Title: Christmas Affair

Author: PrincessAnastasiaBelikov

Background: All human. Rose is dumped by her fiance Adrian two months before they were supposed to get married. Lissa decides to send Rose to a beautiful Ski Lodge for the holidays so she can snap out of her depression. At the Lodge, Rose meets Dimitri, the owner. Sparks fly.

I couldn't believe I had agreed to come here. My best friend Lissa told me that I needed a new experience. My ex-fiance Adrian broke up with me before Thanksgiving and apparently I was a bitch to be around now. So Lissa decided to book me a trip for Christmas. I was going to spend a week at a Ski Resort in Montana. I have no idea why Montana but apparently it was supposed to kick me out of my funk.

That's where I currently was, standing in front of the Ski Resort in Montana. The lodge looked just like you would expect it too. Snow covered and a little rustic, it reminded me of a Christmas card. Ugh. It was going to be a long week. I shouldered my duffle bag and made sure my purse was balanced around the long handle on my suitcase, pulling the suitcase I made my way inside.

Wow. These people really liked Christmas. There were decorations everywhere and Christmas lights everywhere. The lobby had two fireplaces and I could see the great room had three in addition to the massive Christmas tree sitting in there. The lodge was a decent size and homey it seemed. It was very logged cabin like and reminded me of what you would see in country films. Or old western movies.

"Welcome to Belikov Lodge," a woman greeted me as I went to the desk. She was pretty, probably in her early thirties. She had long dark brown hair that was braided to the side and strong features. "How can I help you today?"

"I am checking in," I told her as I set my duffel down and fished around in my purse. "It should be under Hathaway."

"Miss Hathaway," the woman smiled. "Yes, you will be staying with us for seven nights, is that correct?"

"Yeah," I grumbled. "I don't really know much about this place, this trip was a gift."

"Well, we are a Ski Resort. We have a wonder of winter activities, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating. Along with many indoor activities and the spa," the woman explained to me. I watched as she pulled out a heavy brochure, which looked more like a magazine, setting it on the counter. "Everything is Christmas themed and winter-themed here, I suggest taking a look through our brochure. If you have any questions you can ring down to ask or just look for someone who has a nametag or Belikov Lodge polo and they will be happy to answer it for you."

"Thanks," I nodded as she put together my room keys and a few other brochure's and papers. I looked through the brochure she handed me while she finished checking me in. I noticed that there seemed to be every activity you could think of and that lodge was actually very large. As I looked it over I realized this was a place that Adrian would never go to, it was too active for him. He was much more the party type and wanted women to flock to him. Ugh. Why did I ever date him? Why did I agree to marry him?

"Here is your room keys," the woman's voice bringing me out of my thoughts. "Here is a schedule of all meals, along with a map of the lodge. This is the evening activities list for each night you are staying here. If you have any questions feel free to ask. My name is Karolina by the way."

"Thank you," I said to her. "Um, which way do I go?"

"Hold on," she told me. "Paul," she called behind her.

A tall boy, maybe in his late teens came out from the room behind her. He had to me about 6'3 maybe 6'4, and he was pretty muscular. The only reason you could tell he was still a boy was off his features. He had a baby face that hadn't fully transitioned into a man yet.

"Yeah, ma," the boy asked the woman. She looked much too young to be his mother, I thought. But I guess she must be.

"Could you show Miss Hathaway where her room is? And would you carry her bags?" Karolina asked her son.

"Sure," the boy nodded as he went to grab my duffel bag and suitcase. "Follow me," he said to me. I grabbed my purse and followed him toward the large winding staircase.

"So Karolina is your mother?" I asked him when started walking down the hallway.

"Yup," Paul nodded in a very boyish way. "First time here, huh?"

"Yeah, how could you tell?" I asked him a little confused.

"We get a lot of regulars at the holidays," he told me. He led me down the hallway, we walked for what seemed like forever before there was another set of stairs. "This place twists and turns a lot, don't feel bad about carrying the map with you."

"I might just do that," I chuckled. We climbed the other set of stairs and I was pleased to notice that this floor was a lot smaller than the last. "How many floors is this place?"

"Only four, not including the basement," Paul told me. "The employees stay in the basement during the holidays and then our family lives on the top floor. It's been like that since Uncle Dimka bought this place. He wanted it to be like people were visiting their family not just a hotel."

"That sounds nice," I nodded as we continued down the hallway.

"Yeah, which it's especially nice to those who come alone," Paul told me. He walked up to a door and then turned to me. "Your key please?"

