{"id":281,"date":"2011-11-18T11:02:53","date_gmt":"2011-11-18T11:02:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.de-annblack.com\/?page_id=281"},"modified":"2011-12-11T11:37:50","modified_gmt":"2011-12-11T11:37:50","slug":"heart-of-ice","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.de-annblack.com\/?page_id=281","title":{"rendered":"Heart of Ice"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Contents<\/h2>\n

1 \u2013 Meeting in Manhattan
\n2 \u2013 The White Mountains
\n3 \u2013 A Passionate Kiss
\n4 \u2013 Leaving the City Far Behind
\n5 \u2013 Beauty, Intelligence and Talent
\n6 \u2013 Can You Keep a Secret
\n7 \u2013 A Chance at Love
\n8 \u2013 Someone From The Past
\n9 \u2013 Nothing But Trouble
\n10 \u2013 Daring and Deceit
\n11 \u2013 Reasons for Romance
\n12 \u2013 Truth and Love<\/p>\n

Chapter One<\/h2>\n

Meeting in Manhattan<\/h2>\n

Manhattan\u2019s bright skyline dazzled in the mid\u2013day sunshine. The city was enjoying a golden, hot summer with temperatures soaring as high as the tall structures that dominated the city.
\n      Situated right in the heart of the Big Apple, Reef Bretton sat comfortably in his luxurious burgundy chair, gazing out the window of his towering office. Although the panoramic view of New York lay before him, his vision stretched far and beyond the city.
\n      His thoughts were miles away, focussed firmly on the White Mountains of New Hampshire where his latest adventure would take place \u2014 a daring climb to launch his new range of mountaineering clothing.
\n      He had everything he needed in preparation for climbing the formidable mountains. Everything, that is, except a photographer. He needed a talented photographer who also had the ability to climb, someone to accompany him on his challenging exploits and capture the events in photographic form for publicity and advertising purposes.
\n      Reef checked his watch. Hopefully, within the next few minutes, the photographer he needed would arrive at his office to discuss accepting the assignment. Alex Russo had an excellent reputation. Although Reef hadn\u2019t actually met or spoken to Russo in person, he\u2019d seen the photographer\u2019s work in several prestigious publications, and had contacted Russo\u2019s secretary, Yvonne, to arrange the forthcoming meeting.
\n      As if on cue, Alex Russo, arrived in reception armed with an impressive portfolio of action photographs. Surveying the surroundings, Alex wondered why the reception was void of staff. Was everyone out to lunch, perhaps? The cool grey and white environment was in total contrast to what Alex had imagined. Reef Bretton\u2019s new clothing range was filled with brightly coloured items and she thought his offices would somehow reflect that.
\n      She looked around the reception. The door to the adjoining office was slightly ajar, as if beckoning a visitor to enter.
\n      Alex knocked before pushing the door open wide, causing Reef to swing round in his chair.
\n      \u2018Can I help you?\u2019 he said, taking in the attractive brunette standing in his doorway.
\n      \u2018I\u2019m looking for Reef Bretton.\u2019
\n      He walked across the office towards her. \u2018You\u2019ve found him.\u2019
\n      Although she\u2019d seen his picture in newspapers and magazines, they failed to do him justice. In person, she noticed how he moved with an easy, athletic grace, his broad shoulders relaxed under his crisp white shirt whose sleeves were rolled up to reveal the corded muscles of his forearms. Rich, dark hair was swept back from his sun\u2013bronzed face which was angular and handsome. At six feet plus, he towered above her. As a fairly tall, self\u2013assured career woman, it was an experience she wasn\u2019t often accustomed to, and it strangely excited her.
\n      Realising she\u2019d been staring at him in silence for longer than was socially acceptable, Alex flushed slightly. \u2018We have a meeting to discuss your mountaineering photographic assignment,\u2019 she said, smiling.
\n      A ray of recognition lit up Reef\u2019s face.
\n      \u2018You must be Yvonne.\u2019 He extended his hand to welcome her. \u2018Couldn\u2019t Russo make it?\u2019
\n      Alex shook his hand firmly.
