The Slope Rules Read online

  Amber laughs as I close the door. The click of the latch catching echoes in the empty hallway. “You said you moved here for his job. I take it Boulder will have another brewery soon?”

  I lead them to the stairs. “Yep. Calliope Brewery is ours.”

  “Ooh, the purple one?”

  Amber rolls her eyes at Bethany.

  Bethany laughs. “What? I like purple.”

  I step into my room and wave an arm at the purple bedspread and curtains. “Me too.”

  Amber laughs. “I didn’t take you for a girly girl.”

  “I’ve got to balance aerial maneuvers with something more feminine. I don’t do dresses, so purple is it.”

  Amber studies me for a beat, then she smiles. “You skiing tomorrow?”

  I smile back. “Is that really a question?” I nod at Bethany. “What about you?”

  She laughs. “Let’s just say I’m Amber’s feminine balance.”

  Amber shakes her head. “Your house is cool.”

  I gaze at the plain white walls and beige carpet, longing for the archways and scuffed floors from Vermont. For the cinnamon and vanilla. For Mom. “It’s not home. This is a rental. Dad says we’ll look at houses once Calliope opens.”

  The girls fall silent. I need to lighten up or people will leave before the party gets started. I could really use Sophia right now.

  “Come on, let’s go back downstairs.”

  We’ve barely settled onto the couch when the doorbell rings. I leave them in the living room and nerves propel me to the front door. I know Bri and the girls are coming, plus the guys, but beyond them I have no idea who to expect. I’ve met a lot of people but talking in the halls or saying hi in class is different than being in my house. Taking a deep breath, I yank the door open.

  Dad smiles at me, his hands weighed down with plastic bags.

  I exhale. “Why didn’t you come through the garage?”

  He winks. “I know how much you hate the unexpected, so I thought I’d burst your anxiety bubble. Now get out of the way, these are heavy.”

  A laugh rolls up my throat and my shoulders relax. I’m shutting the door when someone calls my name. I open it again.

  Evan’s walking up the sidewalk, Reece and Austin a few steps back. He’s holding a small white box with a yellow ribbon. “This is for you.”

  “You didn’t have to bring anything.”

  His eyes crinkle as he smiles. “I know.”

  I take the box and usher them inside. “Thanks. The girls aren’t here yet, but my friend from Eldora’s in the living room.”

  Austin laughs. “Bri won’t be here for at least an hour.”

  Panic chokes my throat. “But I don’t know half the people who are coming!”

  Evan slides his arm over my shoulder as we enter the living room. “You’ll be fine.”

  Amber stops talking, hand in the air, when she sees us.

  I shrug off Evan’s arm. “Guys, this is Amber and Bethany. I met Amber at Eldora last month.”

  Evan moves to the chair closest to where she’s sitting. “Snowboarder, right?”

  She nods, uncertainty clear on her face.

  Austin sits next to Bethany on the couch, eyes on Amber. “You’re the first chick I saw go inverted.”

  Reece snorts. “I doubt that.”

  “I mean on snow.”

  I sink into the chair opposite Evan, leaving Reece standing in front of the coffee table. “And this is Austin and Reece.”

  Reece continues. “You’ve probably done more on snow than most guys our age have—”

  Austin cuts a glance at Bethany. “Dude, chill.”

  Yeah, Reece is definitely just like Hunter. I lean back in the chair, letting their banter settle my nerves. This is the closest to home I’ve felt since moving here. Austin’s asking Bethany about her classes when my gaze lands on Evan. He’s talking to Amber, describing some kind of aerial move with his hands. His lips look fuller when he laughs and a small flutter stirs in my belly.

  No. You’re not going there—for so many reasons—starting with Mike and ending with the fact that Blake will hopefully make an appearance.

  But I can’t resist joining the conversation. I mean, I’m the host. It’d be rude not to talk to him.

  I lean forward. “So Evan, how’s Dolly?”

  He tilts his head, thinking, then a broad smile brightens his face. “I can’t believe I haven’t told you.”

