Out of Character Read Free Page A

broken heart as opposed to the humiliation of being dumped for Tiffany. “I don’t know.”
    “Andy’s been my friend since law school, but he was a jerk to you, and I hate him for that,” Kristen said. “I don’t want you to risk trying again with him unless you’re sure. I’ve been worried that if you haven’t been near another man in six months, you might mistake lust for love when you see Andy. But now that you have a date—” She waved her hand.
    “I’m not sleeping with Mark.” Jillian took another drink of water then set the bottle on the fireplace hearth. “To be honest, I’m not sure I should even go out with him tonight. Something about him makes me nervous.”
    Kristen’s forehead creased. “Do you think he’s dangerous and might hurt you?”
    “That’s not it.” It was more the way Mark had gotten her to ski then convinced her to meet him for dinner when she’d meant to refuse. It was as though he’d used his mesmerizing eyes to hypnotize her into doing things she’d never have considered otherwise.
    “I think the only thing making you nervous is that you haven’t been on a first date for more than two and a half years,” Kristen said. “You’ve got first date jitters. Suck it up and go out and have fun.”
     
     

Chapter 2
     
    Mark scanned the dining area one last time. All clear. He dropped the hand he’d held close to the gun hidden under his sport coat then strode to the black lacquer podium the restaurant hostess was stationed behind.
    “Jillian isn’t here yet, but thanks for letting me check,” he said. “Either she’s even later than I was, or I’m being stood up.”
    “If she doesn’t show, let me know.” The hostess smoothed her wavy dark hair with both hands in a movement that accentuated her impressive bust. “My break’s in fifteen minutes, and I’d be happy to keep you company.” She smoothed her hair again.
    “I’ll remember that.” Although Mark had no doubt Jillian would be here, since she wasn’t late at all. He’d told her he’d make a reservation for seven-thirty then made it for seven. He’d arrived at ten after seven and told the hostess he wanted to check whether Jillian was waiting in the bar occupying one side of the restaurant. He’d actually surveyed the entire place, the bar, the dining area, even the men’s room.
    His friend wasn’t here.
    The hostess shifted her attention to a tanned, silver-haired couple who’d come in.
    Mark positioned himself against a wall in the shadow of the coat check, with a prime view of the double glass doors serving as the only public entrance.
    Funny how things worked out. When he’d gotten to the ski area, he’d realized that good as his disguise was, it would be better if he added a woman. Someone might have been bribed to pass on his current description, but that description would fit many men on the slopes. Being with a woman would prevent him from standing out as a conspicuous lone male. It might even be uncharacteristic enough to keep his friend from giving him a second glance. He had a reputation for liking women, but also for treating them considerately and certainly never endangering an innocent one. No one would expect him to be with a woman now, under these circumstances. As long as he just skied with her, the woman would be perfectly safe. Even if he were recognized, no one would risk shooting him on a busy ski slope.
    He rubbed the beard he’d finally gotten used to. When he’d bought his lift ticket, he’d spotted Jillian in the meeting area for group skiing lessons, talking to a woman he’d bet had been a Longhorns cheerleader thirty years and pounds ago. Jillian had confessed that despite dozens of lessons, she freaked out whenever she got near a chairlift, was only there because she’d promised her best friend she’d give skiing one last chance, and had been so agitated she’d spilled coffee on some poor man at a gas station on the drive to Keystone. Her nervous chatter had