I handed him my key and he unlocked the door before heading inside. I followed him and watched as he laid my suitcase on the bed along with my duffle bag. "Thank you," I told him.

"Sure thing," he nodded. "If you need anything just ring down to the desk or ask anyone in a polo."

"I will, thank you," I smiled at him.

"Have a good stay," he said as he put the key he used on the desk and left the room.

I looked around the room once I was alone, room was a bad word it was more a suite. Lissa spared no expense I noticed. She and Christain, her husband, apparently came here on their honeymoon. It was recommended to them by Christain's Aunt, she knew the owner. The room was beautiful as was the gift basket sitting on the desk.

I walked over to the double doors against the back wall, they were all glass and I could look out and see the mountains. It was beautiful. I opened the doors and walked out onto the balcony terrace. It was a beautiful sitting area with a fire pit on one side and what looked to be a hot-tub on the other side. The only thing that would make this better would be a gorgeous man to be sharing all this with me.

I headed back inside and looked at the brochure. There really was a lot of activities. I also took note of the meal times and the hundreds of snack times. It was early afternoon so lunch had just passed but they had snacks out in one of the rooms downstairs. I might as well go down and mingle with some people. Otherwise, I would spend my entire time in my room.

I quickly changed clothes into a pair of skinny jeans and an oversized comfy sweater. I slipped on some brown boots and grabbed my phone and laptop. If anything, maybe I could get some work done. The walk to the snack area wasn't too bad. I got lost a couple times but people helped me find my way.

The room I walked into was on the far end of the lodge. It was really cozy, there was a massive fireplace in the middle of the room and there was couches, chairs, and tables surrounding it. There were couples curled up on couches talking, kids were playing board games, and there were a few people reading books or on laptops. I looked to the side and noticed a drink bar on one wall and on the other, there was a snack bar with a pretty girl standing by helping people. She looked similar to Karolina.

I decided to claim a small table for two before I got anything. I need one near an outlet so I could get some work done. Ever since Adrian and I ended my business boomed. I guess that's what happens when you throw yourself into work. I picked a table by the window so I could look out at the mountains. I could see people skiing and kids playing outside. It made a pretty picture.

"Hi," the girl standing by the snack bar greeted me. "Did you just check in?"

"Yeah," I told her. "About an hour ago. Wow, you guys have an amazing selection."

"Yeah," the girl laughed. "We do, my brother likes to eat so he always said he would have an amazing selection at every meal."

"Your brother?" I asked a little confused.

"I'm Viktoria Belikova," she introduced herself. "My brother Dimitri bought the lodge about ten years ago and remodeled it."

"Oh," I said nodding. Dimka must be a nickname for Dimitri, I thought to myself. "It's a real family thing, isn't it?"

"Yeah it is," she laughed.

"I'm Rose by the way," I told her realizing I never gave her my name.

"Nice to meet you," she grinned at me. "So who are you here with?"

"Just myself," I explained. "It was a gift from a friend."

"Oh that's nice," she said a little too happily. "You know, I am sure Dimitri would be happy to show you around! And maybe even teach you how to ski."

"I don't want to bother him," I brushed her off. "I am sure he is really busy, plus I don't think his wife would appreciate it."

"He's not married," she smiled at me. "You don't have to, it was just a thought."

"It was a nice offer," I told her.

"Well, help yourself," she gestured to the snack bar. "And if you need anything, just ask."

"Thank you," I said. I quickly made a plate of the little sandwiches they had out and grabbed a bottled water before heading back to the table I had staked out.

I had been working on things for a few hours when someone sat at my table across from me. I looked outside and noticed it was pitch black, wow it had gotten late. I was ready to rip the person who sat down a new one when I looked up but stopped myself when I took in the gorgeous man sitting in front of me.

"This is no way to spend your vacation at the best ski resort in the country," the man sitting in front of me said. His voice was deep and wrapped around me in a sensual way.

"I'm not much of a skier," I giggled softly as I took him in. He looked to be tall, it was hard to tell because he was sitting. He was really muscular, bodybuilder muscular it looked like. He had slightly tanned skin and dark hair that was tied back. I could see the ends curling slightly and I wanted to run my fingers through his hair while he kissed me. His eyes were dark and framed by thick long lashes He had a chiseled jaw with a strong nose and soft full lips.

"Well, I could teach you," he grinned at me. His teeth were perfect and pearly white. Was that a dimple in his face?

"I don't know," I shrugged. "Is this your great pick up line? Teaching lonely girls how to ski?"

"No," he chuckled. "My sister told me you were here alone, and I noticed in the registry. I thought you might like to have some fun."

"Oh, you are the owner!" I exclaimed as the dots connected.

