by Janet Dailey
'It's jadeite,' Logan informed her with a dimpling smile.
'Oh!' Her voice sounded exceedingly small. That must be some synthetic form of jade, she thought. How humiliating for her to believe he was giving her an expensive gift. 'Well, in that case, I guess it will be all right to accept it.'
'I'm glad. After all, I accepted your gift in the spirit it was intended.' His teasing voice brought a fresh wave of pink into her cheeks, only to recede quickly to paleness as he continued, 'Sheila told me you were the one who invited Dirk here tonight.'
'Yes, that's right.'
'I didn't realize that in the short space of a week you and Dirk had become such close friends.'
'I don't know that we're close friends.' Jennifer answered him casually, but there was a defiant gleam in her eyes. 'Both of us have a very deep affection for my sister. I think Dirk would make an excellent husband and father.'
'You do? You've taken matters in your own hands and decided you know what's best for your sister's future happiness.' He was again wearing his mask of amused indifference that was so irritatingly smug. 'I hope you don't try the direct approach. I've found subtlety works best with Sheila. I do agree with you on one point—I think it's time she remarried.'
His words hung in the air as if his sentence was unfinished. Mentally Jennifer finished it for him, 'but not to Dirk.' To Logan?
'Are you going to try to stop Dirk and me?' She tilted her head back to glare coldly into his face.
'I would never stand in the way of Sheila's happiness. But that's Sheila's decision, not yours or mine, Jenny Glenn.' A roguish dimple appeared briefly in one cheek as Logan answered with a remarkable air of assurance. He reached around her and picked up a tray of glasses filled with eggnog. 'I'll take these in before they send a search party for us.'
Jennifer stared after him blankly, a sinking feeling of depression stealing through her, as he walked out of the kitchen. She was sure that Dirk loved her sister very deeply. But could Logan's love be even greater since he had practically said he was willing to step aside if it meant Sheila's happiness? Just the thought made her heart constrict painfully until her hand reached up to clutch her dress and thus tear away the ache. A vision of Logan and Sheila in an embrace flitted across her mind, sending waves of nausea to her stomach.
Too late Jennifer recognized the true reason behind her betrayal of her sister to Dirk's side. She had fallen in love with Logan Taylor herself! For her it had gone much deeper than a mere physical attraction such as Logan had once suggested. No, not when she could be shaken to her very bones with jealousy towards her own sister and this heart-rending pain at the discovery that Logan loved Sheila to the exclusion of his own happiness. Could she be as unselfish as Logan? Jennifer wondered, blinking at the tears that were threatening to overflow down her cheeks. One thing was certain—she must never let Sheila or Logan know her true feelings.
The rest of the evening would be her first test. Dipping down into her now almost depleted reserve of willpower, Jennifer inhaled deeply, fixed a smile on her face, and began the long walk into the living room, determined that no one would know the secret that haunted the depths of her soul.
Chapter Seven
JENNIFER had made it through Christmas Eve and Christmas and the four days that followed them, but the morning of the fifth day seemed to bring with it a prediction of all the days to come.
The holiday vacation had brought with it an increase in guests taking advantage of their free time to indulge in the facilities at the ski slopes. Logan had been ever-present at the Lodge, never usurping Sheila's position as manager, only assisting to ease her workload. Jennifer had taken precautions to avoid being near him whenever possible, hiding in Dirk's shadow, if he was available, trying to erect a barrier against Logan's magnetism. But she couldn't cease the fluttering of her heart when his gaze rested on her, nor could she wash away the acrid taste of jealousy from her mouth when she saw him with Sheila.
Oh, she had erected a very elaborate façade of gaiety, but she knew exactly how brittle it was, and how easily it could be shattered. The arrival of DeeDee Hunter, the platinum blonde Jennifer had met at the airport with Logan, had very nearly put a crack in it this very morning. Just watching the mild flirting between Dee-Dee and Logan had filled her with a mixture of envy and jealousy. If only she could meet his eyes as easily as DeeDee and feel the warmth of his virility directed at her! But she couldn't. Jennifer had too much pride to hang on his arm as others did, grateful for whatever crumbs were thrown her way, nor would she compete with her own sister who had known so much heartache in her short life.
