Free Secrets of a Chalet Girl by Lorraine Wilson

It took all his control to prevent the rigid fear that had crept into his muscles from spreading throughout his body like a crippling virus. He hoped she couldn’t feel it.
    “It’s okay,” he whispered.
    “I wish it could be,” she replied after a pause.
    “You’re here and you’re safe.” He said. “And you’re not responsible.”
    She shuddered against him, turning and running her hands over his body, stoking his desire again.
    His brain argued that this wasn’t wise. She was vulnerable… but it was what she wanted, maybe what she needed. Sex could be healing and life affirming; he knew that.
    And right now there wasn’t anything else he’d rather been doing. The holiday period yawned out ahead of him, it was ages before the office re-opened and he’d be busy again.
    If he was honest with himself he needed this as much as she did. Flora kissed him passionately and then pulled away.
    “What were you planning to do today?” She shuffled up the bed and sat up. “I’m sorry, I’ve ruined your day on the slopes. Were you heading for the Snow Park at La Chaux, isn’t that where all the boarders go?”
    “It’s fine, I’ve been quite happy with the other activities on offer.” Zac lightly squeezed her thigh under the duvet. “We could go get some lunch if you’re up to it.”
    “Maybe not the canteen.” Flora rolled her eyes. “They must think I’m a nutter.”
    “Hardly. You won’t be the first person to ever cry in public.” He shrugged.
    “Have you ever cried in public?” She raised an eyebrow.
    “Well…no. In fact … I haven’t ever cried, not that I can remember.” Zac shifted uncomfortably, wishing they could get back to the subject of lunch.
    “What, never?” Her eyes widened.
    “Erm, no.” The uncomfortable sensation stretched its grip into her chest.
    I would never give him the satisfaction of knowing he’d got to me.
    “Shall we go sit in the sun for lunch? Fancy a Croque Monsieur?”
    I never cried because I couldn’t.
    “Okay.” She stared at him as though reading his thoughts.
    He looked away, unnerved.
    Sitting in the warm winter sunshine Flora titled her head back and let the warmth heal and restore her.
    Maybe this could be a short-term fling? If she set an end to it, a ‘best before’ date, then she could have fun without worrying about getting involved.
    Because she needed to be single, had to be much stronger than she felt right now, before she started on a new relationship. But a fling with Zac needn’t jeopardise that.
    “You look happy.” Zac had returned from the bar and put the drinks down on the wooden trestle table of the Chalet-style bar.
    The wedding. I’ll let myself see Zac until Holly’s wedding. After that there’ll be no reason to see him again, it will be easier to make a break before it can get too heavy. I’m just dipping my toe in the water, that’s all…
    “It must be the Zac effect.” She grinned. Her body certainly appreciated his way of cheering her up. Every inch of skin had been thoroughly caressed, she was sure she glowed from the attentions he’d lavished on her. “Maybe we should market it?”
    “I think I’ll stick to the day job.” Zac laughed. The darkness she’d seen in his eyes earlier had disappeared.
    How can someone never cry?
    What was Zac’s secret? Everyone had secrets.
    Even she had stuff she’d never told a soul, simply could not talk about. She liked that Zac had seen her at her messiest worst and was still here. He hadn’t gone running for the mountain peaks. She was sure a lesser guy would have.
    “So what is the day job?”
    “I’m a management consultant, I work in Geneva, I have a flat there. Do you know Geneva very well?”
    “Not really.” She shrugged apologetically. “I went straight to the train station when I got off the plane.”
    “I’ll have to show you round. What are you doing for Christmas?”
    “I’m tagging on to Holly and Scott’s Christmas, they’ve got lots of