Elle’s face lit up. Her eyes caught the glow from the flickering fire. “We’re really going to send that bastard to prison.”
“If we’re lucky.” The smile on her face stabbed him right in the heart.
“I’m very glad you’re here.” She extended her arm and reached for him.
Logan slid his hand under hers, wrapping his fingers around her delicate skin. He’d battled his feelings for her long enough. Either way, he was screwed.
Three
Logan’s sudden silence troubled Elle. His strong fingers tightened around her hand. Suddenly, he pulled away, released her as if she’d bitten him.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Nothing.” He glanced around the room, catching the sommelier’s attention. “There’s a particular wine I thought you’d like, but I can’t remember the name.”
“Really?” His rejection stung. He’d gone from being tender and romantic to ice cold. “When did you become a connoisseur?”
“Eric asked me to take care of you, not to involve you in an investigation.” Logan pushed the wine list away, telling the sommelier to bring their best Cabernet Sauvignon.
“I’m a lot safer with you here.”
Logan mumbled, “Depends on your definition of safe.”
Their server arrived, ending their discussion. Logan ordered prime rib, rare. Elle chose the same only a smaller portion and cooked well done.
“A Texan ordering her beef well done. Your grandmother would be ashamed.” The fun-loving, easygoing Logan had returned.
“That’s true. She finally gave up trying to get me to eat raw meat.”
He laughed. The sound wrapped around Elle like a strong pair of warm and inviting arms. “Rare is not raw.”
“Close enough.”
She shifted in her chair so it appeared she was looking at Logan. Truth be told, given the opportunity, Elle could easily lose herself in his dark eyes. For now, she turned her attention to Brandon at the next table.
It didn’t take long to realize her lip-reading wasn’t as good as she’d bragged. Keeping up with Brandon’s words was almost impossible, but she snagged a few words.
A glass of wine appeared in front of her. She shifted her attention in time to see the sommelier walk away. “I missed the uncorking and tasting. How’d I do that?”
“You were staring at me.” Logan chuckled. “At least, it looked that way. Did you learn anything?”
“That Brandon talks ninety miles an hour, and I’m not as good as I thought. I picked up a few words. Resort, riches, and worldwide. Oh, and investment.”
“That’s good. I heard him mention having a sense of urgency. That’s the way these guys work. They convince the investor that the window to the deal is about to close, and if they don’t want to lose out, they’ll get on board quickly.” The background music stopped briefly, and Logan stopped talking. “Liam just said they didn’t have that much cash.”
“Alana is very animated. Her hands are moving rapidly.”
“She’s against taking money from their retirement. Let’s hope she sticks to her guns. Tomorrow we’ll explain everything.” The music restarted, ending Logan’s chance to learn more. “After Brandon learns he can’t clean out the Fitzgeralds’ bank account, maybe I can provide him with a new mark.”
“It doesn’t give you much time to build a background.”
“Eric needs something to worry about other than his baby sister spending time with his best friend.” Logan held up his glass in a toast.
Elle touched her glass to his. Surprised by his statement, she had to tease him. “So why would Eric worry about you and me up here in the mountains all alone? What could he possibly be afraid would happen?”
Logan’s eyes narrowed to slits for a second. “Eric’s an old mother hen when it comes to you.”
Logan had evaded her question. She decided to let him get away with it, for now. “You don’t think we’re in danger?”
“Criminals can get violent if they’re cornered. We just need to keep our intentions under the radar until we have enough evidence to turn over to the FBI.”
“I presented them with enough complaints. They’ve done nothing.”
“You don’t know that. No agency, including the FBI, is going to tell you if they’ve launched an investigation.”
Dinner arrived and both fell into silence as they ate. Even well done, her prime rib was tender and moist. Elle sliced off a piece and held out her fork. “Try this.”
Logan’s gaze met hers as he leaned across the table and slid the piece of meat off her fork into his mouth. Electricity, strong enough to incinerate the Christmas tree in the corner, charged back and forth between them.