\n      \u2018I\u2019m Russo,\u2019 she said looking up at him, her dark eyes watching his reaction. \u2018Alex Russo.\u2019
\n      Surprise jolted his senses and he reacted on instinct. \u2018I didn\u2019t expect you to be a woman. I need a man for this job.\u2019
\n      It wasn\u2019t the first time someone had been mistaken due to her name, so although unhappy at his attitude, she said, \u2018If you\u2019re looking for a photographer who can climb, I\u2019m your man.\u2019
\n      He looked at her willowy figure and silky dark hair that fell smoothly to her shoulders. \u2018I seriously doubt it.\u2019
\n      The style of her chic black suit emphasised her feminine slenderness and lithe legs to full advantage, adding further doubt in his mind about her orienteering capabilities.
\n      \u2018I need someone who will be a help to me, not a hindrance,\u2019 he said.
\n      The sharpness in his tone raised her defences.
\n      \u2018I learned to climb in the Rockies with my father, who was one of the best mountaineers in his day. I climb regularly, and if, as I suspect, it\u2019s the White Mountains you\u2019re thinking of tackling, they hold no problem for me. No problem whatsoever.\u2019
\n      For a second, Alex thought she saw a flicker of approval on Reef\u2019s stony face. His features were simultaneously harsh yet sensuous. Dark brows emphasised the vivid colour of his blue eyes, set in a face that she seemed drawn to gaze at.
\n      He surveyed her harshly. \u2018You don\u2019t look as though you could handle the task.\u2019
\n      \u2018How did you expect me to look? Did you imagine I\u2019d turn up for our meeting wearing climbing boots, a helmet and a rucksack on my back?\u2019
\n      He didn\u2019t know whether to be angry at her sarcasm or laugh at her defiance. Instead, he opted for the compromise by inviting her to sit down.
\n      \u2018Let me have a look at your work,\u2019 he said grudgingly.
\n      Unzipping her portfolio, she laid it open on his desk for inspection. She knew her photographs were good, but steeled herself in readiness for Reef\u2019s brutally honest comments. Silently, he looked at her work, his down\u2013turned head excluding her from offering any comment until he\u2019d finished digesting the contents of her case.
\n      Her brown eyes glanced at him across the desk as he studied her work. The New York skyline glistened in the sunshine outside the window behind him. She wanted this lucrative assignment, and was secretly willing him to hire her for the job.
\n      Giving him time to come to terms with the situation, as he flicked through the numerous photographs, she let her eyes wander over the office interior. The only concession to adventure was a large, framed photograph on one wall. Above it hung a lethal\u2013looking ice\u2013axe. Walking over to the picture, she scanned the cliff\u2013hanging scene, probably taken by a top photographer from a helicopter.
\n      A solitary climber dangled perilously from an overhanging rock on a mountainside above a fathomless crevasse. The climber was Reef, dressed in body\u2013hugging black pants and an aqua blue top. He clung to the rock with his bare fingers, the sheer strength of his lithe, muscular physique all that was saving him from falling.
\n      Alex was taken aback by the expression on his face. It was a look of controlled calm. Clearly he knew he could survive such a test of endurance. There was absolutely no doubt in his cool expression. Even though every fibre of his sinewy build was strained, he knew he had the skill and tenacity to overcome the odds and win through.
\n      Underneath the picture was the caption: Reef Bretton, climbing solo on the Eiger, Switzerland.
\n      Impressive, Alex conceded.
\n      Reef\u2019s deep voice broke into her thoughts. \u2018These photographs are outstanding, but . . .\u2019
\n      \u2018But what?\u2019 she said.
\n      Reef\u2019s broad shoulders heaved with the enormity of his sigh. \u2018I\u2019m just not convinced that you\u2019re up to the challenge of the job.\u2019
\n      \u2018I\u2019m fit to accept any challenge you offer, and ready to throw you a few of my own.\u2019
\n      He smirked. \u2018Really?\u2019
\n      \u2018Yes, really. It may interest you to know that I\u2019m also a journalist, and I think I\u2019m right in saying you\u2019re looking for as much publicity as possible to launch your new business.\u2019
\n      Reef nodded.
