Page 81 of Mountain Impact

Chapter 25

Isolde

“Congratulations, Tess!” said a chorus of voices. The entire Chamonix PGHM, as well as several other friends, had come out tonight to celebrate Tess’s success.

Tess blushed prettily.

“So, when can we read it?”

“Where can we buy it?”

Tess looked around her, laughing. Isolde knew the woman well enough by now to know she was proud, happy, but also more than a bit uncomfortable at being shoved into the limelight.

“Let her breathe, everyone,” she said. Tess shot her a grateful look. “She’ll tell us all about it.”

“My agent found a publisher who’s interested in the book, but there’s still a lot of work to be done before it gets to the bookstores. To answer your question, it probably won’t be in bookstores until next summer.”

Gael’s face dropped. “That’s a long time.”

Isolde knew Tess was downplaying her success. She’d only finished the book a couple months ago, and already a publisher was willing to take it and offering her a handsome advance for it.

“Maybe I can get you an early copy,” Tess said, laughing.

“And start writing the next one,” the coffee shop owner interrupted. Isolde knew, from speaking with Tess, that this was the place where Tess had written a significant part of the novel, while Damien’s son was in school or summer camp, so it seemed fitting that this would also be the place to celebrate the success.

Isolde looked around, hardly recognizing the place where she often grabbed a cup of coffee on her way to work. The space had been transformed for tonight’s event. Amber lights hanging from the ceiling contributed to creating a warm, sultry feeling, showcasing the breathtaking view of Mont Blanc out the large picture window.

“To the next one!”

They all brought their glasses together. The champagne flowed.

“I am so proud of you, honey,” said Damien. Love shone in his eyes as he looked at his wife.

“Even if I have to wait, I can’t wait to read it,” Gael said, raising his glass.

“When was the last time you read a novel, Gael?” Kat teased. Her eyes sparkled good naturedly.

“I’ve seen some books in his place,” Hiro stepped in, keeping the peace.

“You’ve been to his place?” Kat asked. Her eyes narrowed. “Why haven’t the rest of us been invited?”

Isolde listened to them, enjoying their easy banter. It was easy to see why they made such a great team together.

“Congratulations, Tess,” Drake said. He was sitting a table just a few feet away. His powerful legs, encased in those tight jeans, looked strong, but the fact that he was sitting down told her everything she needed to know.

He’s nowhere near his full strength.

He’d insisted on coming out to the party after being discharged from the hospital just hours earlier. Isolde felt sick to her stomach when she thought of how close they’d both come to dying. If his team hadn’t arrived when they did―

“I should probably go home,” Isolde said. She hesitated for a moment.

Drake was on his feet in an instant. “Are you feeling alright?”

Isolde clenched her jaw to stop herself from sniping at him.

He’s the one who was hurt, and he’s treating me with kid gloves.

“I’m fine.”