andy. “You mean the blond guy who just walked off a few minutes ago?”

“Yeah.”

“First of all, I don’t need any guy’s help making decisions. Secondly, that particular guy is my brother, not my boyfriend.”