Holly head Slopes

Chapter eight

Mason's POV

Holyhead Slopes was getting busier by the hour, which is excellent considering I own part of the business, but my dislike of most people makes me despise it. The mountain was packed, the queues were infuriating, and the people who recognised me wouldn't give me a second to breathe. My only saving grace was my three best friends being in town and a strange girl who, by our three encounters, hated me. Except by her eyes and her nervousness tell me differently.

Abigail. That was her name. A sweet and innocent name that, at first glance, suited her until her slip-up on Instagram showed me her other side. I particularly enjoyed the college parties she attended with exposing outfits I wished I could witness in person. I may not own a frat house, but I have the mountain equivalent, and we sure know how to party.

I drove into one of the biggest houses on the mountain grounds. It's one of my properties but the least precious, which is why my friends live there. It was once labelled at the party house, but I have forbidden parties in the last few years. I had to be serious now that I had invested my money into ownership of the slopes. But one party wouldn't hurt.

My three best friends sat in the living room, moping that their favourite time of year was missing its annual night events. We created the midnight slopes, fireworks parties, neon nights, and whatever ridiculous idea we could throw a party for.

"Do you animals think you can organise a party tomorrow night?" I asked without a greeting. Their eyes shot to me with raw excitement. A party to these boys was more exciting than Christmas to a five year old!

I have very talented friends; they are playboys but talented no less. Clay Morgan was my longest-standing one. We've been friends since we could walk. When we took our first snowboarding lesson, he pushed me into the snow, and I retaliated by pushing him off the baby ski lift. We were naughty kids, which made us best friends instantly. He was my biggest competition throughout my career. As much as I love him, watching him win competitions I know I could win with my eyes closed was slowly killing me now that I'm retired.

Marcus Cassidy. He is one classy guy. Old money if you will. He embodied being a nepo baby. His Father is a big movie director in France. He wasn't bothered by fame but by fortune; he had a passionate relationship with that. Holyhead Slopes was where he skied as a kid and now studies at the local college when he decides to turn up.

Hyde Sargent completed our group. He was the one nobody could read, even we struggle at times and we've been friends for a lifetime. He's reserved as if he's always holding an ace and is waiting for the perfect time to play it. Loyal as the most honourable man with a brighter future than any of us here. We never figured out why he hung out with us.

We found each other and then decided not to make any more friends. We have what we need. Others were merely acquaintances. And that's the way we wanted it.

"Oh, thank God. War is over." Clay dramatically said, jumping over the back of the sofa. He ran to me and hugged my stiff body, which only grew more rigid from his contact.

"Why the change of heart?" Marcus asked with narrowed eyes.

"Nostalgia. We always did throw a good party." I shrugged. I wasn't prepared for questions. I figured they'd be thrilled and immediately be on the way to the liquor store.

"Who's the girl?" Hyde bluntly questioned. His tone had a sternness to it. It wasn't a suspicion; it was a certainty. I wish they could be as giddy as Clay and get off my back.

"More like, who are the girls? A house full of snow bunnies' boys, why would I be limited to one?" I winked, embracing my past player ways. I still enjoyed the odd hookups, but my previous rate of sex with random girls was out of control. But I have changed in the last couple of years. I kept to myself, but there was one girl I couldn't quite get off my mind.

It all started with her running into me around a blind corner. The confidence she had pinning the blame on me. Some people have places to be and a schedule to keep. Nonetheless, I was a gentleman and provided a solution. I didn't quite realise her wearing my name on her back would look so hot. Nor did I realise the problems she would endure, but I enjoyed our second verbal battle. The fire in her eyes as she scowled and insulted me excited me more than it should. If she didn't look so close to killing me, I would have kissed her right in front of everyone, but she isn't the easily charmed kind of girl. She is a challenge, and I like to win.

The boys didn't waste time in party planning. I'm sure they have things stored in hopes I lifted the ban. It would explain the hundreds of solo cups Marcus pulled from a cupboard. They hardly did dishes, so seeing plastic cutlery and cups was in their character, but this was party quantity. Clay had phoned the biggest Slope gossips. Feeding people with immense influence and good taste of party guests was a tried and tested method for a full house, and it worked every time. They did the hard work, and we provided the goods. The most important thing we had to decide on was the theme. And I had the perfect one!