Love on the Slopes: Hartley Series, #1

By Amy Manemann

"Sweet and sensual romance at its best. A must read!" New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster

Jessa Hartley is haunted by memories of the night she threw herself at her childhood crush, Dominic DeRenzi – and he turned her away. Years later, Jessa has managed to put the past behind her and climb up the ranks as head instructor of the ski lodge she one day hopes to purchase. Only her plans take a nosedive when the smooth talking Italian shows back up in town. Even worse, he's planning on purchasing HER lodge.

After surviving a disastrous marriage, Dominic DeRenzi returns to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, hoping to make a fresh start for him and his six year old son by purchasing the old ski lodge. Until a chance encounter with Jessa Hartley throws his well laid plans off track. The once innocent girl from his childhood has grown into the beautiful woman he always knew she would become, and he is painfully reminded of the night he over stepped his bounds and kissed her. Then broke her heart by sending her away.

Rekindling the flames of their past isn't part of the plan, yet Dominic and Jessa soon find they're helpless to stop the fire that burns brightly between them. He broke her heart the first time he left, but can he make her see this time around he's here to stay?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Manemann
• Release date: Apr 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781386390688

Book preview

Chapter 1

Snow fell in fast flurries around the lithe figure speeding their way down the mountainside, skis expertly weaving their way over and around the many peaks lining the snowy terrain. Reaching the bottom of the hill, a spray of snow cascaded to the ground as the skier came to an abrupt halt, and thickly gloved hands rose to push the ski mask from a set of laughing, crystal blue eyes .

Wow, what a rush! Jessa Hartley exclaimed, giving a shake of her long hair. She easily drew the attention of a nearby skier, though Jessa paid no heed to his admiring gaze. Instead, she turned her shining eyes to look up the mountain for her slower moving ski partner.

She easily found the bright red ski jacket of her older brother, Jeremiah, as he made his way down the mountain at a more leisurely pace. The oldest of their seven siblings, Jeremiah Hartley stood at a towering height of six foot three, was solid muscle from working his roofing company, and had a charming smile Jessa knew for a fact could make any woman melt. She’d seen it happen. Not that her other brothers were any different. Or her sister, Julianna, for that matter.

Cupping hands around a full set of lips, Jessa yelled, Come on, Miah, I’m not waiting all day for you.

Seconds later, Jeremiah reached the bottom of the hill, making it a point to coat Jessa with a dusting of white powder as he drew to a stop next to her. Jessa laughed, dusting off her ski jacket.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Kid. Not all of us like to ski like a bat out of hell, he

remarked dryly, lifting his ski mask to reveal a matching set of crystal blue eyes.

Smirking, Jessa swatted his arm. You’re just jealous because you don’t have my mad skills.

Nah, I just don’t have a death wish. Jeez, Jessa. I think you’ve gotten faster since the last time I skied with you. What’s the rush? Jeremiah asked, giving his younger sister a nudge.

Jessa inwardly cringed, quick to avert her gaze from his curious stare. She should have known better than to fly down the hill that fast, having just gotten back from a week-long vacation in San Diego, but she hadn’t been able to reign herself in. Skiing was the one thing, the only thing, that made her feel whole. Which was exactly why Garrett Luke, the owner of Jackson Hole Ski Lodge, had forced her into taking a vacation. When Jessa wasn’t busy teaching ski lessons, she was running the slopes, reveling in the exhilarating rush of the cool air hitting her face as she blazed a path down the mountainside.

She had to admit the trip to San Diego had done her good. It’d been fun lounging on the beach with friends, though the time off had done little to quench her thirst for the slopes. Skiing was her life, as was the lodge. There wasn’t another place in the world she could imagine being, which is why she’d spent the last five years saving up every penny earned to purchase the resort from Garrett.

No rush, I was just enjoying the run. And speaking of running….why isn’t lift two operating? She frowned, motioning towards the line of skiers waiting for the chair lift to the top.

Jeremiah shrugged, sliding his skis forward to grab a spot in line. I think I heard something from Jake about lift two breaking down, and the part wouldn’t be in until next week.

