"Just hand her the clipboard and walk away," Jason hissed during one particularly painful encounter.
"I can't just walk away. That's rude."
"Staring at her for ten seconds before speaking is also rude."
"I was composing myself."
But for Bella and Leo, the six days stretched ahead like a gift neither had expected.
They spent mornings on the balcony, wrapped in blankets against the cool mountain air, drinking coffee and watching the sun climb over distant peaks. They took slow walks along the resort's private paths, Leo's hand on Bella's shoulder, her arm around his waist for balance and warmth. They discovered hidden spots, a small waterfall, a meadow of wildflowers, a bench overlooking the valley where they sat for hours without speaking.
