DearReader,

Ireallycan’texpresshowflatteredIamandalsohowgratefulIamtoHarlequinBooksforreleasing
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ButwhenIreadmyemail,orwhenIgetlettersfromreaders,orwhenIgoonsigningtripsto
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Thankyouforthistribute,Harlequin,andforputtingupwithmeforthirtylongyears!Lovetoallof
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DianaPalmer

DIANAPALMER

Theprolificauthorofmorethanahundredbooks,DianaPalmergotherstartasanewspaper
reporter.Amulti–NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorandoneofthetoptenromancewritersin
America,shehasagiftfortellingthemostsensualtaleswithcharmandhumor.Dianaliveswithher
familyinCornelia,Georgia.

Visitherwebsiteatwww.DianaPalmer.com.

IANA

ALMER

NewYorkTimesandUSATODAYBestsellingAuthor

THEPRINCESSBRIDE

ForMattandElisha

NewYorkTimesandUSATODAY

BestsellingAuthor

DianaPalmer

TheEssentialCollection

Long,TallTexans…andMore!

AVAILABLEFEBRUARY2011

Calhoun

Tyler

Ethan

Connal

Harden

Evan

AVAILABLEMARCH2011

Donavan

Emmett

Regan’sPride

ThatBurkeMan

CircleofGold

Cattleman’sPride

AVAILABLEAPRIL2011

ThePrincessBride

Coltrain’sProposal

AManofMeans

Lionhearted

Maggie’sDad

RageofPassion

AVAILABLEMAY2011

Lacy

Beloved

LovewithaLong,TallTexan

(containing“Guy,”“Luke”and“Christopher”)

HeartofIce

Noelle

FitforaKing

TheRawhideMan

AVAILABLEJUNE2011

ALong,TallTexanSummer

(containing“Tom,”“Drew”and“Jobe”)

Nora

Dream’sEnd

ChampagneGirl

FriendsandLovers

TheWeddinginWhite

AVAILABLEJULY2011

Heather’sSong

SnowKisses

ToLoveandCherish

Long,TallandTempted

(containing“Redbird,”“PaperHusband”and

“ChristmasCowboy”)

TheAustralian

DarlingEnemy

Trilby

AVAILABLEAUGUST2011

SweetEnemy

SoldierofFortune

TheTenderStranger

Enamored

AftertheMusic

ThePatientNurse

AVAILABLESEPTEMBER2011

TheCaseoftheMesmerizingBoss

TheCaseoftheConfirmedBachelor

TheCaseoftheMissingSecretary

SeptemberMorning

DiamondGirl

EyeoftheTiger

Contents

Chapter1

iffanysawhiminthedistance,ridingthebigblackstallionthathadalreadykilledoneman.She

hatedthehorse,evenassheadmittedsilentlyhowregalitlookedwiththetall,taciturnmanonits
back.Akillerhorseitmightbe,butitrespectedKingmanMarshall.MostpeoplearoundJacobsville,
Texas,did.HisfamilyhadlivedontheGuadalupeRivertheresincetheCivilWar,onaranchcalled
Lariat.

Itwasspring,andthatmeantroundup.ItwasnothingunusualtoseetheownerofLariatinthe

saddleatdawnlendingahandtoropeastraycalforhelpworkthebranding.Kingkeptfitwithranch
work,anddespitethefactthathesharedanofficeandabusinesspartnershipwithherfatherinland
andcattle,hisstaffdidn’tseealotofhim.

Thisyear,theywereusinghelicopterstomassthefar-flungcattle,andtheyhadacorralsetup

onawideflatstretchoflandwheretheycoulddipthecattle,checkthem,cutoutthecalvesfor
brandingandseparatethemfromtheirmothers.Itwasphysicallydemandingwork,andnojobfora
tenderfoot.Kingwouldn’tletTiffanynearit,butitwasn’tafront-rowseatatthecorralthatshe
wanted.Ifshecouldjustgethisattentionawayfromthemillingcattleonthewide,rollingplainthat
ledtotheGuadalupeRiver,ifhe’djustlookherway…

Shestooduponaricketylowerrungofthegraywoodfence,avoidingthestickybarbedwire,

andwavedhercreamyStetsonathim.Shewasapictureofyoungeleganceinhertanjodhpursand
sexypinksilkblouseandhighblackboots.Shewasadebutante.Herfather,HarrisonBlair,was
King’sbusinesspartnerandfriend,andifshechasedKing,herfatherencouragedher.Itwouldbea
marriagemadeinheaven.Thatis,ifshecouldfindsomewaytoconvinceKingofit.Hewaselusive
andquiteabrasivelymasculine.Itmighttakemorethanayoungladyofalmosttwenty-onewitha
sheltered,moniedbackgroundtolandhim.But,then,Tiffanyhadconfidenceinherself;shewas
beautifulandintelligent.

Herlongblackhairhungtoherwaistinback,andsherefusedtohaveitcut.Itsuitedhertall,

slenderfigureandmadeanelegantframeforhersoftovalfaceandwidegreeneyesandcreamy
complexion.Shehadasunnysmile,anditneverfaded.Tiffanywasalwaysfulloffire,burningwitha
loveoflifethatherfatheroftensaidhadbeenreflectedinherlong-deadmother.

“King!”shecalled,hervoiceclear,anditcarriedintheearly-morningair.
Helookedtowardher.Evenatthedistance,shecouldseethatcoldexpressioninhispaleblue

eyes,onhislean,hardfacewithitsfinelychiseledfeatures.Hewasarichman.Heworkedhard,and
heplayedhard.Hehadwomen,Tiffanyknewhedid,buthewasnothingifnotdiscreet.Hewasa
man’sman,andhelivedlikeone.Therewasnoplayfulboyinthattall,fitbody.He’dgrownupyears
ago,theboyishnessburnedoutofhimbyarich,alcoholicfatherwhodemandedblindobedience
fromtheonlychildofhisshallow,runawaywife.

Shewatchedhimridetowardher,easyeleganceinthesaddle.Hereinedinatthefence,smiling

downatherwithfaintarrogance.Hewaspowerfullybuilt,withlonglegsandslimhipsandbroad
shoulders.Therewasn’tanounceoffatonhim,andwithhischeckedredshirtopenatthethroat,she
gotfascinatingglimpsesofbronzedmuscleandthickblackhairontheexpanseofhissexychest.
Jeansemphasizedthepowerfulmusclesofhislegs,andhehadbig,eleganthandsthatherslongedto

feelinpassion.Notthatshewaslikelyto.Hetreatedherlikeachildmostofthetime,oratbest,a
minorirritation.

“You’reoutearly,tidbit,”heremarkedinadeep,velvetyvoicewithjustahintofTexasdrawl.

Hiseyes,undertheshadeofhiswide-brimmedhat,wereapale,grayishblueandpiercingasonly
blueeyescouldbe.

“I’mgoingtobetwenty-onetomorrow,”shesaidpertly.“I’mhavingabigbashtocelebrate,and

youhavetocome.Blacktie,anddon’tyoudarebringanyone.You’remine,forthewholeevening.
It’smybirthdayandonmybirthdayIwantpresents—andyou’reit.Mybigpresent.”

Hisdarkbrowsliftedwithamusedindulgence.“YoumighthavetoldmesoonerthatIwasgoing

tobeabirthdaypresent,”hesaid.“IhavetobeinOmahaearlySaturday.”

“Youhaveyourownplane,”sheremindedhim.“Youcanfly.”
“Ihavetosleepsometimes,”hemurmured.
“Iwouldn’ttouchthatlinewithaten-footpole,”shedrawled,peekingathimbehindherlong

lashes.“Willyoucome?Ifyoudon’t,I’llstuffapillowupmydressandaccuseyouofbeingthe
culprit.Andyourreputationwillberuined,you’llbedrivenoutoftownonarail,they’lltarand
featheryou…”

Hechuckledsoftlyatthevividsparkleinhereyes,theradiantsmile.“Youwitch,”heaccused.

“They’dprobablygivemeamedalforgettingthroughyourdefenses.”

Shewonderedhowheknewthat,andreasonedthatherproudparenthadprobablytoldhimall

aboutherreputationforcoolnesswithmen.

Helitacigarette,tookalongdrawfromandblewitoutwithfaintimpatience.“Littlegirlsand

theirlittlewhims,”hemused.“Allright,I’llwhirlyouaroundthefloorandtoastyourcoming-of-
age,butIwon’tstay.Ican’tsparethetime.”

“You’llworkyourselftodeath,”shecomplained,andshewassolemnnow.“You’reonlythirty-

fourandyoulookforty.”

“Timesarehard,honey,”hemused,smilingattheintensityinthatgloweringyoungface.

“We’vehadlowpricesanddrought.It’sallIcandotokeepmyfinancialheadabovewater.”

“Youcouldtaketheoccasionalbreak,”sheadvised.“AndIdon’tmeananightonthetown.You

couldgetawayfromitallandjustrest.”

“They’refullupattheHome,”hemurmured,grinningatherexasperatedlook.“Honey,Ican’t

affordvacations,notwithtimessohard.Whatareyouwearingforthiscoming-of-ageparty?”he
askedtodiverther.

“Adreamofadress.Whitesilk,verylowinfront,withdiamantéstrapsandawhitegardeniain

myhair.”Shelaughed.

Hepursedhislips.Hemightaswellhumorher.“Thatsoundsdangerous,”hesaidsoftly.
“Itwillbe,”shepromised,teasinghimwithhereyes.“YoumightevennoticethatI’vegrown

up.”

Hefrownedalittle.Thatflirtingwasn’tnew,butitwasdisturbinglately.Hefoundhimself

avoidinglittleMissBlair,withoutreallyunderstandingwhy.Hisbodystirredevenashelookedather,
andhemovedrestlesslyinthesaddle.Shewasyearstooyoungforhim,andavirgintoboot,
accordingtoherdoting,shelteringfather.Allthoseyearsofobsessiveparentalprotectionhadledtoa
veryimmatureandunavailablegirl.Itwouldn’tdotolethertooclose.Notthatanyoneevergotclose
toKingmanMarshall,notevenhisinfrequentlovers.Hehadgoodreasontokeepwomenata
distance.Hisupbringinghadtaughthimtoowellthatwomenwereuntrustworthyandtreacherous.

“Whattime?”heaskedonaresignednote.
“Aboutseven?”
Hepausedthoughtfullyforaminute.“Okay.”Hetiltedhiswide-brimmedhatoverhiseyes.“But

onlyforanhourorso.”

“Great!”
Hedidn’tsaygoodbye.Ofcourse,heneverhad.Hewheeledthestallionandrodeoff,manand

horsesodamnedarrogantthatshefeltlikeflingingsomethingathistallhead.Hewasdelicious,she
thought,andherbodyfelthotalloverjustlookingathim.Onthegroundhetoweredoverher,lean
andhard-muscledandsexyasallhell.Shelovedwatchinghim.

Withalong,unsteadysigh,shefinallyturnedawayandremountedhermare.Shewondered

sometimeswhyshebotheredhero-worshipingsuchaman.Oneofthesedayshe’dgetmarriedand
she’djustdie.Godforbidthathe’dmarryanybodybutherself!

Thatwaswhenthefirstshockofrealityhithersquarelybetweentheeyes.Why,shehadtoask

herself,wouldamanlikethat,amaturemanwithalltheworldlyadvantages,wantayoungand
inexperiencedwomanlikeherselfathisside?Thequestionworriedhersobadlythatshealmostlost
controlofhermount.She’dneverquestionedherchanceswithKingbefore.She’dneverdared.The
truthofhersituationwasunpalatableandalittlefrightening.She’dneverevenconsideredalife
withouthim.Whatifshehadto?