A smile tugged Jessa’s lips at the mention of her older brother. Jake Hartley was the sole proprietor of Twin Rivers Brewing Company, which operated as the restaurant and distillery inside Jackson Hole Ski Lodge. In her off hours from the slopes, Jessa often helped out by waitressing or bartending. Though she would gladly do it for free, the tips were always plentiful and had helped in plumping up her savings account.

Jessa’s smile soured as her eyes danced over the line of skiers waiting for the chair lift to the top of the mountain. Did anyone talk with Garrett? I’m surprised he was okay with waiting until next week when this is perfect skiing weather. If people have to wait for the lift they’re going to get mad and ski somewhere else.

The line shifted forward and Jessa and Jeremiah followed, easing their skis behind the people in front of them.

Jeremiah’s brow furrowed, a puzzled look crossing his face. Why would Garrett need to be okay with that? It’s not like he has a say in the matter.

What are you talking about? Since when does the owner of the lodge not have a say in how things operate? Jessa asked in surprise.

Jeremiah stared at her for a minute then averted his gaze, a curse falling from his lips.

Miah? What’s going on? Jessa pushed him, ignoring the knot that was beginning to form in the pit of her stomach.

I’m sorry, Jessa. I thought you knew. Garrett…he sold the resort, Jeremiah said softly.

Jessa eyed him for a second, eyes incredulous, before promptly bursting into laughter.

Oh my gosh, you really had me going there for a minute, she gasped in between bursts of laughter.

Jeremiah shifted uneasily, a pensive look on his face. Jess, I’m not joking.

Jessa’s laughter faded, the smile disappearing from her eyes as his words sunk in. He was dead serious. Garrett had sold her ski lodge.

"I don’t believe it. He sold the lodge? My lodge?" she finally whispered, her voice so low he had to lean in to hear her.

I’m so sorry, Jessa. I really thought you knew about the sale, he said gently, placing a gloved hand on her shoulder.

Jessa barely felt his comfort through her coat, her body stiff with shock. Unable to speak, she faced forward, her mind reeling with the news. All around her were the sounds of joking and laughter as everyone awaited their turn on the lift. It was something Jessa always looked forward to at the end of a run, the comradery often found in a group of fellow skiers. And while she longed to be able to join in their carefree laughter, her mind was in too much turmoil to join in their fun.

Buying the lodge had been her dream for more years than she could remember. She’d had plans, big plans, including a complete renovation of the lodge and the addition of new and exciting programs. Jackson Hole Ski Lodge was her entire life, the only life she’d ever wanted. What was she supposed to do now?

Jess, are you okay? I know you had some fantasy about buying the lodge, but maybe this is a sign that it wasn’t meant to be, Jeremiah finally said with a shrug, breaking the silence that had fallen between them. They were finally on the lift, their skis dangling over the canopy of snowy trees below as they made their way to the top.

Jessa turned to stare at him, open mouthed.

You’re kidding, right? Buying the lodge wasn’t some fantasy to me, Jeremiah. This was my dream, and one I’ve worked long and hard for. Garrett knew how much I wanted to buy the place. I thought everyone freaking knew it, she said through stiff lips, unable to keep the hurt from her voice.

All those years she’d scrimped and saved, forgoing any vacations and frivolous things so she could sock it all away for the lodge. For her lodge. And now her dreams were just dust in the wind.

Jeremiah couldn’t hide his surprise. He covered her hand with his, giving a gentle squeeze. I’m sorry, Honey. I seriously had no idea the lodge meant that much to you. I thought it was just some passing phase. Hell, we all did.

His words stung, even while a part of her understood where he was coming from. Unlike her brothers and sister, Jessa was the flighty Hartley, the daydreamer, the one who tended to live in the moment rather than plan ahead. Sure she’d earned a business degree from Jackson Hole Community College, but what had she done with it? Gotten a job as a ski instructor for the ski lodge she loved more than the air she breathed. Not exactly an impressive career move. And while she’d planned on purchasing the lodge from Garrett and making a go of being a business owner, apparently she was the only one who thought she was actually serious about it.

A thought suddenly blindsided Jessa, causing acid to form in the back of her throat. Garrett planned this. My trip to San Diego, him paying for my plane ticket…this was all a plan to get me away from the lodge so he could make the sale without me here.