At last, Jennifer's afternoon replacement arrived, and she was freed of her front desk duties to go home. Quickly she shrugged into her suede coat, conscious of the giggling voice of DeeDee Hunter approaching the lobby. Her sixth sense told her that Logan was most probably with her. She hurried across the lobby, seeing with a sinking heart the airport limousine unloading at the front door. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Logan stop with DeeDee and two others from her party, at the front desk. Jennifer stood at the front door, tapping her foot impatiently, nodding and smiling to the new arrivals as they filed through. One of them stopped suddenly in front of her. His face gradually separated itself from the rest of the strangers as the familiarness registered.
'Jennifer?'
She stared numbly into a pair of dark eyes, blinking disbelievingly back at her before two hands reached out to imprison her shoulders. A black lock of hair fell forward across his forehead.
'Jennifer! I can't believe it's really you!'
'Brad,' Jennifer finally whispered incredulously. 'What are you doing here?'
'What are you doing here?' he laughed. His grasp tightened momentarily on her shoulders as if to draw her into his arms, before his expression sobered. 'You don't know what hell I've put myself through wondering where you were, if you were all right. And then fate sends you right in front of me!'
'How did you know I was here?' Her lips were compressed in a forbidding line, her eyes burning with an angry fire at the almost forgotten humiliation she had suffered in this man's hands.
'I didn't know! I wanted to get away. It was a last-minute decision, and since I couldn't get reservations anywhere in Colorado, I came here,' he replied in that familiar flattering tone. 'Don't look at me like that, Jennifer. I know what happened was practically unforgivable.'
'I don't want to talk about it.' Jennifer twisted out of his arms, her scowling face glancing up just in time to see Logan walking towards them.
'You're wrong. We've got a lot to talk about,' Brad replied firmly.
'Excuse me.' Logan glanced politely at Brad before addressing himself to Jennifer. 'Your sister wondered if you would pick up the children for her. She can't get away right now.'
'Of course,' Jennifer nodded, feeling the blood rush out of her cheeks under his sardonic gaze.
Logan looked expectantly towards Brad, then back to Jennifer, anticipating an introduction that Jennifer was loath to make. But one look at his determined expression told her that if she didn't, he would.
'This is Mr. Taylor, Brad, the owner of this Lodge.' Jennifer barely suppressed her irritation from creeping into her words. 'Bradley Stevenson, a friend from Minneapolis.'
Brad accepted Logan's handshake, hiding his impatience with professional politeness.
'We're glad to have one of Jenny's friends staying at our lodge,' Logan said smoothly. 'How long did you plan to be here?'
'Only three days. I'll have to leave on Sunday's flight. I hope to see as much of Jennifer as possible while I'm here. Since you're her employer now, I might as well forewarn you that I'm going to do everything in my power to persuade her to return with me and take her old job back.'
Jennifer's eyes flew to Brad in alarm at the same moment that Logan's voice rang out with deceptive curiosity.
'Old job?'
'Yes, Jennifer was my secretary as well as,' Brad hesitated suggestively, eyeing her wa
rmly, 'other things.'
Logan's eyes narrowed as he studied her flushed cheeks below downcast eyes.
'It's unfortunate that Jenny didn't tell me you were coming.' He didn't hide the arrogance and censure in his voice. 'I could possibly have arranged for her to have some free time. But this is the height of our season. As it stands it's quite impossible to spare her.'
'I understand,' Brad drawled, meeting the challenge of Logan's gaze with his usual self-confidence. His hand reached out for Jennifer's arm and he pulled her possessively to his side. 'Now, if you'll excuse us?'
Logan nodded a silent agreement, his penetrating gaze resting briefly on Jennifer before he walked away.
'Let's go somewhere where we can talk,' Brad suggested the minute Logan was out of hearing.
'I-I can't. I have to pick up the children.' Jennifer stalled. 'And Sheila won't be home until late tonight, which means I'll have to babysit.'
'I'll come over to the house, then.'
