The Little Swiss Ski Chalet

by Julie Caplin

  Kristian and Bernhardt began a lively debate as to whether milk or dark chocolate was better, which continued on into the obligatory end-of-tour shop, which rang with as much excitable noise and chatter as the monkey enclosure at a zoo. Children darted this way and that, tugging on their parents’ hands like small explorers making huge new discoveries with each new shelf of goodies.

  There was a coach tour of Japanese people ahead of them, who were buying chocolate like it was going out of style, with huge smiles on their faces, and they weren’t alone: everyone seemed to have shopping baskets piled high. It was like a horde of locusts whipping through, as if this was the last chocolate on the planet, but the thing that struck Mina was that everyone was smiling. Despite the niggly sense of frustration at wanting to be with Luke on her own, she couldn’t help smiling too. It was the simplest equation. Chocolate = happiness. The whole shop was filled with joy. Even now she was thinking about the people in her life that she wanted to buy chocolate for, because she cared about them and wanted to show she was thinking of them. Chocolate did all that and more. Suddenly she knew what she did want. She wanted to do something with chocolate. Bring joy to people.

  Already she was thinking of who she wanted to buy gifts for: Hannah, Miriam, and Derek, obviously; and then Ian at work, because although he was the HR bod, he’d also been kind and supportive and on her side about the blue hair-thing; and then there were the two Georges, because she still loved them, despite their Facebook faux pas; and Patsy and James. Before she knew it, her basket was full too, but she didn’t care, because she was already imagining her friends and family savouring each bite of deliciousness. Once upon a time she’d have bought something for Belinda; she loved white chocolate, which figured. Mina ignored the pang of sadness she felt. Belinda hadn’t even tried to apologise or explain. Not one text message or call. Some friend. Twenty-odd years down the drain. And yet here was Luke next to her – who of course didn’t like white chocolate – and she knew whatever happened, after knowing him for less than two weeks, he would always be a friend. Ever since that kiss on the train there’d been something between them.

  ‘Have you got some in there to share with me on the train?’ murmured Luke in her ear as she stood in the queue to pay for her goodies. There was no sign of the others who’d moved on out of the shop.

  She laughed at him, studying his handsome face brimming with amusement and that ever-present readiness to smile. There was just something infectious about him, as if there was always a candle burning bright inside him. It was time to stop fighting the attraction between them and enjoy being with him for the next few days. Her normal modus operandi was to throw caution to the wind. She’d been overthinking this ‘sorting herself out’ business. And after today, she had an idea about what she wanted to do.

  ‘I think this time—’ she turned to face him ‘—it’s your turn to buy the chocolate.’

  ‘To be truthful, I’m all chocolated out. I fancy something nice and savoury like a packet of crisps.’

  Mina laughed, although she knew exactly what he meant. ‘And a can of coke. All this chocolate makes you thirsty.’

  ‘Now who’s the philistine?’

  Everyone on the bus travelling back to pick the train up was in high spirits, and the earlier reserve between different nationalities and ages dissolved as a loud discussion commenced about where everyone had eaten at lunchtime and what they’d had. This moved onto the best cheese, the best chocolate, and then the best train journeys in Switzerland. There was no doubt that every single person was completely smitten with the country. There wasn’t a single complaint from anyone and by the time the rain rolled into Montreux all the passengers were firm friends, calling goodbye as they all clutched their bulging bags of cheese and chocolate. Mina almost felt sorry to be saying goodbye to Bernhardt, Kristian, and Uta.

  ‘We’ll see you on Friday,’ said Kristian. ‘Don’t miss us too much.’

  ‘I’ll do my best,’ said Mina, shooting a stern glance at Uta laughing over his shoulder.

  ‘See you Friday,’ said Bernhardt, stepping forward to kiss her on either cheek. Although the gesture was quite formal, it still discomfited her slightly, especially when Uta raised her eyebrows and smirked.

  ‘Have a safe trip back,’ said Uta, giving her a quick hug adding in a quick whisper, ‘I bet you’ll be glad to be on your own. See you Friday.’

  Mina hugged her back and gave her a reproachful smile. ‘See you Friday.’

  With all their goodbyes said, Luke and Mina made their way to the platform for the train to Brig.

