ICEHOTEL by Hanna Allen Read Free Book Online

hell.’
    ‘I’m betting the men in your department didn’t make it easy.’
    I was surprised by this comment, coming from a man. ‘I’ve
learnt to expect that, specially as my boss told me I beat off some stiff
internal competition.’
    ‘That won’t have made you popular.’
    ‘It didn’t.’ I kept my voice level. ‘But I’m no longer
prepared to stroke young male egos.’
    He grinned. ‘I have to do that all the time.’
    Harry returned with a bottle of champagne. He removed the
cap and popped the cork with expertise born of practice.
    I sipped, watching Mike over the rim of the glass. He was
joking with Harry, encouraging him to drink up, glancing at me now and then as
though seeking my approval. Liz was laughing, turning from one to the other.
The scene seemed innocent enough. So why did I feel a prickle of anxiety?

Chapter 4
    The Activities Room was at the end
of the long corridor leading from the foyer. It was 3.00pm and a group was
gathering. Mike and Harry arrived together, deep in conversation, Mike still in
his pinstripe.
    ‘So what about it, Mags?’ said Liz, watching Mike. ‘You up
for a holiday romance?’
    ‘I think not. I haven’t had any luck with men, recently.’
    ‘Yes, well, you do total most of your relationships. But I
rather think this one would help take your mind off the last. He was a disaster
and a half.’
    I glared at her. Yet she was right. It hadn’t taken me long
to realise that my last boyfriend didn’t want a girlfriend. He wanted a nanny. ‘I’m over him, Liz. And from now, I’m not lowering my
guard.’
    ‘Gosh really? No more romantic attachments?’
    ‘That was the old Maggie. The new Maggie is done with
meaningful relationships.’ I smiled wearily. ‘Nothing but casual affairs from
now on.’
    ‘Then I’d say Mike Molloy would be just the ticket.’
    ‘He’s not my type. He’s got a huge opinion of himself and
he’s not afraid to show it in public.’
    But it was simpler than that: my instincts told me to steer
clear of him. Unfortunately, that was becoming increasingly unlikely. He and
Harry seemed to be hitting it off.
    ‘That’s right, dear boy,’ Harry was saying. ‘Cooking is one
of my hobbies. When I’m not slaving in a hot lecture theatre, I’m slaving over
a hot stove. Look, next time you’re in Edinburgh, you must come to one of my
Sunday buffets.’ He smiled indulgently. ‘From what you’ve told me, I’d hazard a
guess you’re a bit of a domestic goddess, yourself.’
    ‘That, I am. I love cooking Thai.’
    ‘With me, it’s French. I like my food saucy.’
    Mike winked. ‘A bit like yourself, Harry.’
    ‘Oh, do you think so?’ Harry simpered, blushing to the
roots.
    I listened with curiosity. For all Mike’s macho image, he
was comfortable enough with his masculinity to banter like this with a gay man.
And Harry loved innuendo, whether from a man or a woman. He was so obviously
happy that I couldn’t help but be grateful Mike was showing such an interest in
him.
    There were a dozen of us waiting for the guide. The redhead,
dressed in a fur-trimmed hat and huge quilted jacket, its burgundy colour
matching her hair, had told us at lunch that her name was Jane Galloway. The
Ellises arrived late, looking as though they’d just had a row. Robyn was red in
the face and hissing at her husband who was trying to ignore her. I turned away
to hide a smile. The Ellises were going to be fun.
    The Bibbys were absent. I wondered why, given Wilson’s
comment about wanting to visit the Icehotel. Perhaps they were being personally
shown around later. Yes, the things money can buy.
    Leo Tullis appeared, clutching his clipboard.
    ‘Are you conducting the tour, Leo?’ I said.
    ‘I could do, I’ve been on it so many times. No, it’s being
given by one of the hotel staff.’
    Right on cue, a young woman marched down the corridor. ‘Good
afternoon,’ she said. ‘My name is Marita and today I will be your guide.’ She
spoke in a calm