"Yes, I am, Dimitri Belikov," he stuck out his hand for me to shake. "So tomorrow, let me teach you how to ski?"

"You aren't going to set me up with an instructor?" I asked him.

"If you want to learn from my nephew, you are more than welcome too," he grinned at me. "But I have found that sometimes people don't like learning from a seventeen-year-old."

"Yeah, I think I will take you up on that," I laughed a little thinking about it. "Well, it's late. I think I am going to head up."

"I will meet you outside your room tomorrow morning, say eight?" He asked gathered my things.

"Yeah, that sounds good to me," I smiled at him. "Have a good night."

"You too," he told me as I walked away. Wow, he was gorgeous. And I couldn't wait to learn to ski from him.

The next morning I woke up early and decided to put a little effort into my appearance. I doubt this guy was looking for anything more than some fun times, and who was I not to enjoy my vacation.

I pulled on a pair of tight jeans and a thick burgundy sweater. I braided my hair in a long dutch braid and swept it to one side. I wasn't a huge fan of makeup but I coated my lashes in mascara and put a little blush on. I guessed a little lip gloss wouldn't hurt either, I thought as I swiped the tube over my lips. I then grabbed my tan snow boots and pulled them on. I was ready to go. I hoped he wasn't late.

Knock. Knock.

"Hey," I greeted the man standing outside my door after I answered it. "Right on time."

Dimitri stood there in a pair of form-fitting jeans that hugged his body well. I couldn't wait to see what his backside looked in those jeans. Now that he was standing I realized he was a lot taller than I thought. He was in a pair of snow boots and a grey sweater that hugged his muscular body. He had a black puffy vest on over his sweater and a black beanie on his head. He looked amazing.

"I didn't want to keep a pretty lady waiting," he smiled at me. "You got your coat?"

"Let me just grab it," I told him as I opened the closet and pulled out my white winter coat and my tan ear muffs. "All set," I told him.

"Good," he grinned at me. "I hope you are ready for a fun day."

"Let's do this," I said as I stepped out of the room The two of us walked down the long hallway and began talking about ourselves. I learned that Dimitri was thirty-two and had owned the lodge since his twenty-first birthday. Apparently, his estranged father left him a lot of money and the lodge went on sale. His dream was to be a business owner.

I learned that he was originally from Russia and his family moved here to Montana when he was ten. The lodge was a total family thing. His three sisters worked at the lodge and also owned a small percent. Karolina, his older sister was thought of as the General Manager and did all the administrative work. Sonya, his sister who was a few years younger than him was a nurse and she ran the infirmary. Viktoria, his baby sister, organized all the children activities and would float around to make sure all employees were working. He called her his second set of eyes. His mother also worked at the lodge, but he hated saying that. She supervised the kitchen and coordinated all events.

"What do you do?" He asked me as we made our way outside.

"I run my own business too," I told him. "It's part of the family business. My father was a huge businessman, a big investor of sorts. So after college, I started in the family business. I am the VP of Marketing."

"Wow, big job," he told me. "How old are you? If you don't mind me asking."

"I'm 25," I mumbled softly. Men always get intimidated by my job. I knew that Adrian felt that way. He used to tell me that he hated that I made more money than him. Of course, I made more money than him. I didn't live off my trust fund like he did.

"Well, I can tell you that skiing will be much easier than what you do for a living," he teased me. The two of us were walking to the edge of the mountain, I could see the ski lift ahead.

We spent the whole day talking. I was having the most fun I have had in awhile. Probably since before I started seeing Adrian. Dimitri made me laugh and he focused on me when I spoke. I forgot what it was like to have someone focus on me and only me. He told me about the books he liked, apparently moving to Montana was a dream come true for him as a kid. He loved western books, so as a kid he felt like he was moving into one of his novels.

"So do you ride horses?" I asked him as we walked back to the lodge at the end of the day. We had been skiing all day. I was proud to say that I only fell down a few times, Dimitri was a great teacher.

"I do," he grinned at me. "We actually offer rides here at the lodge. People don't typically take us up on that as much in the winter, but we offer sleigh rides in the winter."

"That sounds like fun," I smiled at him.

"Yeah it is," he chuckled. "Do you want to go horseback riding tomorrow?"

"Oh," I said in surprise. "I'm sure you are really busy."

"Not in the afternoon," he smiled at me. "We can go after lunch."

"Okay," I smiled at him. "Meet you in the dining room tomorrow, say one?"

"I am looking forward to it," he told me.

