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.* * * *The drive to the country club took very little time.It was located higher up on Bear Mountain than the restaurant.Garrett skillfully piloted the Blazer.The road, camouflaged beneath a dense shroud of blowing snow, was slick.She began to worry about the return trip.If the wind continued, the snow would make the road a treacherous mess.Right now, the vehicle floated over the small drifts that were beginning to form, but later into the night, the drifts could grow and become impassable.Garrett glanced at her."Are you afraid?She nodded silently."Don't worry.This is a four-wheel drive.If it gets too bad, I'll push this lever and we'll be climbing the drifts with no problems."His words reassured her somewhat.But when they rounded a curve and the lights of the country club came into view, her self-confidence evaporated.She wasn't prone to anxiety attacks, but now would be a perfect time to have one.Why was she doing this to herself? Her stomach knotted painfully and her hands felt wet with fear.Everyone at the care center hated her.Heck, she'd be lucky to get off the stage tonight before they pelted her with rotten fruit and vegetables!The heater fan blew hot air into the interior of the vehicle, but she felt cold and snuggled deeper into her fur.The coat felt nice.She hadn't expected to like it when Scott had given it to her.She hated to think about the little animals that had to die for such vanity, but Scott had explained that they were raised, much the same as cattle.She'd eaten a steak tonight without any qualms.What no one, including her husband, knew was, she sold the mink and had a copy made…she was wearing a fake."I wish the next hour was behind me.I don't even have the speech finished.Mr.Van Horn was to bring me information and of course, he didn't.Guess I'll wing it."Garrett wheeled the vehicle into the parking lot and groaned aloud."I think I'll drop you off at the door and then find a parking place.No sense in you having to traipse through this mess.""Okay, see you inside…where it's warm." She tightened her grip on her coat and quickly ran up the freshly plowed sidewalk.Music poured out the doors in an audible wave as she opened them, walking into the glass foyer.The Club was of a contemporary design unlike the numerous country bars in Evergreen.It overlooked the town that twinkled at its base far below.Bella stood looking outside and saw Garrett racing through the parking lot at a dead run.His unbuttoned overcoat flapped open and trailed behind him in the bitter wind.His mouth formed a frozen smile when he entered the foyer."The only place I could find was at the back of the lot.I thought I would freeze before I got in here!" He stamped his soft leather shoes on the tufted mat and opened the second door that led to the interior of the club."Are you ready to shed that fur yet?" he asked.The cold air clung to his overcoat; it smelled fresh and clean in the hot, smoke-filled room.She slid the coat from her shoulders and handed it to him."Okay.What do you think?" She spun in a circle that set her hair flying, showing the shape God gave her.He raised his eyebrows."Umm.You're an astonishing beauty.I love the new you.""Do you?""Come on, quit begging for compliments." He grasped her hand guided her into the dimly lit room."Hey! Your hands are wet.You weren't kidding about being nervous, were you?" He raised his black eyebrows in amazement."I never would have thought, you, of all people to be the tense type."She pulled her hand from his."What's wrong with that? So, I'm high-strung.You're the only one that will know."She took a deep breath to steady herself and gain the strength she needed.You're fine, she told herself.You're not a weak person.You can do this."Y'know, I'd rather be giving Brandy a bath."Garrett smiled at her."Come on." His arm tightened around her waist and the gesture gave her needed reassurance."I want to find Becky."The Arapaho County Hospital and conjoined Twin Pines Care Center held their yearly fund-raiser near the holidays.This year, the community showed concern about the finances of the care center and they weren't a bit happy.The new assisted living center had come in well over bid.They entered the lounge.It was situated at one end of the great room where tables circled the dance floor.Bella saw Becky looking at her from across the room.She looked elegant in a soft gray dress that skimmed her knees with soft pleats.The dark room was filled to capacity and hindered Bella and Garrett's progress crossing the floor.People were clustered in small groups around the room; the buzz of their conversations filled the cotillion.Occasionally, a group would stop and stare at Bella, look at each other, then resume their discussion.She caulked it up to her new haircut, not her problems within the organization.She didn't want to think about that tonight.As they approached Becky, Bella became apprehensive and that uneasy feeling was verified when she saw Becky's eyes.Their penetrating blaze narrowed with distrust and was aimed directly at Garrett.The woman grabbed onto Bella's arm and pulled her from Garrett's side."Thank God! I didn't think you were gonna make it on time.I like your hair, by the way, now come on.""Where?""To the stage.It's time for your big moment [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]