Tossing back the covers like she was tossing away her shackles, she jumped out of bed. She felt more lighthearted by the minute.
After her shower, Samantha figured it would be prudent to distance herself from Blake as much as possible from now on. She wouldn’t capture any man’s attention if she was with him all the time.First things first.
Apart from the maids from the hotel who tidied up Pine Lodge each day, she and Blake had decided to be mostly self-sufficient. The refrigerator was usually stocked with food or they could eat at Jarrod Manor, the main lodge on the resort where some of the family chose to live.
Usually they ate a light breakfast together—surprisingly Blake hadn’t brought any women back to the lodge while she’d been here—before they walked the short distance to his father’s old office at the Manor. Anything to do with his hotels in Vegas was kept separate and done here in the office they’d set up in a corner of the large living room. That work was mostly done after dinner each evening. There was a lot to do with running both businesses, especially now that it was pre-ski season here. Samantha didn’t mind keeping so busy. Besides, it kept Blake close.
But today was different. Fifteen minutes later, she quietly closed the lodge door behind her and left without waiting for him. The Colorado sun was making a shy return as she breathed in crystal air and walked the winding streets in picture-perfect surroundings. As she approached this grandest of hotels, a thrill went through her. With its main stone building complemented by guest wings on both sides, its peaked roofs and balconies with iron railings and its frosted windowpanes, it looked like an enchanted castle.
The doorman greeted her as she entered the hotel from under the stone arch leading off the driveway. She smiled and walked through the wide lobby dotted with tables and chairs. Being the off-season, it was quiet at this time of the morning with only a few guests up and about. A young couple stood viewing photographs of the mountains displayed along the wood walls. Older couples looked ready to go sightseeing the many popular tourist attractions, than pamper themselves in the spa.
It was no better in the casual eatery off the lobby, and Samantha sighed as she scooped scrambled eggs onto a plate from the buffet. Couldn’t there have been one measly attractive man in sight this morning? So much for her plans to make Blake jealous. It wouldn’t happen if she couldn’t even find a man to flirt with.
She lifted her head and saw Blake’s half sister, Erica Prentice, come out of the kitchen area and walk through the room with Joel Remy, the resort doctor. Joel was tall, blond and good-looking and he’d asked her out only last week and she’d refused, not giving it any consideration. Things had changed.
Erica saw her and blinked in surprise as she came over to her table. “Samantha, what are you doing here eating breakfast by yourself?”
Samantha liked Erica, who hadn’t known she was a member of the Jarrod family until a few months ago. Since then, Erica had become engaged to the Jarrod family attorney, Christian Hanford, and everyone was happy about it. Everyone except Blake, that is, though Guy had taken a while to come round. Erica was a PR specialist who had thrown herself into the running of the resort, willingly giving a hand wherever it was needed, just like the other family members. Samantha didn’t understand Blake’s attitude toward her.
She smiled at the other woman. “I was up early so I thought I’d get a head start on the boss.”
Erica laughed. “Yes, I think as Blake’s assistant you’d need to do that occasionally.”
Samantha let her eyes slide to the man beside Erica. “Good morning, Joel. You’re here early, as well.”
The doctor smiled. “One of the kitchen staff burned her hand, but thankfully it was only minor.”
Samantha nodded, then, “Where are my manners? Would you like to join me for breakfast? Erica, you, too, of course.”
As if she was getting a vibe, Erica glanced from one to the other and went to speak, but Joel got in before her. “I can’t, I’m afraid, Sam,” the doctor said. “I have to go out on another call. But how about I make it up to you? It’s Saturday and my night off. If you’re free I’d love to take you to dinner.”
Samantha could have kissed him, but she managed to restrain herself. If Blake didn’t get jealous over this, then at least she’d have some fun, right?
Thinking of Blake must have made him appear. He was at this moment striding through the lobby with a scowl on his face, heading for the private elevator. Her heart jumped in her throat when he glanced over toward them and saw her in the eatery. He changed direction and advanced toward her.
She turned back to Joel, waiting a few moments more for Blake to get closer. “Dinner tonight?” she said, raising her voice just a little. “Yes, I’d like that very much, Joel.”
He grinned at her. “Great. How about I pick you up at seven-thirty?”
“Perfect.”
Blake was almost at the table.
“I’d better go see my next patient,” Joel said, then inclined his head as he passed by. “Good morning, Blake.”
Blake nodded, then stopped at the table and practically glared down at Samantha. “You didn’t wait for me.”
She reminded herself how this man didn’t like things made easy for him. “I slipped a note under your door. Besides, I do believe I start work at nine and until then my time is my own,” she said, aware of Erica’s speculative gaze.
Blake must have been, too. He darted an irritated look at his half sister, then away, jerking his head at Joel’s retreating back. “What did the doctor want?”
Was he jealous already? She felt a thrill of excitement but before she could answer, Erica said, “Joel’s taking Samantha out to dinner tonight.”
Blake blinked in shock, but he recovered quickly, his blue eyes narrowing in on Samantha. “You can’t go. I need you to work for a couple of hours tonight. I’m expecting an important call.”
“I’m sorry, Blake, but I’m entitled to some time off.”
He shook his head. “Not tonight, I’m afraid. I’d do it myself but as you know, I have a function to attend in town.” He regarded her with a hint of smugness in his eyes. “That’s why I pay you the big bucks.”
Samantha’s stomach started to churn. For all that she had wanted him jealous…for all that she anticipated him being difficult with the job…she still hadn’t expected he would be quite so obstructive. It was obvious he was going to be exactly that from now on.