Jules Ambrose stood at the top of the mountain, her nerves masked by a determined expression. It was her first time skiing, and she couldn't help but curse herself for agreeing to this. But she wasn’t about to show weakness, especially not in front of her best friend’s brother, who was currently smirking at her with that infuriatingly smug look.

“First time?” he asked, voice dripping with mock concern.

“Don’t worry about me,” she shot back, adjusting her goggles with more force than necessary. “I’ll be fine.”

“Just try to keep up,” he teased before pushing off effortlessly, gliding down the slope with the ease of someone who had done this countless times before. Jules hesitated only for a second before following, her heart racing as she picked up speed.

The wind bit at her cheeks, and she fought to maintain control. Despite her best efforts, her skis wobbled, and within moments, she was tumbling down the slope in a flurry of snow. When she finally stopped, half-buried in a snowbank, she heard the unmistakable sound of laughter.

“Need some help?” he asked, skiing up to her with annoying grace.

Jules glared up at him, swallowing her pride. “Just get me out of here,” she muttered, reaching for his outstretched hand. He pulled her up, his smirk never fading.

“Not bad for a first try,” he said, surprisingly sincere.

She brushed snow off her jacket, determined not to let him see how flustered she was. “I’m just getting started.”

“Good,” he replied, that familiar challenge sparking in his eyes. “I’d hate to have to wait for you all day.”

Jules rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. “Let’s go again. This time, try to keep up with me.”

As they prepared for another run, she couldn’t deny the strange mix of rivalry and something else simmering between them. Whatever it was, it made her want to push herself harder, to prove that she was more than capable of keeping up with him.