“Not bad.” He offered to share a bite of his prime rib, but she waved him off.
“They’re right behind you.” Elle and Logan pretended to ignore the two couples as they walked past, but she listened closely.
“It’s important that you act now,” said Brandon. “I have other investors waiting in line for this deal.”
Logan placed his fork on his plate and leaned back. “Typical fraud talk. Try to convince the mark that they’re going to miss out if they wait too long.”
“We have to make sure the Fitzgeralds don’t get ripped off.” Elle had a lot of faith in Logan. His reputation as a crime solver was well known. “Fate sent you here to save them from disaster.”
“Fate’s name is Eric.”
“So he’s the only reason you came?” She was fishing, but she had to seize the moment.
Logan refilled her glass but not his own. “You know better.”
“You’re not drinking?”
“One of us has to keep a clear head.” The corner of his mouth curved upward.
“Why, Mr. Ford,” Elle said in her best heavy drawl. “Are you trying to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me?”
Again, Logan laughed. God she loved to hear the slow and sexy sound. She’d never get tired of it. “Don’t make me give your pretty head a knuckle rub.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” She joined his laughter.
“And I’d never take advantage of you.”
Elle took a sip of wine. She’d barely kept herself from telling him that she wished he would. “I think I’m finished.” She pushed the glass to the center of the table.
“Then let’s get out of here.” He motioned for the check, signed it, and then walked around behind her and held her chair as she stood.
“Thank you. You’re such a gentleman.”
His eyebrow lifted. “That’s not the way you should think of me.”
Before she could challenge his comment, he’d ushered her out into the lobby. His hand rested on her lower back. How would it feel against her bare skin? She pushed away those thoughts while studying his profile. Logan wasn’t handsome in a pretty-boy way. His nose was slightly crooked, and a small scar bisected his eyebrow. Both had been the result of falling from a treehouse he and Eric had built. His walk, deliberate with a bit of a swagger, exuded a quiet but deadly confidence.
Once inside the common room of their suite, Logan called his dad and went into detail, outlining how he could help pull off the sting. Elle kicked off her heels and relaxed on the couch. Logan paced while he explained the situation. He glanced at her and smiled.
“I will. Tell Mom I love her too.” Logan ended the call, walked to her, and kissed her on top of the head. “That’s from Dad.”
“You miss having them live closer?”
“Sometimes, but I understand their move to San Antonio was strategic. They do the biggest business in that area.” His gaze returned to the phone. “I’ll call Eric later.”
“Want me to talk to him?”
“No.” Logan’s answer came quick and sharp.
“Why not?”
“By the time Eric finishes grilling you, you’ll both be pissed. I’ll keep him on point.”
“His over protectiveness is getting old. Who I’m friends with, date, o
r have sex with is none of his damn business.” She waved off the shocked look on Logan’s face. “I understand that Eric felt he had to take over for our father, and I love him for it. He was too young to shoulder such a responsibility. Now it seems he’s too old to let it go.”
“He’ll let go when the right man comes along. When he sees you’re happy, he will be too.”
Logan punched in a number and left a message for Eric to call. A knock on the door drew both of them to their feet.
“I’ll get it.” Logan leaned down and removed a small pistol from an ankle holster.
“You brought a gun?”
“Never without it. Hardest thing I’ve done in a while was checking my lockbox at the airport.” His movement was fluid but strong as he checked to see who stood on the other side of the door. “Housekeeping.”
The housekeeper offered to turn down their beds and build a fire. Logan thanked her, stating he’d handle the fireplace. True to his word, within minutes of closing the door, he had a roaring fire crackling, sending orange and red flames dancing.
Logan left the room and returned with his laptop. He’d kicked off his shoes, unbuttoned the top two buttons on his shirt, and rolled up his sleeves. The sheer casualness of the situation seeped into her soul, turning her muscles to putty.
His fingers moved across his keyboard. With his gaze locked on the computer screen, she watched as he shifted into cop mode.