Assherodebacktowardherownhouse,onthepropertythatjoinedKing’smassiveholdings,

shenoticedthecolorofthegrass.Itwaslikebarbedwireinplaces,verydryandscant.Thatbodedill
forthecattle,andifraindidn’tcomesoon,allthatnewgrasswasgoingtoburnupunderahotTexas
sun.Sheknewalotaboutthecattlebusiness.Afterall,herfatherhadownedfeedlotssinceheryouth,
andshewasanonlychildwhoworkedhardtosharehisinterests.Sheknewthatiftherewasn’t
enoughhaybytheendofsummer,Kingwasgoingtohavetoimportfeedtogethiscattlethroughthe
winter.Thecostofthatwasprohibitive.Ithadsomethingtodowithblackfiguresgoingredinthelast
column,andthatcouldmeandisasterforsomeonewithacow-calfoperationthesizeofKing’s.

Ah,well,shemused,ifKingwentbust,shesupposedthatshecouldgetajobandsupporthim.

Justthethoughtofitdoubledheroverwithsilverylaughter.King’spridewouldneverpermitthatsort
ofhelp.

EventheGuadalupewasdown.Shesatonasmallriseinthetrees,lookingatitswaterywidth.

Theriver,likethispartofTexas,hadalotofhistoryinit.ArchaeologistshadfoundIndiancampson
theGuadalupethatdatedbackseventhousandyears,andbecauseofthat,partofithadbeendesignated
aNationalHistoricShrine.

Inmorerecenthistory,freighthandlersontheirwaytoSanAntoniohadcrossedtheriverin

DeWittCountyonaferryboat.InCuero,anicedrivefromLariat,wasthebeginningoftheChisolm
Trail.InnearbyGoliadCountywasthesmalltownofGoliad,whereTexaspatriotswereslaughtered
bytheMexicanarmybackin1836,justdaysafterthebloodbathattheAlamo.Lookingatthe
landscape,itwaseasytoimaginethefirstSpanishsettlers,therobedpriestsfoundingmissions,the
MexicanArmywithproud,arrogantSantaAnnaatitsfore,theTexaspatriotsfightingtothelast
breath,thepioneersandthesettlers,theIndiansandtheimmigrants,thecowboysandcattlebarons
anddesperadoes.Tiffanysighed,tryingtoimagineitall.

King,shethought,wouldhavefittedinverywellwiththepast.Exceptthathehadablaséattitude

towardlifeandwomen,probablyaresultofhavingtoomuchmoneyandtimeonhishands.Despite
hishardworkatroundup,hespentalotoftimeinhisoffice,andonthephone,andalsoontheroad.
Hewassogearedtomakingmoneythatheseemedtohaveforgottenhowtoenjoyit.Sherodehome
slowly,alittledepressedbecauseshe’dhadtoworksohardjusttogetKingtoagreetocometoher
party.AndstillhauntingherwasthatunpleasantspeculationaboutafuturewithoutKing.

Herfatherwasjustonhiswayoutthedoorwhenshewalkedupfromthestables.Thehousewas

stucco,abigsprawlingyellowranchhouse.Ithadasmallformalgardenoffthepatio,aswimming
poolbehind,agaragewhereTiffany’sredJaguarconvertibleandherfather ’sgrayMercedes-Benz

dwelled,andtoweringliveoakandpecantreesallaround.TheGuadalupeRiverwasclose,butnot
tooclose,andTexasstretchedlikeayellow-greenboltofclothinalldirectionstoanopen,spacious
horizon.

“Thereyouare,”HarrisonBlairmuttered.Hewastallandgray-headedandgreen-eyed.Very

elegant,despitehisslightpaunchandhishabitofstoopingbecauseofabadback.“I’mlatefora
boardmeeting.Thecaterercalledaboutyourparty…somethingaboutthecheesestrawsnotdoing.”

“I’llgiveLettiearing.She’lldothemforherifIaskhernicely,”shepromised,grinningasshe

thoughtoftheelderlyladywhowashergodmother.“King’scomingtomyparty.Iranhimtoground
attheriver.”

Helookedoverhisglassesather,hisheavilylinedfacevaguelyreminiscentofananorexic

bassetthound;notthatshe’deverhavesaidanythinghurtfultoherparent.Sheadoredhim.“Youmake
himsoundlikeafox,”heremarked.“Careful,girl,oryou’llchasehimintoahollowstumpandlose
him.”

“Notme,”shelaughed,herwholefacebrightwithyoungcertainty.“Youjustwait.I’llbe

danglingadiamondoneofthesedays.Hecan’tresistme.Hejustdoesn’tknowityet.”

Heonlyshookhishead.Shewassoyoung.Shehadn’tlearnedyetthatlifehadawayofgiving

withonehand,onlytotakebackwiththeother.Oh,well,shehadplentyofyearstolearnthosehard
lessons.Letherenjoyitwhileshecould.HeknewthatKingwouldneversettleforachild-womanlike
hisbeautifuldaughter,butitwassomethingshewasgoingtohavetoacceptoneofthesedays.

“Ihopetobebackbyfour,”hesaid,reachingdowntopeckheraffectionatelyononecheek.

“Arewehavingchampagne?Ifweare,Ihopeyoutoldthecaterer.I’mnotbreakingoutmyprivate
stockuntilyougetmarried.”

“Yes,weare,andyes,Itoldthem,”sheassuredhim.“Afterall,Idon’tbecometwenty-oneevery

day.”

Hestudiedherwithquietpride.“Youlooklikeyourmother,”hesaid.“She’dbeasproudofyou

asIam.”

Shesmiledfaintly.“Yes.”Hermotherhadbeendeadalongtime,butthememorieswere

bittersweet.ThelateMrs.Blairhadbeenvivaciousandsparkling,asapphireinadiamondsetting.Her
fatherhadneverremarried,andseemednottobeinclinedtowardthecompanyofotherwomen.He’d
toldTiffanyoncethattruelovewasaprettyrarecommodity.Heandhermotherhadbeensoblessed.
Hewascontentenoughwithhismemories.

“Howmanypeopleareweexpecting,bytheway?”heaskedasheputonhisStetson.
“Aboutforty,”shesaid.“Notanoverwhelmingnumber.Justsomeofmyfriendsandsomeof

King’s.”Shegrinned.“I’mmakingsurethey’recompatiblebeforeIrailroadhimtothealtar.”

Heburstoutlaughing.Shewasincorrigibleanddefinitelyhischild,withherkeenbusiness

sense,hetoldhimself.

“Doyoureckonthey’llhavealotincommon?”
Shepursedherprettylips.“Moneyandcattle,”sheremindedhim,“arealwaysagoodmix.

Besides,King’sfriendsarealmostallpoliticians.Theypridethemselvesonfindingthingsin
commonwithpotentialvoters.”

Hewinked.“Goodthought.”
ShewavedandwenttocallLettieaboutdoingthecheesestrawsandthecatererstofinalizethe

arrangements.Shewasagoodhostess,andsheenjoyedparties.Itwasachallengetofindcompatible
peopleandputthemtogetherinahospitableatmosphere.Sofar,she’ddonewell.Nowitwastimeto
showKinghoworganizedshewas.

Theflowersandthecatererhadjustarrivedwhenshewentdownthelonghalltoherroomto

dress.Shewasnibblingatachickenwingonthewayup,hopingthatshewouldn’tstarve.Therewas

goingtobeanhorsd’oeuvrestableandadrinksbar,butnosit-downdinner.She’ddecidedthatshe’d
ratherdancethaneat,andshe’dhiredacompetentlocalbandtoplay.Theywereintheballroomnow,
tuningup,whileCass,thehousekeeper,waswatchingsomeoftheranch’slean,faintlydisgusted
cowboyssetupchairsandclearbackthefurniture.Theyhatedbeingusedasinsidelaborandtheir
accusingglancesletherknowit.Butshegrinnedandtheymelted.Mostofthemwereolderhands
who’dbeenwithherfathersinceshewasalittlegirl.Likeherfather,they’dspoiledher,too.

Shedartedupthestaircase,wildwithexcitementabouttheeveningahead.Kingdidn’tcometo

thehouseoften,onlywhenherfatherwantedtotalkbusinessawayfromwork,oroccasionallyfor
drinkswithsomeofherfather ’sacquaintances.Tohavehimcometoapartywasnewandstimulating.
Especiallyifitendedthewaysheplanned.Shehadhersightswellandtrulysetonthebigrancher.
Nowshehadtotakeaim.

Chapter2

iffany’seveninggownwascreatedbyaSanAntoniodesigner,whoalsohappenedtoowna

boutiqueinoneofthelargermallsthere.SinceJacobsvillewashalfwaybetweenSanAntonioand
Victoria,itwasn’ttoolongadrive.Tiffanyhadfalleninlovewiththegownatfirstsight.Thefactthat
ithadcosteverypennyofherallowancehadn’tevenslowedherdown.Itwassimple,sophisticated,
andjustthethingtomakeKingrealizeshewasawoman.Thelow-cutbodiceleftthecurveofherfull
breastsseductivelybareandthediamantéstrapswerehardlyanysupportatall.Theylookedasifthey
mightgivewayanysecond,andthatwasthecharmofthedress.Itssilkywhitelengthfellsoftlytojust
thetopofheroystersatinpumpswiththeirrhinestoneclips.Sheputherlonghairinanelaborate
hairdo,andpinneditwithdiamondhairpins.Thesmallsilkgardeniainasoftwavewasalast-minute
addition,andtheeffectwasdynamite.Shelookedinnocentlyseductive.Justright.

Shewasalittlenervousasshemadeherwaydownthecurveoftheelegant,gray-carpeted

staircase.Guestswerealreadyarriving,andmostoftheseearlyoneswerearoundKing’sage.They
weresuccessfulbusinessmen,politiciansmostly,withexquisitelydressedwivesandgirlfriendson
theirarms.Forjustaninstant,Tiffanyfeltyounganduneasy.Andthenshepinnedonherfinishing-
schoolsmileandthrewherselfintothejobofhostessing.

Shepretendedbeautifully.Nooneknewthatherslenderlegswereunsteady.Infact,afriendof

oneoftheyoungerpoliticians,abachelorclerknamedWyattCorbin,tookthesmileforaninvitation
andstucktoherlikeglue.Hewasgood-lookinginatall,ganglyredheadedway,buthewasn’tvery
sophisticated.Evenifhehadbeen,TiffanyhadherheartsetonKing,andshedartedfromgroupto
group,tryingtoshakeheradmirer.

Unfortunatelyhewasstubborn.Heledherontothedancefloorandintoagaywaltz,justasKing

cameintotheroom.

Tiffanyfeltlikescreaming.Kinglookedincrediblyhandsomeinhisdarkeveningclothes.His

tuxedoemphasizedhisdarkgoodlooks,andthewhiteofhissilkshirtbroughtouthisdarkeyesand
hair.HesparedTiffanyanamusedglanceandturnedtomeettheonslaughtoftwounattached,
beautifulolderwomen.Hissecretary,CarlaStark,hadn’tbeeninvited—Tiffanyhadbeenresolute
aboutthat.Therewasenoughgossipaboutthosetwoalready,andCarlawasunfaircompetition.

Itwastheunkindestcutofall,andthankstothisredheadedclowndancingwithher,she’dlosther

chance.Shesmiledsweetlyathimandsuddenlybroughtdownherfootonhistoewithperfect
accuracy.

“Ouch!”hemoaned,suckinginhisbreath.
“I’msosorry,Wyatt,”Tiffanymurmured,battinghereyelashesathim.“DidIsteponyourpoor

foot?”

“Myfault,Imovedthewrongway,”hedrawled,forcingasmile.“Youdancebeautifully,Miss

Blair.”

Whatacharmingliar,shethought.SheglancedatKing,buthewasn’tevenlookingather.He

wastalkingandsmilingatadevastatingblonde,probablyapolitician’sdaughter,wholookedasif
she’djustdiscoveredthebestpresentofallunderaChristmastree.Nothankstome,Tiffanythought
miserably.

