Daring to Love: A Contemporary Romance (The Armstrongs Book 3) by Jessica Gray Read Free Book Online Page A

was a great skier. And as they began their final ascent of the day, he realized he’d never enjoyed a day more. It’s because of the company, you dolt!
    When they sat down on the lift together, she was so near, his body ached to touch her. In a desperate attempt to keep his hands at bay, he reached out and gripped the safety bar. It was  so tempting to caress her knees, move his fingers up her thigh. Hold hands. But he wasn’t there yet. Even though she had relaxed and was at ease with him, he didn’t take it further, afraid she might shut down again.
    He was determined to do things right this time. That meant he needed to get to know her, and allow her to do the same. Earn her trust.
    “You’re an excellent skier,” he complimented her. 
    “Thanks. So, what’s it like being a competitive skier?”
    “Hard work. The media makes it appear easy and glamorous, but it isn’t. During the last year I trained or competed every single day. I get up every morning at six and practice 6 to 8 hours. Strength training. Endurance training. Technical Training. Mental training. Every single day.“
    He usually didn’t like to tell about his daily life. For one he considered his routine boring, and then he didn’t want to give the impression that he was complaining.
    “And during race days?“ Charlene asked with honest interest.
    “No training on race days.“ He flashed her a smile. “Do you really want to know the boring truth?“
    He felt a rush of heat pulse through him when she answered with her sweet voice, “Yes. Please. I’m sure it’s anything but boring.“
      “A race day is a million times more demanding. From the moment I wake up adrenaline is rushing through my veins. It starts in the morning with a walk down of the run. The psychological war games played between the competitors. The waiting. The dreadful waiting until it’s my turn to race.
    That was my biggest problem when younger and my coach often says that races are won in the waiting zone. I have learnt to quiet my thoughts and calm my nerves with meditation. Then I race and even though it takes only a few minutes from start to finish, I’m exhausted to death. I barely can keep myself standing up after the finishing line. Now the worst part comes: staying behind the finishing lines, watching the TV when my competitors race down. When I’ve given my best and all I can do is wait how the others score. That’s awful! ...“ his voice trailed off.
    “Wow. Not at all how I imagined it! What is your least favorite discipline? And why?“
    He had to grin, now it got personal. His likings and dislikings of the different disciplines gave away a lot about his personality. His first impulse was to balk, but his inner critique Bob raised his voice and said, Trying to impress again, stupid? He hated Bob, but then, he was right. Like always.
    “Slalom. It’s much too slow and technical for my liking. I love the speed, the challenge, the adrenaline push when racing down the mountain. I’ve never been able to score high in a slalom, let alone win a race. A few years back I outright hated it. But when I set my mind on winning the overall World Cup I knew I had to conquer the slalom. So I trained extra hard. At first I hated every minute, but I’ve made my peace with it and now it’s ok. And it has paid off. I won the combination this year.“
    He turned to face her and gave her a glimpse into his soul, “You know, when I’m determined to get something, I do everything to pursue that goal.“
    Her cheeks showed a deep red blush. A damn cute blush that heated up his body. He wanted to kiss that cute face of hers, taste her warm and soft lips again. But she wasn’t ready yet, and quickly turned the subject back to skiing.
    “So how do you train during the summers?” she asked.
    “Well, I usually head home to Chestnut Mountain for a large portion of the summer, and then spend several weeks at some altitude training camps.
    “Where is Chestnut Mountain