  ‘Phew, peace and quiet,’ said Luke.

  ‘Everyone was so friendly. It was fun, though.’

  ‘It was but…’ Luke’s hand found Mina’s and he threaded her fingers through hers, leaving the sentence unfinished. She looked up at him and smiled, knowing exactly what he meant. It was nice to be just the two of them again and she enjoyed the simple feel of his hand in hers. The unspoken connection and the quiet simplicity of standing side-by-side without having to say a word. When the train to Brig arrived and they sat next to each other, thigh-to-thigh, it seemed totally natural for Luke to put his arm around her, and for her to rest her head on his shoulders. It had been a lovely day, and one she was going to remember for a long time, especially as she was finally closer to finding something she wanted to do. She didn’t know what it was yet, but she knew it had to involve chocolate.

  Chapter Fifteen

  As they walked, weary but happy, up to the chalet, Mina felt a sense of homecoming and serenity at the sight of the light spilling out from the first-floor window of the lounge, golden and warm, enticing them in. It might also have had something to do with the way Luke’s gloved hand casually took hers again as they stepped off the train.

  Although her body sagged with the travel-stained weariness of a long day, Mina felt a little catherine wheel of excitement and anticipation fizzing in her chest, one that could be examined later. Despite having eaten her fill of cheese and chocolate over the course of the day, she was ready for something hearty and savoury.

  ‘Luke, Mina,’ called Amelie as soon they appeared in the doorway of the chalet. ‘Just in time. How was your day? Come, come. Sit down.’

  They exchanged reluctant smiles. Mina wanted a quiet, private moment to further explore that almost-kiss, to savour what it might feel like to be held in Luke’s arms. It felt like they’d been thwarted again, although admittedly at that present moment, Mina was too tired to do anything other than peel off her coat and drop her bags onto one of the sofas in the lounge. Before she walked through, Luke caught her arm and very gently stroked the inside of her wrist as if to remind her he was still there. It boosted her spirits and she gave him a shy smile. Amelie, doing her usual sheepdog impersonation, ushered them into two seats at the end of the table, next to Dave and Claudia. Within minutes Amelie had placed big plates of fragrant golden risotto in front of her and Luke. Inhaling the lovely scent Mina felt herself perk up almost immediately. She could see tiny strands of saffron colouring the rice, and the lovely unctuous, glossiness of melted cheese.

  ‘Perfect, exactly what I need,’ said Mina, sinking back into the chair, already comforted by the prospect of good food and the thought of not having to move for a while.

  ‘You mean you’re not full?’ asked Claudia.

  Mina beamed at her. ‘I was a grown-up today. I was sensible with the chocolate.’ Luke caught her eye and then ducked his head, concentrating hard on his meal. With her foot, she nudged at his ankle under the table, feeling a little thrill when he rested his foot against hers. ‘But it was wonderful. My suitcase when I go home is going to stink though, because I couldn’t resist the aged Gruyère, or the Appenzeller cheese. Why haven’t I had that before?’

  Claudia patted her hand. ‘We like to keep the good stuff here. Appenzeller is my favourite too.’

  ‘Basically, Mina could probably open her own cheese shop,’ chipped in Luke. ‘And probably a chocolat
e shop too.’

  Mina gave him an outraged poke. ‘And you didn’t buy anything,’ she teased him back.

  ‘I’m a growing boy. Besides,’ he added with a lofty grin, ‘I’m always willing to share my chocolate.’

  ‘Just the once, and I didn’t even know you then. Honestly, talk about bearing a grudge.’

  The rest of the table had gone silent and everyone, without exception, watched the pair of them with indulgent smiles. Mina blushed and suddenly applied herself to her risotto, and Dave, who she could have hugged, said, ‘Shame you missed my legendary chocolate log today.’

  ‘It was wonderful,’ said Amelie jumping in quickly. ‘I might have to retire and let Dave take over.’

  Dave seemed to have grown an inch taller and Mina smiled at him before realising that there was no sign of Sarah. ‘Where’s your wife?’

  ‘She’s not feeling too good. Migraine. So she went to bed early.’

