Cinderella's New York Christmas

The clients who stayed in these chalets were well taken care of. They could pre-order fresh deliveries for every day. Anissa was kind of surprised at Leo’s response to everything in the hamper. ‘Didn’t you order all this stuff?’

He shook his head. ‘No. Why? Can you do that?’

Anissa shook her head. ‘Sure you can. Didn’t you book this place?’

Leo pulled a face. ‘Ah...maybe not.’

‘So, who booked it for you? Your family?’

He shook his head. ‘No. My PA.’

‘Oh, of course.’ Anissa smiled and rolled her eyes. ‘The PA. Well, here’s hoping she ordered what you like, and not what she likes.’

‘I’m easy to please,’ he said quickly.

‘That’s what they all say,’ she joked.

Something flickered across his eyes and her heart sank. She touched his arm. ‘No.’ She shook her head and pulled a face. ‘Absolutely, no. That’s not what I meant.’ Her heart was beating wildly in her chest. She breathed slowly and met his gaze. ‘I told you. I never did that before.’

His bright blue eyes were fixed on hers. This guy could complain about her. This guy could cost her the job that she didn’t even really love.

He blinked. ‘I believe you. Now, what do you take in your coffee?’

A wave of relief swept over her. Thank goodness. She’d hate it if he thought she just jumped into bed with every guy she met. Some chalet maids had that kind of reputation and Anissa didn’t want him to think of her like that.

She picked up the milk from the counter. ‘Just this.’ His fingers brushed against hers as he took the carton from her hand and splashed the milk into the cups. ‘Want a cookie too?’ He lifted the pack as he headed towards the table.

She shook her head. ‘You missed out. The oatmeal and raisin are the superior cookie here, but everyone seems to order the chocolate chip.’

He raised his eyebrows as he sat down. ‘Ah...insider secrets. Thanks. I’ll order oatmeal and raisin tomorrow.’

She pulled out the chair opposite and sat down. This was a little weird. A little formal. Last time they’d been in each other’s company he’d been pulling off her boots and sitting next to her on the sofa.

‘How’s your leg?’

She shrugged. ‘Okay. I strapped it up the last few days when I was doing lessons.’

He leaned his head on one hand, his fingers threading through his dark tousled hair as he sipped his coffee. ‘How long have you skied for?’

‘Practically since I could breathe. I’m Austrian. It’s in my genes. The other day on the slopes? That was stupid of me. I lost my concentration. I never do that. Never.’

The last time she’d lost her concentration it had cost her a chance at the gold medal. She’d been stupid. The effects had meant her whole world had come crashing down around her. And she’d spent the last year trying desperately to reach the same level she’d been at before. But it didn’t seem to matter how hard she practised, it was still out of her reach. The accident the other night had shaken her more than she could admit. If Leo hadn’t been there to help her, then distract her...