The Lure of Love Read Online Free PDF Page A

the sound track.” He came forward
in his chair and smiled. “Want to hear something outrageous? A few years ago a
friend of mine bought a computerized golf game that simulates golf courses
around the world. He was showing me how it works and had chosen a course on
Maui. There was actually the sound of a loon in the background. On Maui!”
    Jamie
laughed. “You’re making this up!”
    He held up a
hand. “I kid you not!” He hunched forward, elbows resting on the arms of the
chair. “Thank you for listening, Jamie. You’re very relaxing to be with.”
    She frowned.
“I don’t know if that’s a compliment or not.”
    “Trust me,
it’s a compliment.” Was that desire she saw in his eyes? Forget it , said
the voice in her head. You can’t afford to blow this opportunity .
    Then why did
it feel so right?
    He rose and
offered her his hand. “I’ve taken up enough of your time tonight.” He pulled
her up and continued to hold her hand for several moments. “Will you show me some
of the closer fishing sites tomorrow or the next day?” He smiled down into her
eyes. “I’ve decided to take a vacation after all. My office booked the room for
the full week, didn’t they?”
    She nodded
and hoped that her legs would continue to support her.
    “Good.” He
walked with her back to the lodge. “I don’t think I’ll bother with lining up a
fly fisherman. I can visualize the shots.”
    “I know how
to fly fish.” Why had she volunteered that information? She had absolutely no
desire to be in one of his films.
    “Why am I not
surprised?” His voice had turned husky. “I have a feeling you do everything
well, Jamie Nicholson.”
    They walked
up the stairs together. “Goodnight,” he said softly, then headed for the
staircase leading to the first floor.
    * * *
    Jamie went
into the small office behind the reception area and collapsed into the office
chair. She was relieved to see that the phones had been switched over to
Brooke’s head set. All guests were informed on arrival that the phones would be
answered until ten every evening; after that time, calls were routed through
the night watchman. Brooke had introduced Jamie to technology that allowed calls
to be answered anywhere on the grounds. All key staff members could communicate
with each other; Jamie didn’t know how she’d managed to get along without it.
    She tried to
check the new reservations that had come in during the day, but couldn’t
concentrate. Why hadn’t she heard about Craig Hansen’s family? She thought back
to two years ago, and knew the answer. That was when she’d made the mistake of
becoming romantically involved with a real estate agent from the neighbouring
town. She’d thought they might have a future together until she realized that
he was only trying to get close to her because of all the waterfront land she’d
inherited. It had been a painful experience and one she was determined not to
repeat.
    She sat back
and sighed. Gareth hadn’t been the only one she’d talked to about the land, but
he was the only one she’d become personally involved with. The trouble was,
everyone who looked at the land envisioned the same result…vacation
properties. Every one of them had pushed for high density development to
‘maximize her profits’. She couldn’t bring herself to do that to the lake she
loved. She’d vowed to find another way to keep the lodge operating, but it was
becoming more difficult every day.
    “How was your
dinner with Craig?” Brooke appeared in the doorway.
    Jamie knew
she was grinning like an idiot, but she couldn’t help it. “He’s nice.”
    Brooke raised
an eyebrow. “Not what I asked, but it sounds like you enjoyed yourself.”
    “I did. I
have a good feeling about this. By the way, he’s going to stay the whole week.”
    “I’m glad you
told me.” Brooke called up the reservations screen. “Look, all we have
available for the next two weeks are one night openings here and there. Lots