Ian's Ultimate Gamble - Brenda Jackson [5]
Knowing video monitors were probably watching her every move, Brooke kept her cool as she strolled through the casino to catch the elevator that connected to the suite of villas located in the resort section. All around her crowds were still flowing in, heading toward the bar, the lounge or the area lined with slot machines.
It was only moments later, after opening the door to her villa and going inside, that she gave way to her tears. The look in Ian's dark eyes was quite readable, and knowing he hated her guts was almost too much to bear. If he ever found out the real reason she was there...
She inhaled deeply and wiped her cheeks, knowing she had to check in with Malcolm. Taking the cell phone from her purse, she pressed a couple of buttons. He picked up on the second ring.
"I'm at the Rolling Cascade, Malcolm."
He evidently heard the strain in her voice and said, "I take it that you've seen Ian Westmoreland"
"Yes."
After a brief pause he said, "You know this isn't an official investigation, Brooke. Your job is to enjoy your vacation, but if you happen to see anything of interest to let us know."
"That's still spying."
"Yes. but it's beneficial to Westmoreland. You're there to help him, not hurt him."
"He won't see it that way." Her reply was faint as more tears filled her eyes. "Look, Malcolm, I'll get back to you if there's anything. Otherwise, I'll see you in two weeks."
"Okay, and take care of yourself."
Brooke clicked off the phone and returned it to her purse. She walked through the living room and glanced around, trying to think about anything other than Ian. The resort was connected to the casino by way of elevators, and the way the villas had been built took advantage of paths for bicyclers and joggers, who thronged the wide wooden boardwalk that ran along the lake's edge. Since this was mid-April and the harsh winter was slowly being left behind, she could imagine many people would be taking advantage of those activities. The view of the mountains was fabulous, and considering all the on-site amenities, this was a very beautiful place.
After taking a tour of her quarters, she felt a combined mixture of pleasure and excitement rush through her veins. Her villa was simply beautiful, and she was certain she had found a small slice of paradise. This was definitely a place to get your groove on.
The view of Lake Tahoe through both her living room and bedroom windows was breathtaking, perfect to capture the striking colors of the sunset. Brooke was convinced the way her villa was situated among several nature trails was the loveliest spot she had ever found. This was a place where someone could come and leave their troubles behind. But for her it was a place that could actually intensify those troubles.
Pushing that thought from her mind, she once again entered her bathroom, still overwhelmed. It was just as large as the living room and resembled a private, tropical spa. This was definitely a romantic retreat, she thought, crossing the room to the Jacuzzi tub, large enough to accommodate four people comfortably. Then there was the trademark that she'd heard was in every bathroom in the villa— a waterfall that cascaded down into a beautiful fountain.
She breathed in deeply, proud of Ian and his accomplishments, and recalled the many nights they would snuggle in bed while he shared his dream of owning such a place with her. When the opportunity came for him to purchase the Delta Princess, a riverboat that departed from Memphis on a ten-day excursion along the Mississippi with stops in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Vicksburg and Natchez, she had been there on his arm at the celebration party his brothers and cousins had thrown. .And when his cousin Delaney had married a desert sheikh, she had been the one to attend the weddings with him in both the States and the Middle East.
She sighed, knowing she had to let go of the past the way she'd suggest that he do. But the two years they were together had been good times for her, the best she could have ever shared with anyone, and she had looked