Chapter 90

Kiki perched on the edge of the couch in her stocking feet, leaning her elbows onto her knees, her eyes wide. He picked up the gift and tore it open, revealing a ski jersey and a gift certificate to go skiing at The North Pole Lodge. "Wow! This is wonderful! Thank you! You didn't have to do this!"

"Yes I did," she replied and then her eyebrows pulled together in concern. "You do ski, don't you?"

"Yes, of course I do!" He slipped on the jersey and it fit perfectly.

"Well, I knew you were into sports, so I thought we could go skiing together sometime- that is, if you skied...."

"This is perfect!" Taren quickly closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her in for a hug. "I haven't went skiing in a long time, so it'll be fun."

"If you'd rather take a friend, that's okay, too--"

"The only way I'll go is if you go with me," Taren cut her off.

Kiki's shoulders relaxed and she smiled in relief. "Good. I'm glad you like it. It's not as extravagant as wh