McFarlane's Perfect Bride Read Online Free PDF Page B

vase? Could you reach it for me?”
    He got it down and she filled it with water and put the roses in it, tugging at them this way and that until she had them arranged to her satisfaction. “So pretty…”
    He completely agreed, though it wasn’t precisely the flowers he was looking at.
    She slanted him a look. “Want a drink? I have a variety of organic juices. And I think I have an old bottle of vodka around here somewhere…a screwdriver. I could make you one of those.” She looked so pleased with herself, he almost said yes, just to stand in her turquoise kitchen and watch her bustling around, mixing the drink for him.
    Then again… “I’m not really a screwdriver kind of guy.”
    â€œWell, okay.” She carried the vase over to the breakfast nook and put it in the center of the table. “Ta-da. Looks beautiful.”
    â€œYes, it does.”
    â€œYou ready?”
    â€œAfter you.”
    Â 
    Tori loved the Gallatin Room. She’d only been there a few times, once before on a date and also for a couple of parties. It was the best restaurant at the resort—really, in all of Thunder Canyon—and had a beautiful view of tall, majestic evergreens and the top of Thunder Mountain. It also had a massive stone fireplace, one that wasn’t quite as large as the one in the main lobby. But impressive, nonetheless.
    The host led them to a really good table, by the fireplace, with a view of the mountain and the spectacularsky, shot now with orange and gold as the sun set. A waiter came to take their drink orders. Connor ordered Scotch, the really good kind that was older than Tori. She asked for a glass of white wine.
    The drinks appeared instantly. They sat and sipped and watched the sunset.
    She said what she was thinking. “I love this restaurant.”
    His dark eyes made a quick scan of the beautiful room. “It’s slow for a Friday evening, don’t you think?”
    She shrugged. “I guess.”
    â€œThe Scotch is perfect. And the service so far is excellent. It’ll be interesting to see how good the food is. As a rule, it’s the first thing to slip.”
    â€œUh, slip?”
    He sipped his Scotch slowly. “When traffic declines.”
    She knew what he meant, but still she teased, “Traffic?”
    He set down his glass and regarded her lazily. “When business slows down.”
    She stared at his fingers, which were still wrapped around the crystal glass. They were very nice fingers. Long. Lean. Strong-looking. “Hotelier to the core, huh?”
    He didn’t deny it. On the contrary, he gave her a rueful smile as he turned his crystal glass and stared down at the amber liquid inside. “I think it’s in the blood. My father would certainly say it is.”
    She suddenly craved total honesty—no matter how unwise. “Your sister says your father’s overbearing. And that he’ll never change.”
    â€œMelanie’s become way too frank in the past couple of years.”
    â€œI really like frankness in a person. I also heard you’re in town to buy out this resort, after which you’ll change everything around and fire half the staff.”
    â€œWho said that?” His voice was flat.
    â€œIt doesn’t matter. Is it true?”
    â€œDon’t believe every rumor you hear.” He studied her—a long, considering look.
    â€œYou’re not going to answer my question, are you?” She sipped her wine again, set the glass down. “Never mind. I think you are in town to buy this resort. Feel free to tell me I’m wrong.”
    He staunchly refused to confirm or deny her suspicions. “I’m here to spend time getting to know my sister and her family. And above all, for my son. I’ve neglected CJ for much too long. I’m hoping it’s not too late to heal the breach between us.”
    She believed he was telling the truth about his son.