“What are you working on?”
“Trying to brush up on our boy Brandon.” Logan glanced up. “Damned slow Internet is killing me.”
Elle didn’t ask additional questions, allowing him to continue working. In the quiet, she planned tomorrow’s activities. Logan, Nicki, and Brandon’s ski outing would keep them busy for hours. Elle would use that time to again search for his laptop. She was taking a huge risk, but this was something she had to do. She snuggled deeper into the couch, watching Logan as he worked. Her eyelids grew heavy as images of hot, sweaty sex with him crept into her thoughts.
* * * *
Brandon’s background check held no great surprises for Logan. He’d already guessed that Nicki was not Brandon’s daughter. In fact, no record existed of him having fathered a child. Logan ran the name Nicki Ethridge through the system. He’d expected nothing, and that’s exactly what he got...a handful of air.
Elle had fallen asleep. Her long dark hair had fallen across the pillow, circling back to softly caress her graceful neck. The vibration of his phone snapped him out of his daze. Eric was returning Logan’s call.
“What’s up?” he said, quickly moving into his bedroom so he wouldn’t disturb Elle.
“You called me,” Eric said. “Something wrong with Elle?”
“No, but there’s been a change of plans, and I need your help.”
“I’m listening.” The hesitant tone in Eric’s voice came through loud and clear.
Logan quickly explained that the owners were the target of Ethridge’s next fraud. “I’m going to alert the Fitzgeralds. Make sure they pass on the deal.”
“So how can I help?”
“I’ve started laying the groundwork to make myself a replacement target. I’ve spoken with my dad, and he’s on board. A benefit of being a junior. He’ll alert his people to cover for me. I need you to make sure a background check on me looks good.”
“Shit.” Eric ground out the words. “I should’ve known she’d sucker you into some wild-ass scheme.”
“This is my plan. My idea. Her being here will actually help me pull this off.”
“Keep her out of it. Your mission is to keep her out of trouble.”
Logan walked to the door into the common room where she lay sleeping on the couch. A hard tug on his heart surprised him. Could a relationship with Elle work? Would Eric come around? “Nothing is going to happen to her. I’ll make sure of that.”
“If Ethridge discovers you’re running a game on his game, he might lash out. The Weather Channel said that Noble Pass is closed. What if she gets hurt or you need help?”
“Will you stop? I’ve got this.”
“Fine. I’m counting on you.”
Logan ended the call. He walked straight through to Elle’s side of the suite. He turned back her covers, flipped on the light in the bathroom, and then returned to the common room. For a few seconds, he stood over her and watched her sleep. He studied her features, noting she appeared much more angelic this way than awake and arguing with him.
He slid his arms under her and lifted her in one smooth motion. Elle’s eyes fluttered open but then closed as she nestled her head against his shoulder. Damn, he couldn’t resist the urge to stand still and hold her for a minute, but the longer she stayed in his arms, the harder putting her down would be. He carried her to her bed and gently laid her on the sheet.
Elle turned onto her side. A slight smile played at the corners of her lips, but she didn’t open her eyes. He leaned down and softly kissed her cheek before pulling the blanket over her body. He turned off the light and left the room, closing the door behind him.
It was going to be a long night.
Four
Elle woke to the aroma of coffee. She pushed back the covers and discovered her new black dress bunched around her waist. Logan had put her to bed. She hoped that she’d been properly covered at the time. Hearing that she exposed the lace thong she’d worn last night would be embarrassing. She put her feet on the floor and straightened her clothes.
A memory flashed through her mind. She touched a spot on her cheek. Had she dreamed that Logan had kissed her?
“Rise and shine.” Logan’s playfulness gave her a morning smile. “I’m coming in on the count of three, so cover up,” he called out.
“I’m up,” she answered. “And ready for that coffee that I hope you’re bringing me.”
