He nods once.
Roman knows his job.And he knows me.He tilts his head a millimeter—our code forkeep the pair.He watches every step I take during inspection—one frown, one eyebrow twitch, and he'll switch the setup without me saying a word.If something's off, he'll fix it in five minutes.I owe most of my results to that man.
We ski slowly to the base and stop.Just standing.Looking up.Nothing more to see.
The sun's just touching the trees above Birds of Prey.A perfect, brutal morning.
Exactly how I like it.
The others head to the lift.I stay behind, breathing it in for one more minute.
A soft voice near my ear.It makes my shoulders tense before my chest loosens.
“You ready to go?”
I don’t turn.“No time for media quotes.”
But I’m already smiling.I’m always happy to see Katharina.That’s the problem.
Because happy isn’t what wins races.Happy makes you reckless.
"Of course," she says, nodding."I took photos from the inspection, and I'm heading out.Just wanted to wish you luck."
"In that case, thanks," I say, turning toward her.
She's looking up the slope.And there it is, just a flicker, in her eyes.Apprehension.
Is she worried about me?
Adorable.
"I have never seen it from this angle," she says, looking at me, trying to hide the worry.
Like she's trying to be brave for my sake.
I am the hero conquering a dragon.Well, an eagle in this case.The Golden Eagle.
I stand a little taller with pride.
If I had feathers, I'd be puffed up like a damn peacock.
"It's Super-G.We won't fly that far on the jump," I say with a half-smile."Wait for tomorrow."
Smug.A bit more arrogant than I meant.
"I guess," she says, smiling faintly."Be safe.I know you will be.It just… looks scary."
"Don't worry, honey," I say, giving her a wink."We're trained to make terrifying look sexy."
She looks like she might kiss me, then changes her mind.Just pats my arm and turns to leave.
I watch her go.Still smiling when I catch Niko making a face.
I guess I deserved it; I'm still smiling like an idiot.
"Jesus, Kern.Want us to give you a minute alone?"
I roll my eyes and tug off one glove."She started it."