\n      \u2018I can help you to get plenty of media coverage in the newspapers and magazines I write for. I\u2019m a freelance photo\u2013journalist and have a good working relationship with most of the national publications.\u2019
\n      Reef mulled over the possibilities. \u2018Tell me something,\u2019 he said finally. \u2018Why didn\u2019t your secretary let me know in advance that you were a woman?\u2019
\n      \u2018For one very simple reason,\u2019 she said. \u2018If you\u2019d known I was a woman, you\u2019d never have considered hiring me. It\u2019s something I\u2019ve come across before, especially from men who border in over\u2013arrogance.\u2019
\n      A wry smile rose at one corner of his sensuous mouth. \u2018If that is your opinion of me, you obviously know nothing about me whatsoever.\u2019
\n      \u2018Oh, I think I know you pretty well,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019ve followed your climbing career during the past few years. I\u2019ve long admired your mountaineering achievements. However, from the interviews you\u2019ve given, you tend to sound like a man who is . . .\u2019 She paused, wary to tell him the truth.
\n      \u2018Don\u2019t try to be tactful,\u2019 he insisted. \u2018Just say it.\u2019
\n      Alex let go the words she\u2019d been holding back. \u2018A man who is too daring for his own good.\u2019
\n      His eyes turned strangely cold, and focussed straight at her. \u2018I\u2019m no more daring than any other professional climber.\u2019
\n      She pointed at the cliff\u2013hanging scene on the wall. \u2018I beg to differ. Just look at you dangling there without a rope. You could easily have been killed.\u2019
\n      \u2018But I wasn\u2019t,\u2019 he argued.
\n      \u2018But you could have been,\u2019 she said.
\n      \u2018If you disapprove of my daring exploits, why on earth do you want this assignment? Judging by your portfolio, your career is progressing quite nicely.\u2019
\n      \u2018I\u2019m doing okay,\u2019 she said, \u2018but I believe both our careers could really be boosted to mutual advantage if you choose me to be your photographer. After all, your notoriety as a world\u2013class mountaineer should help launch your new range of adventure clothing successfully. And I\u2019d like my name on the worldwide photographs of your advertising campaign. In exchange, I\u2019d ensure you received the necessary Press publicity and, of course, I\u2019d like to think my photographs would do justice to the clothes. Yvonne said you told her you designed the clothes personally and that buyers are already poised to snap them up.\u2019
\n      Reef nodded and went over to a cupboard where several samples of the clothes range were kept. He picked a few items and brought them over for Alex\u2019s inspection.
\n      Rough and tough, but classically cut, the outdoor adventure clothes were made specially from the most durable fabrics in fabulous bright colours. Reef\u2019s new company started as a vision \u2014 a vision he\u2019d made a reality within eighteen months through sheer guts and determination. Having already reached the top in his climbing career, he now intended to reach the summit establishing a leading adventure clothing company, utilising his past experience to full advantage.
\n      \u2018The entire range, from jackets to sports\u2013style leggings and tops, are based on advanced design concepts, created to break new ground within this type of outdoor wear,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve put a lot of work into designing these clothes, but I have business rivals who would rather not see me succeed.\u2019
\n      \u2018Rivals such as Zack?\u2019
\n      \u2018You know Zack?\u2019
\n      \u2018I\u2019ve heard rumours that Zack\u2019s adventure clothing company, which he launched three years ago, hasn\u2019t done too well and now he\u2019s worried that your new venture will knock him out of the marketplace altogether.\u2019
\n      \u2018How do you know all this?\u2019
\n      \u2018I\u2019m a journalist,\u2019 she reminded him. \u2018I make it my job to know these things.\u2019
\n      \u2018Then you\u2019ll also realise Zack can be totally ruthless.\u2019
\n      \u2018It\u2019s a cut\u2013throat business all round, Mr Bretton. Only the fighters survive.\u2019
\n      \u2018I intend to fight Zack, but I won\u2019t stoop to his level of dirty tricks. My only problem is to ensure Zack\u2019s underhand business ethics don\u2019t undermine my own success.\u2019
\n      \u2018Then you should have no problem. I\u2019m confident of that.\u2019
\n      Leaning back in his chair, his powerful, long legs stretching out in relaxation, Reef contemplated Alex with a pensive expression. He noted the confident spark of independence in her eyes and, for a second, he thought he caught a glimpse of himself as he was several years ago. He estimated Alex to be around twenty\u2013four, having all the vigour of youth combined with adult ambition.
\n      \u2018I read somewhere that you didn\u2019t intentionally become a solo climber.\u2019 Her words interrupted his thoughts, questioning his past.
