Trust Me on This

Chapter 1

Dennie went flying through the brass-framed revolving doors of the Riverbend Queen Hotel, her cheeks glowing from the April wind, and plowed right into a handsome, lanky blond in the middle of the red-flocked hotel lobby.

I m so sorry, she said, and he smiled at her, a shy smile that might have warmed her heart if she hadn t just given up men for the duration. He looked like her type: easy to enslave.

That s all right, he said. It was my fault. Not lookin where I was goin . He stuck out his hand. I m Brian Bondman. Pleased to meet you.

Dennie shook his hand once. My pleasure. She turned to go, but he held on.

You sure are a pretty sight comin through that door he began.

Dennie tugged her hand back. Thank you. She turned to go again, but he d sidled around her so she was face-to-face with him.

I sure would be willin to take you to dinner tonight to make up for this, he said and ducked his head at his own temerity.

This is an act, Dennie told herself. Nobody drops that many g s naturally. It would be interesting to know why it was an act, but not very. No, she said, and pulled her hand away. But thank you anyway. Then she turned and headed for the brass-edged registration desk before he could leap in front of her and offer drinks, frozen yogurt, or breakfast. He had the look of a man who didn t quit trying, all that aw shucks to the contrary.

I have a reservation, she told the registration clerk. Dennie Banks?

The clerk took her form when she d signed it, handed her the key card to her room, and said, Is there anything else?

This was it. Don t waste a minute, she told herself. Dennie leaned forward. Yes, I m supposed to meet Janice Meredith here. Do you know ?

She s in the Ivy Room, the clerk said. Right over there beyond the bar.

Could you hold my bag for me, please? Dennie passed her carry-on over the desk. I don t want to miss her.

Be firm, she told herself as she headed for the restaurant. Be professional and