Page 10 of K-9 Prime Target

He nodded. “It might be interesting to include footage of you in your role as a ski patroller. Not just a pretty face, but a real member of the community.”

“Doug probably won’t like it, and Marlena certainly won’t.”

“I think I can sell it to them.” He smiled, and she felt the full force of his charm. Yes, the handsome Irishman with the sexy brogue could probably sell ice in Siberia.

“I’m about ready for lunch,” he said.

“That sounds good. I’ll take you to my favorite place.”

She led him to a food truck parked just off the resort’s main plaza. The blue and white truck flew a Greek flag and advertised gyros, spanakopita, moussaka and other Greek specialties. A dark-haired young man with a red bandana around his head greeted Nina with a wide smile. “If it isn’t my favorite ski patroller! How are you today, beautiful?”

“I’m okay, Derek. How are you?”

“I’m great. My view today is even better, since they hung one of your banners right by the truck.” He indicated the banner with Nina’s image that fluttered across from them. “That’s a great picture of you.”

Nina frowned at the banners that ringed the plaza. “I don’t know why they thought they had to have so many,” she said.

“They definitely class up the place.” He leaned out the window, elbows on the sill. “The usual for you today?”

“Yes, thank you.” She turned to Liam. “What will you have?”

“I’ll have a gyro, and I’ll try the moussaka.”

The smile had fled from Derek’s face. He studied Liam, brow furrowed. “The two of you are together?”

“This is Liam,” Nina said. “He’s taking video and photos for the resort’s new marketing campaign.”

Derek straightened, his face serene once more. “Oh. That’s cool. I’ll have that order up for you in a few minutes.”

They moved to a picnic table a few feet away. “He wasn’t too happy when he found out we were together,” Liam said.

“Derek? Don’t be silly. He’s just a friendly kid.” She settled on the picnic bench, and he sat beside her.

“A kid who has a massive crush on you,” Liam said.

She glanced toward the order window in time to see Derek quickly look away. So maybe he was a little bit starstruck. He’d never been anything but friendly and respectful. “He’s harmless, I’m sure,” she said.

A small voice in the back of her mind reminded her that she had once said the same thing about Aaron Nicholson, who had originally come across as simply another fan. But Derek was different. She only saw him when she ordered lunch, or very occasionally when he was skiing. He certainly wasn’t stalking her.

“I wish I could have convinced Marlena and Doug to take down these banners,” she said. “It’s too weird, having my picture staring back at me wherever I look.”

“We could come back after dark and cut a few down,” Liam said.

She couldn’t tell if he was teasing or serious. “No vandalism for me,” she said. She started to reach for her drink, but froze, a chill dancing up her spine.

She looked around for whatever had caused the sensation. “Is something wrong?” Liam asked.

She shook her head, but continued to study the people around them.

“Something has upset you,” Liam said.

“Order for Nina,” Derek called.

She hurried to collect the food, then returned to the picnic table. Liam accepted his food from her, his gaze still fixed on her. “What’s going on?” he asked.

“It’s probably nothing. I just… For a moment there, I felt like I was being watched.”

“Derek’s been keeping an eye on you.”