The frown gave way to a grin. ‘It’s almost completely a joke. Ninety-nine per cent, anyway.’
Tania sipped her tea, allowing the last of his tension to ease, then said, ‘I take it you’ve been skiing for a while?’
‘Fifteen years or so now, I suppose. It fits in well with work, and the mountains are always stunning. You?’
‘Forever. I love it.’ She smiled, considering whether she might move closer to him, maybe take a seat on the other sofa while they waited.
A hammering on the lodge door interrupted her plans.
Gull sighed and shifted to the edge of the sofa. ‘That’ll be my transport. He said he wouldn’t be long.’
‘I’ll go down and open the door.’ Tania headed for the stairs. Having him here had been a mistake. It was stirring too many feelings inside her.
‘Wait.’ Gull climbed to his feet, testing his leg with a frown. He reached down and pulled up his ski trousers. ‘I don’t want this to be it.’ He looked as if his words made him feel more uncomfortable than his injured knee.
Tania hesitated at the top of the steps; she had to admit she didn’t either. ‘Well, as we had to forgo our race, how about we find some other way to decide who should buy the drinks?’
He frowned. ‘What did you have in mind?’
Pulling a euro from her pocket, she said, ‘Winner buys. Heads or tails?’
‘OK. Tails.’
Flipping the coin, she caught it and slapped her free hand over it before he could look. ‘Heads,’ she said, pocketing the coin.
‘Hang on, that’s not fair. I didn’t see it.’
‘Are you questioning my integrity?’
He huffed a laugh. ‘No, I’m questioning your overwhelming desire to win.’
‘Do you want to see me again, or not?’ She folded her arms in mock defiance.
‘Does this mean you’re going to be buying the drinks?’ He hobbled closer.
‘Are you trying to pull the “poor injured skier” card?’ Tilting her head, she glanced at his knee.
‘No, Tania.’ The intensity of his expression was inescapable. ‘I’m trying to pull you.’
‘I know you are.’ She left the words hanging and headed down the stairs.
Clara was surprised to find Tania’s skiing equipment already at the lodge when she returned. Rose and Madeleine had opted to stay in Près du Ciel centre for a drink at one of the many restaurants before heading back, while Clara decided she would take the bubble and ski back to the lodge on her own.
Still flushed from the final run back, she left all her gear in the boot room, wondering idly why there was so much water on the floor, before climbing the stairs to the living area.
Tom was busy topping and tailing green beans when she headed for the kettle.
‘Can I make you something?’ he said.
‘I can do it,’ she said. ‘I’m just going to have some tea.’
‘Go and sit down,’ he said. ‘Let me do it.’
‘What are we having for supper tonight?’ she asked.
‘You’re starting with a fresh tomato soup, then the main is grilled hake with dauphinoise potatoes. Then lemon tart for dessert.’
‘Sounds fantastic. And do we get a mystery cheese today, too?’
