Page 16
“That sounds like a healthy partnership.”
“Well, the resort survived three construction delays and an argument about whether the lobby needed an indoor train driven by elves.” Darcy’s dark eyes move over my face. “Wait. You’re the woman the Christmas-tree farmer brought in last night.”
The Christmas-tree farmer.
My gaze drifts toward the enormous fir dominating the centre of the lobby. Miles’s tree looks different now, transformed beneath thousands of lights and ornaments, but I can still picture it strapped across the roof of his truck while he walked toward me through the snow.
His blue eyes appear instantly in my mind, followed by those enormous hands tightening the recovery strap.
It's odd that not once have I thought about Brett. Not really. Nor have I thought about my ruined wedding or abandoned honeymoon.
I'm just thinking about Miles.
Apparently, my imagination has developed priorities while I’m not looking.
Shit. Was my engagement really that bad?
I knew Brett wanted the comfortable life his family’s money guaranteed. I also knew there were expectations attached to it, but I never believed Brett saw me as part of the financial arrangement.
Not until yesterday.
Not until I heard what marrying me was apparently worth to him.
Asshole.
No wonder Miles reaches my thoughts first.
“Technically, he brought in the tree,” I say. “I arrived as an additional roadside inconvenience.”
“Well, from what I heard, Big Mike said you rescued the registration.” Darcy smiles, then glances at the tablet beneath her arm. “Are you staying on as liaison?”
“That depends. Is the free resort suite included?”
She smiles and nods. “You like it, huh?”
“Like it?!" My eyes pop. "The bathroom has a heated towel rack and three shower settings.”
“Then perhaps we can help each other.” Darcy turns the tablet and shows me a schedule covered in red warning symbols. “I’ve lost two Wildcard players. Aidan Colby and Dylan Stone were meant to report for a team meeting ten minutes ago.”
“You’ve lost two professional hockey players?”
"Yeah, well. I'm only here to help my father out because it's opening weekend, so shit happens." Darcy looks around the chaos of the lobby and shakes her head. “But they were last seen heading toward the Christmas market this morning, and based on Dylan’s decision-making history, they’re probably drinking before breakfast.”
“And you want me to retrieve them?”
“You brought order to a lobby containing Colin Holden. I have faith in you.”
“You do understand I haven’t accepted the job, right?"
“Of course.” Darcy’s expression remains perfectly innocent. “This is simply a favour between two women who enjoy luxury accommodation.”
I narrow my eyes.
She smiles. “Find my missing hockey players, and I’ll make sure nobody asks you to leave Mistletoe Resort today.”
My stomach growls loudly between us.
"Oh!" Darcy looks toward the market doors. “And there’s free coffee and pastries out there if you're part of the staff.”
