Snowbound by MG Braden Page B

minimum make-up. Since she remembered that Glaciers was a fancy restaurant she dug about in her suitcase for something that would be appropriate. Cassidy had never been good about hanging clothes up in hotels, so she had learned to pack as many wrinkle-resistant items as possible. She shook out her black micro-fibre pants and matching top, and marveled at how wonderful this fabric really was—not a wrinkle to be found. She dressed quickly and, deciding she needed some color, added a moss green blazer. With about five minutes to spare to get to the restaurant, she stuffed her hotel key card in one pocket, along with some lip gloss. She put a credit card in the other, just in case, and ran out the door.
     
    * * *
     
    Daniel arrived at Glaciers just before eight o’clock and looked around. He didn’t see too many others here, but he figured it was still early.
    “Good evening, Mr. Daniel, sir. It’s good to see you again.”
    “George! You’re still here, I see. It’s a good thing too. How would this place survive without you?” Daniel reached out and shook the maitre d’s hand. George had been the head maitre d’ at Glaciers for so long that it would be more of a surprise not to see him. However, Daniel knew that, as formal as George was, he would be sure to appreciate that Daniel thought he was irreplaceable.
    “Thank you sir. Your table is right this way.” George led the way to a table in the far corner of the restaurant. Daniel noticed the table was in a secluded area of the restaurant, right next to the windows.
    “Oh, but this is a small table George. I’m sure I’m to meet Sandra and a few others here for some kind of a get-together.”
    “Yes, sir. This is the table Mrs. Johnson reserved.”
    “Okay. Thanks, George.” Daniel sat down in a seat adjacent to the window. He looked out and saw that the lower runs were lit. Peering out the window from this angle gave the lights and snow a magical look.
    “Daniel, you made it.” He stood up to greet Sandra. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss a gathering of yours.”
    “Well, good. You just have a seat. I’m going to run and get everything organized.”
    “Where’s everyone else?” he asked as he sat back down.
    “Oh, I’m sure they’ll be along. It’s going to be a wonderful dinner you’ll see.” Sandra smiled. “Yes, I think it’s going to be lovely.” She wandered away still muttering to herself.
    He watched her go, thinking she seemed preoccupied. Still, it was strange that he was the only one here. This table looked like it might hold four people, if they were lucky. Shrugging, he figured it was no big deal, what did he know about dinner parties anyway. As long as there was food he’d be a happy man.
    It had been an interesting week so far and he felt like he was finally moving on. Originally it had been hard to be up here without Natasha, but he knew it was important he not avoid things any more. He liked working around the resort—it was very different from his regular job as a home inspector. As always, the best part was meeting different people. Especially pretty girls with silver grey eyes and crazy, curly hair.
    “Right this way, miss. Here we are.”
    Daniel came out of his reverie and watched George leading someone to the table. As George stopped and stepped aside, Daniel grinned. Yeah, you definitely gotta love those big eyes and that corkscrew hair.

Chapter Seven
     
    Cassidy stepped around George, expecting to see a group of people, and was taken aback to only see Daniel grinning up at her. As Daniel stood, the maitre d’ pulled out a chair opposite to where Daniel had sat.
    “Thank you, George.” Cassidy looked around as she sat down. “Where are the others?”
    “Mrs. Johnson was here earlier,” George replied vaguely. “Someone will be along soon to take care of you.” He bowed slightly, turned and left, almost appearing to vanish into the shadows of the dimly lit restaurant.
    “You look great, Cassidy.”
    She