Well,twocouldplayatignoring,shethought,andturnedthefulleffectofhergreeneyeson

Wyatt.Well,happybirthdaytome,shethoughtsilently,andaskedhimabouthisjob.Itwasassistant
cityclerkorsomesuchthing,andheheldforthabouthisdutiesfortherestofthewaltz,andtheone
thatfollowed.

Kinghadmovedtothesofawiththevivaciouslittleblonde,wherehelookedasifhemightset

uphousekeeping.Tiffanywantedtothrowbackherheadandscreamwithoutrage.Whosepartywas
this,anyway,andwhichpoliticianwasthatlittleblondewith?Shebeganscanningtheroomfor
unattachedoldermen.

“IguessIoughttodancewithBecky,atleastonce,”Wyattsighedafteraminute.“She’smy

cousin.Ididn’thaveanyoneelsetobring.Excusemeasecond,willyou?”

HeleftherandwentstraighttowardtheblondewhowasdominatingKing.Butifheexpectedthe

blondetosacrificethatprize,hewassadlymistaken.Theyspokeinwhispers,whileKingglancedpast
WyattatTiffanywithamocking,worldlylook.Sheturnedherbackandwenttothepunchbowl.

Wyattwasbackinaminute.“Shedoesn’tmindbeingdeserted,”hechuckled.“She’sfounda

cattlebarontotryherwileson.That’sKingmanMarshalloverthere,youknow.”

Tiffanylookedathimblankly.“Oh,isit?”sheaskedinnocently,andtriednottoshowhow

furiousshereallywas.BetweenWyattandhiscousin,they’druinedherbirthdayparty.

“Iwonderwhyhe’shere?”hefrowned.
Shecaughthishand.“Let’sdance,”shemuttered,anddraggedhimbackontothedancefloor.
Fortherestoftheevening,shemonopolizedWyatt,ignoringKingaspointedlyasifshe’dnever

seenhimbeforeandnevercaredtoagain.Lethimflirtwithotherwomenatherparty.Lethimbreak
herheart.Hewasnevergoingtoknowit.She’dholdherchinupifitkilledher.ShesmiledatWyatt
andflirtedoutrageously,theverylifeandsoulofherparty,rightuptotheminutewhenshecutthe
cakeandaskedWyatttohelpherserveit.Kingdidn’tseemtonoticeorcarethatsheignoredhim.But
herfatherwaspuzzled,staringatherincomprehensibly.

“Thispartyissoboring,”Tiffanysaidanhourlater,whenshefeltshecouldn’ttakeanother

singleminuteoftheblondeclingingtoKingonthedancefloor.“Let’sgoforaride.”

Wyattlookeduncomfortable.“Well…Icameinatruck,”hebegan.
“We’lltakemyJag.”
“You’vegotaJaguar?”
Shedidn’tneedtosayanotherword.WithoutevenaglanceinKing’sdirection,shewavedather

fatherandblewhimakiss,draggingWyattalongbehindhertowardthefrontdoor.Notthatheneeded
muchcoaxing.Heseemedoverwhelmedwhenshetossedhimthekeysandclimbedintothepassenger
seatofthesleekredcar.

“Youmean,Icandrivethis?”heburstout.
“Sure.Goahead.It’sinsured.ButIliketogofast,Wyatt,”shesaid.Andfortonight,thatwastrue.

Shewassickoftheparty,sickofKing,sickofherlife.Shehurtinwaysshe’dneverrealizedshe
could.Sheonlywantedtogetaway,toescape.

Hestartedthecarandstooddownontheaccelerator.Tiffanyhadherwindowdown,lettingthe

breezewhipthroughherhair.Shedeliberatelypulledoutthediamondhairpinsandtuckedtheminto
herpurse,lettingherlong,blackhairfreeandflyonthewind.Thechampagneshe’dhadtodrinkwas
beginningtotakeeffectandwasmakingherfeelverygoodindeed.Thespeedoftheelegantlittlecar
addedtoherfalseeuphoria.Why,shedidn’tcareaboutKing’sindifference.Shedidn’tcareatall!

“Whatacar!”Wyattbreathed,wheelingitoutontothemainroad.
“Isn’tit,though?”shelaughed.Sheleanedbackandclosedhereyes.Shewouldn’tthinkabout

King.“Gofaster,Wyatt,we’repositivelycrawling!Ilovespeed,don’tyou?”

Ofcoursehedid.Andhedidn’tneedasecondprompting.Heputtheacceleratorpeddletothe

floor,andtwelvecylindersjumpedintoplayastheelegantvehicleshotforwardlikeitssleekand
dangerousnamesake.

Shelaughed,silverybellsinthedarkness,enjoyingtheunbridledspeed,thefuryofmotion.Yes,

thiswouldblowawayallthecobwebs,allthehurt,thiswould…!

Thesoundofsirensbehindthembroughthertohersenses.Sheglancedovertheseatandsaw

bluebubblesspinningaround,atopapolicecar.

“Oh,forheaven’ssake,wheredidhecomefrom!”shegasped.“Ineversawthecar.Theymust

parachutedownfromtreetops,”shemuttered,andthengiggledatherownremark.

Wyattslowedthecarandpulledontotheshoulder,hisfacerapidlybecomingthecolorofhis

hair.HeglancedatTiffany.“Gosh,I’msorry.Andonyourbirthday,too!”

“Idon’tcare.Itoldyoutodoit,”sheremindedhim.
AtallpolicemancametothesideofthecarandwatchedWyattfumbletopowerthewindow

down.

“GoodGod.Wyatt?”theofficergasped.
“That’sright,Bill,”Wyattsighed,producinghisdriver ’slicense.“TiffanyBlair,thisisBill

Harris.He’soneofournewestlocalpolicemenandacousinofmine.”

“Nicetomeetyou,officer—althoughIwishitwasunderbettercircumstances,”Tiffanysaid

withaweaksmile.“Ishouldgettheticket,notWyatt.It’smycar,andIaskedhimtogofaster.”

“Iclockedyouateighty-five,youknow,”hetoldWyattgently.“Isuredohatetodothis,Wyatt.

Mr.Clarkisgoingtobeprettysoreatyou.Hejusthadamouthfultosayaboutspeeders.”

“Themayorhatesmeanyway,”Wyattgroaned.
“Iwon’ttellhimyougotaticketifyoudon’t.”Billgrinned.
“Wanttobethe’llfindoutanyway?Justwait.”
“It’sallmyfault,”Tiffanymuttered.“Andit’smybirthday…!”
Asleek,newblackEuropeansportscarslidinbehindthepolicecarandcametoasmooth,

instantstop.Aminutelater,Kinggotoutandcamealongtojointhesmallgroup.

“What’sthetrouble,Bill?”heaskedthepoliceman.
“Theywerespeeding,Mr.Marshall,”theofficersaid.“I’llhavetogivehimaticket.Hewas

mortallyflying.”

“Icanguesswhy,”Kingmused,staringpastWyattatapaleTiffany.
“Nobodyheldagunonme,”Wyattsaidgently.“It’smyownfault.Icouldhaverefused.”
“Thefirstlessonofresponsibility,”Kingagreed.“Learningtosayno.Comeon,Tiffany.You’ve

causedenoughtroubleforonenight.I’lldropyouoffonmywayout.”

“Iwon’tgoonestepwithyou,King…!”shebeganfuriously.
HewentaroundtothepassengersideoftheJag,openedthedoor,andtuggedherout.Hislean,

steelyfingersonherbarearmraisedchillsofexcitementwheretheytouched.“Idon’thavetimeto
argue.You’vemanagedtogetWyattinenoughtrouble.”HeturnedtoWyatt.“Ifyou’llbringtheJag
back,Ithinkyourcousinisreadytoleave.Sorrytospoilyourevening.”

“Itwasn’tspoiledatall,Mr.Marshall,”WyattsaidwithasmileatTiffany.“Exceptforthe

speedingticket,Ienjoyedeveryminuteofit!”

“Idid,too,Wyatt,”Tiffanysaid.“I…King,willyoustopdraggingme?”
“No.Goodnight,Wyatt.Bill.”
Achorusofgood-nightsbrokethesilenceasKingledanunwilling,sullenTiffanybacktohis

ownleathertrimmedsportscar.Hehelpedherinside,gotinunderthewheelandstartedthepowerful
engine.

“Ihateyou,King,”shegroundoutashepulledontothehighway.
“WhichisnoreasonatallformakingacriminalofWyatt.”

Sheglaredathimhotlythroughthedarkness.“Ididnotmakehimacriminal!Ionlyofferedto

lethimdrivetheJaguar.”

“Andtoldhimhowfasttogo?”
“Hewasn’tcomplaining!”
Heglancedsidewaysather.Despitetherigidsetofherbody,andthetemperonthatlovelyface,

sheexcitedhim.Onediamantéstrapwashalfwaydownasilkysmootharm,revealingmorethana
littleofatip-tiltedbreast.Thesilkfabricoutlinedeverycurveofherbody,andhecouldsmellthe
floralperfumethatwaftedaroundherlikeaseductivecloud.Sheputhisteethonedge,anditirritated
himbeyondallreason.

Helitacigarettethathedidn’tevenwant,andabruptlyputitout,rememberingbelatedlythat

he’dquitsmokingjustlastweek.Andhewasdrivingfasterthanhenormallydid.“Idon’tknowwhy
inhellyouinvitedmeoverhere,”hesaidcurtly,“ifyouplannedtospendthewholeeveningwiththe
damnedcityclerk.”

“Assistantcityclerk,”shemumbled.Shedartedaglanceathimandpressedastrandoflonghair

awayfromhermouth.Helookedirritated.Hisfacewasharderthanusual,andhewasdrivingjustas
fastasWyatthadbeen.

“Whateverthehellheis.”
“Ididn’trealizeyou’devennoticedwhatIwasdoing,King,”sherepliedsweetly,“whatwith

Wyatt’sprettylittlecousinwrappedaroundyoulikearibbon.”

Hiseyebrowsarched.“Wrappedaroundme?”
“Wasn’tshe?”sheasked,avertingherface.“Sorry.Itseemedlikeittome.”
Hepulledthecarontothesideoftheroadandturnedtowardher,lettingtheengineidle.The

handholdingthesteeringwheelclenched,buthisdarkeyesweresteadyonhers;shecouldseethem
inthelightfromtheinstrumentpanel.

“Wereyoujealous,honey?”hetaunted,inatoneshe’dneverheardhimuse.Itwasdeepand

smoothandlow-pitched.Itmadeheryoungbodytingleintheoddestway.

“Ithoughtyouweresupposedtobemyguest,that’sall,”shefaltered.
“That’swhatIthought,too,untilyoustartedvampingWyattwhats-his-name.”
Hisfingertoyedwiththediamantéstrapthathadfallenontoherarm.Shereachedtotugitup,

buthislean,hardfingersweresuddenlythere,preventingher.

Hereyeslevereduptomeethisquizzically,andinthesilenceofthecar,shecouldhearherown

heartbeat,likeafaintdrum.

Theleanforefingertracedthestrapfrombacktofront,softlybrushingskinthathadnever

knownaman’stouchbefore.Shestiffenedalittle,tofeelitsolightlytracingtheslopeofherbreast.

“They…they’llmissus,”shesaidinavoicethatsoundedwildlyhigh-pitchedandfrightened.
“Thinkso?”
Hesmiledslowly,becausehewasexcitingher,andhelikedit.Hecouldseeherbreastsrising

andfallingwithquick,jerkybreaths.Hecouldseehernipplespeakingunderthatsilkysoftfabric.
Thepulseinherthroatwasquick,too,throbbing.Shewascoming-of-agetonight,inmorewaysthan
one.