\n      \u2018That\u2019s right,\u2019 he said. \u2018Initially, I tried to establish my climbing career twelve years ago as part of a team. As a nineteen\u2013year\u2013old rookie, none of the top climbers were prepared to take me on as part of their group. Their reluctance to give me a chance led me to embark on a solo climbing career.\u2019
\n      \u2018Which resulted in you becoming the top ranking solo mountaineer in the world,\u2019 she said.
\n      He seemed uneasy with the compliment, shrugging it aside and changing the subject.
\n      \u2018Do you really believe you can handle this assignment?\u2019
\n      \u2018Yes,\u2019 she said.
\n      \u2018You understand that you\u2019d need to take photographs of me climbing various mountains, sometimes having to climb alongside me to take the pictures.\u2019
\n      She nodded. \u2018You\u2019ll need some nail\u2013biting shots to dramatise the risk factor which is your trademark. The pictures have to be action\u2013orientated, but slanted along newsworthy lines to create a fresh angle on your mountaineering background,\u2019 she said with a streetwise edge to her voice.
\n      She was a journalist all right, Reef admitted to himself \u2014 always looking for an angle on a story. Still, business was business, and for the first time in his life, he was deliberately courting publicity. Having a photo\u2013journalist on his side could be a great advantage.
\n      \u2018If you want the job, I\u2019ll pay the going rate for your professional services, plus ten per cent bonus.\u2019
\n      Alex smiled. \u2018You\u2019ve got yourself a deal. When do we start?\u2019
\n      \u2018This weekend. From start to finish, it should take no more than four days. I hope you have no objection to sharing a log cabin and living rough.\u2019
\n      \u2018If you\u2019re having a last ditch attempt to get me to back out of our deal, you can forget it,\u2019 she said. \u2018Living rough, as you put it, is my idea of fun.\u2019
\n      It was an outright lie, but said with such conviction, she could see he believed her. The truth was, if someone could supply luxury accommodation and nightlife right next to the mountains, that would be her idea of fun.
\n      Closing her portfolio she prepared to leave the office. In the seconds it took her to gather her belongings, Reef studied her surreptitiously. Sunshine streaming through the window cast a bronze glow on her cascading hair. Her oval face was gorgeously individual with creamy translucent skin, clear brown eyes and full lips. He concluded she was a natural beauty, exuding a timeless quality that required minimal cosmetic assistance.
\n      Before he could view her further, she was already heading for the door. His voice pulled her back.
\n      \u2018Just one question before you go.\u2019
\n      She turned to face him.
\n      \u2018Do you still go climbing in the Rockies with your father?\u2019
\n      A sadness fell across her lovely features.
\n      \u2018Only in my memories,\u2019 she said, soft and wistful. \u2018Dad died in an avalanche two winters ago. I should have been there to save him, but I was too busy working to go with him. He was the only family I had left.\u2019
\n      \u2018I\u2019m sorry.\u2019
\n      \u2018Me too,\u2019 she murmured, walking away into the reception.
\n      He followed her.
\n      \u2018Where is everyone?\u2019 she said, wondering where his staff were.
\n      \u2018I only have two people working alongside me at the office. They\u2019re out to lunch. I like handling business matters personally.\u2019
\n      \u2018Still going solo?\u2019 she said.
\n      \u2018Let\u2019s just say I prefer going it alone.\u2019
\n      \u2018It can get lonely at the top sometimes,\u2019 she said.
\n      \u2018I\u2019ve never been lonely at the top of a mountain, and you don\u2019t get much higher than that.\u2019
\n      He\u2019d won his point, she conceded silently. However, instinct warned her that the war of words had only just begun.
\n      \u2018I\u2019ve some last\u2013minute details to deal with before I know exactly what time I\u2019ll head for New Hampshire,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll phone you later today.\u2019
\n      \u2018Fine,\u2019 she said. \u2018E\u2013mail me details of the cabin\u2019s location, and roughly how long it\u2019ll take me to drive there.\u2019
\n      \u2018I thought we\u2019d travel together.\u2019
\n      \u2018I prefer going it alone.\u2019
\n      He smiled wryly. \u2018I\u2019ll phone you later in case you change your mind. Women often do.\u2019
\n      \u2018I keep an open mind, Mr Bretton, but once I\u2019ve made a decision, it\u2019s literally set in stone.\u2019
\n      \u2018In other words, you\u2019re stubborn.\u2019
\n      She could have stayed and argued. She could have told him their deal was off. Instead, she simply smiled and walked away.<\/p>\n

Chapter Two<\/h2>\n

The White Mountains<\/h2>\n

Independent to the last, Alex refused Reef\u2019s offer of travelling north with him that weekend, up the east coast towards the White Mountains National Park. Instead, she told him she\u2019d meet him at an arranged spot where their cabin was located. That was her first mistake.
