Chapter 2
2
Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France
“Free for dinner tonight?” Owen asked as I returned to the hotel, sweaty and exhausted from training.
“That would be lovely. Here?”
“Goodness no. The last thing I want is a bunch of noisy athletes around as I spend time with my girlfriend. I have a favorite little restaurant that serves traditional raclette. Do you like cheese?”
“Are you kidding!” I exclaimed with gusto. “Cheese is my favorite food group.”
“Excellent. I’ll meet you in the foyer at six. Wear shoes you can walk in and bring an appetite.”
Jodi watched me dress, a cheeky glint in her eye as I stood side on to the mirror, trying to choose something that flattered my figure.
“Another hot date?” she teased.
“Maybe.”
“Well, this is the fourth time this week you have skipped out on the team dinner. Spill. Judging by your outfit and makeup, I’d say you are trying to impress someone.”
I paused, not wanting to jeopardize this, but desperately needed to tell her. We shared everything. Jodi was the sister I had never had.
“Owen Bartels.”
Jodi’s mouth dropped. “What! Seriously?”
Unable to hide my joy, I nodded.
“I thought there was something between you two in Kitzbühel. I saw you with each other. The sparks were electric. Is it serious?”
Sighing, I gazed at myself in the mirror. “I hope so. Every time I spend time with him, I don’t want to leave.”
“I won’t wait up then!”
Owen’s face lit like the sun reflecting off it when he saw me come down the stairs in jeans and an emerald cashmere sweater that highlighted my green eyes and blonde hair. He looked relaxed but handsome in jeans and a periwinkle blue sweater.
“You look gorgeous.” He kissed my cheek before helping me with my jacket and opening the door for me. Holding my hand as we walked the cobbled streets of Chamonix, Owen pointed out historical landmarks. The Grand Hotel des Alpes, built just before World War I and taken over as a hospital. It had been in the same family for generations. He spoke with warmth about the places and people he had met in his travels here. As we walked the streets, he steered me inside a small timbered restaurant, La Caleche. The decor was rustic and homely, with old timber skis, cow bells, sleds and antiques adorning the walls. It felt like a home, with family treasures displayed everywhere.
While we were being shown upstairs, Owen declared, “This is my favorite traditional Savoyard restaurant,” and ordered for us in impeccable French.
Like our previous dates, once we started speaking, the hours flew as we talked about our childhood, families, our hopes, and dreams. Eating cheese, drinking wine, and laughing until my face hurt. It wasn’t until we realized the bustling restaurant was empty and the staff were lurking, politely waiting for us to leave, that we noticed the time.
“Do you want to go back?” Owen asked as we left. The door clicked closed behind us.
“Not really,” I admitted. “I know we need to train tomorrow, but I am enjoying myself far too much.”
Holding my hand, Owen expertly guided me through the streets to a small chapel, Chapel Chosalets , and sat on a small bench out the front. As we watched the blue glow of the moon rise over the Aiguille du Midi , one of the most beautiful mountains in France, Owen’s hand caressed my cheek, and I turned to find his lips waiting, warm and soft upon my own. Once more, a bubble of bliss enveloped me as Owen’s hand caressed my cheek and his lips met mine, warm and soft. In that moment, I knew that this man, who could have chosen any woman, had chosen to be here with me.
“Let’s go,” he croaked, his voice husky, but we didn’t make it far before he pushed me against a wall and kissed me again.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I’m struggling to keep my hands off you. It feels like I have waited my entire life to meet you, and now I need to make up for lost time. Does that sound silly?”
“Not at all,” I whispered back, not wanting to ruin the moment, although no one was here to overhear us. “I feel much the same.”
“Will you come back with me?” he asked, almost shyly, and for a moment I wondered what he was asking. Where would I go? We were staying at the same hotel. I gasped a little when I realized what he meant.
“Yes.”
Sneaking back into the hotel well past curfew, we took off our shoes and slipped up the stairs to avoid attention. Owen had his own room; his roommate had broken his collarbone a few days before and had been repatriated back to the States. No sooner than the door closed, his mouth was on mine, urgent and demanding. My body responded in kind. I wanted him, badly. It had been forever since I had been with a man, and I wondered for a split second if I had forgotten what to do. Owen pulled back and looked at me.
“I’m so sorry,” he murmured. “Do you want to leave? It is okay if you do.”
“No,” I mouthed softly.
“Are you sure? I want you so much.”
I nodded and pulled my top over my head, revealing the black lace bra underneath. That was all the encouragement he needed, and as he kissed me again, I pulled his top over his head, depositing it carelessly on the floor. Owen expertly unhooked my bra and cupped my breasts, kissing them and holding them like they were precious jewels. Kissing his neck, his eyes closed, and his head rolled back as I ran my tongue slowly down his neck and chest. Slowly and deliberately, he removed each item of my clothing before standing back to admire me.
“You are a goddess,” he breathed, the awe in his voice making me blush. I held my arms out to him, and he came to me, lowering me to the bed. He took his time, kissing, tasting, touching, before I couldn’t bear it anymore.
“Please. I want you,” I begged as he played with me with his tongue, bringing me close to orgasm over and over, but not letting me finish.
As he hovered over me, his blue eyes met mine, seeking confirmation. Thrusting my hips up, I gave him what he needed, and with a moan he entered me, making me gasp. We fitted together perfectly, and finally I knew what all those romance novels and movies were describing. This feeling. Feeling like I had finally found my place, my home. That sensation of being so utterly content and fulfilled as we pleasured each other, my arms stroking his back, reaching climax together.
“Stay,” he whispered as we fell asleep in each other’s arms.