At this point, we were back at the lodge and headed our separate ways. I was really liking this guy, he was funny and sweet. Not to mention wickedly smart, we talked all day. The crazy thing was I could have kept talking to him. I have never felt that way before.

"Hey," Viktoria greeted me as I walked through the lodge. "How was skiing?"

"It was a lot of fun," I grinned at her. "Your brother is very nice."

"Yeah he is pretty great," she nodded. "What are you up to?"

"I was going to head up and change, I am pretty sure I smell," I laughed. "Why?"

"Well, it's might night off and I was wondering if you wanted to join me for dinner? Both my sisters have to work and as much as I love Dimka, I don't want to listen to him complain about how much he disapproves of my boyfriend," she giggled. "What do you say?"

"Umm, sure," I nodded. It would be nice not having to eat by myself.

"Great! Why don't you come up to my room? It's on the fourth floor, room twelve I am ordering pizza," she grinned at me. "Girls night okay with you?"

"Yeah that sounds fun," I nodded.

About two hours later I found myself knocking on Viktoria's door. "Hey!" She exclaimed as she opened it. "Come on in!"

"Thanks, so how's your day been?" I asked her as I sat on the couch. Her room was more like a studio apartment.

"It's been good," she told me as she went to get drinks. "I just called down for pizza, it should be here in thirty minutes. So . . . how was your date?"

"What date?" I asked her confused as she handed me a soda.

"Your date with my brother," she rolled her eyes at me. "When I first saw you, I knew you would be his type."

"Oh, it wasn't a date," I shook my head looking down at my soda.

"Yeah that's convincing," she laughed. "He doesn't teach people ski, he always gets one of the instructors to do it. When I suggested it to him, he jumped at the chance."

"He told me he taught a few people," I explained to her. Was it a date? It did seem like a date at times. But no, he was just teaching me to ski.

"Yeah when he used to work here in high school," she shook her head. "It was a total date! But whatever, you guys looked cute together."

"Umm, thanks," I said a little confused. Viktoria laughed before she hopped up to put in a movie on the flat-screen TV. It was a fun night, she tried to convince me that her brother was into me. But I kept brushing her off. I wasn't ready to hop into another relationship. No matter how yummy and delicious Dimitri looked.

"Thanks for hanging out with me," she said to me as I got up to leave. "The holidays are lonely because everyone is so busy, we never have the same nights off. It was nice hanging out with another girl."

"Thanks for the invite," I told her honestly. "It got me out of spending the night in my room." I waved at her as I headed out into the hallway. I was halfway to the stairs when I bumped into Dimitri.

"Hi," he told me. "What are you doing up here?"

"Oh, I was hanging with your sister, Viktoria," I explained to him. "Did you have a nice night?"

"Yeah, it was a lot of mingling with the guests to make sure their stay was up to par," he nodded. "Now, I am ready for some sleep."

"I understand that," I grinned at him. "I had a nice time today."

"Me too," he smiled at me. We were looking into each other's eyes for a while, his hand came up to my face and he brushed the hair out of my face. Somehow we had come closer and closer together. I wanted to kiss him, no Rose.

Thankfully we were interrupted.

"Uncle Dimka, have you seen Zoya?" A little girl asked as she came out of a room next to us.

"I think she is in bed," he turned to the little girl. "Why aren't you in bed?"

"Mama was working and Paul isn't here," she said to her uncle. She was adorable. "So I stayed up."

"I have to go," he turned to me. "I will see you tomorrow, have a good night."

"Goodnight," I said as I made my way to the stairs. I could hear him talking softly to his niece. He was so sweet, he seemed perfect. I couldn't get into another relationship though.

"You ready to go?" Dimitri asked me as he came up to me after lunch the next day.

"Yeah," I grinned at him. The two of us walked to the barn where the horses were. I couldn't believe I was learning how to ride a horse today. "So, I am sure your girlfriend doesn't like me spending all this time with you."

"I don't have a girlfriend," he grinned at me. "Why did your boyfriend agree to let you come on a vacation by yourself?"

"I don't have a boyfriend," I told him. "I was engaged, but my fiance ended things. Two months before our wedding," I grumbled the last part. I might still be a little salty about it.

"I don't know why any man would leave you," he said as he led me into the barn. "You ready to ride some horses?" Dimitri walked up to a beautiful horse and started petting him.

"I am," I grinned at him. The phrase, save a horse ride a cowboy, ran through my head.

Dimitri grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the horse he was just petting. With my hand in his, he began petting the horse. It was soft and warm. The act felt so romantic. I pulled my hand away and watched Dimitri pull out the horse. He saddled up the horse.

"You ready?" He asked me again.