\n      Map reading wasn\u2019t her forte. White Mountain National Park covered an enormous area of dense forest, river and mountain territory. Reef had given her very specific directions leading to the cabin.
\n      From past editorials on Reef\u2019s background, Alex discovered that this area was where he\u2019d first learned to climb as a boy, and that was why he\u2019d chosen this corner of the world as the photographic location for the launch of his designs.
\n      It was after midnight when she eventually arrived at the cabin, having driven round in circles for a lot longer than she was going to confess to. A downright lie was the best way to save face she decided as Reef opened the cabin door. That was her second mistake.
\n      Before Reef could utter a word, Alex spelled out the details of how she\u2019d had car trouble en route.
\n      \u2018First of all, I had to change a tyre, which took me ages because I\u2019m not used to doing things like that. Then a few miles farther on, I had to do my best to repair the loose fan belt.\u2019
\n      She sighed dramatically, having smudged her face with some grime for the sake of authenticity.
\n      Reef allowed her to reel off all the details before exposing her story as an outright sham.
\n      \u2018Why don\u2019t you just admit that you got lost?\u2019 he said.
\n      \u2018I\u2019m sure I don\u2019t know what you mean,\u2019 she said indignantly, looking at him so that the oil smudge on her nose was in full view.
\n      Cupping her upturned face in one hand, he inspected the circumstantial evidence which was strategically placed on her nose and down one cheek.
\n      \u2018The dirt\u2019s real enough, but your story isn\u2019t.\u2019
\n      He ran his thumb across the tip of her nose, wiping away some of the oil.
\n      Alex immediately pulled her face away from him. His smile showed that he knew something she didn\u2019t.
\n      \u2018I saw you get out of your car at the bottom of the road and put the dirt on your face.\u2019
\n      Alex\u2019s wide\u2013eyed expression showed blank surprise.
\n      \u2018You didn\u2019t think I\u2019d see you at night, did you?\u2019 he said. \u2018But I did. I\u2019d been concerned for your safety, so I was searching for you through night\u2013sight binoculars.\u2019
\n      Alex was speechless as he continued.
\n      \u2018Did you know that you drove right past here a couple of times? I tried to get your attention, but you were up to your eyes in road maps. And you had your phone switched off.\u2019
\n      Alex spoke in a travel\u2013weary tone. \u2018I\u2019m tired, I\u2019m hungry and in need of a hot bath. I\u2019m also stranded in the middle of nowhere with a man who wants to put me on trial for a little white lie.\u2019
\n      With the back of her hand, she brushed away stray strands of hair from her brow, hoping Reef would show her some sympathy.
\n      \u2018Don\u2019t bother batting those soulful eyes at me, Alex. I\u2019m not taking the blame for your stupidity.\u2019
\n      She hoped he wasn\u2019t going to have the annoying habit of always reading her so well.
\n      \u2018So, am I going to stand here on the doorstep all night, or are you going to invite me in?\u2019
\n      Reef stood aside and mockingly bowed her to enter. Her long\u2013lashed eyes gave him a glance of distain as she stepped inside, carrying two bulky holdalls. She surveyed the cabin. It was more spacious than she\u2019d imagined and had a comfortable feel. Almost homely, it was in complete contrast to Reef\u2019s stark Manhattan office.
\n      Colourful rugs on the floor added a dash of warmth to the wood interior, and table lamps provided a cosy glow, even though the fire wasn\u2019t lit. It was too warm an evening for a burning log fire but she could imagine how welcoming it would be during the icy depths of winter.
\n      She noticed the kitchen area was an extension of the lounge and the tempting smell of freshly\u2013made coffee heating on the stove wafted over to her, tingling her taste buds. She hadn\u2019t had a decent cup of coffee, or a proper meal, since leaving Manhattan earlier that day.
\n      Wearily dumping down her bags, she turned to face Reef.
