The ski instructor introduces himself as Gregg.
“He can instruct me anytime!” Caro’s inner voice purrs, admiring his athletic build and rugged features.
Caro offers her hand. “Pleased to meet you. I’m Caro—short for Caroline.”
Gregg’s grip is firm and confident, lingering just long enough to send a spark up her arm. Their eyes meet, and a mischievous smile passes between them.
Sally introduces herself and Nick before they all settle in.
“I understand there are seven in your party, correct?” Gregg asks, his deep, smooth voice effortlessly commanding attention.
Caro nods. “Susie booked the holiday, so she might be the person you’re expecting.”
Gregg flashes a grin that turns Caro’s stomach to butterflies. “Thanks, Caro. Seven’s perfect—makes four pairs. Safer and easier for skiing. Now, who’s the odd one out?”
“That would be me,” Caro admits with a sheepish smile.
“You?” Gregg’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
“Exactly, Gregg!” Sally interjects, her eyes glimmering. “She’s gorgeous, smart, funny, and… single!”
Caro glares at Sally while Nick nudges her, barely suppressing a grin.
Gregg’s smirk widens. “Guess the men back home must be blind and stupid!”
Nick and Sally burst out laughing, and Caro’s cheeks flame.
“What’s so funny?” Luce calls out, descending the stairs with Jim.
“Oh, just discussing why Caro is still single,” Sally chirps, ever the troublemaker.
“Stop!” Caro protests, mortified. “I’m right here, you know!”
Just then, Susie and Tom arrive, puzzled.
“Everything alright?” Susie asks.
“All good! This is Gregg, our ski instructor,” Caro says, shooting daggers at Sally.
Gregg greets everyone warmly and dives into questions about their skiing experience. After assessing the group, he splits them into two: beginners who’ve skied before and intermediates.
“But of all of us, Caro is the fittest!” Sally announces, oblivious to the innuendo.
Silence hangs as Nick and Gregg stifle grins. Caro resists the urge to throttle her friend.
Gregg breaks the tension with a deadpan, “Thanks, Sally, but I can see that from here!”
Laughter erupts, even from Caro, who decides Sally’s matchmaking—while mortifying—could’ve been worse.
Gregg regains control of the conversation. “So, how about we set a daily schedule? When would you like to start and finish each day?”
They discuss their skiing schedule while Gregg listens attentively, assessing the group dynamics. He observes how they interact with one another, identifying the natural alphas within the group. He is pleased to note that they are genuine friends who respect each other. “We are all agreed that we start at ten, break for lunch from noon to two, then ski until four,” Susie concludes.
“Perfect,” Gregg agrees. “Now, let’s get you fitted with gear.”
Once kitted out, Gregg bids them goodnight, reminding them to be ready by ten.
As they head inside, Sally nudges Caro. “He’s a bit of alright!”
“Could you at least pretend to be subtle when you’re matchmaking?” Caro sighs.
Nick, overhearing, smirks. “Good luck with that, Caro!”
Later, after a delicious dinner, everyone heads to bed early.
“I hope it snows overnight,” Nick whispers, wrapping an arm around Sally.
“Me too,” she murmurs, nestling closer as they drift off, anticipation buzzing through the cozy chalet.
The next morning, Caro wakes to a winter wonderland—fresh, glistening snow blanketing the world outside. The soft morning light filters through the window, illuminating delicate snowflakes clinging to the glass. It’s like stepping into a Christmas card.
She wraps herself in leggings and an oversized jumper, the knit fabric hugging her curves as she pads downstairs, the scent of freshly brewed coffee drawing her in.
Jim and Luce are already there, steam rising from their mugs. Luce looks half awake, her hair still mussed from sleep.
“Good morning, guys,” Caro greets them with a warm smile. “Sleep well?”
“Like bricks,” Luce replies with a grin. “But the snow woke us up—the curtains were open, and it was so bright! Looks incredible out there, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, it does,” Caro agrees, glancing out the frosted window. Hans was right about the snow. It’s perfect.
She helps herself to a hearty breakfast and a steaming mug of decaf coffee, savouring the rich, comforting aroma. The warmth of the mug seeps into her palms, and she sighs contentedly as she slides into a seat beside Luce.
Susie and Tom make their way downstairs, cheeks flushed with excitement. They exchange animated chatter about the day’s skiing plans, wondering aloud if they’ll remember how to stay upright on the slopes.
Caro sips her coffee and smiles. The buzz of anticipation fills the room. She wonders if Gregg will look as effortlessly handsome as he did yesterday—and if she’ll manage to stay upright on her skis and not embarrass herself.