Last Name - Dr. Rebecca Sharp Page 0,19

it informal with the people who work with him.”

Lars grinned. “She’s right.” And then he added, “He doesn’t want to be like our father.”

My eyes widened curiously.

“So, you were saying about the activities,” Suzanne prompted as she reached across and squeezed Lars’ hand.

“Yes. Well, there is certainly a lot to do in Lake Tahoe, so I came up with a few group ideas, but then also made a list of other activities that would be good for smaller groups if any of the guests want to branch out on their own.” Reaching into my bag, I pulled out a small notebook where I’d jotted down some of the most popular—and a few of my personal favorite—South Tahoe activities.

“Once you have a few more people, maybe at the end of this week, I would suggest a picnic and paddleboarding or kayaking on the lake. It’s a great way for everyone to get together and mingle, but also have something a little physical for those who want to get out on the water.”

“Oh my gosh! I didn’t even think about that,” Suzanne gushed. “We did kayaks last time we were out, and I saw people on those paddleboards but we never ended up renting any. I think that would be perfect for Friday. My parents and brothers will be here. My maid of honor, Lynn, will be here, and I think Josh and Olek—Lars’ two other groomsmen—are getting in that day, too.”

I smiled, a rush of purpose flooding through my body.

I didn’t want to relish the feeling, but I couldn’t help myself, knowing my job had almost ceased to exist yesterday. I didn’t want to feel good proving James wrong because what purpose did it serve?

I didn’t want to keep this job.

And I didn’t want to keep him.

You didn’t find true love in Vegas and you certainly didn’t find it with your boss; I was pretty sure of the first, but entirely certain of the second.

Our attention shifted as James returned with trays of covered food followed by his mother.

“Oh, let me help.” Suzanne rose and opened the grill, unloading the skewered food onto it.

While he held the trays, James’ gaze was on me and the heat of it seemed far greater, far more pervasive than what was coming off the grill.

“So, are you from around here?” Lars interjected, his assessing eyes slipping back and forth between his brother and me.

“No.” I smiled. “Originally from New Jersey. I moved out here a year ago and started working for the hotel.”

“Do you like it?”

“I do.” I took another sip of the wine because it was the only thing that bought me a few seconds to think of what to say. “It wasn’t exactly planned, and I can’t say I really knew what a recreation specialist was when I applied for the position, but I used to work at a hotel back in Jersey so I figured it was a good transition. Plus, the job necessitated that I get out and explore the area, so I thought it would be a great crash course on my new home.”

“Wait, recreation specialist?” Lars’ eyes narrowed as he pointed to me and then dragged his finger—and his discerning stare—over to his brother. “James, didn’t you tell me yesterday—”

“Carrie, why don’t you finish telling Suzanne your thoughts?” James interrupted his brother with a sharp stare and the question lodged in my throat to demand he finish what he was about to say. “Lars, let’s go get plates and silverware.”

Swallowing down my curiosity, I watched the brothers disappear inside while I stood with Suzanne at the grill.

Making quick work of my list, I suggested a hike down by Emerald Cove. There was a modest mansion down there that could be toured, along with another trailhead that led to Eagle Falls. Finally, I recommended a sunset boat cruise on the lake just before the wedding, this way it could be offered to as many of the guests as possible.

“Wow.” Suzanne smiled warmly. My ideas had consumed the time needed to grill the burgers and chicken, their aromas infusing the air with a delicious aroma as she pulled them off the heat and set them on the plate I held for her. “I should’ve hired you to plan my wedding!”

At the mention of a wedding, I cringed, feeling the zing of James’ stare on my back. When had they come back outside? Ignoring him, I covered it up with a laugh and shook my head vehemently. “I think that would be