Before We Kiss (Fool's Gold #14)(20)

Dellina parked and got out of her car. She was meeting Sam here so they could go over logistics. Everything from the menu at Henri’s—the resort’s five-star restaurant—to various accommodations. Both were equally important. But while she could totally get into food sampling, she was less sure about looking at bedrooms with Sam. Because the last time they’d been in a hotel together had been Valentine’s Day and look how that had ended.

Dellina walked toward the hotel. She’d always been a big believer in telling the truth—at least to herself. If Sam was offering, she would be mighty tempted to say yes. So it was probably good that he wasn’t.

She saw a sleek black Mercedes convertible by the valet station and had a feeling that meant Sam was already here. She had used the regular self-park lot, like a normal person. She was still smiling at the comparison when she walked into the resort.

The Gold Rush Ski Lodge and Resort was part Victorian mansion, part chalet. There was wood everywhere, high ceilings and lots of attentive staff. The place would make a good impression on the most discerning of clients, she thought as she headed toward the tall dark-haired man standing by a window.

Even from the back, Sam was impressive. He had broad shoulders and long legs. He stood with an easy grace—still and yet poised for movement. Probably the result of all that athletic training. His suit pants had been tailored by an expert and showed off his narrow hips and muscular butt before falling in a straight line over his thighs.

He must have left his suit jacket in his car because he didn’t have it with him. He’d rolled up his sleeves to his elbows and she figured there was a fifty-fifty chance he had on a tie.

All in all, an impressive man, she thought.

She moved closer. He must have sensed her because he turned and spotted her, then smiled.

“A nice place,” he said as he walked toward her. “Good choice.”

“Thanks, but you’re the one who picked it,” she reminded him, wondering how unhealthy it was for her heart to suddenly thunder so hard in her chest. Could the organ be bruised by all the flopping around and banging against bone?

She wanted him to be impressed by her and was tempted to mention her conversation with Lark Heuston’s agent. The author was coming to Fool’s Gold and seemed very interested in staying for the lecture. But until things were confirmed, Dellina wanted to keep the happy news to herself.

A pretty woman in her forties walked over. “Dellina,” she said with a smile. “Great to see you.” She held out her hand to Sam. “I’m Jody LaCroux, the events manager here at the hotel. You must be Sam Ridge.”

They shook hands. Jody motioned for them to head down the hall. “We’re very excited about the weekend you and Dellina have planned for your company, Mr. Ridge.”

“Sam, please,” he told her.

Jody had short blond hair and brown eyes. She wore a no-nonsense suit with a knee-length skirt, and sensible flat shoes. Dellina happened to know that when not overseeing weddings and banquets, Jody skied in the winter and ran marathons the rest of the year. She probably couldn’t kick Sam’s butt, yet she could sure outrun him.

“Nice to meet you, Sam.” Jody smiled at Dellina. “You I know.”

Dellina laughed. “When my sisters and I moved back to Fool’s Gold, Jody spent a couple of Saturdays helping me work out a schedule for taking care of my sisters, the household and staying up with my classes at community college.”

“I’m good with organization,” Jody said. “I just never thought a degree in hotel management would come in handy in the community. I was happy to help.”

She walked past the larger of the ballrooms and led them down the hallway to the smaller meeting rooms.

“Based on the number of couples and children you’ll be hosting on-site, I think this part of the hotel will be best.” She walked into a room that had an entire wall of windows, along with big doors that opened onto a patio and then a walled garden beyond. There were plenty of plants, but also a grassy area.

“For the children,” Jody said with a wave of her hand. “Dellina, I’m thinking Friday night and Saturday afternoon. For Friday, we’d set up the mocktail and appetizer stations in the room. The kids will eat next door while the band sets up and we’ll return here. It’s big enough for them to move around, the walls keep them contained. There are restrooms right through there, so they never have to go out into the hallways.”

“Good security,” Dellina said as she took notes. “On Saturday, you’re right. This is perfect for the meet-and-greet with the therapy dogs.” She glanced at Sam. “You agree?”

He nodded. “I like the space.”

They saw the patio where the adult wine tasting would be held, then went back toward the elevators.

“We have your guests together in a block,” Jody told them as they waited for the elevator. “There will be another large party. A wedding. But your guests will have the entire top floor.” Jody glanced at her notes. “Taryn Crawford put in a request for the presidential suite.”

Sam grimaced. “Of course she did.”

Dellina raised her eyebrows. “Is that a problem?”

“No. I’m sure she and Angel will enjoy it.”

Jody met Dellina’s gaze and smiled but didn’t comment. They got on the elevator.