Three Little Words (Fool's Gold #12)

“You look better. Wow.”


She smiled. “Wow works. Too many men underestimate the power of wow.”

“I won’t. Ever. I promise.”

She did a full turn. “So this is okay? It’s corporate, but it’s Fool’s Gold. I wasn’t sure.”

“I’m sure.”

She smiled and moved close enough to adjust his tie. She smelled like flowers and vanilla.

“Better or worse than dress whites?” she asked.

“About the same. Only in a dark suit, it’s safer to spill.”

She laughed. The sweet sound kicked him in the gut. Or maybe a little lower. How was he supposed to think about business with Isabel next to him all night? Not that he wanted her to be anywhere else.

“You’re messing with my head,” he complained.

“I’m not doing anything.”

“Then God help me if you start to try.”

* * *

THE GOLD RUSH Ski Lodge and Resort was nestled in the mountains above Fool’s Gold. The location offered stellar views and luxury lodgings. In the winter, the lodge was filled with skiers and snowboarders. Spring and summer were wedding season. The fall was usually a hodgepodge of seminars and retreats.

“When I was growing up, this was the fanciest place we ever went as a family,” Isabel told Ford as he drove onto the property. “It was only for special occasions. Graduations and my parents’ twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.”

“The clients are staying here for a couple of nights.”

“Then they’ll be impressed.” She watched the valet stare at the Jeep. “Oh, look. He’s afraid.”

“He’s not afraid. My Jeep’s a classic.”

“Then you should treat it with the respect it deserves. You really need to think about painting it. At least get rid of the flames.”

“The flames are the best part.”

They pulled up to the valet.

“Thanks,” Isabel murmured as her door was opened. She was careful as she stepped to the ground. Heels and a long drop to earth were not a good mix—especially when wearing a wrap dress. But she managed without flashing anyone.

As they walked toward the entrance, Ford put his hand on the small of her back. She liked the warm pressure of his fingers against her body—even with the firm layer of Lycra between his skin and hers.

Once inside, Ford motioned to the bar. “They’re meeting us there.”

She hesitated. “I’m oddly nervous.”

“It’s not your fault you’re the most beautiful woman in the room.”

The unexpected compliment caused her to burst out laughing. She knew she cleaned up pretty well and could comfortably call herself average-plus, but the most beautiful woman in the room? Not on this planet.

Ford’s eyes narrowed. “You’re not supposed to laugh.”

“Then stop being funny.” She slipped her arm through the crook of his elbow. “Lead on, faux boyfriend.”

“You’re still giggling.”

“I’ll do my best to stop.”

“Ford!”

They turned and saw a couple in their late thirties walking toward them. He was a few inches shy of six feet and she came to his shoulders. They were both dark haired. The woman was obviously pregnant.

“Clyde,” Ford said, stepping forward and offering his hand. He turned to the woman. “You must be Linda. Nice to meet you.”

“You, too,” Linda said with a pretty smile that lit up her face.

“This is Isabel.”

There was more handshaking.

“At the risk of stating the obvious,” Clyde said, putting a possessive hand on his wife’s waist, “it’s probably best we skip the bar and head into dinner.”

Isabel nodded and Ford agreed. They walked toward Henri’s on the west side of the resort.

Linda fell into step with her. “I love this town,” she said. “It’s adorable. Clyde was telling me that there are festivals nearly every weekend.”

“We do like to celebrate.”

“So you’re from here?”

“Born and raised. I’ve spent the past six years in New York, though.”

“But you came back.” Linda sounded delighted. “We’re in Phoenix and it’s nothing like this. For one thing, the heat in the summer is brutal. We also don’t have the trees. Everything is so green.”

“Wait until the fog rolls in and frizzes your hair,” Isabel said lightly. “It’s almost heaven on earth here, but Phoenix has its appeal, too.”

Linda laughed.

Ford gave his name to the hostess, who showed them to a table by the windows. They had a view of much of the town and the valley beyond.

“Are those vineyards?” Clyde asked.

“Yes,” Ford said. “We have a few wineries in the area. They have tastings every weekend.”

“Something for next time,” Linda said, resting her hand on her belly. She sighed. “Let’s just say number three is a surprise. We have two children already, a boy and a girl. We were done. Or so I thought.”