  All eyes are on him as I ask, “What?”

  “Cooper knocked her up!”

  My mouth falls open. “You’re not serious.”

  “Totes.”

  The girls’ heads swivel between us. “Who are Dolly and Cooper?” Amber asks.

  I cover my face with my hands. It’s not like it’s my fault, but the fact that Evan and I were there during the deed feels strangely intimate.

  “Dolly’s my hussy of a yellow Lab and Cooper’s the Basset Hound from across the street.”

  “Omigod!” Bethany slaps a hand over her mouth, eyes wide.

  “That’s how Cally and I met. She was chasing Cooper for the old lady across the street and—”

  “And we practically got to third base before we said hello.”

  Now all eyes are on me.

  Evan holds up his hands. “Not like that. She ran so fast around the corner that we slammed into each other.” He looks at Reece. “Get your mind out of the gutter.”

  Reece laughs. “Impossible.”

  I smile at Evan. “I’ll have to tell Mrs. Sherman she’s gonna be a gramma. I usually see her when I’m out on my afternoon run.”

  “Ask if she wants a puppy.”

  Austin nudges Bethany with his shoulder. “You know what else is impossible? That I’ve never seen you at Eldora.”

  She rolls her eyes, but a smile tugs at her mouth.

  I laugh. “Barf.”

  Reece looks at me. “Drinks are in the kitchen?”

  I stand. “I’ll show you.”

  Evan starts to get up but I wave him off. “I’ll grab stuff for everyone.”

  Once in the kitchen, Reece leans against the counter. “So... you and Evan?”

  I raise an eyebrow. “What, are we in seventh grade?”

  He smiles. “He didn’t tell me to ask, I just see what I see.”

  I grab sodas and set them next to him on the counter. “We’re just friends.”

  “Friends who give friends presents?”

  Oh yeah. I set the box on the table but never opened it. “Yes. Friends.”

  “Mm-hmm.”

  “No, seriously. And please don’t encourage him. I know—” I take a breath. I don’t want to betray Mike by telling Reece that she still likes Evan, but I need to put a stop to any rumors. “I know he and Mike dated and I don’t want to get in the middle of anything.”

  A mischievous smile spreads across his face. “Sometimes that’s the best place to be.”

  I snort. “Is that all you think about?”

  “Pretty much.”

  I laugh, and it feels good. Of all the guys here, Reece is the most like the guys back home. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  The doorbell rings. I shove the cans into his arms but Brianna, Kenzie, and Mike are already walking through the foyer by the time I get to the door. A combination of excitement and dread rush through me. This party will be easier with them here, but I can’t shake the feeling that Bri has ulterior motives—beyond needing to fill a slot in her social calendar.

  “Hey, lady.” Bri drops a kiss on my cheek as she breezes by, and Kenzie does the same.

  Mike pauses next to me and rolls her eyes. “I must have missed the we’re-still-in-Europe memo.”

  I laugh, and Bri turns around. “You coming?”

  “Yes,” Mike and I sa
y. We follow her into the living room, where the conversation has stopped. Amber’s eyes widen when she sees Brianna, and Austin shifts slightly away from Bethany.

  Brianna pushes her shoulders back. She’s been in the room for two seconds and is already in control.

  “You guys want something to drink?”

  Brianna’s face lights up. “Can we sample your dad’s brew?”

  “Uhh...” I scan their faces to gauge how many of them are going to pressure me for beer. “My dad’s upstairs so that’s probably not a good idea.”

  She lifts a shoulder. “Just a sample. We’ll be done before he notices.”

  I step forward, jaw clenched. “Not this time.”

  An awkward silence hangs over the room and I’m on the verge of doing backflips to break the tension when Brianna narrows her gaze at Amber. “Do I know you?”

  Amber sips her soda before answering. “Doubtful.”

  Brianna’s eyes become slits. “So why are you here?”

  Amber’s mouth falls open and I move next to Brianna. “We met at Eldora and I invited her. I didn’t realize I had to get my guest list approved.”