\n      \u2018Which room is mine?\u2019
\n      Reef pointed to an open door leading to a small but comfortable bedroom.
\n      \u2018On the left.\u2019
\n      She picked up her bags, carried them into the darkened bedroom and deposited them on the floor. Switching on the bedside lamp, she was surprised to find the neat, single bed was strewn with four white boxes.
\n      Reef had followed her and stood leaning in the doorway.
\n      \u2018I took the liberty of bringing some new climbing gear for you from the women\u2019s range of my designs.\u2019 He shrugged almost in embarrassment at giving her the gifts. \u2018You can keep them, but if you prefer wearing your own clothes that\u2019s fine.\u2019
\n      She opened the boxes and was delighted with the range of items he\u2019d chosen for her. Holding up each set of tops, pants and matching accessories in front of herself, she viewed her reflection in the mirror.
\n      \u2018I checked your size with Yvonne,\u2019 he said rather sheepishly.
\n      Normally he had no problem dealing with women, but there was something about Alex that disconcerted him. It was as if she set his senses on red alert, and for a red\u2013blooded male, that was a dangerous emotion.
\n      \u2018These are brilliant,\u2019 she said, genuinely pleased with the clothes. \u2018It was very thoughtful of you.\u2019 She smiled, momentarily forgetting her tiredness.
\n      Her heart\u2013warming smile sent him reeling and, unsure how to tackle the situation further, he headed off into the kitchen to pour himself a cup of coffee.
\n      \u2018Will coffee and sandwiches do?\u2019 he called through to her as she unpacked.
\n      \u2018Great. I\u2019m famished.\u2019
\n      By the time she\u2019d sorted herself out, Reef had taken her coffee and sandwiches through to the lounge.
\n      \u2018I\u2019m sorry I lied to you,\u2019 she said, sitting down opposite him. \u2018I didn\u2019t want you to know that I\u2019ve got a terrible sense of direction.\u2019
\n      \u2018Forget it.\u2019
\n      There was a note in his tone that told her he meant what he said so she let the matter drop.
\n      \u2018How long have you owned the cabin?\u2019 she said, before biting into one of the delicious, man\u2013size sandwiches he\u2019d prepared.
\n      \u2018A few years. It\u2019s ideal for climbing in this area, or for when I want to get away from everything for a while.\u2019
\n      \u2018Sounds as if you\u2019ve something you need to escape from.\u2019
\n      He looked right at her. \u2018Doesn\u2019t everyone?\u2019
\n      \u2018I suppose most people are either escaping from something or trying to escape to something.\u2019
\n      \u2018Which category do you fall into?\u2019 he said, studying her over the rim of his coffee cup.
\n      \u2018Probably both,\u2019 she said honestly. \u2018Escaping memories from the past that I\u2019d rather forget, and escaping to the future I long for.\u2019
\n      \u2018Bad memories?\u2019 he said, feeling the need to know as much about her as possible.
\n      \u2018Painful memories,\u2019 she said. \u2018At the back of my mind, I still blame myself for not being with Dad during the avalanche.\u2019
\n      \u2018Even if you had been there, you might not have been able to save him.\u2019
\n      \u2018That\u2019s what the emergency services said, but I can\u2019t help feeling responsible, though it gets easier as time goes on.\u2019
\n      \u2018And what does your future look like?\u2019
\n      \u2018Bright, successful, happy \u2014 I hope,\u2019 she said breezily. \u2018I\u2019d especially like to do well with my photography. It\u2019s always been my ambition.\u2019
\n      \u2018And what about your personal life? Any room left for romance?\u2019
\n      A hot flush travelled over her body.
\n      \u2018I\u2019ve put romance on ice to concentrate on my career,\u2019 she said, in contradiction to her feelings. \u2018What about you?\u2019 she said, turning the focus on him. \u2018No plans to settle down?\u2019
\n      \u2018The urge to settle down has been creeping up on me during the past couple of years, but I fight hard to continue the single life, a life without romantic complications,\u2019 he said openly, surprising himself at how easy it was to talk to her.
\n      \u2018Wasn\u2019t there someone special in your life a few years ago? I remember reading about a woman being linked with you.\u2019
\n      Alex was playing down her knowledge of the woman he\u2019d been rumoured to marry, Julia, a New York model.
