Page 68 of Well Played

“But what happened to him was awful,” I said feelingly.

“Come on, we need to get to bed. And as much as I want you, I don’t mean together. I am old school Sophie. That might be uncool, but I want to date first, get to know each other. Then let things progress, if that is okay with you. Now, what room are you in?”

“I can get myself back to my hotel room,” I teased. “I am not that drunk.”

“No, but my mother would kill me if I didn’t escort my date home and open the door.”

“Your date?” I asked hesitantly.Was that what this was?

“Ok, maybe not date.”

My heart sank as he paused.So, he didn’t want me.

“I want you to be more than that. Girlfriend. Is that alright?”

My stomach lurched as I tried to disguise my joy. “205. Your girlfriend is in room 205.”

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. TheGrand 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.

---