The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Author:Rachel Scott McDaniel
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781636096148
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2023-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

The mood of the Frossa was surprisingly … American.

My attention swung to the big band orchestra gathered on the corner stage. One enthusiastic trumpeter stood, rocking back and forth as he blared the intro to Glenn Miller’s “Kalamazoo.”

Cigarette smoke climbed to the rafters, leaving a darkened haze the ceiling lamps fought to push through. A cluster of tables were situated near the entrance. Tall booths lined the left wall. The open middle of the space boasted a large and crowded dance floor. Those not jiving to the swing music huddled around the bar on the right side of the room.

Elias peeled my wrap from my shoulders, his fingers skimming my bare arms. Whether or not his lingering touch was accidental, I didn’t have time to weigh his intentions. I needed to find Franc. While Elias handed my things to the coatroom attendant, I searched the space for the lanky gentleman but couldn’t see past a flock of guys preying like scavengers on the fringes in hunt for a partner.

“I need to get on that dance floor,” I muttered to myself. Being centrally located, it had the best viewpoint.

“Then I’m happy to claim the next song.” Elias moved beside me, and I jolted. He had impeccable hearing.

“This place is popular.” I raised my voice as we neared the action. “Do you come here a lot?” Now that I’d shed my cover in front of Finn, I struggled keeping up the pretense. But if I held to light conversation, nothing should appear amiss.

He shrugged. “Every once in a while. But I’ve a feeling tonight’s going to be much more interesting. You’re already getting looks.” His eyes narrowed even as his hand settled on my lower back. “Am I to take on the role of bodyguard?”

Irritation snapped my gaze to his but soon fizzled at the uncertainty on his face. Did he suspect trouble? He seemed to be scanning the crowd just as much as I was. “I’ll be fine, Elias.”

We joined the couples on the outskirts of the floor. His hand curled around my waist, and my mind drifted back to the dance on the beach with Finn, the confident feel of his arms around me, the beads of water clinging to his hair, the moonlight painting our silhouettes on the sand.

With this area so congested, Elias and I could hardly move a foot in any direction, unlike last night, where Finn had spun me along the shoreline as the tide kissed our heels. I stifled a groan. That was the one drawback to my incredible memory, I could revisit past moments with perfect clarity, almost like watching a film of my life.

But I had a job to do.

Elias’ hand shifted on my back, pressing me closer to avoid colliding into a spirited couple. “Are you enjoying your time in Malmö?” His gaze drifted over my shoulder.

“It’s a charming place.” I wasn’t sure if Elias heard my response. He seemed more interested in observing his surroundings than engaging in conversation. “Are you searching for anyone?”

“Hmm?” His eyes shifted, meeting mine.

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