Free Between the Lines by Jayne Ann Krentz Page B

sentiment of which S.U.T. would undoubtedly approve."
    "Did he ever do an ode to tacos?" Amber asked brightly as they left the room and headed toward the elevators.
    "No. but I believe there is a mention or two of tequila somewhere in the body of his work."
    "I'll bet. There was probably a fair amount of tequila within Twitchell's own body when he was writing some of his more memorable pieces," Amber declared. "Actually, tequila sounds like a good idea at the moment. I need something to numb the aftereffects of that ride into the canyon."
    "I thought you were already numb from it," Gray said with a chuckle as they stepped into the elevator.
    "Unfortunately, the numbing effect has worn off. It's been replaced by some very vivid memories of life in the saddle."
    "A little sore?"
    "That's putting it mildly. Thank heavens the seats in the dining room are well cushioned," Amber said in heartfelt tones.
    Dinner was a lively event, as promised by Vie Delaney. The mariachi band strolled through the dining room singing Mexican love songs while the guests helped themselves from a huge buffet that included everything from tamales to flan. There was a wide assortment of creative interpretations of Mexican cooking in between the two traditional favorites. Mexican beer, margaritas and tequila with salt and lime were available in abundance. The drinks were on the house tonight, and the guests weren't hesitating to indulge themselves.
    'Are you sure the resort is in financial trouble?" Amber asked dubiously. She was working her way through the buffet line. Gray was right behind her. "How could Delaney afford this kind of spread if he's hurting?"
    "Window dressing. You have to keep up appearances when you're trying to sell something as expensive as this place."
    "I suppose so. Still, this is such elaborate window dressing."
    "The bigger the deal, the more elaborate it has to be."
    "Is Symington going to be disappointed?"
    "Symington is a businessman. He's not emotionally involved with the deal. Now hush. I don't want either member of the dynamic duo overhearing you."
    Amber glanced around and saw Roger standing a few feet away. He was assisting guests with free beer. Ozzie was on the other side of the room entertaining two elderly women. "Those two do get around, don't they?"
    "They're Delaney's men."
    Vie Delaney himself was playing the genial host this evening, ensuring that all his guests were having a good time. He strolled toward Amber and Gray as they headed for one of the large communal tables that had been set up for dining. It was a night when guests were supposed to socialize, and that meant sharing a dinner table with other guests.
    "How are you two doing?" Delaney asked jovially. He slapped Gray familiarly on the back. "Did you try some of the shrimp? It's a specialty of my chef's. We fly the shrimp in fresh from the coast just for him. He won't touch the frozen stuff. A real prima donna. But I guess every good chef is. What did you folks do today? Ozzie said you took a couple of horses and headed for the hills."
    "My wife wanted to see some of the countryside," Gray murmured politely as he settled Amber into a seat next to a white-haired gentleman. "I'm afraid we may have overdone it. Amber isn't used to sitting in a saddle for a couple of hours."
    Delaney gave Amber a rueful grin. "Sorry about that. Try a nice warm soak in the tub tonight. Does wonders." He nodded around the table, smiling at the other guests. "Have a good time tonight. Remember, the drinks are on the house."
    There was a general murmur of appreciation from the circle at the table, and Delaney sauntered on to the next group of diners. The silver-haired man sitting next to Amber smiled beneath his trim mustache. "Personally, I'm sticking to the golf course while I'm here. I haven't been in a saddle in years. I can just imagine the effects!"
    His wife laughed and introduced herself. The two other couples at the table did, too, and soon the conversation drifted into