  ‘That’s a shame,’ said Mina, although she couldn’t help thinking that Dave seemed much happier this evening. She shot a suspicious look at Amelie who was standing by the side table opening a bottle of wine and wondered what had wrought the change. Amelie gave her a guileless smile back.

  After a glass of wine, Mina felt herself flagging.

  Out of sight under the table, Luke took her hand, whispering in her ear. ‘Are you OK?’

  ‘Just knackered,’ she said, feeling his thumb trace a tiny circle on her palm. She held her breath at the intimate, secretive touch and clenched her knees together, suddenly flustered. ‘I think I’m…’ He did it again and inside she softened, longing for the moment they could be alone. ‘I’m ready for my bed. I think I’ll go up now.’ She squeezed his hand, sure he would follow her lead.

  ‘Me too. Funny how travelling makes you so tired.’

  ‘Yes, we’ve sat on our backsides most of the day or…’ She couldn’t stifle the yawn that broke free. ‘Or done nothing but eat.’ Now she’d started yawning she couldn’t stop.

  ‘Sorry folks, I’m done in.’ She pulled back from the table. ‘Goodnight.’

  Luke stayed put and nodded at her, and she felt the plummet of disappointment in her stomach. Swallowing down her frustration, she left to a chorus of goodnights from everyone at the table, including Luke. Just as she reached the stairs, she realised she’d forgotten to collect her coat and bag from where she’d abandoned them on the sofa in the lounge. It felt like far too much effort. She eyed the stairs, already a mountain to climb. The coat and bag could wait until morning.

  She was halfway up the flight when Luke came up behind, clutching both.

  ‘You forgot these.’ His face lit up with a slow smile.

  ‘Thank you.’ She was cooler with him, still not sure where she stood with him. ‘I was too lazy to go back for them.’

  Luke reached up and touched her face. ‘I didn’t want everyone to put two and two together if I left at the same time as you. I was worried it might look too obvious.’

  ‘Too obvious.’

  ‘How desperate I am to kiss you again.’

  Mina laughed. ‘Subtlety doesn’t really work with me. I’m easily confused by it.’

  He fell into step with her as they climbed the last flights in silent accord.

  When they reached the corridor with their rooms, they paused outside his bedroom door in that slightly so-what-happens-now moment. It shimmered between them for a second before he took her bag and coat from her with gentle hands. She thought it rather gentlemanly until he dropped them on the floor with a thud and a rustle of feathers, and placed his hands on her hips, pulling her towards him with determined intent in his eyes that made her heart miss a beat.

  ‘I have been waiting all day to do this, but if you don’t want me to kiss you…’ His eyes flashing with sincerity moved over her face with a desperate urgency. ‘Speak now or forever hold your peace.’

  ‘Who needs peace?’ she said with involuntary huskiness, heady with anticipation, as butterflies stirred in her stomach and her pulse thudded so hard she felt as if her entire body was vibrating. ‘I want you to kiss me. I want to kiss you.’ She slipped her arms around his neck, her fingers playing across the warm skin, tangling slightly in the long curls. The anticipation and desire had been simmering between them all the way back from Broc, and now she felt positively light-headed.

  ‘Skiing? Tomorrow? Afternoon?’ asked Luke, as if anxious to get that said and done before more important matters. She nodded, and she wasn’t sure who kissed who first, but she did know that she could die a happy woman. His lips were soft as they made a leisurely exploration of her mouth with slow, careful movements that made her feel as if he was savouring her like fine chocolate.

  Eventually both of them had to come up for air, and all she could do was stare at him, a little dazed and most definitely discombobulated.

  ‘Wow,’ she murmured.

  ‘Wow, indeed.’

  Bemused they stared at each other. ‘I think I probably need to say goodnight.’ Mina found trying to gather her thoughts together was like knitting with mist.

  ‘Yes,’ said Luke gravely before grinning at her. ‘I’m trying to be sensible here, but I think you might have just fried all my circuits. I’m not sure I’m capable of stringing a sentence together and I think I’d better go to bed before I make a total tit of myself and say something embarrassing.’

  ‘Glad it’s not just me then.’ She gave him a goofy grin, unable to stop her mouth acting on its own.

  ‘It’s definitely not just you.’

