Anna Keaton - Falke’s Peak

The moist smacking of eager kisses, the playful male growl and the giddy female giggle were strikes one, two and three. They made Dakota Tokala regret ever agreeing to this vacation and kept her from enjoying everything the ski resort and quaint, Bavarian-styled town of Leavenworth had to offer.

When Lana first pitched the idea for the ski trip to Washington, Dakota had been led to believe it would be a girls-only getaway for herself and her two best friends. Unfortunately, one week before the trio was scheduled to leave, Lana fell trying to run in her obscenely high stilettos to avoid a rain shower and broke her arm. Then Carrie decided to invite her fianc to take Lanas place since hed been moping over the prospect of entertaining himself for a week without her.

Dakota glanced at the couple in the seat opposite her just in time to see him feed her one of the strawberry theyd stocked up on from the lunch buffet.

Once again, youre the odd duck. She frowned and took a bite of her salad, unable to savor the taste of herbs and vegetables. Disgruntled, she forked the food around on her plate, then gave up and shoved it away.

As she started to scoot out of the booth, Carrie turned to ask, Hey, you not hungry?

No, she replied, trying to keep the disappointment from her voice.

But I thought you said you were famished.

Her friend looked confused, and Dakota sighed.

Carrie was a great friendhad been since they met as freshmen during rush week at collegebut things were different when men entered the picture. Not that she faulted Carrie. She was happy for her, but the queen-sized hideaway bed wasnt as appealing an option for the week when the only bedroom was occupied by a couple ready for a real honeymoon.

Dakota had only claimed hunger to get out of the suite because of the lovebirds. She hadnt expected Carries fianc to agree and suggest they all try the restaurant theyd passed in the resorts lobby after checking in the night before.

I know. I thought I was too, but you two go ahead and enjoy the meal. Im just feeling a bit restless and thought Id do a little souvenir shopping or something. Maybe the idea of shopping would keep Mr. Testosterone from wanting to follow this time.

It worked. Carries fianc didnt say a word.

Instead, he stuffed his mouth with a bite of an almost-mooing T-bone drowned in steak sauce.

Though Carrie frowned, she nodded. Okay, she said, a hint of apology in her eyes. Were still heading for the slopes later, right?

Dakota smiled. Her friend was trying to keep her included, but that could prove impossible when Carries attentions were diverted by much more interesting playthings.

Grabbing her goose-down jacket, Dakota raised her cell phone and waved it. Call me when you guys want to go.

They wouldnt call. As she walked away, she could imagine them heading back to the room, supposedly to change into snow gear for skiing, and getting sidetracked by warm linens and a soft mattress.

Dakota couldnt blame Carrie. If she had a man in her life, she might do the same thing. Then again, if she had a man in her life, she wouldnt feel like a third wheel on a trip that was supposed to have been an action-packed girls retreat.

When they first planned the trip, she and Lana had looked forward to the prospects of a few flirty thrills with some hunks on the slopes. Theyd even teased Carrie about finding themselves a couple of sexy ski instructors.

But that didnt mean Dakota needed a man in her life. She did well enough on her own, had a successful career, good friends and a nice apartment in Vegas.

She wasnt interested in finding a husband or even seeking a long-term relationship.

Still, being the odd one out wasnt exactly her idea of a fun-filled vacation either. There should be plenty to do to keep her occupied while Carrie and Ted enjoyed their premarital lovers haven.

Slipping on her coat, she stepped out into the blustery winter day and smiled as she boarded the empty resort shuttle to the main hub of Leavenworth.

Nestled among towering mountains, the village had a unique appeal, which surprised Dakota. Having grown up in Boulder, shed always liked the wilderness and natural vistas that reached for the heavens. But a college scholarship and fate had led her to the concrete, glitz and neon jungle of Las Vegas.

She didnt mind city life, even when it went on around the clock, but she had to admit an attraction for simpler things and fewer deadlines, being free to stop and enjoy naturesomething her parents had encouraged with their annual summer vacations to many of the countrys national parks.

Leavenworth and the Wenatchee National Forest, though, had never been in her parents travel plans.

Shed lay odds that it was as picturesque in the summer as it was blanketed by new fallen snow.

The shuttle van pulled to the curb, and the driver turned to look over his shoulder. Hows this?

Dakota glanced out the window. Perfect. Thanks.

Ill get it, she said, keeping the older gentleman from getting out to hold the door for her. She opened the vans sliding door and exited onto a surreal wintry landscape. If she ignored the cars lining the paved street, she could pretend shed stepped back in time and into Bavaria. Murals and gingerbread trim decorated the buildings, and the scents of fresh-baked pastries, spicy sausages and melted chocolate spilled from shops lining the sidewalks.

As she meandered down the walkway, peering into windows at the brightly colored gifts for sale, she sidestepped a woman and three excitable children in snowsuits. The woman murmured an apology as she grabbed the smallest ones hand. Dakota grinned at the cherub in all pink from stocking cap to boots, and resumed her walk. A bright red flier taped to a lamppost made to look like an old-fashioned gas lamp caught her attention.

The advertisement was for overnight expeditions into the mountains.

When she stepped closer to read more, she collided with another pedestrian who dropped a bag of sealed plastic food containers and almost dropped her heavier burdentwo twelve- packs of canned cola.

Oh, Im so sorry, they both said at once, which made the other woman laugh and Dakota hurry to help retrieve the containers that had fallen onto the shoveled and salted sidewalk.

I didnt hurt you, did I? the woman asked.

No, no. Dakota rose to her feet, holding on to the bags handles. The petite blonde looked as if the cases of soda were more than enough of a load. Im afraid I was so busy looking around I wasnt watching where I was going. Didnt mean to cut off your path. She flashed a smile as further apology.

Tourist, the woman said with a nod and answering smile, her breath a brief puff of white in the cold air.

Dakota laughed. Guilty as charged.

Welcome to Leavenworth. Im Heidi.

Dakota.

Nice to meet you. I would shake your hand, but She raised one of the cases.

No problem. Dakota glanced at the flier that had caught her eye earlier. She could ask the concierge back at the resort, but decided to take a chance and ask a local. So, youre from here.

Born and raised.

Do you know of a reputable place that offers guided trips into the mountains this time of year? She pointed at the flier by way of explaining her question.

Heidi grinned. Sure do. Catamount Outfitters. In fact, Im headed in that direction. I could show you.

Thatd be great. Thanks. She lifted the bag. Ill just help carry this for you too.