Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine)

Chapter 48: Snowed In

Jade's POV

The smell of freshly brewed coffee woke me before the sunlight streaming through the cabin's massive windows could. My body felt deliciously heavy, the kind of ache that comes from a day on the slopes—and a night tangled up with Nick. A contented smile tugged at my lips as I stretched, the memory of his hands on me, his lips against my skin, playing in vivid detail in my mind.

Pulling the thick blanket tighter around me, I turned my head to see him standing by the kitchen counter, his hair still tousled, wearing nothing but sweatpants slung low on his hips. He was pouring two cups of coffee, the sight of him as effortless and sexy as it was comforting.

"Morning," I called, my voice still heavy with sleep.

He looked up, his mouth curving into a grin that sent a fresh wave of warmth through me. "There's my sleepyhead. Thought I'd have to bribe you out of bed."

I laughed, sitting up and tucking the blanket around me like a cocoon. "Consider me sufficiently bribed if one of those is for me."

He grabbed both mugs and crossed the room, handing me one as he sat down on the edge of the bed. "Of course. You earned it after yesterday."

"After skiing or after last night?" I teased, raising an eyebrow as I took a sip.

His grin turned into a smirk, and he leaned closer, brushing a kiss against my cheek. "Both. You've got stamina, Collins—I'll give you that."

I rolled my eyes, but the blush creeping up my neck betrayed me. "You're impossible."

"And yet, you adore me."

He wasn't wrong. I leaned into him, savoring the quiet moment as we sipped our coffee. The cabin was warm and still, the snow outside muffling any sound beyond the crackling fire in the hearth. It felt like we were the only two people in the world.

"What's been your favorite part of this trip so far?" I asked after a while, setting my mug down on the bedside table.

He thought for a moment, his fingers idly tracing patterns on the back of my hand. "Honestly? Waking up next to you every day, knowing there's nothing pulling us away from each other. No schedules, no phone calls, no bullshit."

His words made my heart ache in the best way. "I love that too," I admitted. "It's been... peaceful. I don't think I've felt this relaxed in years."

"Well," he said with a playful grin, "you can thank me for the brilliant idea later."

I swatted at him, laughing as I climbed out of bed. "Don't get used to me saying this, but you were right."

His jaw dropped in mock surprise. "Can you say that again? I need to record it for proof."

"You're pushing your luck, Galitzine," I called over my shoulder as I headed for the shower

We decided to spend the morning exploring the woods surrounding the cabin. The trails were freshly blanketed with snow, and the towering pines looked like they belonged in a Christmas postcard. The air was crisp and cold, biting at my cheeks as we walked hand in hand, our breath visible in soft clouds.

"This place is perfect," I said, looking around at the untouched beauty of the forest. "It's like stepping into another world."

"Yeah," Nick agreed, his voice quiet. "It's so quiet out here. Feels like we've left everything behind."

I glanced at him, smiling at the way his expression softened as he took in the view. There was something grounding about being here with him, away from the chaos of our lives. It reminded me of how much we'd needed this—how much I'd needed this.