Suite Embrace by Anita Bunkley

never seen snow or even seen a person ski, except on television. We get young people from all over the U.S., Mexico, South America and the Caribbean who are thrilled to strap on a pair of skis. A lot of the black ski clubs give scholarships for underprivileged kids to have access to lessons and experience the powder. Makes for very gratifying work. I feel as if I’m finally doing something worthwhile with my life. Up to now, I sometimes think I’ve been selfish with my talent…too focused on winning another competition, another golden trophy, another dose of my mother’s approval. It was never enough. Now I know what’s been missing.”
    When Mark remained silent for a long moment, Skylar couldn’t help asking, “Why are you telling me all of this?”
    Mark shook his head slowly back and forth. “You know…I’m not sure,” his voice had fallen to a whisper. “All I know is that I feel comfortable with you. I trust you. It’s as if you’re someone I’ve been waiting for, and for some strange reason, here you are, just when I need to talk to…to…” He hesitated.
    â€œTo a sister?” she helped him out, thinking she knew what was on his mind.
    â€œYeah, I think that’s it,” Mark softly acknowledged. “I’ve gotta be honest, Skylar. I haven’t had much experience with black women. My world simply didn’t collide with too many women like you…and that’s just a fact. But now that I’m living in the States, I know what I want and I want to know you, Skylar.” He paused, allowing Skylar to absorb his confession.
    â€œThat’s very flattering,” she told him, suddenly feeling a little sorry for Mark, who had bravely exposed a vulnerable side of himself to her.
    â€œCan I give you a little test?” Mark went on.
    â€œShoot.”
    â€œIf someone asked you who I am, what would you say?”
    A warning hammered in Skylar’s ears: Be careful…this is another one of his ploys to pull me closer, to test me again. “Well…” Skylar started. “I’d say that you’re an unusual man, being a black Olympic gold medal winner and all…that you were a famous skier who broke records…” Her voice trailed off, unsure of where he was headed and not wanting to say the wrong thing.
    â€œExactly what I mean!” Mark reacted, lifting a finger to emphasize his point. “You focused on my career, as most people do. But what I want everyone, and especially you, to do is appreciate me …for who I am now…not who I used to be. Does that sound crazy?”
    â€œNo, not at all,” she managed through a tightly constricted throat. She could see how frustrated he was, as well as embarrassed, for having revealed so much about himself to her. But still, he went on.
    â€œSkylar, the first time I saw you in the store in town, I was struck by your beauty, of course, but also your spirit. You really held your ground about those glasses, which was exactly what you should have done.”
    â€œAnother one of your tests?” she teased.
    â€œOh, hell no,” he laughed. “But I was impressed with your sense of confidence. There was something about you that got to me that day, and it’s still stuck in my head. If you’ll let me, I’d like to find out what it is about you that is driving me crazy.”
    Disturbed by his candid admission, Skylar pulled in a quick breath and blinked, knowing she ought to get up and leave, prevent him for going any further. After all, she had come to Scenic Ridge on a temporary gig to get over Lewis and decide what direction her future should take, not get tangled up in a rebound-romance with a guy who had a reputation as an international playboy.
    While her fears increased by the second, her eyes remained locked with Mark’s, boldly assessing the virile, vulnerable, gorgeous man who was making it clear that