Holiday in Danger Read Online Free PDF Page A

party.”
    Trent nodded and followed Ian to the door. Mingling with the rich and scandalous wasn’t his thing. Not at all. But if it bought him enough time to find the source of Ian’s troubles, it’d be worth it. Even the women.
    He swallowed as the door opened and the sound of fake laughter hit his ear. “Remind me why you invite all these people. Half of them are jealous. The other half are overconfident pricks.”
    “That’s not true.” Ian paused. “Okay, it’s mostly true. But good people are coming, too. Richard said he’d try to make it back if he can drag Mandy out of Seattle. You can’t deny my sister’s awesome.”
    Trent let a smile slip through. “I won’t deny it. She’s great. But the rest of them? One of these days you should tell them all to get lost.”
    Ian slowed as they neared the main entry. “If I weren’t brought up in the restaurant business, maybe I’d agree. But when you run the hottest bar in town, you’ve got to keep up appearances. It’s part of the business.”
    “Do you really need the bar anymore? Hasn’t the shipping business been a lot better to you?”
    Ian nodded. “Yeah, but if I lose it all, then I’ve got to fall back on something.” He strode out into the lobby and the sea of people parted. He threw up his hands and Trent couldn’t help but shake his head. He’d never understand how Ian could put on a show for the sake of his business.
    Money didn’t seem worth it. Not when it came with so much baggage.
    He knew he should play the part. Mingle. Flirt. But after seeing Holly that morning and the mess with Ian…he couldn’t. Not until he’d had a stiff drink and a stern internal talking-to.
    Trent inhaled and plastered on a half-ass smile as he pushed his way through the crowd. He eased past a blonde with more jewelry than dress and slipped into the kitchen. Thank God. Silence .
    And a woman. Hello . The black dress hugged dangerous curves. Ample hips, nipped-in waist. Black heels that showcased bare legs. Light brown hair curling down her back. The complete opposite of most of the women he met in Midnight Cove and sexy as hell.
    He cleared his throat and she turned around. Whoa . “Holiday, hey. I…I didn’t expect to see you here.” She nibbled at her lower lip and he winced. “Sorry, it’s Holly now. I forgot.”
    “It’s okay.” An oversized chocolate cake sat next to her on the counter and she glanced at it before focusing on the floor.
    “Don’t tell me you baked Ian a cake.”
    She hid a smile. “Okay. I won’t.”
    Trent laughed. “You didn’t have to, that’s all. I’m sure he’s got the party catered out the wazoo.” From the look of the kitchen—already brimming with empty champagne bottles and opened jars of caviar—that was a yes.
    Holly tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and Trent’s jaw ticked. Damn, nerves made her beautiful. The way she fidgeted with her hair, twirling it around her finger like she used to. How her eyes darted up to meet his and then away just as fast.
    “I thought it’d be…when he texted…”
    “Ian doesn’t really do anything small anymore. I guess it’s all part of the business.”
    “I see.” She glanced at the cake again. “Do you want some cake?”
    Trent smiled. “I’d love some. Thanks.” He watched as she rummaged through the drawers and cabinets for a knife and plate. It was so strange to see her again—and to have lust hit him smack in the chest every time she glanced his way.
    He’d had a crush as a teenager, but they were kids. It was nothing compared to the pull of the attraction he felt now. She might have been a tomboy all those years ago, but she was a knockout in that black dress. One he wanted to get to know a whole hell of a lot better.
    Ian wanted him to relax? Act like he was on vacation? Fine. He’d do it standing next to Holly. Hell, he’d get as close as she’d let him. At least until the party ended and he could go back to work.
    * * *
    HOLLY

    Oh my God.