Hereachedbesidehimandslowly,blatantly,turnedofftheenginebeforeheturnedbackto

Tiffany.Therewasafullmoon,andthelightofitandthesubduedlightoftheinstrumentpanelgave
himalltheilluminationheneeded.

“King,”shewhisperedshakily.
“Don’tpanic,”hesaidquietly.“It’sgoingtobedelicious.”
Shewatchedhishandmove,asifshewereparalyzed.Itdrewthestrapevenfurtheroffherarm,

slowly,relentlessly,tugginguntilthatsideofhersilkybodicefelltothehardtipofhernipple.And

thenhegaveitawhisperofapushanditfellcompletelyaway,baringherprettypinkbreasttoeyes
thathadseenmorethantheirshareofwomen.Butthiswasdifferent.ThiswasTiffany,whowas
virginalandyoungandcompletelywithoutexperience.

Thatknowledgehardenedhisbody.Hisleanfingerstracedhercollarbone,hiseyesliftedto

searchherquiet,faintlyshockedface.Hereyeswereenormous.Probablythiswasallnewtoher,and
perhapsalittlefrighteningaswell.

“You’reofage,now.Ithastohappenwithsomeone,”hesaid.
“Then…Iwantittohappen…withyou,”shewhispered,hervoicetrembling,likeherbody.
Hispulsejumped.Hiseyesdarkened,glittered.“Doyou?Iwonderifyourealizewhatyou’re

gettinginto,”hemurmured.Hebenttowardher,noticinghersuddentension,herwide-eyed
apprehension.Hecheckedtheslowmovement,foraninstant;longenoughtowhisper,“Iwon’thurt
you.”

Sheleanedbackagainsttheleatherseatasheturnedtowardher,herbodytautening,tremblinga

little.Butitwasn’tfearthatmotivatedher.Asshemethissmolderingeyes,sheslowlyarchedher
back,tolettherestofthebodicefall,andsawthemaledesireinhisdarkeyesastheylookeddownat
whatthemovementhaduncovered.

“Yourbreastsareexquisite,”hesaidabsently,thattracinghandmovingslowly,tenderly,down

onetip-tiltedslope,makinghershudder.“Perfect.”

“Theyache,”shewhisperedonasob,hereyeshalfclosed,inthralltosomephysicalparalysis

thatmadeherthroballoverwithexquisitesensations.

“Icandosomethingaboutthat,”hemusedwithabriefsmile.
Hisforefingerfoundtheverytipofonesmallbreastandtracedarounditgently,watchingitgo

evenharder,feelingitshudderwiththetinyconsummation.Heheardthefaintgaspbreakfromher
lipsandlookedupatherface,atherwide,mistyeyes.

“Yes,”hesaid,asifherexpressiontoldhimeverything.Anditdid.Shewantedhim.She’dlet

himdoanythinghewantedtodo,andhefelthotallover.

Shemovedagainsttheseat,herbodyinhelplesscontrolnow,beggingforsomething,formore

thanthis.Herheadwentback,herfulllipsparting,hungry.

Heslidhisarmunderherneck,bringingherbodyclosertohis,hismouthpoisedjustabove

hers.Hewatchedherashishandmoved,andhisleanfingersslowlyclosedoverherbreast,takingits
softweightandteasingthenipplewithhisthumb.

Shecriedsoftlyattheunexpectedpleasure,andbitherlowerlipinhelplessagony.
“Don’tdothat,”hewhispered,bending.“Letme…”
Hishardlipstouchedhers,bitingsoftlyatthem,tracingthemwarmlyfromonesidetotheother.

Hisnosenuzzledagainsthers,relaxingher,gentlingher,whilehishandtoyedsoftlywithherbreast.
“Openyourmouth,baby,”hebreathedashisheadloweredagain,andhemetheropenmouthwithhis.

Shemoanedharshlyatthewildexcitementhewasarousinginher.She’dneverdreamedthata

kisscouldbesointimate,sosweetlyexciting.Histonguepushedpastherstartledlips,intothesoft
darknessofhermouth,teasinghersinasilencebrokenonlybythesoundsofbreathing,andcloth
againstcloth.

“King,”shebreathedunderhislips.Herhandsbitintohishair,hisnape,tugging.“Hard,King,”

shewhisperedshakily,“hard,hard…!”

Hehadn’texpectedthatflashofardor.Itcausedhimtobefarrougherthanhemeantto.He

crushedhermouthunderhis,theforceofitbendingherheadbackagainsthisshoulder.Hissearching
handfoundfirstonebreast,thentheother,savoringthewarmsilkoftheircontours,thehardtipsthat
toldhimhowarousedshewas.

Heforgotherageandthetimeandtheplace,andsuddenlyjerkedheracrosshim,hishands

easingherintothecrookofhisarmashebenthisheadtoherbody.

“Sweet,”hewhisperedharshly,openinghismouthonherbreast.“God,you’resweet…!”
Shecriedoutfromtheshockofpleasurehismouthgaveher,apiercinglittlesoundthatexcited

himevenmore,andherbodyarcheduptowardhimlikeasilkypinksacrifice.Herhandstangledin
histhickblackhair,holdinghimthere,tearsofmingledfrustrationandsweetanguishtrailingdown
herhotcheeksasthenewnessofpassionrackedher.

“Don’t…stop,”shewhimpered,herhandscontractingathisnape,pullinghimbacktoher.

“Please!”

“IwonderifIcould,”hemurmuredwithfaintself-contemptashegaveintotheexquisite

pleasureoftastinghersoftskin.“Youtasteofgardeniapetals,exceptright…here,”hewhisperedas
hislipssuddenlytuggedatahardnipple,workingdownuntilhetookhersilkybreastintohismouth
inawarm,softsuctionthatmadehermoanendlessly.

Hissteelyfingersbitintohersideashemovedthedressfurtherdownandshiftedher,lettinghis

mouthpresswarmlyagainstsoftskin,tracingherstomachintothesoftelasticofherbriefs,tracing
thebriefstoherhipsandwaistandthenbackuptothetremblingsoftnessofherbreasts.

Shefoundthebuttonsofhisjacket,hissilkshirt,andfumbledatthem,whimperingasshe

struggledtomakethemcomeapart.Shewantedtotouchhim,experiencehimashewasexperiencing
her.Withoutaclueastowhathemightwant,shetuggedattheedgesuntilhemovedherhandaside
andmovedthefabricawayforher.Sheflattenedherpalmagainstthickhairandpureman,caressing
himwithachingpleasure.

“Here,”hewhisperedroughly,movinghersothathersoftbreastswerecrushedagainstthe

abrasivewarmthofhischest.

Hewrappedheruptight,then,movingheragainsthishair-roughenedskininadeliriumof

passion,savoringthefeelofherbreasts,thesilkinessofherskinagainsthim.Hisbodywas
demandingsatisfaction,now,hardwithurgentneed.Hishandsliddownherbacktoherspineandhe
turnedherjustalittlesothathecouldpresshersofthipsintohis,andletherknowhowdesperatelyhe
wantedher.

Shegaspedasshefelthiminpassion,feltandunderstoodthechangedcontoursofhisbody.Her

faceburieditselfinhishotthroatandshetrembledallover.

“Areyoushocked,Tiffany?”hewhisperedatherear,hisvoicealittleroughasifheweren’t

quiteincontrol.“Didn’tyouknowthataman’sbodygrowshardwithdesire?”

Sheshiveredalittleashemovedherblatantlyagainsthim,butitdidn’tshockher.Itdelighted

her.“It’swicked,isn’tit,todothistogether?”shewhisperedshakily.Hereyesclosed.“Butno,I’mnot
shocked.Iwantyou,too.Iwant…tobewithyou.Iwanttoknowhowitfeelstohaveyou…”

Heheardthewordswithmingledjoyandshock.Hiswhirlingmindbegantofunctionagain.

Want.Desire.Sex.Hiseyesflewopen.Shewasonlytwenty-one,forGod’ssake!Andavirgin.His
businesspartner ’sdaughter.Whatthehellwashedoing?

Hejerkedawayfromher,hiseyesgoinghelplesslytoherswollen,tautbreastsbeforehe

managedtopullherarmsfromaroundhisneckandpushherbackinherseat.Hestruggledtogetout
ofthecar,hisownachingbodyfightinghimashetriedtoremovehimselffromunbearable
temptationintime.

Hestoodbythefrontfender,hisshirtopen,hischestdampandthrobbing,hisbodyhurting.He

bentoveralittle,lettingthewindgettohishotskin.Hemustbeoutofhismind!

Tiffany,justcomingtoherownsenses,watchedhimwitheyesthatdidn’tquiteregisterwhatwas

goingon.Andthensheknew.Ithadalmostgonetoofar.He’dstartedtomakelovetoher,andthen
he’drememberedwhotheywereandhe’dstopped.Hemustbehurtingliketheverydevil.

Shewantedtogetoutofthecarandgotohim,butthatwouldprobablymakethingsevenworse.

Shelookeddownandrealizedthatshewasnudetothehips.Andhe’dseenherlikethat,touchedher…

Shetuggedherdressbackupinasuddenflurryofembarrassment.Ithadseemedsonaturalat

thetime,butnowitwasshameful.Shefeltforthestrapsandpulledthebodiceup,keepinghereyes
awayfromherhard,swollennipples.Kinghadsuckledthem…

Sheshudderedwiththememory,withnewknowledgeofhim.He’dhatehernow,shethought

miserably.He’dhateherforlettinghimgosofar,forteasinghim.Therewerenamesforgirlswho
didthat.Butshehadn’tpulledaway,orsaidno,sherecalled.He’dbeentheonetocallahalt,because
shecouldn’t.

Herfacewentscarlet.Shesmoothedbackherdisheveledhairwithhandsthattrembled.How

couldshefaceherguestsnow,likethis?Everyonewouldknowwhathadhappened.AndwhatifWyatt
shouldcomealongintheJaguar…?

Shelookedbehindthem,buttherewasnocarinsight.Andthensherealizedthattheywereon

King’sproperty,nothers.Hadheplannedthis?

Afteranotherminute,shesawhimstraightenandrunahandthroughhissweatyhair.He

rebuttonedhisshirtandtuckeditbackintohistrousers.Hedidthesamewithhiseveningjacketand
straightenedhistie.

Whenhefinallyturnedbacktogetintothecar,helookedpaleandunapproachable.Tiffany

glancedathimasheclimbedbackinandclosedthedoor,wonderingwhattosay.

“I’lldriveyouhome,”hesaidtersely.“Fastenyourseatbelt,”headded,becauseshedidn’tseem

tohaveenoughpresenceofmindtothinkofitherself.

Hestartedthecarwithoutlookingatherandturneditaround.Minuteslater,theywerewellon

thewaytoherfather ’shouse.

Itwasablazewithlights,althoughmostofthecarshadgone.ShelookedandsawtheJaguar

sittingnearthefrontdoor.SoWyattwasback.Shedidn’tknowwhatkindofcarhewasdriving,so
shecouldn’ttellifhe’dgoneornot.Shehopedhehad,andhiscousinwithhim.Shedidn’twanttosee
themagain.

Kingpulledupatthefrontdoorandstopped,buthedidn’tcuttheengine.
Shereachedforthedoorhandleandthenlookedbackathim,herfacestiffandnervous.
“Areyouangry?”sheaskedsoftly.
Hestaredstraightahead.“Idon’tknow.”
Shenibbledherlowerlip,andtastedhimthere.“I’mnotsorry,”shesaiddoggedly,herface

suddenlyfullofbravado.

Heturnedthen,hiseyesfaintlyamused.“No.I’mnotsorry,either.”
Shemanagedafaintsmile,despiteherembarrassment.“Yousaidithadtohappeneventually.”
“Andyouwantedittohappenwithme.Soyousaid.”
“Imeantit,”sherepliedquietly.Hereyessearchedhis,butshedidn’tfindanysecretsthere.“I’m

notashamed.”

