Steam (Homecoming Hearts #4)(20)

“Okay, now lean the other way,” Trent said. Ashby did and they changed direction. Ashby whooped.

“You know,” he said, “you’re a very good teacher.”

Trent didn’t say anything to that, but he did have a small smile on his face when Ashby glanced over. “Let’s stop there,” Trent murmured.

“Stop?” Ashby squeaked.

He lost his concentration and flailed. Before he could hit the powder, though, Trent caught him. Again.

His hands were firm on Ashby’s waist. “Sorry,” Trent said with that same small smile. “Should have covered stopping first.”

“Oh, it’s fine,” Ashby said. “This way I get to sneak in another hug.” He laughed, but Trent raised his eyebrows. “Fuck, sorry, that was a stupid thing to say. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Trent was still holding onto him, however. His body felt so solid against Ashby’s. “Nah, man. Most of my best buds are queer. I’m the odd one out. Takes more than that to scare me off.”

Ashby licked his lips. “Good,” he said. Then he took a breath and stood up straighter, making sure he was stable. “Right, okay, then. How do I stop when I don’t have a dashing hero to come to my rescue?”

They worked on basic techniques for a little while longer. Ashby was gob-smacked to discover that not only did he have a wonderful time, but it wasn’t only down to Trent’s company. He thought maybe he could get quite fond of this snowboarding malarkey.

After another hour, Trent suggested they try one of the actual slopes. “Just a baby one,” he assured Ashby.

Ashby was keen to do anything to keep Trent in his company. He knew it was a bad idea, but they were having fun, so why couldn’t he enjoy how hot Trent was at the same time? Trent never needed to know.

It felt incredible to be achieving something for once. The more Ashby progressed on the board, the less conscious he was of Trent’s proximity to him. As he tipped over and slid down the slope for the first time, everything went from his mind except how this was possibly the closest anyone could get to flying.

“Yeah!” he yelled most of the way down, dizzy with exhilaration. He’d done it. He even stopped by himself at the bottom and stood waiting for Trent to come down and meet him. “That was fantastic,” he said, bobbing up and down as much as he could while secured to a heavy board. “Can we do it again?”

“Sure,” Trent said. Then he checked his watch. “Although, I’ll have to head off soon. I’ve got to go see someone.”

Ashby’s good mood dropped in a flash. “Oh, of course,” he said contritely. “You probably have friends waiting for you. I’m sorry, I’ve taken up half your day.”

But a slow smile spread across Trent’s face. “No, actually. I have to see my dad about something. He works at the gift shop here. I’m just visiting. I’m not here with friends. In fact, I’m on my own.”

Was that…some sort of hint or invitation? Ashby couldn’t tell. “Oh, that’s all right then.” He rubbed the back of his neck with a gloved hand. “Uh, well, I’m by myself, too. If you wanted to hang out again.” As soon as the words left his mouth, horror washed through him. “I mean, you know, as friends. Or – could-be-friends. I know you’re not, um. That wasn’t me asking you out on a date.”

Trent laughed and shook his head. “Dude, chill,” he said. “It’d be nice to hang. See you at the bar later, maybe?”

“S-sure,” Ashby said, doing his best to recover.

His heart was racing at the idea of seeing Trent again. He thought this snowboarding lesson would be the only chance they’d have to spend together. Even if it was purely platonic, Ashby couldn’t deny he was excited by the possibility of getting to know him better.

How could he not have recognized Trent right away when they’d met in the lobby? He hadn’t been obsessed with Below Zero exactly, but he’d watched enough of their videos. His teenage self would lose his mind if he knew that one day he would be asking TJ Charles out for a drink.

“I’ll probably have dinner down in the restaurant,” he babbled. “I normally go down about six o’clock. Although my jet lag is all but gone now, so I could go later if you wanted? Did you want food or just drinks or…you know what, don’t worry. I’ll just…see you when I see you, yeah?”

Trent rubbed his chin. “After six,” he said, nodding. “I’ll be there. Catch you later, Ashby.”

With that, Ashby watched him slide away, expertly handling his board. Ashby sighed. Well, that wasn’t how he planned his day to go. He had to be firm and not let his imagination run away with him. But Trent was a lot nicer than he’d come across the day before, and Ashby couldn’t help but look forward to spending more time together that evening.





9





Trent





Trent was surprised by how much he’d enjoyed hanging out with Ashby. He was a nice guy, but he was also really fun. As Trent made his way back to the main lodge, he felt lighter somehow.

It had been years since he made a new friend. Someone who was genuine, not a work colleague or a fan or some blogger looking for a story. Ashby was easy company. Trent was glad he’d swallowed his pride and approached him to make amends for his initial behavior.