Weak at the Knees by Jo Kessel Page A

that,” I say. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so sleep deprived in my life!”
     
    “I guess there are some things you can always find energy for,” he smiles, stroking my breasts again.
     
    “By the way,” I remember. “You never did show me your thermals. I think you should get them out now and model them.”
     
    “I can’t,” he says, tracing a finger flirtatiously in a line from my breasts downwards.
     
    “Why not?”
     
    His hand stops tantalisingly close to my mound.
     
    “I haven’t got any. I lied.”
     
    I grab his roving hand and pretend to be stern.
     
    “You did what?” I bark.
     
    “It was the only way I could think of to get you up here.”
     
    I playfully smack his shoulder.
     
    “I can’t believe you did that.”
     
    I’m about to mock pummel him in protest when he grabs both arms, pushes me back and rolls on top of me.
     
    “Yeah?” he says. “Well, guess what. I’m going to do it again.”
     
    I sigh, close my eyes, can’t imagine sleeping ever, ever again and succumb most willingly to bout number two.
     

Chapter Twelve
     
     
     
    It’s been a spine-tingling, orgasm rippling three days. Sadly, inevitably, here’s where it ends. It’s not yet 9am, but apart from Rod, all the other ski reps and guides have already left for their resorts. Gina, he and I are the final stragglers, standing in the eerily quiet Yeti lobby. Only one of us is about to leave. I pick up Rod’s skis.
     
    “I’ll come with you to the car,” I offer.
     
    He loads himself with the rest of his gear and I struggle with his skis, which are nearly two times my height. Gina stays respectfully inside as the two of us head for the door to his car parked out front. I pass him my load which he hoists up to the roof and starts securing. It’s bright but freezing, far more arctic than the day we arrived a week ago. I hug myself, jumping up and down to keep warm, watching the last of the bags get shoved into the hatchback’s roomy boot and the door being slammed shut. Rod steps towards me, wearing a crooked smile.
     
    “Denny, it’s time. The time has come.”
     
    I’ve dreaded this moment, not wanting the magic to end or the spell to be broken. Since Amber died I’ve hated people leaving me, it’s made me more possessive. But the time has come and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. He puts a hand on each of my shoulders, sees my mock pout and draws me in for a protective hug. I nestle my head in his chest.
     
    “You’ll be alright Denny. You’re going to have a wonderful season, I promise you. This resort’s special.”
     
    “I know,” I tell his solid pectorals, “but it would be even nicer if you were staying with me.”
     
    I dare not get too soppy because Rod’s clearly not the slushy, sentimental type. He’s tough, straightforward and so matter of fact that I absolutely mustn’t cry. The opposite of how I’m feeling. I give him one last squeeze and as I pull away I see Olivier, the guy I bumped into quite literally at the beginning of the week. He’s walking past on the other side of the road. Although he doesn’t acknowledge it, I know he’s seen me. Rod gives me one last kiss goodbye, promises to call and opens the driver’s door.
     
    “Ooh,” I say, as he’s lowering himself into his seat, “one more thing!”
     
    He stands up again and peers at me from the other side of the car. I smile flirtatiously.
     
    “I don’t suppose you could get me a watch like yours?” I ask coyly.
     
    “I’ll do my best,” he smiles back, “but they’re a bit of a collector’s item.”
     
    He winks conspiratorially, finally gets in and drives off. I wave as the car whirs into the distance, spitting exhaust fumes behind it. I wave until it’s out of sight.
     
    *****
     
    Gina finds me frozen to the spot, staring blankly. She places a comforting arm around my shoulder.
     
    “You okay?” she asks.
     
    I force my lips into an upward curl and take a deep