Hisdarkeyestraileddownherbody.“You’reexquisite,littleTiffany,”hesaid.“Butyearstoo

youngforanaffair,anddespitetonight’sshowing,Idon’tseducevirgins.”

“Isanaffairallyouhavetooffer?”sheaskedwithnewmaturity.
Hepursedhislips,consideringthat.“Yes,Ithinkitis.I’mthirty-four.Ilikemyfreedom.Idon’t

wantthecommitmentofawife.Notyet,atleast.Andyou’renotoldenoughforthatkindof
responsibility.Youneedafewyearstogrowup.”

Shewasgrownup,butshewasn’tgoingtoarguethepointwithhim.Hergreeneyestwinkled.

“Notinbed,Idon’t.”

Hetookadeepbreath.“Tiffany,there’smoretoarelationshipthansex.Aboutwhich,”headded

shortly,“youknowpreciouslittle.”

“Icanlearn,”shemurmured.
“Damnedfast,judgingbytonight,”heagreedwithawickedsmile.“Butphysicalpleasuregets

oldquickly.”

“Betweenyouandme?”sheasked,hereyesadoringhim.“Idon’treallythinkiteverwould.I

canimagineseducingyouinallsortsofunlikelyplaces.”

Hisheartjumped.Heshouldn’task.Heshouldn’t…“Suchas?”heaskedinspiteofhimself.
“Sittingup,”shebreatheddaringly.“InthefrontseatofareallyelegantEuropeansportscar

parkedrightinfrontofmyhouse…”

Hisbloodwasbeatinginhistemple.Shemadehimgohotalloverwiththosesultryeyes,that

expression…

“You’dbettergoinside,”hesaidtersely.
“Yes,IsupposeIhad,”shemurmureddryly.“Itreallywouldn’tdo,wouldit,whatwiththerisk

ofsomeonecomingalongandseeingus.”

Itgotworsebythesecond.Hewasbeginningtohurt.“Tiffany…”
Sheopenedthedoorandglancedbackathishard,setface.Hewasverydark,andshelovedthe

wayhelookedineveningclothes.Althoughnow,she’drememberhimwithhisshirtundoneandher
handsagainstthatsexy,muscularchest.

“Runwhileyoucan,cattlebaron,”shesaidsoftly.“I’llbetwostepsbehind.”
“I’manoldfox,honey,”hereturned.“Andnoteasygame.”
“We’llseeaboutthat,”shesaid,smilingathim.“Goodnight,lover.”
Hecaughthisbreath,watchingherclosethedoorandblowhimakiss.Hehadtogetaway,to

think.Thelastthinghewantedwastofindhimselfonthereceivingendofashotgunwedding.Tiffany
wasalltootempting,andthebestwaytohandlethiswastogetawayfromherforafewweeks,until
theybothcooledoff.Amanhadtokeepalevelhead,inbusinessandinpersonalrelationships.

Heputthecaringearanddroveoff.Yes,thatwaswhatheshoulddo.He’dfindhimselfanice

businesstrip.Tiffanywouldgetoverhim.Andhe’dcertainlygetoverher.He’dhadwomen.He’d
knownthisraginghungerbefore.Buthecouldn’tsatisfyitwithavirgin.

Hethoughtabouther,thewayshe’dlethimseeher,andtheachingstartedalloveragain.His

facehardenedashesteppeddownontheaccelerator.Maybealongtripwoulderasethatimage.
Somethinghadto!

Tiffanywentbackintothehouse,breathlessandworriedthathernewexperienceswouldshow.

Buttheydidn’tseemto.WyattcameandaskedwheresheandKinghadbeenandshemadesomelight,
outrageousreply.

Fortherestoftheevening,shewasthebelleofherownball.Butdeepinsideshewasworried

aboutthefuture.Kingwasn’tgoingtogiveinwithoutafight.Shehopedshehadwhatittooktoland
thatbigTexasfish.Shewantedhimmorethananythinginthewholeworld.Andshewasn’tagirlwho
wasusedtodisappointments.

Chapter3

“W

ell,King’sleftthecountry,”HarrisonBlairmurmureddrylythreedaysafterTiffany’sparty.

“Youdon’tseemabitsurprised.”

“He’srunningscared,”shesaidpertly,grinningupatherfatherfromtheneatcrochetstitches

shewasusingtomakeanafghanforherroom.“Idon’tblamehim.IfIwereamanbeingpursuedby
somepersistentwoman,I’msurethatI’drun,too.”

Heshookhishead.“I’mafraidheisn’trunningfromyou,”hemused.“Hetookhissecretary

withhim.”

Herheartjumped,butshedidn’tmissastitch.“Didhe?IhopeCarlaenjoysthetrip.Wheredid

theygo?”

“ToNassau.King’stalkingbeefexportswiththeministeroftrade.ButI’msureCarlatooka

bathingsuitalong.”

Sheputinthreemorestitches.CarlaStarkwasaredhead,veryprettyandveryeligibleand

certainlynovirgin.Shewantedtothrowherheadbackandscream,butthatwouldbejuvenile.Itwasa
temporarysetback,thatwasall.

“Nothingtosay?”herfatherasked.
Sheshrugged.“Nothingtosay.”
Hehesitated.“Idon’twanttobecruel,”hebegan.“Iknowyou’vesetyourheartonKing.But

he’sthirty-four,sweetheart.You’reaveryyoungtwenty-one.Maturitytakestime.AndI’vebeenjusta
tadoverprotectiveaboutyou.MaybeIwaswrongtobesostrictaboutyoungmen.”

“Itwouldn’treallyhavemattered,”sherepliedruefully.“ItwasKingfromthetimeIwas

fourteen.Icouldn’tevengetinterestedinboysmyownage.”

“Isee.”
Sheputthecrochethookthroughtheballofyarnandmovedit,alongwiththepartiallyfinished

afghan,toherworkbasket.Shestoodup,pausinglongenoughtokissherfather ’stannedcheek.
“Don’tworryaboutme.Youmightnotthinkso,butI’mtough.”

“Idon’twantyoutowearyourheartoutonKing.”
Shesmiledathim.“Iwon’t!”
“Tiff,he’snotamarryingman,”hesaidflatly.“Andmodernattitudesorno,ifheseducesyou,

he’shistory.He’snotplayingfastandloosewithyou.”

“Healreadytoldmethathimself,”sheassuredhim.“Hedoesn’thaveanyillusionsaboutme,and

hesaidthathe’snothavinganaffairwithme.”

Hewastakenaback.“Hedid?”
Shenodded.“Ofcourse,healsosaidhedidn’twantawife.Butallrelationshipshavetheselittle

minorsetbacks.Andnomanreallywantstogetmarried,right?”

Hisfacewentdark.“Nowlistenhere,youcan’tseducehim,either!”
“IcanifIwantto,”shereplied.“ButIwon’t,sostoplookinglikeathundercloud.Iwantahome

ofmyownandchildren,notafewmonthsofhappinessfollowedbyadiamondbraceletanda
bouquetofroses.”

“HaveImissedsomethinghere?”

“Lettiesaidthat’showKingkissesoffhiswomen,”sheexplained.“Withadiamondbraceletand

abouquetofroses.Notthatanyofthemlastlongerthanacoupleofmonths,”sheaddedwitharueful
smile.“Kindofthem,isn’tit,tolethimpracticeonthemuntilhe’sreadytomarryme?”

Hiseyesbulged.“Whateverhappenedtothedoublestandard?”
“Itoldyou,Idon’twantanybodyelse.Icouldn’treallyexpecthimtolivealifeoftotal

abstinencewhenhedidn’tknowhewasgoingtomarrymeoneday.Imean,hewaslookingforthe
perfectwomanallthistime,andhereIwasrightunderhisnose.Nowthathe’sawareofme,I’msure
therewon’tbeanybodyelse.NotevenCarla.”

Harrisonclearedhisthroat.“Now,Tiffany…”
Shegrinned.“Ihopeyouwantlotsofgrandchildren.Ithinkkidsarejustthegreatestthingsinthe

world!”

“Tiffany…”
“Iwantanicecupoftea.Howaboutyou?”
“Oolong?”
Shegrimaced.“Green.IranoutofoolongandforgottoaskMarytoputitonthegrocerylist

thisweek.”

“Green’sfine,then,Iguess.”
“Betterthancoffee,”sheteased,andmadeaface.“Iwon’tbeaminute.”
Hewatchedherdartofftothekitchen,aprettypictureinjeansandablueT-shirt,withherlong

hairinaneatponytail.Shedidn’tlookoldenoughtodate,muchlessmarry.

Shewasstarry-eyed,thinkingofahomeandchildrenandhardlyconsideringtherealityoflife

withamanlikeKing.Hewouldn’twantchildrenstraightoffthebat,evenifshethoughtshedid.She
wasfartooyoungforinstantresponsibility.Besidesthat,Kingwouldn’tbehappywithanimpulsive
childwhowasn’tmatureenoughtohandlebusinessluncheonsandthelonelinessofahomewhere
Kingspenttimeonlyinfrequently.Tiffanywouldexpectconstantloveandattention,andKing
couldn’tgiveherthat.Hesighed,thinkingthathewasgoingtogogray-headedworryingabouthis
onlychild’supcomingbrokenheart.Thereseemednowaytoavoidit,nowayatall.

Tiffanywasn’tthinkingaboutbusinesslunchesorhavingKinghomeonlyonceinabluemoon.

Shewasweavingdreamsoflittleboysandgirlsplayingaroundherskirtsonsummerdays,andKing
holdinghandswithherwhiletheywatchedtelevisionatnight.Overandabovethat,shewasplotting
howtobringabouthisdownfall.Firstthingsfirst,sheconsidered,andnowthatshe’dcaughthiseye,
shehadtokeepitfocusedonherself.

Shephonedhisofficetofindoutwhenhewascomingback,andwrangledtheinformationthat

hehadameetingwithherfatherthefollowingMondayjustbeforelunchaboutastocktransfer.

Shespenttheweekendplanningeverymoveofhercampaign.Shewasgoingtolandthatsexy

fightingfish,onewayoranother.

ShefoundanexcusetogointoJacobsvilleonMondaymorning,havingspentherentire

allowanceonanewsultryjadesilkdressthatclungtoherslendercurvesasifitwereasecondskin.
Herhairwasputupneatlyinanintricatehairdo,withajadeclipholdingawaveinplace.Withblack
highheelsandamatchingbag,shelookedelegantandexpensiveandfranklyseductiveasshewalked
intoherfather ’sofficejustasheandKingwerecomingoutthedoorontheirwaytolunch.

“Tiffany,”herfatherexclaimed,hiseyeswideningatthesightofher.He’dneverseenherappear

quitesopoisedandelegant.

Kingwasdoinghisshareoflooking,aswell.Hisdarkeyebrowsdovetogetheroverglittering

paleeyesandhisheadmovedjustafractiontothesideashisgazewentoverherlikeseekinghands.

“Idon’thaveapennyleftforlunch,”shetoldherfatheronapitifulbreath.“Ispenteverythingin

mypurseonthisnewdress.Doyoulikeit?”Sheturnedaround,herbodyexquisitelyposedfor
King’sbenefit.Hisjawclenchedandshehadtorepressawickedsmile.

“It’sverynice,sweetheart,”Harrisonagreed.“Butwhycan’tyouuseyourcreditcardfor

lunch?”

“BecauseI’mgoingtogetsomethingsforanimpromptupicnic,”shereplied.Hereyeslowered

demurely.

