Chapter 61

At that speed on the black diamond run, a collision was almost certain to cause broken bones. Ryan's face paled, the end seeming imminent. But in a heartbeat, Stella yanked Ryan aside, causing him to tumble onto the snow. She, however, landed with a softer impact against Lance's back. Lance frowned, watching her gasp, her face ashen. "My ankle…" Sweat beaded on Stella's forehead with the intensity of the pain. She turned to Lance, her voice a low, strained murmur. "Mr. Swain, I… I think I've twisted my ankle." Lance said nothing, signaling the ski patrol for a stretcher and then calling for a private doctor. … Inside the VIP lounge, Tara's attention was drawn to the arrival of several ski patrol carrying a stretcher. She immediately stood and went over. Stella was on the stretcher, and they carefully placed her down, awaiting the private orthopedist. Stella lay there, her complexion ghostly white, clearly fighting the pain. Knowing the inherent dangers of skiing and setting