“Well, Mr. Cole Parker, owner of Aviation 58 in Alaska, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. And I’m more than entitled to ignore it.”
He opened his mouth but then obviously thought better of speaking.
The car came to a halt at the curb.
“The Newmont Building?” the driver asked. “Or are you in Sutten’s Edge?”
“This is it,” said Amber, feeling anxious to get away. “Joyce Roland is the director of planning,” she said to Cole. “You can ask her about the Pacific routes, but she may not take your call.”
The driver had come around and now swung open her door.
“Thank you for the ride. Good night, Cole.”
A small smile played on his lips. “You’re very polite.”
“So I’ve been told.”
“Good night, Amber. Thank you for the dance.”
A sudden rush of warmth enveloped her, and she found her gaze dropping from his eyes to his lips. For a fleeting second, she imagined him kissing her good-night.
She shook away the wayward feeling and quickly exited the car. Zachary was upstairs waiting, and Roth was in the wings with a team of high-priced lawyers. Amber didn’t have time for kisses or fantasies or anything else.
* * *
Cole advanced through the hotel lobby, heading for the escalators that would take him back to the ballroom.
It didn’t take him long to spot Luca coming the other way, a pretty blond woman at his side.
“There you are,” said Luca as they met. “I wondered what had happened to you.”
“I left something in the ballroom,” said Cole.
“This is Destiny Frost. Turns out, she’s a friend of Amber Welsley.” Luca’s expression was inscrutable.
Cole played along, pretending Luca hadn’t planned to meet Destiny. “Nice to meet you.” He offered his hand.
She shook, and hers was slim and cool. “It’s a pleasure.”
“I offered Destiny a ride home,” said Luca. “You coming with us?” His expression told Cole a third wheel would not be particularly welcome.
Cole tipped his chin toward the escalator. “I have to grab something upstairs. Can you swing back and get me later?”
Luca gave a satisfied smile. “Will do.”
“Luca says you’re from Alaska?” asked Destiny.
“We are,” Cole replied.
“I’ve never been there.”
“It’s beautiful, magnificent.”
“It must be cold.”
Luca stepped in. “I’ve already offered to keep her warm.”
Destiny smiled and shook her head. “He’s shameless.”