But I wont. I have my own job at Coast Eagle, and Im not about to muscle in on anyone elses.
Its your responsibility. There was an unexpected hardness to Coles tone. Its your responsibility to Zachary to take control of the company.
She turned to look at him again. Its my responsibility to Zachary to ensure the company is well run. That doesnt mean I make any particular decision.
His dark eyes were implacable. Yes, it does.
Well, Mr. Cole Parker, owner of Aviation 58 in Alaska, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. And Im 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 Suttens 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. Youre very polite.
So Ive 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 didnt 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 didnt 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, shes a friend of Amber Welsley. Lucas expression was inscrutable.
Cole played along, pretending Luca hadnt planned to meet Destiny. Nice to meet you. He offered his hand.
She shook, and hers was slim and cool. Its 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 youre from Alaska? asked Destiny.
We are, Cole replied.
Ive never been there.
Its beautiful, magnificent.
It must be cold.
Luca stepped in. Ive already offered to keep her warm.
Destiny smiled and shook her head. Hes shameless.
But harmless, said Cole, intending to be reassuring, but also being honest. Luca was a perfect gentleman.
Ill text you on the way back? asked Luca.
Sounds good. With a nod to both of them, Cole headed for the escalator.
He was going against the crowd, most people on their way out of the event. So he easily made it to the ballroom and headed for the chair where theyd parked Ambers shoes.
To his surprise, they were gone.
Seriously? he muttered out loud.
He glanced around at the departing crowd. At an event this highbrow, somebody was going to steal a pair of shoes?
Then he caught a glint of gold in one of the waiters hands. He squinted. It was definitely Ambers shoes. The man was headed toward a side exit.
Cole made a beeline after him, feeling better about human nature. The waiter obviously thought theyd been abandoned and was taking them to the hotels lost and found.
Cole wound his way through the tables and took the same exit, coming out into a long dim hallway. One direction obviously led to the kitchen, the other down a narrow flight of stairs. It seemed unlikely that the lost and found was in the kitchen, so he took the stairs.
At the bottom, he spotted the guy about thirty yards away. He called out, and the man turned.
The shoes, called Cole.
Before he could say anything more, the man bolted, running a few steps before shoving open a side exit.
Are you kidding me? Cole shouted, breaking into a run.
He burst through the side door, finding himself in an alley. He quickly scanned the area and spotted the guy at a run. He sprinted after the man. When he caught up, he grasped the guys left arm and spun him around, bringing him to a sliding halt.
Whats going on? Cole gasped. Youre stealing a pair of shoes?
Theyre my girlfriends. The man was gasping for breath.
Theyre my girlfriends. As he spoke, Cole couldnt help but take note of the mans unshaven face, and the rather wild look in his eyes. Youre not a waiter.
The man reached in his pants pocket and pulled a knife, flicking open a six-inch blade and holding it menacingly out in front of him.
Theyre shoes, said Cole, adrenaline rushing into his bloodstream. Admittedly, they were nice shoes. And given the Hendersons wealth, they were likely ridiculously expensive. But what could they possibly bring this guy on the black market?
The man snarled. Do yourself a favor and walk away.
No way was that happening. Cole was returning Ambers property to her. Give me the shoes.
You want to get hurt?
Suddenly, a low growl sounded next to Cole. His skin prickled, and he glanced cautiously down. But the mangy dog was staring at the man with the knife. It didnt seem to be threatening Cole.
Hell go for your throat, Cole lied.
The man glanced furtively at the dog.
The dog growled again.
Drop the knife, or hell attack.
The man hesitated, and the dog took a step forward. The knife clattered to the ground, along with the shoes, and the man took two rapid steps backward. Then he spun around and ran.
Cole took in the medium-size dog that was now wagging its tail, obviously feeling proud of himself.
Good job, he told the mutt, patting its head, finding sticky, matted fur.
He looked closer and realized the animal was painfully thin. It had a wiry, mottled coat, mostly tan, but black on the ears and muzzle. Its brown eyes looked world-weary and exhausted.
You a stray? Cole found himself asking.
He moved to pick up the shoes. When he straightened, the dog was watching him patiently.
You probably want a reward for all that.
The dog blinked.
I dont blame you. Cole blew out a breath. He supposed the least he could do was buy the animal a burger.
Come on, then. He started down the alley toward the brightly lit street. The dog trotted at his heels.
At the front of the hotel, Cole reported the incident to one of the doormen, who sent someone to retrieve the knife. Cole learned that theyd had previous trouble with a thief impersonating a waiter at large events. If the knife had fingerprints on it, they might be able to catch the guy. It seemed likely hed stolen more than just the shoes tonight.
Duty done, Cole and the dog then made their way down the street until they came to a fast-food restaurant.
Thinking it was a fifty-fifty shot the mutt would wait, Cole left it outside while he purchased two deluxe hamburgers. He was hungry after the fancy little portions at the pilots association event, and a burger didnt seem like the worst idea in the world.
When he returned to the street, the dog jumped to attention. It wolfed down the burger in two bites, so Cole gave it the second one, as well.
His phone chimed, and a text message told him Luca was sending back the empty car. Luca and Destiny were stopping for a nightcap.
Cole smiled at his friends luck, tossed the wrappers in the trash and headed back toward the hotel. Predictably, the dog followed along. It was sure to be disappointed when a meal didnt appear at their next stop.
Cole took the animal back to the alley at the edge of the hotel property and pointed. Go on, now, he told it.
It looked up at him uncomprehendingly.
Go home, Cole commanded.
It didnt move.
He made his voice sterner. Go on.
The dog ducked its head, eyes going sad.
Cole felt a shot to his chest.
He tried to steel himself against the guilt, but the effort didnt pay off. He crouched down in front of the dog, scratching its matted neck and meeting its eyes. I dont know what you expect here.
It pushed forward, nuzzling its nose against Coles thigh.
Those are rented pants, said Cole.
It pushed farther forward.
I live in Alaska.
Its tail began to wag.
Crap.
Mr. Parker? The driver appeared in Coles peripheral vision. Are you ready to go, sir?
Cole stood, drawing a deep sigh. Were ready.
We?
The dogs coming, too.
The driver glanced down at the scruffy animal. He hesitated, but then said, Of course, sir.
Do you have a blanket or something to protect the seat?
Ill get a newspaper from the doorman.
Thatll work, said Cole. He looked to the dog. You want to go for a car ride?
Its head lifted. Its brow went up. And its tail wagged harder.
Ill take that as a yes. Cole knew he was making a stupid, emotional decision, one hed likely regret very quickly. But he couldnt bring himself to leave the animal behind.
He closed his eyes for a long moment. All this for a pair of shoes.