“Oh, I beg your pardon.” She brushed at his damp sleeve. “How clumsy of me.”

“Not at all. It was my fault.” Easing away from the dispersing crowd, he took out a handkerchief to dry her hand. “I’m afraid I was distracted.” He glanced at her empty glass. “And I owe you a drink.”

“No, that’s kind of you, but it was nearly empty.” She flashed him a smile. “Fortunately for your suit. I suppose I was a little curious about all those chips. My husband and I were across the table from that young couple. And not having nearly their luck.”

“Then I definitely owe you a drink.” Gumm took her arm just as Sebastian walked up.

“Darling, you’re supposed to drink the champagne, not pour it on people.”

As if she were flustered, she laughed and ran a hand down his arm. “I’ve already apologized.”

“No harm done,” Gumm assured them as he offered Sebastian a hand. “Jasper Gumm.”

“Donovan Ryan. My wife, Mary Ellen.”

“A pleasure. Are you guests of the hotel?”

“No, actually, we’ve just moved to Tahoe.” Sebastian sent an affectionate glance to Mel. “We’re taking a few days as a kind of second honeymoon before we get back to business.”

“Welcome to the community. Now I definitely must replace that champagne.” He signaled to a roving waitress.

“It’s very kind of you.” Mel glanced around approvingly. “You have a wonderful place here.”

“Now that we’re neighbors, I hope you’ll enjoy the facilities. We have an excellent dining room.” As he spoke, Gumm took stock. The woman’s jewelry was discreet and expensive. The man’s dinner suit was expertly tailored. Both of them showed the panache of quiet affluence. Just the type of clientele he preferred.

When the waitress returned with a fresh bottle and glasses, Gumm poured the wine himself. “What business are you in, Mr. Donovan?”

“Real estate. Mary Ellen and I spent the last few years in Seattle, and we decided it was time for a change. My business allows me to be flexible.”

“And yours?” Gumm asked Mel.

“I’ve put my career on hold, at least for a while. I thought I’d like keeping a home.”

“Ah, and children.”

“No.” Her smile wobbled as she looked down at her glass. “No, not yet. But I think the weather here, the sun, the lake … would be a wonderful place to raise a family.” There was a trace, just a hint, of desperation in her voice.

“I’m sure. Please enjoy the Silver Palace. Don’t be strangers.”

“Oh, I’m sure we’ll be back,” Sebastian assured him. “Nicely done,” he murmured to Mel when they were alone.

“I thought so. Do you think we should go back to the tables for a while or just wander about looking moon-eyed at each other?”