“Youcouldcometolunchwithus,”Harrisonbegan.
Kinglookedhunted.
Tiffanysawhisexpressionandsmiledgently.“That’ssweetofyou,Dad,butIreallyhaven’t

time.Actually,I’mmeetingsomeone.Ihopehelikesthedress,”sheadded,loweringherhead
demurely.Shewaslyingherheadoff,buttheydidn’tknowit.“CanIhaveaten-dollarbill,please?”

Harrisonsweptouthiswallet.“Taketwo,”hesaid,handingthemtoher.Heglaredather.“Itisn’t

Wyatt,Ihope,”hemuttered.“He’stooeasilyled.”

“No.It’snotWyatt.Thanks,Dad.Seeyou,King.”
“Whoisit?”
King’sdeep,half-angryvoicestoppedheratthedoorway.Sheturned,hereyebrowsliftedasif

he’dshockedherwiththequestion.“Nobodyyouknow,”shesaidhonestly.“I’llbeinbybedtime,
Dad.”

“Howcanyougoonapicnicinthatdress?”Kingaskedshortly.
Shesmoothedherhanddownoneshapelyhip.“It’snotthatsortofpicnic,”shemurmured

demurely.“We’regoingtohaveitonthecarpetinhislivingroom.Hehasgaslogsinhisfireplace.
It’sgoingtobesoromantic!”

“It’sMay,”Kinggroundout.“Toohotforfiresinthefireplace.”
“Wewon’tsittooclosetoit,”shesaid.“Ta,ta.”
Shewentoutthedooranddivedintotheelevator,barelyabletocontainherglee.She’dshaken

King.Lethimstewoverthatliefortherestoftheday,shetoldherself,andmaybehe’dfeelas
uncomfortableasshe’dfeltwhenhetookhissecretarytoNassau!

Ofcoursetherewasnopicnic,becauseshewasn’tmeetinganyone.Shestoppedbyafishand

chipsplaceandgotasmallorderandtookithomewithher.Anhourlater,shewassprawledinfront
ofherownfireplace,unlit,withatrendyfashionmagazine.Lyingonherbellyonthethickbeige
carpet,intight-fittingdesignerjeansandalow-cuttanktop,barefootandwithherlonghairloose,
shelookedthepictureofyouth.

King’ssuddenappearanceinthedoorwayshockedher.Shehadn’texpectedtobefoundout,

certainlynotsoquickly.

“Whereishe?”heasked,hishandsinhisslackspocket.Heglancedaroundthespaciousroom.

“Hidingunderthesofa?Behindachair?”

Shewasfrozeninpositionwithasmallpieceoffishinherhandasshegapedathim.
“Whatatangledwebweweave,”hemused.
“Iwasn’tdeceivingyou.Well,maybealittle,”sheacknowledged.Hereyesglaredupathim.

“YoutookCarlatoNassau,didn’tyou?Ihopeyouhadfun.”

“Likehellyoudo.”
Heclosedthedoorbehindhimabruptlyandmovedtowardher,resplendentinagraysuit,his

blackhaircatchingthelightfromtheceilingandglowingwithfaintbluelights.

Sherolledoverandstartedtogetup,butbeforeshecouldmoveanotherinch,hestraddledher

pronefigureandwithamovementsosmooththatitdisconcertedher,hewassuddenlyfull-length
overherbodyonthecarpet,balancingonlyonhisforearms.

“Isupposeyou’lltasteoffish,”hemutteredashebentandhishardmouthfastenedroughlyon

herlips.

Shegasped.Hishipsshiftedviolently,hislonglegsinsistentastheypartedherthighsandmoved

quicklybetweenthem.Hishandstrappedherwrists,stillingherfaintinstinctiveprotestatthe
shockingintimacyofhisposition.

Heliftedhismouthabreathawayandlookedstraightintohereyes.Oneleanlegmoved,just

briefly,andhepushedforwardagainsther,hisbodysuddenlyrigid.Heletherfeelhimswellwith
desire,andsomethingwickedlymasculineflaredinhispale,glitteringeyesasnewsensations
registeredonherflushedface.

“Nowyouknowhowithappens,”hemurmured,droppinghisgazetohersoft,swollenmouth.

“Andhowitfeelswhenithappens.Drawyourlegsupalittle.Iwantyoutofeelmecompletelyagainst
youthere.”

“King!”
Heshiftedinsistently,makingherobeyhim.Shefelttheintimacyofhisholdandgasped,

shiveringalittleatthepowerandstrengthofhimagainsthersointimately.

“Pity,thatyoudon’thaveanybodytocomparemewith,”hemuseddeeplyashisheadbent.“But

thatmightbeagoodthing.Iwouldn’twanttofrightenyou…”

Hismouthtwisted,partingherlips.Itwassodifferentfromthenightofherparty.Then,she’d

beentheaggressor,teasingandtemptinghim.Now,shewasverymuchonthedefensive.Hewas
arousedandinsistentandshefeltyounganduncertain,especiallywhenhebegantomoveinavery
seductivewaythatmadeherwholebodytingleandclenchwithsensualpleasure.

Heheardthelittlegaspthatescapedthelipsunderhishardmouth,andhisheadlifted.
Hesearchedhereyes,readingveryaccuratelyherresponsetohim.“Didn’tyouknowthat

pleasurecomesofsuchintimacy?”hewhispered.

“Onlyfrom…books,”sheconfessedbreathlessly.Sheshiveredashemovedagain,justenough

tomakehertotallyawareofherbody’sfeverishresponsetothatintimatepressure.

“Isn’tthismoreexcitingthanreadingaboutit?”heteased.Hismouthnibbledatherlips.“Open

them,”hewhispered.“Deepkissesarepartoftheprocess.”

“King,I’mnot…not…sure…”
“You’resure,”hewhisperedintohermouth.“You’rejustapprehensive,andthat’snatural.They

toldyouitwasgoingtohurt,didn’tthey?”

Sheswallowed,awareofdizzinessthatseemedtopossessher.
Histeethnibbledsensuallyatherlowerlip.“I’llgiveyouallthetimeyouneed,whenit

happens,”hemurmuredlazily.“IfIcanarouseyouenough,youwon’tmindifIhurtyoualittle.It
mightevenintensifythepleasure.”

“Idon’tunderstand.”
Hisopenmouthbrushedoverhers.“Iknow,”hemurmured.“That’swhatexcitesmeso.Slide

yourhandsupthebackofmythighsandholdmeagainstyou.”

“Wh…what?”
Hismouthbegantomovebetweenherlips.“Youworethatdresstoexciteme.Allright.I’m

excited.Nowsatisfyme.”

“I…butI…can’t…”shegasped.“King!”
Hishandswereunderher,intimate,touchingherinshockingways.
“Isn’tthiswhatyouwanted?It’swhatyouimpliedwhenyoustruckthatseductiveposeand

invitedmetoravishyourightthereonthefloorofyourfather ’soffice.”

“Ididnot!”
Histhumbspressedagainstherinaviciouslyarousingway,sothatwhenhepusheddownwith

hiships,sheliftedtomeetthem,groaningharshlyattheshockofdelightthatwasonlythetipofsome
mysteriousicebergofecstasy.

“Tellmethatagain,”hechallenged.
Shecouldn’t.Shewasburningup,dying,inanguish.Astranger ’shandsfoughthertanktopand

thetinybraunderit,pushingthemoutofthewayonlysecondsbeforethosesamehandstuggedathis
shirtandmanagedtogetunderit,againstwarmmuscleandhair.

Whilehekissedher,shewrithedunderhim,shiveringwhenshefelthisskinagainstherown.

Deliriouswithfeveredneed,sheslidherhandsdownhisflatbellyandevenashedraggedhismouth
fromherstoprotest,theypressed,trembling,againsttheswollenlengthofhimthroughthesoft
fabric.

Hemoanedsomething,shuddered.Herolledabruptlyontohissideanddrewherhandbackto

him,movingitsoftlyonhisbody,teachingherthesensualrhythmheneeded.

“DearGod,”hewhispered,kissingherhungrily.“No,baby,don’tstop,”hegroanedwhenher

movementsslowed.“Touchme.Yes.Yes.Oh,God,yes!”

Itwasfascinatingtoseehowhereactedtoher.Encouraged,shemovedcloserandhermouth

pressedsoftly,sensually,againstthethickhairthatcoveredhischest.Hewasshakingnow.Hisbody
wasstrangelyvulnerable,andtheknowledgeinhibitedher.

Herolledontohisback,theveryactionbetrayinghisneedtofeelhertouchonhim.Helaythere,

stillshivering,hiseyesclosed,hisbodyyieldingtohersoft,curioushands.

Shelaidhercheekagainsthishotskin,awashinnewsensations,touchesthathadbeentabooall

herlife.Shewaslearninghisbodyasaloverwould.

“Tellmewhattodo,”shewhisperedasshedrewhercheekagainsthisbreastbone.“I’lldo

anythingforyou.Anything!”

Hishandheldherstohimforonelong,achingminute.Thenhedrewituptohischestandheldit

therewhilehestruggledtobreathe.

Herbreastsfeltcoolastheypressednakedlyintohisribcagewherehisshirtwaspulledaway.

Hereyesclosedandshelaythere,closetohim,closertohimthanshe’deverbeen.

“Heavens,thatwasexciting,”shechoked.“IneverdreamedIcouldtouchyoulikethat,andin

broaddaylight,too!”

Thatrawinnocencecaughthimoffguard.Laughterbubbledupintohischest,intohisthroat.He

begantolaughsoftly.

“Dohush!”shechided.“WhatifMaryshouldhearyouandwalkin?”
Heliftedhimselfonanelbowandlookeddownatherbarebreasts.“She’dgetaneyeful,

wouldn’tshe?”Hetracedatautnipple,arrogantlypleasedthatshedidn’tobjectatall.

“I’msmall,”shewhispered.
Hesmiled.“No,you’renot.”
Shelookeddowntowherehisfingersrestedagainstherpaleskin.“Yourskinissodark

comparedtomine…”

“Especiallyhere,whereyou’resopale,”hebreathed.Hislipsbenttothesoftskinhewas

touching,andhetookherinsidehismouth,gentlysucklingher.

Shearchedup,moaningharshly,herfistsclenchedbesideherheadasshetriedtodealwiththe

mountingdelightofsensation.

Heheardthatharshsoundandreactedtoitimmediately.Hismouthgrewinsistent,hotand

hungryasitsuckledhardatherbreast.Herbodyclenchedandsuddenlywentintoashockingspasm
thatshecouldn’tcontrolatall.Itneverseemedtoend,thehot,shamefulpleasurehegaveherwiththat
intimatecaress.

Sheclutchedhim,breathless,buryingherhotfaceinhisneckwhileshefoughttostillher

shakinglimbs,thefaintlittlegaspsthathemustcertainlybeabletohear.

Hismouthwastendernow,calmingratherthanstirring.Hepressedtender,briefkissesallover

herskin,endingonlyreluctantlyathertremblinglips.

Hershamedeyesliftedtohis,fulloftearsthatreflectedheroverwhelmedemotions.
Heshookhishead,dabbingatthemwithahandkerchiefhedrewfromhisslackspocket.“Don’t

cry,”hewhisperedgently.“Yourbreastsarevery,verysensitive.Ilovethewayyoureacttomy
mouthonthem.”Hesmiled.“It’snothingtoworryabout.”

“It’s…natural?”sheasked.
Hishandsmoothedherdarkhair.“Forafewwomen,Isuppose,”hesaid.Hesearchedher

curiouseyes.“I’veneverexperienceditlikethis.I’mglad.Thereshouldbeatleastoneortwofirsts
forme,aswellasforyou.”

“IwishIknewmore,”shesaidworriedly.
“You’lllearn.”Hisfingerstracedhernose,hersoftlyswollenlips.“Imissedyou.”
Herheartfeltasifitcouldfly.Shesmiled.“Didyou,really?”
Henodded.“NotthatIwantedto,”headdedwithsuchdisgustthatshegiggled.
Heproppedhimselfonanelbowandstareddownatherforalongtime,hisbrowsdrawn

togetherindeepthought.

