The chalet is modern meets alpine luxury, with vaulted wooden ceilings, glass walls facing the mountains, a sleek fireplace, big cozy couches, and fur throws everywhere. I’ve seen expensive things before, but this is next level.
“This place is insane,” I whisper to Charlie.
Callum grins. “Wait until you see the view from the balcony.” He pushes open the glass doors letting in the frigid cold air, but there standing before us like a majestic beast is the Matterhorn.
“Wow.”
“She’s spectacular, isn’t she. This view is sweet. Most of the other crew won’t be coming until late tomorrow. Braid and I always get in a day earlier to make sure everything is set for the next week. Our friends can be quite demanding.” He chuckles as he closes the door behind us. “You guys settle in. I have some stuff to sort out with Baird, and then I’ll show you around. We can grab dinner and drinks and then party on into the night.”
“We do have an early train ride in the morning. We can’t go too hard,” I remind him.
“True. Nothing worse than being hungover on a train. I promise I won’t get you too drunk.” He winks at me before walking out of our room.
“I don’t trust him.” Charlie smirks.
“You and I need to keep an eye on our drinks tonight. We can’t go overboard.”
“Deal.”
Our room is warm and cozy, with a queen bed, soft lighting, and a balcony overlooking the whole snowy valley. It’s peaceful. Quiet. And after Scotland’s emotional whirlwind, it feels like a deep exhale.
“How are you feeling about the Arran situation?” Charlie asks as he sits on the bed and stares out the window at the view.
“I don’t know.”
“Look, don’t shoot me, but I’m playing devil’s advocate here, and believe me, I am not Chance’s biggest fan at all,” I glare at my man, “but hear me out.”
“This should be good,” I grumble.
“What happens if they both actually like each other?” I raise a brow at him, surprised I’m hearing this. “Look, I don’t like this situation any more than you do, but …”
“That’s what’s stressing me.”
“Oh,” Charlie says.
“I’m not jealous,” I quickly add.
“I know, babe.”
“You think that they might have real feelings for each other?” I question him.
“Or maybe they are each other’s confidants like Chance told you. Seems like they are both navigating the same situation,” Charlie explains.
“You think that’s it?” He nods. “Do you think I should call, Chance?” Charlie gives me a surprised expression. “I’m sure Arran’s talked to him about me confronting him.”
“Are you worried Chance is going to try to turn Arran against you?” Charlie asks.
“Maybe. I don’t think he would, but a little,” I confess.
“Then call him. Right now. Before we go to dinner, get it off your mind,” Charlie tells me.
“I’m sorry.”
“Hey,” he says, grabbing my face, “you have nothing to apologize for.” He kisses me softly. “I can leave if you want me too.” I shake my head. I want him to hear so he knows there is truly nothing going on between the two of us.
“Fuck I love you.”
“I know.” He grins.
