Flirting with Fate Read Free Page B

sparkled with interest. “What are they called?”
    “Texas Country Inns.” Before she could quiz him further, he turned to Elle and extended his hand. “I see Liam and Alana have joined the party. We should say hello.”
    “Sure thing,” Elle agreed, twining her fingers through his.
    “Wait,” Nicki said. “Why don’t you two join us for an early-morning trip down the mountain?”
    “I haven’t skied in years, but I’m game.” Logan flashed his pearly whites at Nicki.
    “I’ll have to pass,” Elle said quickly. “I signed up for a refresher lesson in the morning.”
    “I’m sure that’s a good idea.” Nicki’s attempt at an innocent smile failed. “We’ll entertain Logan while you’re busy.”
    “Works for me.” Logan could feel Elle’s gaze burning a hole in his cheek.
    “We’ll meet at the lift desk at nine.” Nicki looped her hand into Brandon’s elbow. Together they navigated through the crowd.
    “I’ll alert rescue to be ready in case you don’t return.” Elle smiled up at Logan, but her smoldering eyes held no humor.
    “Nicki thinks you’re jealous of my attention to her.” He twirled a lock of Elle’s dark chestnut hair around his finger. Thoughts of satin sheets slid through his mind.
    “In your dreams.” Her words were firm, but a smile played at the corners of her lips.
    “Be glad Nicki misinterpreted your actions. Otherwise, Brandon and Nicki might have questioned your disdain.”
    “I’m sorry.” Elle sighed. “Visions of my grandmother standing on her feet all day at the daycare center kept popping into my head. At her age, there’s a big difference between volunteering a few hours a week and working full time.”
    Logan’s heart melted a little. He’d never been able to stay mad at Elle. Hadn’t he forgiven her when she’d crashed his new bicycle into the tree, worrying only about her scrapes and bruises? Then there was the time she’d sideswiped his car while turning into the driveway. Anyone else would’ve caught hell, but Elle had never been just anyone else to him.
    “Interviewing people you’ll never see again is one thing. Undercover work requires you to take on a role and stay in it for the duration. You have to be believable. We won’t learn jack shit if we piss off Brandon and Nicki.” Logan stopped, turning her to face him. “Can you do that?”
    Elle’s expression turned solemn. “Yes. I won’t blow it.”
    “That’s my girl.” He caught her hand and restarted their trip across the room.
    “You keep Nicki happy,” Elle said. “I’ll do the rest.”
    Logan didn’t have time to respond. Liam and Alana Fitzgerald had left their group and were approaching. The couple not only owned the castle, they were the sponsors of The Noble Pass Affaire Getaway.
    Elle leaned close. “Look how the Fitzgeralds hold hands. Just the way they speak to each other tells me they are still deeply in love.”
    “You really are a romantic,” Logan whispered. She was probably thinking of her parents. They’d died in a car wreck before he’d met Elle and Eric, but Logan had heard stories about their love for each other.
    “Randall.” Alana spoke first, leaning in for a handshake. “I see you met our other winner.”
    “Yes.” Logan wouldn’t have time to fill in the details, but he had to start somewhere. “I’d like to schedule a meeting with you tomorrow.”
    “Of course,” Liam said. “Is there a problem?”
    “Not yet, but I should have told you at check-in that my name isn’t Randall Newman. It’s Logan Ford.”
    Liam’s shoulders stiffened. “Why did you use an alias?”
    “It’s important that you not reveal what I tell you. I’m a Texas police detective, and I need you to trust me. I apologize for not explaining right away.” Logan had to gain their cooperation. “Tonight isn’t the time to discuss this. Tomorrow, we can get behind closed doors, and I’ll explain everything.”
    “I don’t appreciate being deceived.” A