Page 49 of Mountain Trial

“You won’t have to share me later tonight,” she promised.

He ran his eyes up and down her form. “I’ll hold you to that, you know.”

Security was tight around the hotel. Luc showed the QR code on his phone to three different people before they even reached the front door. Nobody asked her any questions.

Tess and Isolde were right.

Their eyes aren’t making it past my breasts.

Inside the large entrance hallway, another security guard, this one dressed in a dark suit, checked Luc’s QR code, then his ID, matching it against a list on his phone, before ushering them both through towards a pair of portable metal detectors.

Kat felt her heart stopped. The metal detectors hadn’t been here this morning when they’d checked the venue, nor had their presence been discuss in the prep meetings they’d held. She clutched her handbag tighter to her body, wondering what to do.

Luc took her hand in his, bringing it up for a kiss. “You go first, darling,” he said loudly, but didn’t let go of her hand. “I need to speak with these gentlemen.”

His hand held onto hers for a moment, pulling on her fingers until she released the small handbag.

While her body still shielded him from the security guards, Luc placed the handbag underneath him, hiding it from view. Then he pushed himself towards the guards, while Kat walked through the arches. She stopped on the other side, making a show of looking at the small watch on her wrist.

“Unfortunately that’s going to be hard for me, gentlemen. Not only is the wheelchair metallic, but I also have a fair amount of metal in my legs and spinal column,” he said ruefully. His gaze connected with each of the security guards in turn. His voice lowered somewhat theatrically. “Surely you don’t have to embarrass me in front of―”

The first security guard shook his head quickly. “Monsieur Fournier, you, of course, are one of the guests of honor tonight.” They both moved aside to let Luc pass on the side of the arches.

“Thank you, gentlemen,” Luc said. His gaze connected with hers for an instant, his eyes twinkling. “Darling, let’s go have fun.”

Luc

Luc looked around the room, impressed with the organizers for planning the event with accessibility in mind. The ballroom was spacious, so it was easy for him to move freely around other guests.

Unlike most parties, where bar areas were so high that wheelchair users had to shout to make themselves heard, this one had bar areas at several different heights, as well as waiters walking around with trays of wine, champagne and soft drinks.

It made a certain amount of sense, since the Victory Games were all about inclusiveness this year, but it was still nice to experience.

He handed Kat the glass of red wine she’d asked for. The dark burgundy was the exact shade of her lips. He wanted to bring her down onto his lap and kiss her until neither of them could see straight.

Hell, I want to take her home and remove that beautiful black dress.

He had an erection, and it seemed a shame to waste it. But Kat was working, so Luc knew he’d have to wait.

“Thank you,” she said, moving her handbag, which he’d returned after walking into the party, to her other hand. Then, lowering her voice, added, “Do you often get invited to events such as this?”

“Once in a while,” he said. “Not too often. But if you like them, I’ll make sure we get invited to more.”

She laughed, but her eyes took on a slightly panicked look. He sighed. He knew she liked him, but knew also that she was scared. He felt the way she tensed, every time he spoke of the future. If he pressed her, he’d lose her. He forced himself to let go.

“Relax, Kat.”

She nodded quickly. “I’m not worried. I just―”

He caressed the back of her hand gently. “I’ll never do anything to make you uncomfortable, but I think it’s only fair for me to let you know I want to spend more time with you.”

“Luc, I’ve loved this time together but you’re going to leave and―”

“I’m staying in Chamonix, Kat.”

Her mouth dropped open in surprise. “You’re staying?”

“I’m staying. I want us to give this a chance.”