The Lure of Love Read Online Free

scoop-necked top and a long skirt?”
    Brooke rolled
her eyes. “What time are you getting ready?”
    “About a
quarter to six. We’re eating at six.”
    “That’s when
the families eat! What are you thinking? He’s from the city, Jamie. He’s
probably used to eating around eight…maybe later.”
    Jamie tossed her head. “Too late now. Besides, I’m hungry.”
    “Fair enough,
but I’ll see you in your room around a quarter to.”
    * * *
    Brooke appeared
at Jamie’s door with an armful of accessories. Between them they decided on a
delicate fringed wrap which they tied around Jamie’s slender hips. Folded on an
angle, the point hung down, lending a gypsy feel to the outfit. Brooke placed a
delicate brass filigree necklace around her neck and stood back to admire.
    “Okay, one
more thing,” she said and pulled Jamie’s long sun-streaked hair back on one
side with a large comb. “There.” She turned her around to face the full-length
mirror. “Have a look at yourself.”
    Jamie
scarcely recognized the woman in the mirror. “I look good,” she said simply.
“How did you do it?”
    Brooke
laughed. “My mother used to tell me I was born to accessorize. I’ve always had
a knack for it.”
    “With your
taste, you should open a store.”
    Brooke stood
back to admire her creation. “Speaking of stores, I’d like to talk to you about
opening a store in the Lodge. I have a few ideas, but now isn’t the time.”
    Jamie studied
her office manager for a moment. Behind the beautiful face and figure was a
sharp mind. She’d only been with the lodge since the May long weekend and had
proven herself many times. “Okay,” she said thoughtfully. “Let’s get together
in the next day or two.”
    “I’ll remind
you.” Brooke herded her out the door. “Have fun tonight.”

Chapter Three
    Jamie was glad
she’d taken extra care with her outfit when she saw the look on Craig’s face.
He’d somehow managed to snag the best table in the dining room and stood up
when she entered. He waved away the server and seated her expertly, pushing the
chair firmly against the back of her legs, the way she liked it.
    “You’ve done
that a few times before,” she said, smiling at him. He’d changed into a crisp
white shirt and navy slacks.
    “I worked as
a waiter in Banff for three summers while I was putting myself through
college.”
    She glanced
around at the dining room, which was already filling up. “I can’t begin to
imagine the numbers they must serve in those big hotels every night.” She gave
a little shudder. “Leeza and I were talking this morning about how the students
are surprised when they’re expected to work.”
    “Leeza?”
    “Sorry. Leeza
is our chef. She doesn’t look like the average chef, but she’s excellent.”
    “I’d like to
meet her.” He looked up as their server appeared, then turned his attention
back to Jamie. “Are you going to have a drink?”
    “I think so.”
She smiled at the server. “Hello, André. I think I’ll have a glass of red wine.
You choose something for me, please.”
    The server
turned to Craig. “And for you, Sir?”
    “I’d like a
Scotch, please. Chivas, if you have it.”
    “Yes Sir, we
do. I’ll be right back.”
    He’d been
reading the menu when she arrived but he set it aside and sat back casually. Contrasted
against the white of his shirt, his tan looked even darker than before. Blue
eyes studied her and an amused smile played around his lips.
    “I saw you
this morning,” he said finally.
    “You did?”
She looked around, not understanding what he meant.
    “On the road.
You stopped to rescue that fellow who was about to be mauled by a grizzly.”
    She nodded.
“The car behind him. That was you.”
    “That was
me.” He looked up as their drinks were delivered. “Thank you, André.” He held
up his glass and clinked it against hers. “He’s staying here, you know. I saw
him this afternoon.”
    “Then I’m
doubly glad I interfered.”