  For a moment both of them stood encircled in each other’s arms just looking at each other. Then Luke pulled her close and pressed tiny kisses to her temple, reverent and almost thankful, as she sank against his chest. She closed her eyes and savoured the feeling of coming home.

  The fizz of passion and anticipation still raced through her system but it was overlaid by an overwhelming sense of peace and of being in the right place.

  She sighed and lifted her face to Luke. He kissed her and although neither of them spoke, she knew that he felt it too. He smiled and laid a finger on her lips. ‘Goodnight, Mina.’

  ‘Night, Luke. See you in the morning.’

  Chapter Sixteen

  ‘Just the person,’ said Mina, coming down the stairs and jumping off the bottom step just as Johannes was conducting his usual early morning task of bringing in a sack of logs. His scraggy eyebrows drew together in bird’s wings of suspicion, and although he acknowledged her with a brief nod, he carried on through to the reception area and began to unload the wood into one of the alcoves on either side of the fireplace.

  Mina followed him, undeterred. ‘I’d really like to see your chocolate production. Yesterday was… well, it wasn’t enough.’

  ‘You went to Maison Cailler,’ he said shortly, continuing to empty the sack, piling each log neatly on the stack next to the fire.

  ‘Yes but that’s like eating a shop-bought cake instead of a home-made one. I want authenticity, artisan. Chocolate magic.’ She didn’t quite flutter her llama eyelashes at him, but it was a close-run thing. There was no point being subtle with someone like Johannes.

  He made a grumbling sound first before he turned and focused sharp blue eyes on her. ‘It’s a serious business, you know.’

  ‘I know and I’m seriously interested. Food, any kind of food, is part of my job, and I’m genuinely interested. Yesterday was interesting, but I didn’t learn that much about actual hands-on making of chocolate.’

  ‘You could come today,’ he said grudgingly. ‘There’ll be something to see.’

  ‘Today?’ She almost skipped on the spot. ‘That would be awesome.’

  He glared at her as if the word offended him. ‘Fantastic,’ she amended, ‘I just need to check with Amelie whether she’d like some help in the kitchen first.’

  ‘She’s in there now.’ He inclined his head towards the door. ‘Been up since five, I think, crazy woman.’

  Mina crossed to t
he doorway and slipped into the kitchen.

  ‘Morning,’ she called, and Amelie whirled around her apron already covered in flour.

  ‘Good morning, liebling. Did you sleep well?’

  ‘Oh, like a rock. I don’t think I moved all night.’ She laughed. ‘Probably weighted down by all the cheese and chocolate.’

  ‘Coffee?’ Amelie’s hand was already on the jug on the stove.

  ‘Yes, please,’ growled Johannes who had followed Mina into the kitchen and was leaning against the counter making himself at home. ‘Mina wants to come over this morning.’

  ‘Oh lovely,’ said Amelie. ‘It’s fascinating, and the chocolate is amazing, although—’ her mouth puckered with an amused little smile ‘—just imagine how much better it would taste if it were made with love.’

  Johannes glowered at her. ‘It’s chocolate, it doesn’t need love. It needs a firm hand, attention to detail, and a watchful eye on the thermometer.’

  Amelie sighed and handed a steaming mug of coffee to him. Mina noticed she’d already put two sugars in it without asking. ‘Johannes, where’s the poetry in your soul?’

  ‘I don’t need poetry, or fanciful women.’ He smelled his coffee and a very faint smile lifted his face. ‘Thank you.’

  Mina wondered if they realised they were like an old married couple who’d settled into a groove of familiarity. She suspected that Johannes burrowed into that very spot most mornings when he’d delivered his logs, and that Amelie stirred in his sugar without even thinking about it.

  ‘I thought I could give you some help straight after breakfast, and then maybe go over to Johannes about eleven.’ Hopefully that would give her a couple of hours before she met up with Luke to go skiing. Who knew that her timetable would end up being so full?

  ‘That’s very kind of you, but Dave is going to help again this morning. Yesterday I discovered the man has the lightest touch with pastry, and tonight I’m making chäschüechli, individual cheese tarts. I shall put him to work, and then I shall ask him to make some apple strudel that I can freeze.’