Page 35 of Robbie

“Oh, my,” Alice cried out. “I love everything about this home.”

“This is one of the most incredible houses I’ve ever seen,” Robbie agreed.

“Nicer than Brandon’s homes?”

“His homes are larger, probably more high-end, but this is unique and beautiful, and the setting is out of this world.”

“I agree.” She smiled and rubbed her hands together. It was interesting that she didn’t seem sad about leaving Venice either. Had the attacks there dampened her enthusiasm for the place, or was it something Robbie had done?

“So what do we do first?” she asked.

“Of course Madelyne has everything lined up.”

“Ah, Madelyne. I can’t decide if she’s our genie or our taskmaster.”

Robbie smiled. “Has it been a chore so far?”

Alice looked him over, and he feared she’d say yes. Her mouth turned down, and the fears grew. “No,” she admitted. “Everything but Big Buddha coming after you has been amazing.”

That was a relief. He wanted to ask if his kiss was amazing but decided against it. “There are a few different hikes we can choose from this afternoon, then we get to relax in the pool tonight. Dinner will be delivered.”

Her cheeks grew darker as she looked at the pool, then back to him. He was already imagining kissing her in this swimming pool. Would she push him away again, or was he being gifted a second chance to reconnect with Alice in this unreal setting?

“Tell me about the hikes,” she requested.

Robbie read her the descriptions and reviews. They decided together on a more difficult hike to Radlsee Lake. The trail map said it was nine-point-three kilometers, so not quite six miles.

They drove with Merrick and Price to the starting point. Robbie kept an eye out, as he knew their guards would. All seemed quiet and peaceful.

The hike wove steadily uphill through pine tree forests. They talked about her work as an architect and her dreams of her own company taking off. Even though Merrick and Price were in front of and behind them, Robbie felt like they were virtually alone.

Alice grew tired and needed a break when they were about a mile from the lake. Robbie talked her into climbing on his back and hiked the last mile with her clinging to him. It gave his legs a better workout, which he appreciated, and even better he had her beautiful body close to his. He would’ve liked it even more holding her against his chest, but it wasn’t very practical for the steep climb.

They finally reached the lake and Alice slid off his back.

“Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

He held her gaze. She looked away first, pulling a water bottle out of the backpack she’d been wearing while he carried her. They each drank from their water bottles, taking in the views of the fabled lake.

“Fish and witches?” Alice said, referring to the hike’s description.

“And a hut with food.” Robbie pointed.

There was a wooden structure right on the bank that had outdoor chairs and food. They sauntered over and were greeted warmly by the host. They ordered dumplings and sparkling water, enjoying the epic view and the chance to get off their feet. Robbie finally felt like his legs weren’t restless and as if he and Alice were themselves again. There was far too much between them still, but at least they had this escape from reality together. Maybe that was his gift and he shouldn’t look too far into the future.

It was hard not to at least hope for a future with her.

Chapter

Sixteen

The walkback down was much easier and unfortunately Alice didn’t need a ride on Robbie’s back. They talked about high school memories and Alice felt like she and Robbie were ‘them’ again. As he’d carried her on his back up that steep mountain climb, she’d soared physically and emotionally as only Robbie could make her do. The connection to him was deep and abiding. She realized she trusted him to carry her, to protect her, maybe even to love her, but she still didn’t know if she could trust him not to walk away and not to be killed. The latter was out of his control, and she didn’t know how to solve the former.

It was peaceful in this mountain sanctuary; all the fears of Big Buddha were back in Venice or America. No matter how she’d loved Venice and all the surrounding cities and epic architecture, it had been tainted by Robbie almost being killed. Alice was savoring the slow pace and tranquility of this home and valley. She could almost push all the pain and fear away and simply enjoy Robbie.

They made it back to the house and ate a delicious local dinner of meat, cheeses, dumplings, and barley soup with apple strudel for dessert. The food was flavorful and good but heavy, more Austrianthan Italian and exactly what she’d expect from a beautiful high valley in the Alps.

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