  She lets out a huff of air. “I’m just trying to help you, Cally.”

  Maybe Brianna’s the one I should have thought twice about inviting. I lock eyes with Amber and mouth sorry.

  The doorbell rings again so I duck out of the room, hoping someone changes the topic. Before long the living room and kitchen are full and based on the noise level, everyone seems to be having a good time. Dad winds his way through a couple times to make his presence known, kisses the top of my head, then points at me and heads back upstairs.

  Amber finds me in the kitchen. “I can’t believe you’re friends with those bitches.”

  “Friend is a strong word.”

  “They’re mean, boring, and terrible skiers. And with all that makeup they’re not even attractive, unless you’re into that kind of thing.”

  “That’s a bit harsh.”

  “But it’s true.” She crosses her arms, seeming more upset now than she did when Brianna made her introductions. “I didn’t figure you for a follower.”

  I straighten my back. “I’m not! Mike is cool. And the guys are normal. It’s just Brianna and Kenzie...” I trail off and shake my head. She’s right. Since when do I let mean girls tell me what to do? “Being friends with guys is so much easier.”

  “Not all girls are asswipes.”

  A weak smile lifts the corner of my mouth. “I know. My friend Sophia from back home is amazing. We text all the time but it’s hard not having her around.”

  Amber studies me for a moment, then nods toward the living room. “What does she think about them?”

  I laugh. “She thinks I need to get my head out of my ass and not let them push me around.”

  “See. You know how to pick good friends. Let’s call this momentary weakness because you’re at a new school. Could happen to anyone.”

  I raise my soda to hers and we clink cans. “To not being a pansy pushover.”

  She smiles, but it’s cut short by a huff in the doorway.

  “Cally, you’re needed in here.” Brianna’s eyeing Amber like she’s a piece a gum on her shoe.

  A rush of heat pushes me forward, but I stop after two steps. This is not the time for a confrontation with Brianna, no matter how badly she needs to be knocked down a few pegs. I swallow past the anger and force my voice to stay level. “What’s going on?”

  She narrows her eyes. “In. Here.” Her gaze skates over Amber, dismissing her.

  I lean against the counter. “Give me a few minutes.”

  Brianna rolls her eyes and turns back to the living room. She murmurs, “hopeless,” over her shoulder.

  “I’m leaving anyway.”

  “Amber, don’t go.” I take a step toward her. “What happened to not letting her push me around?”

  She lifts a shoulder. “What can I say? I’m a hypocrite.”

  “Please stay.”

  Her eyes soften and for a moment I think she’s considering it, but then her jaw clenches and she shakes her head. “I get enough crap from the mean girls at my school and blondie in there takes what they’ve got to a whole new level. This was fun but I have a thing about self-preservation.” She pulls out her phone and types a message.

  “I’m sorry.”

  She touches my arm. “Don’t apologize for them unless you become one of them.”

  Her words hit me in the chest like a physical blow. I’ve barely been here a month and I’m somehow getting dragged into the bitchiest clique at school. This is not who I am.

  Bethany appears in the doorway to the kitchen. “Ready?”

  Amber nods. “Walk us out?”

  “Sure.”

  They follow me to the door, where I face Amber. “I wish you could’ve stayed longer.”

  “Next time. Ten tomorrow?”

  A smile spreads across my face, one that reaches my heart. Skiing fixes everything. “I’ll see you there.”

  Bethany hugs my shoulders. “Thanks for inviting us.” She’s sweet, and I’m glad Amber has a friend like her. Amber hugs me, then I reach for the door.

  It swings open and I freeze, mouth open.

  Blake’s standing on the porch.

  Amber and Bethany smile at him as they step outside, but I can’t make my mouth work. As much as I fantasized about him coming, I didn’t think he’d ever be here at my house.

  The girls are on the sidewalk before I realize he’s with two friends: Luke, the skinny guy with close-cropped hair from our English class, and a boy I’ve seen but haven’t met.

