Page 30 of Reckless Hearts
It’s breathtaking.
But it also makes me feel small and insignificant. Like I could disappear into this vast whiteness, and no one would notice.
Saskia and the others haven’t bothered to wait for us at the bottom of the run. So, on the chairlift returning up the mountain, it’s just Seb and me again.
This time, Seb talks to me about the ecology of alpine environments and how different species have adapted to cope with the harsh conditions. He shares with me how New Zealand has the world’s only alpine parrot, the Kea, and how some insects have evolved antifreeze proteins to survive freezing temperatures.
And focusing on Seb’s animated voice and expressions manages to keep my panic at bay.
With Seb’s continued coaching, my next run down the mountain is even smoother, the crisp mountain air filling my lungs as I carve through the snow.
Seb gives me a triumphant smile at the end. “You’re getting so much better.”
“It’s all thanks to my brilliant ski instructor,” I say as I push my goggles off my face. The cool wind immediately nips at my skin.
He meets my gaze for a few heartbeats before his eyes dart off. “Maybe you can think up some ways to pay me back later,” he says softly.
Fuckity. Fuck. Fuck.
I’m struggling to conjure a reply when I hear my name being shouted.
I’d recognize Saskia’s voice anywhere.
She looks like an advertisement for a winter sports magazine as she skis over to us, her cheeks flushed and hair windswept. She pushes her ski goggles off her face.
“There you are. I thought you’d gotten lost on the mountain.”
“The ski gods weren’t smiling on me today, so we’ve been taking it pretty easy,” I say.
Saskia’s gaze flicks between Seb and me. She gives me a conspiratorial smirk.
“I see you’ve had a helper.”
I don’t want to encourage Saskia’s usual joke about Seb’s crush on me, so I keep my expression neutral. “Yep, Seb’s been giving me some tips.”
“I’m sure he’s been very helpful,” she says, her smirk still lingering.
“Where are John and Neets?” I ask.
“They’re doing a run together. I decided to give them some space.” She wriggles an eyebrow suggestively. “I think something is going on there.”
“Really? He’s finally given up on you then?” It’s been no secret that John has had a massive crush on Saskia for the past two years.
Saskia shrugs. “I think they’ll be good together.” She pulls her goggles back over her face. “You want to do a run with me?”
“Sure.”
She skis off, and I follow her. Seb also trails after us into the ski lift.
The ski lift starts to ascend, and I stiffen.
I turn to Seb. “Are you going to finish telling me about the Kea?” I ask.
Saskia’s forehead crinkles.
“I can tell you about the interesting research on their intelligence if you want,” Seb says. “Did you know studies have shown that Kea will outperform gibbons in some intelligence tests?”
“Oh god, Seb, you really know how to make friends and influence people,” Saskia says. She turns to look at me. “Has he been boring you talking about science the whole time?”