Shecouldfeeltheindecisioninhim,alongwithatensionthatwasnewtoher.Hersofteyes

sweptoverhisdark,leanfaceandbackuptomeethiscuriousgaze.

“You’rebindingmewithvelvetropes,”hemurmuredquietly.“I’veneverfeltlikethis.Idon’t

knowhowtohandleit.”

“NeitherdoI,”shesaidhonestly.Shedrewaslowbreath,awaresuddenlyofhershameless

nudityandthecoolnessoftheaironherskin.

Hesawthatdiscomfortanddeftlyhelpedherbackintoherclotheswithaneconomyof

movementthatwassomehowdisturbing.

“Youmakemefeelpainfullyyoung,”sheconfessed.
“Youare,”hesaidwithouthesitation.Hispaleeyesnarrowed.“Thisisgettingdangerous.Ican’t

keepmyhandsoffyoulately.AndthelastthingonearthI’lleverdoisseducemybusinesspartner ’s
onlydaughter.”

“Iknowthat,King,”shesaidwithanoddsortofdignity.Hegottohisfeetandshelaiddown

again,watchinghimrearrangehisownshirtandvestandjacketandtie.Itwasstrangelyintimate.

Heknewthat.Hiseyessmiled,evenifhislipsdidn’t.
“Whatarewegoingtodo?”sheadded.
Hestareddownatherwithanunnervingintensity.“IwishtoGodIknew.”
Hepulledherupbesidehim.Hisbighandsrestedwarmlyonhershoulders.“Wouldn’tyoulike

togotoEurope?”heasked.

Hereyebrowslifted.“Whatfor?”
“Youcouldgotocollege.Orhaveaholiday.Lettiecouldgowithyou,”hesuggested,naming

hergodmother.“She’dspoilyourottenandyou’dcomebackwithaheftyknowledgeofhistory.”

“Idon’twanttogotoEurope,andI’mnotallthatenthralledwithhistory.”
Hesighed.“Tiffany,I’mnotgoingtosleepwithyou.”

Herfull,swollenlipspoutedupathim.“Ihaven’taskedyouto.”Sheloweredhereyes.“ButI’m

notgoingtosleepwithanyoneelse.Ihaven’teventhoughtaboutanyoneelsesinceIwasfourteen.”

Hefelthismindwhirlingattheconfession.Hescowleddeeply.Hewasgettinginoverhishead

andhedidn’tknowhowtostop.Shewastooyoung;yearstooyoung.Shedidn’thavethematurity,the
poise,thesophisticationtosurviveinhisworld.Hecouldhavetoldherthat,butshewouldn’thave
listened.Shewaslivingindreams.Hecouldn’taffordto.

Hedidn’tanswerher.Hishandsweredeepinhispocketsandhewaswatchingherworriedly,

amazedathisownheadlongfallintoruin.Nowomaninhisexperiencehadeverwoundhimupto
suchafeverpitchofdesirebyjustparadingaroundinasilkdress.He’daccusedheroftemptinghim,
butitwasn’tthewholetruth.Eversincethenightofherbirthdayparty,hehadn’tbeenabletogether
softbodyoutofhismind.Hewantedherviolently.Hejustdidn’tknowwhattodoaboutit.Marriage
wasoutofthequestion,evenmoresowasanaffair.Whateverelseshewas,shewasstillhisbusiness
partner ’sdaughter.

“You’rebrooding,”shemurmured.
Heshrugged.“Ican’tthinkofanythingbettertodo,”hesaidhonestly.“I’mgoingawayfora

while,”headdedabruptly.“Perhapsthiswillpassifweignoreit.”

Sohewasstillgoingtofight.Shehadn’texpectedanythingelse,butshewasvaguely

disappointed,justthesame.

“Icanlearn,”shesaid.
Hiseyebrowwentup.
“Iknowhowtobeahostess,”shecontinued,asifhe’dchallengedher.“Ialreadyknowmostof

thepeopleinyourcircle,andinDad’s.I’mnotfifteen.”

Hiseyesnarrowed.“Tiffany,youmayknowhowtobeahostess,butyouhaven’tanyideainhell

howtobeawife,”hesaidbluntly.

Herheartjumpedwildlyinherchest.“Icouldlearnhowtobeone.”
Hisfacehardened.“Notwithme.Idon’twanttogetmarried.Andbeforeyousayit,”headded,

holdingupahand,“yes,Iwantyou.Butdesireisn’tenough.Itisn’tevenabeginning.Imaybethe
firstmanyou’veeverwanted,Tiffany,butyouaren’tthefirstwomanI’vewanted.”

Chapter4

hemockingsmileonhisfacemadeTiffanylividwithjealousrage.Shescrambledtoherfeet,her

faceredandtaut.

“Thatwasn’tnecessary!”sheflungathim.
“Yes,itwas,”herepliedcalmly.“Youwanttoplayhouse.Idon’t.”
Totallyataloss,sheknottedherhandsathersidesandjuststaredathim.Thissortofthingwas

totallyoutofherexperience.Herbodywasallthatinterestedhim,anditwasn’tenough.Shehad
nothingelsetobargainwith.She’dlost.

Itwasanewfeeling.She’dalwayshadeverythingshewanted.Herfatherhadspoiledherrotten.

Kinghadbeenanotherimpossibleitemonherlistofluxuries,buthewastellingherthatshecouldn’t
havehim.Herfathercouldn’tbuyhimforher.Andshecouldn’tflirtandteaseandgethimfor
herself.Defeatwasstrangelycold.Itsatinthepitofherstomachlikeablackemptiness.Shedidn’t
knowhowtohandleit.

Andheknew.Itwasinhispale,glitteringeyes,inthatfaint,arrogantsmileonhishardmouth.
Shewantedtorantandrave,butitwasn’tthesortofbehaviorthatwouldsavetheday.She

relaxedherhands,andherbody,andsimplylookedathim,fullofinadequaciesandinsecuritiesthat
she’dneverfeltbefore.

“PerhapswhenI’mCarla’sage,I’lltryagain,”shesaidwithtornprideandthevestigesofa

smile.

Henoddedwithadmiration.“That’sthespirit,”hesaidgently.
Shedidn’twantgentleness,orpity.Shestuckherhandsintoherjeanspockets.“Youdon’thave

toleavetowntoavoidme,”shesaid.“Lettie’stakingmetoNewYorknextweek,”shelied,having
arrangedthetripmentallyinthepastfewminutes.Lettiewoulddoanythinghergodchildasked,and
shehadthemeanstotravelwhereversheliked.Besides,shelovedNewYork.

King’seyesnarrowedsuspiciously.“DoesLettieknowshe’sgoingtraveling?”
“Ofcourse,”shesaid,playingherparttothehilt.
“Ofcourse.”Hedrewinaheavybreathandslowlyletitout.Hisbodywasstillgivinghimhell,

buthewasn’tgoingtoletherknowit.Ultimatelyshewasbetteroffoutofhislife.

“Seeyou,”shesaidlightly.
Henodded.“Seeyou.”
Andheleft.

Latethatautumn,TiffanywaswalkingdownarunwayinNewYorkwearingthelatestcreationof

oneDavidMarron,ayoungdesignerwhoseSpanish-inspiredfashionswereasensationamong
buyers.ThetwohadmetthroughamutualfriendofLettie’sandDavidhadseenincredible
possibilitiesinTiffany’slongblackhairandelegance.Hedressedherinagownthatwasreminiscent
oflacySpanishnoblewomenofdayslongpast,andshebroughtthehousedownathisfirstshowing
ofhisnewspringline.Shemadethecoverofamajorfashionmagazineandjumpedfroman

unknowntoafamiliarfaceinlessthansixmonths.

Lettie,withherdelicatelytintedredhairandtwinklingbrowneyes,waselatedather

accomplishment.IthadhurtherdeeplytoseeTiffanyinsuchanagonyofpainwhenshe’d
approachedhergodmotherandallbutbeggedtobetakenoutofTexas.Lettiedotedontheyounger
womanandwhiskedherawaywithaminimumoffuss.

TheysharedaluxuriousParkAvenueapartmentandwereseeninallthemostfashionable

places.Inthosefewmonths,Tiffanyhadgrownmoresophisticated,moremature—andincredibly
morewithdrawn.Shewasice-coldwithmen,despitetheenhancementofherbeautyandherelegant
figure.LearningtoforgetKingwasafull-timejob.Shewasstillworkingonit.

JustwhenshewasachingtogohometoherfatherwhereherchancesofseeingKingeveryweek

wereexcellent,alingeriecompanyofferedheralucrativecontractandatwo-weekholidayfilming
commercialsinJamaica.

“Icouldn’tturnitdown,”shetoldLettiewithagroan.“What’sDadgoingtosay?Iwasgoingto

helphimwithhisChristmasparty.Iwon’tgethomeuntilChristmasEve.Afterwegetbackfrom
Jamaica,Ihavetodoaphotolayoutforamagazineadcampaignduetohitthestandsnextspring.”

“Youdidtherightthing,”Lettieassuredher.“Mydear,atyourage,youshouldbehavingfun,

meetingpeople,learningtostandalone.”Shesighedgently.“Marriageandchildrenareforlater,
whenyou’reestablishedinacareer.”

Tiffanyturnedandstaredattheolderwoman.“Younevermarried.”
Lettiesmiledsadly.“No.IlostmyfiancéinVietnam.Iwasn’tabletowantanyoneelseinthat

way.”

“Lettie,that’ssosad!”
“Onelearnstolivewiththeunbearable,eventually.Ihadmycharitiestokeepmebusy.And,of

course,Ihadyou,”sheadded,givinghergoddaughteraquickhug.“Ihaven’thadabadlife.”

“Somedayyouhavetotellmeabouthim.”
“Someday,Iwill.Butfornow,yougoaheadtoJamaicaandhaveawonderfultimefilmingyour

commercial.”

“You’llcomewithme?”sheaskedquickly,faintlyworriedatthethoughtofbeingsofaraway

withoutanyfamiliarfaces.

Lettiepattedherhand.“OfcourseIwill.IloveJamaica!”
“IhavetocallDadandtellhim.”
“Thatmightbeagoodidea.Hewascomplainingearlierintheweekthatyourletterswerevery

farapart.”

“I’lldoitrightnow.”
Shepickedupthereceiveranddialedherfather ’sofficenumber,twistingthecordnervously

whileshewaitedtobeputthrough.

“Hi,Dad!”shesaid.
“Don’ttellme,”hemuttered.“You’vemetsomedethronedprinceandyou’regettingmarriedin

themorning.”

Shechuckled.“No.I’vejustsignedacontracttodolingeriecommercialsandwe’reflyingto

Jamaicatostartshooting.”

Therewasastrangehesitation.“When?”
“Tomorrowmorning.”
“Well,whenwillyoubeback?”heasked.
“Intwoweeks.ButI’vegotmodelingassignmentsinNewYorkuntilChristmasEve,”shesaidin

asubduedtone.

“WhataboutmyChristmasparty?”Hesoundedresignedanddepressed.“Iwascountingonyou

toarrangeitforme.”

“YoucanhaveaNewYear ’sEvepartyforyourclients,”sheimprovisedwithlaughterinher

voice.“I’llhaveplentyoftimetoputthattogetherbeforeIhavetostartmynextassignment.Infact,”
sheadded,“I’mnotsurewhenitwillbe.Thelingeriecontractwasonlyforthespringline.They’re
doingdifferentmodelsfordifferentseasons.Iwasspring.”

“Icanseewhy,”hemurmureddryly.“Mydaughter,themodel.”Hesighedagain.“Ishouldnever

haveletyougetontheplanewithLettie.It’sherfault.Iknowshe’satthebackofit.”