Jeremiah’s jaw clenched, eyes hardening. I find it hard to believe Garrett would do something that like, Jessa. Look, I know you’re mad, but don’t jump to conclusions.

Jessa whirled in her seat, eyes wide. "Oh come on, Miah. It’s all there, black and white.

Garrett knew how much I wanted to buy the old place. Hell, everyone here knew that. He’s never made it a secret he thought it was a bad idea. I’m just an idiot for thinking I could eventually change his mind."

Jessa’s head fell backwards, and she stared with unseeing eyes at the clear blue sky overhead. The events from the past several weeks came rushing back, playing like a bad movie in her head. Garrett insisting she needed to take a vacation and dangling free airfare over her head, knowing she would never dip into her hard earned savings and splurge on a vacation. It was the perfect cover. And, of course, she’d fallen for it, hook, line and sinker.

Jessa could feel Jeremiah’s sympathetic gaze on her, but she refused to look at him less he see the unshed tears shining in her eyes. The top of the lodge rose into view as they crested the final hill, and gloomily, she gathered her poles.

Let’s keep things in perspective. A new owner doesn’t mean anything, Jessa. Your position as the top ski instructor here is solid. You know Garrett won’t let anything happen to that, Jeremiah spoke, gathering his own poles.

Jessa snorted. Right, like he didn’t let anyone waltz in and steal my damn lodge?

His reply was lost when she raised the lap bar, letting her skis touch down on the icy snow before standing up and gliding off the ramp. Angry puffs of white air blew from her lips as she skied her way to the main lodge, managing a tight smile and nod to the familiar faces she passed. Their sympathetic gazes weren’t lost on Jessa, however, making her feel even more the fool. Was she the last person to know what was going on? Why hadn’t Jake called her?

Burning with anger and embarrassment, Jessa drew to a stop just outside the main lodge, shedding her skis and placing them alongside the poles in the rack next to the building. A minute later, Jeremiah slid to a stop next to her, breathing heavily. Despite her anger, Jessa couldn’t help the smug smile that creased her lips.

You know, for being a contractor, you’re pretty out of shape. You should really exercise more, she remarked dryly, watching while he shed his skis and poles.

And you shouldn’t ski mad, he bantered, arching an eyebrow.

Jessa’s smile faded.

Easy for you to say, she grumbled, all traces of humor vanishing.

Turning, she began making her way to the front entrance when something in the parking

lot caught her eye, giving her pause. Squinting, her eyes zeroed in on a name on the side of a very expensive looking black Lincoln Navigator, and everything inside her stilled. DeRenzi Enterprises. It was a name she hadn’t seen in a very long time, yet it still managed to steal the very breath from her lungs.

Memories of a scorching kiss on a sultry night flooded her mind and Jessa angrily shoved it aside. Dominic DeRenzi happened a long time ago, a part of her past she would rather forget. It’d taken her a long time to get over the smooth talking Italian when he’d left town, taking her heart with him, and it’d be a cold day in hell before she allowed him near her again.

Jeremiah stopped next to her, eyes following her line of sight. A stream of expletives that would have made a sailor blush burst from his lips, and had Jessa not been frozen in shock she probably would have complimented him on it. Her brothers weren’t aware of how she’d shamefully thrown herself at the man who was their childhood friend, only of how his absence had affected her when he left. The only person who knew the truth was their sister, Julianna, and Jessa knew she would have a hey day when she found out about this.

What is he doing here? she asked aloud, her voice huskier than she would have liked it to be. Maybe she was mistaken. Maybe it wasn’t Dom’s vehicle parked in the lot. Dom’s father had made a small fortune buying and selling properties all over the world. Maybe it was Salvatore DeRenzi who was darkening her doorway.

You didn’t hear? DeRenzi Enterprises is buying the lodge, a voice piped up in answer to her question. Startled, Jessa glanced at the lanky figure she hadn’t noticed standing just outside the front entrance.

She cleared her throat, hoping to remove any lingering emotions along with it. Hey, Gary. I’m sorry, did you say DeRenzi Enterprises?

