Sweethearts on the high school ski team, Riley and Jean-Claude always expected to marry and stay together forever. But as they become world-class skiers, they drift apart, and Jean abandons Riley.<br><br>Years later, Jean appears unannounced to train at the resort where Riley works. He's  still charmingly irresistible and physically powerful, and is the US's hope for a second Olympic downhill gold. Once Riley herself expected to win gold, but a skiing accident dashed those hopes. Jean never sent any condolences, and he shattered her heart when he married -- and quickly divorced -- a skier she dislikes.<br><br>Anger and pain flare between them, and Riley ignores Jean's attempts at friendship to insulate herself from further hurt. Yet the old longings and the love they once shared resurface. What will it take for her to come to terms with the past? Or can she?

Snowfall

“Please pay attention to all the signs. They’re posted for your safety. If a run is closed, it is closed.” She emphasized the words in hopes the violator this morning would hear her.


“Stay away from marked avalanche areas. They’re dangerous, and just yesterday, our team made a harrowing rescue of a couple who ignored the postings. We had fifteen minutes to dig them out before serious frostbite or possible suffocation occurred.


“Also, punch 999 if you see someone in trouble. Our dispatcher will alert 911 and our team so we can reach the skier or skiers as fast as possible.”


Riley stepped back into the team’s ranks, then Paul took over in the subdued silence that followed. “For your initial run, we suggest you try something one step easier than you think you can ski. That way, you’ll know how well you might handle the next more difficult piste.”


Chapter 3