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“Mr and Mrs Townsend will have an incoht Mr Townsend is a prominent attorney, did you know that? His wife is involved in several charities What do you think they’ll say to their friends when they return home? That the room was lovely? That the mountains were splendid? That could be said of nearly every hotel in this area” He withdrew his finger from the delicate skin of her wrist and looked in her eyes “They will rehtful meal served in their roole red rose presented to Mrs Townsend”

He sat back, satisfied “Don’t underestimate the power of a happy customer, Mari We’ll more than earn back what dinner cost The Townsends will co a trail of friends and associates with them They’ll remember the romance”

His eyebrows lifted as it dawned “That’s it That’s what the Cascade needs to become Get out your day planner, Mari”

He changed tack so often she was having difficulty following “What on earth are you talking about?”

“The Fiori Cascade Reether then reached for his wine “This room—the Panorama It’s romantic, don’t you think?” He didn’t wait for her answer “Look at the color, the furnishings Ti wood, rich scarlet and gold A place where woed, pampered Chandeliers and fine wine and…”

He paused

“You’re not saying anything”

“I can’t get a word in edgewise” Mari left her planner right where it was By toed a half dozen times, for all she knew

“You don’t like it? You don’t agree?”

“I think you’re getting carried aith an idea”

“Oh, but, Mari ideas are the best part” He reached out and clasped her hand “There is nothingall the possibilities”

She pulled her hand away, cradling it in her lap Luca carried on as if he hadn’t noticed her abrupt withdrawal “Taking a vision andit reality is the best part of my job”

Their first course was served Mari watched as Luca tried the soup, closed his eyes and murmured, “Mmm”

She stared at the full curve of his lips, shocked to feel the stirrings of attraction in the s were followed by nu fear It wouldn’t matter She wasn’t capable of relationships She was done with trusting and taking risks That she’d suddenly gone from physical appreciation to attraction startled her sufficiently to keep her on task She stabbed at her greens like she ielding a pitchfork

He looked around and Mari tried to see what he was seeing People enjoying fine food in an elegant setting It’s what they paid for, what they expected Hoould the rest of the hotel look, if it followed in the tradition of this room?