Gary Hughes pushed away from the wall he’d been lounging on, giving a nod. Yeah, Dominic DeRenzi, actually. He and Garrett are upstairs with their fancy lawyer right now drawing up the papers. I think Dominic grew up around here, right?

Jessa barely heard what he said, heart thumping in her chest for two reasons. Number one, the obvious one, that Dom was definitely back in Jackson Hole. And number two, the heartbreaking jackass was trying to steal her ski lodge.

Without uttering a word, she stormed past Gary and pushed through the front doors,

quickly bypassing the front desk for the staircase.

Maybe we should talk about this, Jeremiah called from behind her, struggling in his thick snow boots to keep up with her long strides.

Jessa paused, pinning Jeremiah with a stare that gave him pause. Did you know he was here?

Jeremiah winced. That was all the answer she needed to know.

Turning the corner of the hallway, Jessa entered the stairwell, taking the steps two at a time. Then there’s nothing to talk about. The bastard is here to steal my lodge, Miah. End of story. Keep up or go home.

Chapter 2

Deep set, assessing eyes studied the paper on the table, studiously moving over the fine print of the contract. Everything appeared in order, the contract having already been groomed with a fine tooth comb by his lawyer’s office. This was just the final icing on the cake, and Dominic DeRenzi was eager to have the acquisition done and over with .

Like his father before him, Dominic made his living off of purchasing acquisitions and was good at what he did, earning him more money in a year than he could spend in his lifetime. The purchase of the Jackson Hole Ski Lodge was different. Moving back to his home town would be a fresh start for Dominic and his six year old son, Dante. One they both desperately needed.

Across the table sat Harvey Smythe, of Smythe Law Offices, and Garrett Luke, soon to be former owner of the ski lodge. Dominic had many fond memories of the old lodge from his youth, so when Garrett had contacted him about purchasing the place, he’d jumped at the opportunity.

Everything appears in order, except one thing. Twin Rivers Brewing Company. There’s no mention of a purchase agreement with the brewing company and restaurant located in the lodge, Dominic said, his deeply accented voice even.

Harvey nervously cleared his throat. As it’s been explained, Twin Rivers has always maintained a separate identity from the lodge. The owners have no desire to sell the brewing company and restaurant at this time, but would like to entertain the same contract they had with Mr. Luke.

Dominic smiled complacently. He had yet to meet anyone who didn’t have a price. Obviously the owners were playing hardball. Perhaps they would reconsider with a more lucrative offer, as I have no desire to keep a separate identity for the lodge and the restaurant.

Garrett scratched his graying head, a small frown tugging the corners of his wrinkled mouth. He might, but I don’t reckon Jake Hartley would be partial to selling his brewing company. The boy has worked long and hard to get it where it is.

Dominic’s insides stilled, instantly recognizing the name.

Jake owns the restaurant? he asked, somehow managing to keep the shock from his face.

It was the summer before third grade when Dominic’s family moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Salvatore DeRenzi was a man of vision, and he saw a land rich with opportunity in the sleepy town. Dominic saw it as less than ideal, a place where he would have to once again start over in a new town with new friends.

Yet all that changed when he met the Hartleys.

If memory serves right, you and the Hartleys were close growing up. Strange, you not knowing about Jake’s company, Garrett remarked, wizened eyes peering at Dominic from across the table.

Dominic was careful to keep his face blank, though his heart felt the sting of Garrett’s words. Other than the occasional letter written to their parents, Dominic hadn’t spoken with the Hartley siblings since he’d left town those many years ago, the night he’d given in to unwanted desires and kissed the one person he swore he would never touch. Jessa.

Dominic leaned back in his seat, forcing a charming smile to his lips. I lost touch with the family after I left, so I wasn’t aware of Jake’s interests in the lodge.

Something he should have researched more thoroughly, he silently added, cursing himself for having rushed into this acquisition. Desperation did strange things to a person, and in his desperation to secure a stable home for Dante, he had failed to completely investigate every detail. It made him wonder if he’d so blatantly missed this detail with Jake’s brewing company, what other surprises were in store for him?

As if in answer, the door to the conference room burst open, and the breath was knocked from his lungs at the sight of Jessa Hartley, a heavenly visage decked out in ski