Sinful Beauty by Isabel Jolie

Author:Isabel Jolie [Jolie, Isabel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Noctivity Inc

Chapter 19

Tristan

* * *

She leans forward in the seat, visibly impressed. From the outside, the chalet isn’t much to look at. It’s been in our family for three generations now. My father hires a local to oversee the property. All it took was one phone call to confirm it wasn’t in use this weekend, and Henri promised to have the place prepared.

It’s in a ski in ski out location, but this time of year when there’s no snow on the ground, there are no remarkable attributes other than four fireplaces and its ability to sleep fourteen. But, the views of the alps are breathtaking and there’s a chance of flurries in the morning which could lead to a dusting of snow. The system won’t bring enough to endanger our ability to return home. Back in Geneva, the system will come through as rain, so not only is this an escape from my mother’s unwelcome intrusion this morning, it’s also a retreat to a picturesque weekend.

“This is your place?”

“A friend’s.” The answer comes without thought.

At boarding school, my friends were in similar situations. Multiple family-owned properties were expected. University offered more economically diverse friendships, but my closest friends shared similar backgrounds.

I’m fairly certain none of my old friends currently occupy an attic.

It shouldn’t matter, and it doesn’t matter, but why did I lie?

“Come,” I say, opening the passenger door for her and offering her my hand. We’ve come here to get away from it all, and that begins now.

I haven’t yet parked in the garage because I need to get the key to open up the place, but given the weather coming in, I’ll be sure to park it inside. My father added the attached garage to the chalet about twenty or thirty years ago, and I can remember my grandfather mocking him and complaining it would be one more section of roof that would need to be cleared of snow. In most matters, I was team granddad, but on that one, I have to say, the younger generation had it right.

“Who else is staying here?” She hasn’t moved from her seat and remains transfixed by the building.

“Just us.” I drop my offered hand. “I told you we’d go somewhere we won’t come across anyone from the office. We won’t cross paths with anyone here.”

There are other chalets, of course, but the chances of someone from the office staying in this area are slim, and the one she most wishes to avoid, my mother, never visits this property. She’ll fly to Paris before driving to Chamonix.

Lucia finally swings her legs off the seat and takes my hand for balance. After assuring her I’ll return for our luggage, I lead the way through the entry vestibule and up the stairs to the main living area. The place has many bedrooms, but it’s the master that has been renovated in this century and boasts stunning views, a wood-burning fireplace, and mink throws. The bath is one of my favorites, with a soaking tub

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