I laugh and shake my head."Cut the trailer, Martin."
"She was definitely watching you, though," Niko adds with a smirk."Like,intently."
I don’t answer.Just bend to recheck my boots.The grin’s already back on my face.
Because some days, skiing is about the win.
But today, it’s also about the way she looked at me like I was something more.
I picture her smile again and feel a jolt low in my body, sharp as the edge bite in the pitch.God, I want to pull her close, press her against the snow fence, taste the laugh still caught in her throat.
That’s the thing about adrenaline.It never stays in your legs.It climbs higher, hotter, looking for somewhere to burn.
It used to scatter anywhere.Now it just goes straight to her.
Every damn time.
***
Katharina
There's something eerie about watching a man win when he already expects to.
Thomas didn't punch the air.He didn't roar or throw his head back.
He crossed the line like he'd just finished a long sentence in a language only a few people understand.
And I understood it.
But I'm here to work, not to enjoy the view.
The win means chaos: press clippings, sponsor content, shuffled timelines.My phone buzzes nonstop, and headline drafts whirl in my head.
"ZWE wants a finish zone shot in fifteen."
"Where's the lead quote?"
I answer everything.Clip instructions into folders.Text Brenner.Fire off a reminder to Niko to stop photobombing every polished team shot.Thanks to him, half the inspection photos are useless.
It's only later, at the hotel lounge, when I finally let myself breathe.
That's when Felix from ZWE Energy finds me.
"You're doing a great job with the boys this year," he says, swirling something orange in his glass."They're all so… focused."
Smile.Nod.
"I didn't realize they were giving comms roles to such young people.Bold choice."
Another smile.Tighter this time.
"You must be used to charming them by now.Especially that Thomas guy.He listens when you talk."
My tone stays neutral."He listens because he's a professional."
Felix leans in slightly.Too confident, too much cologne."Must be hard to keep things strictly professional on tour.Or do you set your own rules?"
I shift the tablet in my hands."Excuse me, I need to confirm the press schedule."
