Read Online Business Affairs by Shirley Rogers - Free Book Online Page B

And,” he said with a playful smile, “I have a surprise for you after we eat so we won’t be coming straight back to the room.”
    â€œThat’s not necessary,” she insisted, wanting to put their earlier sparring behind them.
    â€œYes, it is. I promised I’d make it up to you.”
    â€œAlex—”
    â€œBring your coat,” he told her, lifting his hand to show her he had his. “Your hat and gloves, too,” he added.
    She followed him into the hallway. “I take it the surprise involves going outside.” That he’d gone to the trouble to arrange something special for her made her tingle inside.
    He slipped his arm around her shoulder. “You’ll see.”
    They enjoyed a quiet, relaxing dinner in the lodge restaurant. Alex ordered wine for them, and Jennifer allowed herself to enjoy a couple of glasses, which mellowed her already relaxed mood. She considered having another glass, then changed her mind, telling herself she needed to be in charge of her faculties as long as she was with Alex.
    After dinner he escorted her outside. The brisk night air welcomed them as he nodded to an older gentleman standing by a bench. Seconds later, the sound of jingling bells filled the silence as a horse-drawn sleigh pulled up in front of them.
    â€œOh, Alex!” she squealed, her expression one of delight. Trimmed in white, the red sleigh was a cozy two-seater. “Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe you arranged a sleigh ride!”
    Alex grinned, pleased he’d surprised her. He motioned for the driver to remain seated as he helped Jennifer inside, then climbed in to sit beside her. The driver handed them a blanket, which Alex spread across their legs. Sliding his arm around her, he tugged her to him as the horses pulled away from the lodge.
    â€œHow did you know they offered sleigh rides?”
    â€œWhile I waited for you I talked with one of the employees in the lobby. He mentioned several types of entertainment the lodge has available for their guests. I chose this because I thought you’d enjoy it. And I wanted to surprise you.”
    Her eyes sparkled. “You did. This is nice.” She tried not to think about the romantic aspect of cuddling with him in the horse-drawn sleigh.
    â€œI’m sorry I was gruff with your ski instructor. I didn’t mean to spoil your afternoon.”
    â€œYou didn’t spoil anything. And let’s forget about it.”
    â€œTomorrow I’ll spend the whole day with you.”
    â€œYou don’t have to. I know you came this weekend to ski.”
    â€œI enjoy skiing, but I’m having a great time being with you.” Alex didn’t dare admit the biggest incentive he’d had for encouraging her to come away with him this weekend was that he’d wanted to be with her.
    His answer caught her off guard, but pleased her more than it should have. Her gaze met his. “Me, too.” Jennifer breathed in the cold night air, then shivered and burrowed closer to him.
    â€œAre you too cold?” he asked. “I think they even included some hot chocolate for us.” He reached into the metal container and found a thermos. “Here it is,” he said. Unscrewing the cap, he turned it over and poured some of the drink into it. “You first,” he said, handing it to her.
    Steam from the hot chocolate swirled into the night. Jennifer blew on it, then took a sip. “Oh, my goodness, this is wonderful,” she said. Licking her lips, she handed the cup to Alex.
    Thinking he’d rather taste the chocolate on her lips, Alex took the cup from her and sipped from it. “Did you tell your parents you were going away this weekend?”
    Shaking her head, she said, “Oh, no.” The only person she’d told was Casey. And she wished she hadn’t. All she could think about right now was taking a chance and doing exactly what Casey had suggested—seduce Alex. All