'No!' Her reply was quick and sharp, but she qualified it in a quieter voice. 'Two children hardly allow for any private discussions.'
'Tomorrow, then.'
'I'll be working.'
'Jennifer, I'm going to talk to you alone. You are not going to think up a bunch of excuses to avoid me while I'm here. You have got to give me a chance to explain,' Brad argued. 'After that—well, if you don't want to see me, I won't bother you.'
'All right,' Jennifer sighed. Who would have thought a month ago that she could be so indifferent to Brad today? At this moment she didn't care if she never saw him again. 'Tomorrow night the Lodge is giving a New Year's Eve party. As Sheila's sister and an employee, I have to attend, but I'm sure that later in the evening I can spend some time with you.'
'You'll be glad you did.' Brad gazed down at her with that winning smile that used to enchant her so.
'I have to go now,' she replied, completely unmoved by his attempt.
'Till tomorrow,' he agreed softly, bending his head to touch his lips to her forehead. They felt cold to her skin and she barely repressed a shudder as she hurried out the Lodge door.
'Are you going to lunch now, Jenny?' the plump-figured switchboard operator asked.
'Uhuh,' Jennifer confirmed, kneeling down to take her bag out of one of the drawers and discreetly apply a fresh touch of lipstick to her lips. 'Just a quick bite. I won't be long.'
'I bet!' Carol exclaimed with a short laugh.
'What's that supposed to mean?' Jennifer gazed curiously at the smug expression on her working partner's face.
'Listen, if I was having lunch with a dream of a guy, you can bet it would take me an hour just to eat the salad!'
'What are you talking about?'
'Before you came on duty this morning, this gorgeous hunk of a man stopped at the desk and asked what time you went to lunch, and I told him,' Carol replied, tilting her brown head to the side at Jennifer's blankness. 'You met him yesterday when he arrived from the airport. I assumed you were having lunch with him, aren't you?'
'No,' answered Jennifer, shaking her head in puzzlement. Brad hadn't mentioned anything about lunch.
'You just didn't think you were,' the other girl teased. 'Boy, you are really lucky having a handsome man like that in your pocket.'
'Handsome is as handsome does,' Jennifer retorted. 'Don't let the good looks fool you, Carol. In some cases, it really is only skin deep.'
'If I had somebody like that, he could use me as a doormat any time he wanted,' Carol asserted, rolling her eyes expressively.
'Tell me that after some guy has wiped his feet on you,' Jennifer responded.
'Talking about Apollo—' Carol gestured sideways with her head towards the man approaching the counter.
'Hey, Jennifer. How about lunch with me before I hit the ski slopes?' Brad suggested gaily. His gaze roved admiringly over Jennifer's grey and black plaid skirt with its matching black jacket.
'Brad, I—'
'I'm sorry, Jenny won't be able to,' Logan interrupted. She turned in surprise. With his catlike quietness she hadn't heard him walk up.
'Why not?' Brad's face was mottled with disbelief.
'It's a policy of the Lodge that guests and employees don't socialize in public,' Logan stated firmly. 'Whatever company you and Miss Glenn keep will have to be after she's off work.'
'What's the harm in two people eating a sandwich together?' Brad retorted argumentatively. 'Surely this is a special case. I've travelled clear from Minneapolis, and I'm leaving in two days!'
'There's a table reserved especially for the staff which assures them prompt service and prevents the problem of tardiness. As to making an exception,' Logan glanced cynically at the growing indignation on Jennifer's face before smiling regretfully at Brad, 'I just don't see how I could do it. I'm sure any case would be a special case in the eyes of the person requesting it.'
'And that's your final word?' Brad asked, shoving a clenched fist in the pocket of his blue ski jacket.
'Yes, it is. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to.'
With a condescending nod to each of them, Logan returned to the private offices behind the reception area. Jennifer exchanged a puzzled glance with Carol before turning, astounded and angry, back to Brad.
'He's got to be one of the most pompous, dominating 'His eyes burned with a black flame as he stared at Jennifer.
'I agree,' she interrupted, 'but it's the policy just the same. It's just as well. I only have time for a quick lunch anyway. I'll see you tonight, Brad.'