"Where's your horse?" I asked him.

"We are riding together," he smiled cheekily at me. "I promise it will be fun."

"Okay," I nodded. I listened to Dimitri as he coached me through how to mount the horse. It took a few tries, but I was finally able to swing my leg over and get on top. Dimitri then effortlessly pulled himself up behind me.

He handed me the reins and I was able to kind of lead the horse. I felt like I did nothing and Dimitri did the entire thing, but it was so much fun. The freedom I felt on the horse as we rode through the mountain was so much fun. We were able to talk some more. I felt like I was learning so much about him. He was being honest and vulnerable. In return, I was doing the same thing. We had talked for the entire day yesterday, and today we talked for hours. I wanted to tell him everything. We had been riding for a few hours when we finally headed back to the lodge.

"Do you have dinner plans tomorrow night?" Dimitri asked me as he put the horse away.

"Umm no," I shook my head. "Why?"

"Have dinner with me tomorrow night?" He asked me. "There is a spot I want to take you to. It's great for a picnic, beautiful view."

"That sounds nice," I told him. "We can go to dinner."

"I will pick you up at eight, wear warm clothes," he said to me. He came up to me and dropped a kiss on my cheek before I walked back to the lodge. Dimitri was so sweet. I was starting to fall for him.

It was the night of my date with Dimitri. I was feeling all sorts of uncomfortable. This would be my first date in five years! I don't remember what it was like to actually be on a date. I was trying to curl my hair so I didn't look like a complete hot mess, but I felt like I was failing.

All too soon it was eight and there was a knock on the door. I quickly got up and headed for the door. I could do this.

"Hi," I greeted as I opened the door.

"Hi," he smiled at me. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah," I nodded. I had on my warmest pair of jeans and a nice sweater. I also had the puffiest jacket ever on. I hoped I would stay warm. "So where are we going?"

"It's a surprise," he grinned at me. "But I think you will like it."

We headed out of the lodge and toward the ski lift. Once we were at the top of the mountain, Dimitri pulled out a snowmobile and we both got on. I guess we were heading a little more north and someplace a little more private. We probably were on the snowmobile for about fifteen minutes, before he made a few turns.

"We are here," he told me as he parked the snowmobile. We were on top of one of the mountains and you could look out and see the lodge down below. But you could also see the beautiful snow-covered mountains. It was gorgeous.

"Wow," I said as I looked out to the view. Dimitri set up a blanket and pulled out a picnic basket. I sat down as he started pulling things out of the picnic basket.

"It's my favorite place to be," he told me as he pulled out what looked to be steaming plates of pasta. "I hope you like Italian."

"I love it," I said to him.

"Red wine?" He asked me as he pulled out a bottle and two glasses.

"It's my favorite," I told him honestly. "Can I tell you a secret?"

"Sure," he told me as he started pouring the wine.

"I haven't been on a date in five years," I said. I took the glass he offered me and set the dish filled with pasta in my lap. "I am not sure what to do really."

"It's been almost seven for me," he explained. "We are in the same boat."

The date could not have gone better. The food was spectacular and by the second bottle of wine, we were having a really good time. We were both being super open and honest. It was nice being able to really connect with someone. We were cuddled up looking out at the view. It had been a few hours but I didn't want to leave.

"Can I kiss you?" He asked me.

"I was hoping you would ask," I said softly. Dimitri leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my lips. His mouth was warm and took control of mine. I felt like my whole body was on fire. He tasted so good, like mint and dark chocolate. There was also something a little spicey mixed with him and I could taste the red wine from his mouth. I never wanted the kiss to end.

One Year Later

"Babe," I called as I walked into the great room of the lodge. "We have dinner plans with Lissa and Christain," I told him as I saw him adjusting ornaments on the tree. My date with Dimitri had gone really well and we started seeing each other after that. I moved to Montana about six months ago and I was more in love than ever.

"I know," he smiled at me. "I have something for you though. An early Christmas present."

"Oh really?" I asked him as I walked up to him. "I like presents."

"I think you will really like this one," he smiled at me. He dropped a fast kiss on my lips before getting down on one knee. I, at first, thought he was adjusting another ornament on the tree. But when he pulled out a black velvet box, I knew what he was doing. "Rose Hathaway, I love you. I will always love you. You are the most amazing woman I have ever met. You make me want to be a better man. My good days are so much better with you, and my bad days are far fewer because of you. Will you make me the happiest man in the world? Will you marry me?"

I looked down as he opened the black velvet box to a large princess cut diamond ring. "Yes," I whispered as Dimitri went to slip the ring on my hand.