Free Flirting with Fate by Jerrie Alexander Page B

suffered through the loss of her mom and dad, but Nan had done everything possible to fill the void their deaths had created.
    Elle closed her eyes and pictured Logan telling Eric about them. Nan had been right. Elle would be forever grateful that Eric had taken on the role of protector at an early age. She hoped he’d understand and support that she was a big girl now. Sleep came easily, and Elle didn’t fight it.
    * * * *
    Something landed on Elle’s face. She couldn’t breathe. Something pressed down hard on her arms and her face. She kicked her feet. Bucked her hips in desperation trying to pitch the weight off. Her lungs were going to explode. A filtered voice sounded as if it came from far away, saying something about a nosy bitch.
    Darkness came even as she fought against it.
    * * * *
    Nicki pushed Logan’s drink closer to him. She’d been distant, almost formal since arriving at the bar. They’d exchanged pleasantries, and again he’d described the bed-and-breakfast chain. She kept glancing toward the lobby as if she expected someone.
    “Are we expecting Brandon?”
    “He’s getting a massage. The trip down the slope was tough on him.” Her gaze slid over Logan. “You took to the snow easily. Not rusty at all.”
    “Muscle memory.” The small talk had dragged on long enough. Logan decided to push the conversation along.
    “I’d better get back. The market has been all over the board. I’m thinking about dumping some stock before the price drops any further.”
    “You should talk to my father first.” A hand on his knee startled him. “He’s made lots of people rich.”
    Logan leaned closer and delivered his best patronizing smile. “I’m already rich.”
    “No one has too much money. Dad can help you stay that way.” Her grip moved to his thigh.
    Logan expected her to use sex as her weapon of choice, but this open display surprised him. “I’ve heard that before.”
    “No doubt,” she said with a laugh. “You should give Dad a chance. At least talk to him. He has some exciting things in the works.”
    “I guess it never hurts to listen. But why am I sitting here with a beautiful woman talking business?”
    Nicki glanced toward the lobby again. “Here’s a personal question. Are you and Elle a couple?”
    Finally, she’d asked the question Logan had been waiting for. He pretended to choke on his drink. “Hell no. It’s a long story.”
    “I’ve got time.”
    Logan played it slow, making her wait. “Sounds a little goofy, but we’re contest winners. It’s a monthly thing here at the resort. People write an essay about why they’d like to meet someone new. The best two entries win an all-expense-paid vacation.” Nicki’s jaw dropped. “Before you judge me, I didn’t enter. My mother, who thinks it’s a crime that I haven’t presented her with grandchildren, entered my name. I protested at first but then thought, why not?”
    Her lips thinned. “You and Elle seemed to hit it off.”
    “Well, she is beautiful. I thought this might turn into a party weekend. I probably shouldn’t have told her about my B and B chain. Should have kept that to myself.”
    “I’ll just bet her little ears perked up hearing that.” Nicki bared her teeth in a snarl.
    “I noticed a distinct change in her demeanor.”
    “Money can be a burden.” Nicki’s shoulders relaxed. “There’s something about her that makes me uncomfortable.”
    “She’s okay. I figure everyone has an angle. Hers is finding a rich husband.”
    Brandon Ethridge stepped into the bar as if right on cue.
    “May I join you?” Even as he asked, he was dragging a chair out.
    “Of course.” Logan shook Brandon’s hand.
    “We were just talking about you,” Nicki said.
    “That’s true,” Logan agreed.
    “Logan’s thinking about selling some stock. I volunteered your advice,” she said.
    “Did you now?” Brandon ordered a whiskey sour. “You two ready for a refill?”
    “Nothing for me, thanks.” Logan had