'Right, and with no intrusions from him!' he snapped loudly before stalking angrily out of the lobby.
'What was all that about?' Carol whispered as she glanced fearfully towards the offices in case Logan should pounce out at them again. 'I've never heard any objections raised before about the staff eating with a guest. We usually just invite them to the staff table.'
'I know.' Jennifer's lips were pressed firmly together. 'I think I was just made the exception, and I'd certainly like to know why!'
'Are you going to ask him?' Carol breathed in astonishment.
Jennifer hesitated. She had no inclination to see Logan alone, but still…'If the opportunity arises,' she answered. 'First I'm going to lunch.' Jennifer gazed around the throng of holidaymakers, some donning gaily festooned caps to emphasize their high spirits. The small combo in the far corner of the room blared forth a popular tune as couples crowded on to the floor, laughing and shouting at one another, caring nothing about the melody, only that it was in rhythm with their bounding spirits. It was strictly an informal affair with dress varying from ski outfits to cocktail dresses and dark suits and ties. Her own dress fell somewhere in between, with its simple lines of white chiffon fitting the bodice tightly while the skirt of accordion pleats curled at the hem, lending it an air of ethereal innocence. The jade necklace around her neck glittered brightly against the white dress.
The clinking of ice brought Jennifer's attention around to the dark-haired man holding out a glass to her. She smiled her thanks to Brad as she accepted the drink. He had set himself out to be as charming and urbane as possible, the personification of politeness and solicitude. He had rarely left her side the entire evening, although she was amused by his straying glances at the younger, more attractive females at the party. Although there had been several opportunities for them to slip away, Jennifer was grateful that Brad hadn't pushed the point. She needed to be surrounded by the noise and gaiety, to take refuge in the merry revelry. Her eyes trailed over the crowd, seeking out Logan and finding him amidst a group of Dee Dee's party. He was listening attentively to the vibrant blonde, yet he seemed to be holding himself apart from them. 'Suffering their attentions with that lordly air of his,' Jennifer thought cynically. That was a totally unfair remark, she chided herself. What did she expect him to do?
Her eyes misted brightly with pain as she watched her sister make her way towards Logan, touch his arm, and become the recipient of his warm regard. Sheil
a was breathtakingly lovely tonight in a dress of burgundy red velvet with her raven hair in ringlets of sophisticated curls atop her head. Their discussion was brief as Sheila nodded agreement with something Logan had said before walking away. Jennifer's heart ached painfully at his lingering glance on her sister's retreating form.
Brad touched her elbow, tearing her attention away from the scene, and suggested that they dance. She let herself be swept into the pulsating dancers, willing the music to drown out her thoughts. Later as a dreamy ballad echoed through the room, Jennifer clung tightly to Brad. Her eyes closed, her senses unaware of the way her fingers curved tenaciously into his shoulder, while her head rested lightly against his chest. Brad's steps stopped suddenly, and Jennifer's head moved away from its comfortable place as she stared blankly into Logan's sardonic face.
'No objection to an employer cutting in, is there?' His eyebrow raised over a cynically questioning eye.
Brad grimly consented and stepped away from his stunned companion. Jennifer stiffened as Logan's hand touched her waist. She held herself apart from him, her hand resting tensely against his shoulder while the other was captured in his firm grip. Her feet became incredibly awkward as she stumbled to follow his simple steps. She found she could look anywhere but into his face.
'If you can't relax, we might as well sit this one out,' Logan said sharply.
'Duty dances never were my line,' Jennifer managed to retort sarcastically, aware that her cheeks were flushed and her heart was beating at an erratic pace.
'I'm beginning to wonder just exactly what your "line" is.' Logan's hand gripped her elbow determinedly as he manoeuvred her off the floor towards a dark, uninhabited corner of the room.
'What about you and your edict about guests and employees?' she asked scathingly, secretly knowing her barbed words could never inflict the pain and heartbreak on him that she was feeling.
'I was under the impression that you wouldn't want the presence of the man you said had made unwelcome advances. It seems you have forgiven him.' Jennifer was surprised that Logan's face could have such an aura of savage ruthlessness about it.