\n      \u2018There was someone, but she walked away from our relationship. She said she couldn\u2019t stand the constant worry about my safety every time I went off on a climb. It became too much of a strain for both of us, so she simply called it a day. Splitting up was the best solution. It wouldn\u2019t have ended in marriage anyway because . . .\u2019
\n      \u2018Because what?\u2019
\n      He sighed heavily, as if his reply was being carefully chosen.
\n      \u2018I\u2019ve always believed that when I met the right woman, I\u2019d know she was the one for me. A sort of gut feeling.\u2019
\n      \u2018And you didn\u2019t feel that way about Julia?\u2019 she said, strangely pleased with this new\u2013found knowledge.
\n      He stared straight into her eyes as he replied. \u2018No.\u2019
\n      \u2018Friends of mine, married now, fell in love at first sight. They both knew the instant they met that they were destined for each other. Can you imagine that?\u2019
\n      For one moment, he could imagine that, looking at Alex sitting in his cabin, quite at home, her long hair glistening in the light. He could imagine that quite vividly.
\n      \u2018More coffee?\u2019 he said, suddenly getting to his feet.
\n      \u2018Yes, thanks.\u2019
\n      Reaching down, he took the empty cup from her, and as his fingers accidentally brushed against her hand, it sent a tingle of sensations flooding through her.
\n      She watched him stride over to the kitchen. There was no mistaking the sense of power radiating from him. However, if she was to do a professional job, she\u2019d need to concentrate solely on her photographic work and ban any other notions that came her way. She\u2019d already confessed that she\u2019d put her heart on ice to concentrate on her career.
\n      Reef returned with another cup of coffee.
\n      \u2018You look flushed,\u2019 he said, causing her to flush even more. \u2018Are you feeling all right?\u2019
\n      Panic surfaced. Had he guessed her thoughts?
\n      \u2018I\u2019m fine.\u2019 She smiled. \u2018Probably just the heat of the coffee, and it\u2019s a warm, sticky night. I\u2019d like to take a bath or shower before going to bed.\u2019
\n      \u2018The bathroom\u2019s over there.\u2019 Reef pointed beyond the kitchen. \u2018And the shower room is right next to it. Take your pick.\u2019
\n      Leaving her coffee almost untouched, she decided on a shower. For what seemed like ages, she stood there, letting the water cascade down, gently cooling her overheated senses.<\/p>\n

Next morning at breakfast, Reef assumed a businesslike manner as he gave her the itinerary he had planned for the day.
\n      He laid a map on the table. \u2018There are numerous peaks in the White Mountain range. I thought we\u2019d start over here,\u2019 he said, pointing to the map. \u2018We\u2019ll begin by climbing this ridge. The climb is short, steep and the scenery is great.\u2019
\n      Alex looked at the map.
\n      \u2018I trust your judgement,\u2019 she said, handing it back. \u2018I\u2019ll take plenty of shots. You\u2019ll need a wide variety for magazines and advertising literature.\u2019
\n      \u2018I trust your judgement,\u2019 he said.
\n      Alex took a sip of fresh orange juice. \u2018Do you ever get scared when you climb?\u2019 she said as she began eating the plate of scrambled eggs he\u2019d prepared for them.
\n      Reef\u2019s blue eyes glanced at her and then looked away. \u2018Eat your breakfast, Alex. We\u2019ll be leaving soon.\u2019
\n      The journalist in her wanted to pursue the question, but the woman in her knew to let the matter drop. In Reef\u2019s line of work there was no place for fear \u2014 and no place for questions which brought up the subject.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Contents 1 \u2013 Meeting in Manhattan 2 \u2013 The White Mountains 3 \u2013 A Passionate Kiss 4 \u2013 Leaving the City Far Behind 5 \u2013 Beauty, Intelligence and Talent 6 \u2013 Can You Keep a Secret 7 \u2013 A Chance at Love 8 \u2013 Someone From The Past 9 \u2013 Nothing But Trouble 10 \u2013 … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":285,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-281","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.de-annblack.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/281","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.de-annblack.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.de-annblack.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.de-annblack.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.de-annblack.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=281"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.de-annblack.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/281\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":314,"href":"https:\/\/www.de-annblack.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/281\/revisions\/314"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.de-annblack.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/285"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.de-annblack.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=281"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}