  Luke steps forward. “Cally, right?”

  My voice seems to have left with Amber, so I nod.

  Luke hooks a thumb at the other boy. “This is Ian.”

  Ian pushes his shaggy brown hair out of his eyes and smile. “Cool place.”

  “And I believe you know Blake.”

  Blake hasn’t taken his eyes off me since I opened the door and I’m having a hard time looking anywhere but his eyes. And his lips.

  “Sooo...” Luke clears his throat. “We’ll just let ourselves inside.”

  I move out of the way to let them pass and hear the door click shut behind me.

  Blake moves forward until we’re practically toe to toe, eyes still on mine. A breeze swirls around us, blowing his hair in his face, and I wrap my arms around myself. The cold air on my neck brings me back to Thanksgiving and the memories of us together make it hard to see straight. I shiver.

  “You cold?” His voice is low and soft and I feel myself leaning toward him before I realize I’m doing it.

  I shake my head.

  He smiles that lopsided smile and my heart somersaults. “You gonna say anything?”

  My voice comes out thick. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  He breaks eye contact, looking at the ground between us. “That’s what I’ve been thinking for the past month.”

  I stagger back a step. I didn’t expect him to acknowledge things so quickly. “Then why...” The hurt from the past month rushes back and I press my hand against my throat, unable to get the words out.

  His gaze follows my hand, lingering on my neck. I brush a finger over my skin, imagining it’s his lips.

  “I know I owe you an explanation. I just...” He shakes his head, sending his hair over his eyes. “Can you forgive me?”

  I don’t want to give in too easily but something about this boy makes me want to screw the rules and jump into his arms. “That depends.”

  He watches me, not saying anything, and I scramble to think of a condition. Sophia’s voice echoes in the back of my head. “This hot and cold thing’s gotta stop.” Although technically it’s been all hot, then all cold. “I won’t let you hurt me again.�
�� Which is a lie. Just talking to him now has the potential to crush me if things go back to our new normal on Monday.

  He pales. “Again?”

  “Did you forget that you suddenly lost my number?”

  He looks down again. “I’m sorry.”

  Laughter from inside carries through the door and I’m pulled out of my Blake-induced haze. “I don’t want to get into all that right now, but—”

  He reaches forward and grabs my hand. His skin is warm despite the cold air and heat races up my arm, jolting me in the heart.

  I’m screwed.

  “I promise I’ll explain. But for now,” he smiles that lopsided grin, “it’s really good to talk to you.”

  Dear lord, I’m beyond screwed.

  “Should we go inside?”

  I lift a shoulder and smile. “I guess.”

  He opens the door and I drop his hand. As much as I’ve dreamed of the day that Blake and I are an actual couple, I don’t want to be the center of rumors this soon in my new school.

  We find Luke and Ian in the living room with everyone else. “You get lost?” Luke asks, winking at Blake.

  “She was showing me the landscaping.”

  Reece chokes on his soda. “I bet she was.”

  Heat flames my cheeks and I search the room for a distraction, any distraction. Evan’s studying Blake like he’s gauging unexpected competition, while Mike smiles and gives me a thumbs-up. My gaze stops on Brianna, who’s sitting on Austin’s lap. I’d begun to think she was too good for high school boys, but from the way his hand’s trailing up and down her back, I’d say I was wrong.

  Brianna narrows her eyes at me.

  What did I do now? Whatever’s got her pissed off can wait. I smile at Blake. “Drinks are in the kitchen.”

  He and Ian wander off and Luke nudges me. “Nice to see that you can actually talk.”

  Just when I thought I couldn’t blush any more. “I was surprised to see him—you guys. But I’m glad you came.”

  The slip didn’t get past him. “I figured. I had to convince him to come.”

  “What?” My stomach drops. Blake doesn’t want to be here? Then what the hell was that outside?

  Luke leans closer so the others can’t hear. “He knows he’s been an ass but he’s so stubborn he’d rather be miserable than try to fix it.”