Page 13 of Christmas at the Scottish Lodge
‘Never better.’ Her mouth barely moved.
‘Because you can ease up a little.’ He pointed to her hands, wondering if underneath the gloves her knuckles were white.
‘I’m good,’ she croaked without looking at him.
‘Okay.’ Jed sighed. This was going to be a long lesson. ‘Then let me get you a helmet.’ He winced. ‘Which I should have done first.’ The fact that he hadn’t insisted that she put it on before sliding on the skis showed just how off balance he was. ‘Don’t move,’ he ordered, waving at her.
It took him a few seconds to select the right size and when he looked up, Bonnie was grinning at him. ‘I won’t be long,’ he said, retracing his steps.
Mairi was still standing in the same position and from the look of the snow beneath her skis, she hadn’t moved an inch. ‘Tip your chin up please.’ He carefully placed the helmet over her head, and felt something in his stomach turn over when she stared through the open visor, her green eyes dark and intense. His insides ignited as memories filled his mind – her soft skin, the way she’d felt tangled in his limbs, that unmistakable flowery scent.
‘Um, I guess you’re ready,’ he said huskily as his body eased closer. He tried not to meet her eyes again as he tightened the strap under her chin. ‘Comfortable?’ he asked as his heart hammered.
‘Not the exact word I’d use,’ she croaked.
‘So…’ His throat felt dry and he swallowed.
‘It’s okay,’ she said gently as he reached out to adjust the helmet again, loosening it a little.
Jed jerked his chin and reluctantly turned to Bonnie who was watching them. ‘It’s your turn now.’
She grinned as he moved closer. ‘I’m all yours.’
Dammit.Jed felt his cheeks burn and had started to reconsider grabbing his skis and running when something – or someone – started to buzz.
‘Seriously!’ Bonnie cursed, tugging off her gloves so she could draw a mobile from her pocket. She winced as she read the screen. ‘It’s a message from the hotel. Our food delivery’s arrivedearly – apparently, the driver wanted to get off the mountain before the blizzard arrived.’ She narrowed her eyes. ‘They need me to help unload. I’m not going to be able to stay for the lesson.’ She sucked in a breath, before turning her face up to meet Jed’s. He kept his expression blank, as relief flooded through him.
‘Shame,’ he lied. Although having her here would have ensured he kept his hands off Mairi. Now there was nothing to stop their chemistry from running riot.
‘We can raincheck.’ Bonnie shrugged and smiled again. ‘Perhaps I can make it up to you later?’ She pressed a hand to his chest.
‘I don’t—’ Jed began, forcing himself not to break contact. It would be better if Mairi believed he was seeing Bonnie – even if the idea of hurting her made him want to punch himself.
‘Sorry.’ Bonnie leaned sideways so she could wave at Mairi, who Jed guessed was watching because he could feel heat burning between his shoulder blades. ‘Maybe I’ll see you on the slopes another time?’ Bonnie shouted before turning back to Jed and lowering her voice. ‘And hopefully it won’t be long until I see you again too,’ she whispered before spinning on her heels and heading away.
Jed watched Bonnie for a few moments, trying to gather his thoughts before he turned. Mairi was still standing in the same place. He couldn’t see her eyes from here, but he could tell from the angle of her mouth that she wasn’t happy.
‘Give me a moment,’ he said, clipping on his skis and grabbing his poles and helmet, before sliding up to join her. ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ he repeated. ‘Because I’m not convinced it’s a good idea.’
Mairi’s mouth pinched. ‘If you agree to sign the divorce papers, then I’ll get out of your hair,’ she said.
Jed felt a sharp pinch in his chest. ‘Balance and posture it is.’
7
JED
Ski Sports Weekly
Eleven months on and still not back. Has Turbo lost his nerve?
Mairi hated being on skis. Jed could tell from the tension in her shoulders and the sharp stuttered intakes of breath that she wasn’t happy, despite the beauty of their wintery surroundings. They’d edged forward about three metres in the last ten minutes, while he’d done his best to teach her the snowplough. She hadn’t wanted to try it, so he’d had to gently guide her forward with a hand under one arm, fearful she was going to fall and damage herself.
Now the glittery white slope was filling up because the other ski schools were out in force. One of the guests from the lodge, Scott – a teenage boy who’d taken a shine to Jed – suddenly shot past and waved a pole in their direction.
‘Catch you later,Turbo.I still want those skiing tips!’ he shouted as he flew past, following the wind, making Mairi flinch and wobble violently.
‘It’s okay,’ Jed soothed, placing an arm on her shoulder until she steadied. ‘How about we go somewhere more private?’
