Get Lucky by Lorie O'Clare Page B

published. That year the first school opened here, too,” London explained. “A volunteer fire station and our first hotel opened. During that time the remaining Ute Indians were moved out of Colorado and into Utah.”
    “I’m glad they left you here,” the older burly man said, again speaking too loudly so everyone could hear him.
    He had a clear view through the group when the jerk tried stroking London’s long black hair. Something inside Marc clenched, causing him to fist his hands before he realized his reaction to the asshole fondling her. London dodged the man’s efforts.
    This time a few around them laughed at the asshole’s feeble attempt at humor. London met Marc’s gaze. She wasn’t laughing. She stared at him and her expression turned imploring. She wanted his help, his protection. It was a gut feeling and one he didn’t bother trying to analyze. London looked away first, turning around and picking up pace toward the ski lodge, which was now in view.
    Marc worked his way through the amiable group as they kept moving, managing not to offend anyone until he reached London’s side.
    The men around her didn’t give him the time of day. They probably assumed he’d joined her group of admirers. It was the one man who’d try touching her who gave Marc an assessing once-over. The look on the man’s face made Marc think he didn’t appreciate competition in winning over the pretty tour guide’s attention. The man turned his back to Marc and again tried touching London.
    “I know many of you are here for the skiing.” London spoke into her microphone as she grabbed the burly man’s hand. Then letting it go, she walked away from him and closer to Marc as she continued smiling and speaking into her microphone. “What you might not know is skiing is relatively a new sport in our country. Although skiing started as a public sport and activity here in Aspen in 1936, it wasn’t until after World War Two that the first lifts were built and skiing became a form of revenue that helped keep Aspen alive.”
    “We offer all levels of skiing classes,” Meryl continued when they neared the lodge. If she picked up where London left off to allow her co-worker time to move again and dodge the burly man, it wasn’t apparent. Meryl continued with a friendly tone and gestured to the lodge. “Be sure and stop in at the bar,” Meryl said, her bouncy red curls hanging around her face as she grinned. “Our bartenders are full of more folklore of the area.”
    “This one here is my date,” the burly man next to London announced. “The rest of you can fend for yourself.”
    London skillfully dodged his groping hands. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to fend for yourself,” she told the burly man, causing the other men around her to break into laughter.
    She wore her professional smile, which she held on to as they entered the lobby. The group spread out, filling the large room. Marc followed London to the front desk, where she pulled off her microphone. When she almost slammed it down on the counter it became obvious she was anything but happy.
    London stormed off to the employees’ break room, slamming the door behind her. Marc made it to the door at the same time the burly man did.
    “Hey, man,” Marc said easily. “I don’t think she’s in the mood for company.”
    “Then you better head on your way.” The smell of alcohol lingered in the air when the guy spoke. “This one is mine tonight.”
    “She is not yours tonight, or any other night, for that matter,” Marc informed him, and watched the man’s expression transform.
    At first Marc thought him drunk, but when he snarled at Marc a warning light flashed inside. There was almost something sinister about the guy. Although he was at least several inches shorter than Marc, he sized him up. His expression remained dark and hateful when he glared.
    “So that’s how it is,” the man said under his breath. “You better watch your back, my