He strolled in carrying two cups as if this were something he did every day. Gray warm-ups hung loosely at his hips; his bare chest sported a sprinkling of dark hair. Elle’s gaze tracked that trail until it disappeared under his waistband.
“Good morning.” He held a cup close enough for the aroma to wake up her taste buds.
“Sorry. It’s been a few years since I’ve seen you half-naked.” She grabbed the coffee and took a big sip. The hot liquid seared off a layer of tongue as she swallowed, probably matching the color of the burn rushing up her cheeks.
Logan walked to the only chair in the room and sat. “Yeah. I was probably seventeen the last time you and Eric went water-skiing with me.” Logan’s gaze travelled across her body. “Your dress looks worse than you do. That last glass of wine put you out like a light.”
“I never drink four glasses.” Elle peered into the mirror. “My eyes look awful.”
“You look great. Besides, you were nervous.” He pushed himself to his feet.
“No. I was careless and stupid.” Elle glanced at the clock. “You’d better get going. Nicki will worry if you’re late.”
Logan moved across the room like a very fast cat. He stood toe-to-toe with her, hooked his index finger under her chin, and gently lifted until their gazes locked. “I’m not worried about her opinion of me.”
Heat bloomed in her belly and headed south. “Exactly whose opinion do you care about?”
His mouth opened but didn’t speak. She mentally pleaded with him to say something. He leaned down and brushed her forehead with his lips. Frustration cooled the pool of heat forming between her thighs.
“Have a good day.” Elle had to get him out of her bedroom before she kissed him or punched him, whichever came first. Besides, he had a ski date, and she had a plan to execute.
“Damn it, Elle. You’re as transparent as cellophane. Do not break into Brandon’s suite again.”
Elle kept her composure and bit back a sharp retort. “Yes, dear.”
“Okay. I sounded a bit bossy. I just don’t want you to get into trouble.”
“You mean Eric doesn’t want me to get into trouble.”
Log
an’s expression turned icy. “If that’s what you want to believe.”
There for a fleeting heartbeat, she’d hoped he’d say that he was worried about her. When that didn’t happen, Elle motioned him out of the room. “You’ll have to excuse me. I have to get ready for my ski lesson. I hear the instructor is an Olympic medal winner and is extremely hot.”
She grabbed her brand new Patagonia sweater and pants out of the drawer. She removed her waterproof Eddie Bauer boots from the closet and placed them next to her bed. She ignored Logan as she brushed past him on the way to the dresser, where she selected a lacy red bra and matching panties.
“Oh, lord,” Logan groaned. He left her bedroom, closing the door behind him.
Elle chuckled on her way to the bathroom. She showered but didn’t dress. Instead, she took her time moisturizing her arms and legs. After a long twenty minutes, she opened the door and called Logan’s name. Confident he’d left; she opened her closet, removed the blonde wig from its box, and slipped it on her head. She selected a long-sleeve beige sweater, and matching slacks. A colorful scarf around her neck matched her red flats. Her plan had worked the first time she had gotten into Brandon’s suite. Could she pull off pretending to be Nicki again?
She took the elevator down to the sixth floor, walked to Ethridge’s suite, and removed the Do Not Disturb sign from the door handle. The housekeeping cart was parked four doors away, making her timing perfect. Doing her best to slow her racing heart, she stood still, one hand hovering over the handle, the other holding the sign in the air. She waited what seemed like an eternity, but finally the housekeeper stepped into the hall. Elle went into action.
“Oh, no,” she said loudly, and in her best panicked voice. She hurried to one of the women waving the Do Not Disturb sign. “Before I hang this on the door, will you put fresh towels in the bathroom?” Elle didn’t wait for a response. She spun on her heel, marched back to the room, and pretended to panic. “My purse. I left it inside.”
For a moment, she thought the woman wasn’t going to comply with her request. Elle decided to be more assertive. She stabbed one hand on her hip and waved the sign. “My husband will be up to rest soon, and I don’t want him disturbed.”
Flirting with Fate Page 3