“Now,Dad…”
“I’mhavingherstuffedandhungonmywallwhenshecomesback.Youtellherthat!”
“Youknowyou’refondofLettie,”shechided,withawinkatherblatantlyeavesdropping

godmother.

“I’llhavehershot!”
ShegrimacedandLettie,readingherexpression,chuckled,unabashedbyHarrisonBlair ’sfury.
“She’slaughing,”shetoldhim.
“Tellhertolaughwhileshecan.”Hehesitatedandspoketosomeonenearby.“Kingsaidtotell

youhemissesyou.”

Herheartjumped,butshewasn’tleavingherselfopentoanyfurtherhumiliationathishands.

“Tellhimtopulltheotherone,”shechuckled.“Listen,Dad,Ihavetogo.I’llphoneyouwhenwe’re
backfromJamaica.”

“Waitaminute.WhereinJamaica,andisLettiegoingalong?”
“Ofcoursesheis!We’llhaveaball.Takecare,Dad.Bye!”
Hewasstilltryingtofindoutwhereshewasgoingwhenshehunguponhim.Heglancedat

Kingwithagrimace.

Theyoungermanhadanoddexpressiononhisface.ItwasoneHarrisoncouldn’tremember

everseeingtherebefore.

“She’ssignedacontract,”Harrisonsaid,shovinghishandsintohispocketsasheglaredatthe

telephone,asifthewholethinghadbeenitsfault.

“Forwhat?”Kingasked.
“Lingeriecommercials,”hispartnersaidheavily.“Justthink,mysheltereddaughterwillbe

paradingaroundinsheernightiesforthewholedamnedworldtosee!”

“Likehellshewill.Whereisshe?”Kingdemanded.
“OnherwaytoJamaicafirstthinginthemorning.King,”headdedwhentheothermanstarted

toleave.“She’sofage,”hesaidgently.“She’sawoman.Idon’thavetherighttotellherhowtolive
herownlife.Andneitherdoyou.”

“Idon’twantothermenoglingher!”
Harrisonjustnodded.“Iknow.Idon’t,either.Butit’sherdecision.”
“Iwon’tletherdoit,”Kingsaiddoggedly.
“Howdoyouproposetostopher?Youcan’tdoitlegally.Idon’tthinkyoucandoitanyother

way,either.”

“DidyoutellherwhatIsaid?”
Harrisonnoddedagain.“Shesaidtopulltheotherone.”
Paleblueeyeswidenedwithsheershock.IthadneveroccuredtohimthathecouldloseTiffany,

thatshewouldn’talwaysbeinHarrison’shousewaitingforhimtobereadytosettledown.Nowshe’d
flownthecoopandtheshoewasontheotherfoot.She’ddiscoveredthepleasureofpersonalfreedom
andshedidn’twanttosettledown.

HeglancedatHarrison.“Issheseriousaboutthisjob?Orisitjustanotherploytogetmy

attention?”

Theothermanchuckled.“Ihavenoidea.Butyouhavetoadmit,she’saprettything.Itisn’t

surprisingthatshe’sattractedamodelingagency.”

Kingstaredoutthewindowwithnarrowed,thoughtfuleyes.“Thenshe’sthinkingaboutmaking

acareerofit.”

Harrisondidn’ttellhimthathermodelingcontractmightnotlastverylong.Heavertedhiseyes.

“Shemightaswellhaveacareer.Ifnothingelse,itwillhelphermature.”

Theothermandidn’tlookathim.“Shehasn’tgrownupyet.”
“Iknowthat.Itisn’therfault.I’veshelteredherfromlife—perhapstoomuch.Butnowshewants

totryherwings.Thisisthebesttime,beforeshehasareasontofoldthemaway.She’syoungandshe
thinksshehastheworldatherfeet.Letherenjoyitwhileshecan.”

Kingstareddownatthecarpet.“Isupposethat’sthewisechoice.”
“It’stheonlychoice,”camethereply.“She’llcomehomewhenshe’sready.”
Kingdidn’tsayanotherwordaboutit.Hechangedthesubjecttobusinessandpursuedit

solemnly.

Meanwhile,TiffanywenttoJamaicaandhadagrandtime.Modeling,shediscovered,washard

work.Itwasn’tjustamatterofstandinginfrontofacameraandsmiling.Itinvolvedwardrobe
changes,pausesfortheproperlightingandequipmentsetup,minorirritationslikeanunexpected
burstofwindandartistictemperamentonthepartofthecameraman.

Lettiewatchedfromadistance,enjoyingTiffany’senthusiasmfortheshoot.Thetwoweeks

passedalltooquickly,withverylittletimeforsight-seeing.

“Justmyluck,”TiffanygroanedwhentheywerebackinNewYork,“Isawthebeachandthe

hotelandtheairport.Ididn’trealizethateveryfreeminutewasgoingtobespentworkingorresting
upforthenextday’sshoot!”

“Welcometotheworldofmodeling.”Lettiechuckled.“Here,darling,haveanothercelerystick.”
Tiffanygrimaced,butsheatetheveggieplattershewasofferedwithoutprotest.
Atnight,shelayawakeandthoughtaboutKing.Shehadn’tbelievedhisteasingassertionthat

he’dmissedher.Kingdidn’tmisspeople.Hewasentirelyself-sufficient.Buthowwonderfulifithad
beentrue.

Thatdaydreamonlylasteduntilshesawatabloidatthedrugstorewhereshewasbuyinghair-

careproducts.TherewasagloriouscolorphotoofKingandCarlarightonthefrontpageofone,
withthelegend,“Doweddingbellsfigureinfuturefortycoonandsecretary?”

Shedidn’tevenpickitup,tohercredit.Shepassedoveritasifshehadn’tseenit.Butshewentto

bedthatevening,shecriedallnight,almostruiningherfaceforthenextday’smodelingsession.

Unrequitedlovetookitstollonherintheweeksthatfollowed.Theonegoodthingaboutmisery

wasthatitattractedothermiserablepeople.SheannexedoneMarkAllenby,amalemodelwho’djust
brokenupwithhislong-timegirlfriendandwantedashouldertocryon.Hewasincrediblyhandsome
andsensitive,andjustwhatTiffanyneededforhershatteredego.

Thefactthathewasawildmanwascertainlyabonus.
Hewasthesortofpersonwho’dphoneheronthespurofthemomentandsuggestaneveningat

aretrobeatnikcoffeehousewherethepatronsreadbadpoetry.Helovedpracticaljokes,likeputting
whoopeecushionsunderacoupleposingforaromanticad.

“Icanseewhyyou’resingle,”Tiffanysuggestedbreathlesslywhenshe’dhelpedhimoutrunthe

furiousphotographer.“AndI’llbetyounevergettoworkforhimagain,”sheindicatedtheheavyset
madmanchasingthem.

“Yes,Iwill.”Hechuckled.“Whenyoumakeittomyincomebracket,youdon’thavetocall

photographerstogetwork.Theycallyou.”Markturnedandblewthemanakiss,grabbedTiffany’s
hand,andpulledheralongtothesubwayentrancenearby.

“Youneedamakeover,”heremarkedontheirwaybacktoherapartment.
Shestoppedandlookedupathim.“Why?”
“Youlooktoogirlish,”hesaidsimply,andsmiled.“Youneedamorehautecoutureimageifyou

wanttogrowintomodeling.”

Shegrimaced.“I’mnotsureIreallydo,though.Ilikeitallright.ButIdon’tneedthemoney.”
“Darling,ofcourseyouneedthemoney!”
“Notreally.Moneyisn’tworthmuchwhenyoucan’tbuywhatyouwantwithit,”shesaid

pointedly.

Hepushedbackhiscurlyblackhairandgaveherhisfamousinscrutablehe-manstare.“Whatdo

youwantthatyoucan’tbuy?”

“King.”
“Ofwhichcountry?”
Shegrinned.“Notroyalty.That’shisname.Kingman.KingmanMarshall.”
“Thetycoonofthetabloids?”heasked,pursinghischiseledlips.“Well,well,youdoaimhigh,

don’tyou?Mr.Marshallhasallthewomenhewants,thankyou.Andifyouhaveanythingmore
seriousinmind,forgetit.Hisfathertaughthimthatmarriageisonlyforfools.Rumorhasitthathis
mothertookhisoldmanforeverycenthehadwhenshedivorcedhim,andthatitdrovehisfatherto
suicide.”

“Yes,Iknow,”shesaiddully.
“NotthatMarshalldidn’tgeteven.Youprobablyheardaboutthat,too.”
“Often,”shereplied.“Heactuallytookhismothertocourtandchargedherwithculpabilityin

hisfather ’ssuicideinacivilcase.Hewon.”Sheshivered,rememberinghowKinghadlookedafter
theverdict—and,moreimportantly,howhismotherhadlooked.Shelosttwo-thirdsofherassetsand
thehandsomegigolothatshe’dbeenlivingwith.ItwasnowonderthatKinghadsuchalowopinion
ofmarriage,andwomen.

“Whateverbecameoftheex-Mrs.Marshall?”heaskedaloud.
“Sheoverdosedondrugsanddiedfouryearsago,”shesaid.
“Asadend.”
“Indeeditwas.”
“Youcan’tblameMarshallfortreatingwomenlikeindividuallywrappedcandies,”he

expounded.“Idon’timaginehetrustsanythinginskirts.”

“Youweretalkingaboutamakeover?”sheinterrupted,anxioustogethimoffthesubjectof

Kingbeforeshestartedscreaming.

“Iwas.I’lltakeyoutomyhairdresser.He’llmakeanewwomanofyou.Thenwe’llgoshopping

foraproperwardrobe.”

Herpaleeyesglitteredwithexcitement.“Thissoundslikefun.”
“Believeme,itwillbe,”hesaidwithawickedgrin.“Comealong,darling.”
TheyspenttherestofthedayremakingTiffany.Whenhetookheroutthatnighttooneofthe

morefashionablenightspots,oneofthemodelsshe’dworkedwithdidn’tevenrecognizeher.Itwasa

complimentofthehighestorder.

Lettiewasstunnedspeechless.
“It’sme,”Tiffanymurmuredimpishly,whirlinginherblackcocktaildresswithdiamond

earringsdrippingfromherlobes.Herhairwascutveryshortandfeatheredtowardhergamineface.
Shehadjustahintofmakeup,justenoughtoenhanceherhighcheekbonesandperfectbonestructure.
Shelookedexpensive,elegant,andsixyearsolderthanshewas.

“I’mabsolutelyshocked,”Lettiesaidafteraminute.“Mydear,youaretheimageofyour

mother.”

Tiffany’sfacesoftened.“AmI,really?”
Lettienodded.“Shewassobeautiful.Ialwaysenviedher.”
“IwishI’dknownher,”shereplied.“AllIhavearephotographsandvaguememoriesofher

singingtomeatnight.”

“Youwereveryyoungwhenshedied.Harrisonneverstoppedmourningher.”Hereyeswere

sad.“Idon’tthinkheeverwill.”

“YouneverknowaboutDad,”Tiffanyremarked,becausesheknewhowLettiefeltabout

Harrison.Notthatshewasgaucheenoughtomentionit.“Whydon’tyougooutwithustonight?”

“Three’sacrowd,dear.Markwillwantyoutohimself.”
“Itisn’tlikethatatall,”Tiffanysaidgently.“He’smourninghisgirlfriendandI’mmourning

King.Wehavebrokenheartsandourworkincommon,butnotmuchelse.He’safriend—andImean
thatquitesincerely.”

Lettiesmiled.“I’mratherglad.He’sverynice.Buthe’llendupinEuropeonedayinavilla,and

thatwouldn’tsuityouatall.”

“Areyousure?”
Lettienodded.“Andsoareyou,inyourheart.”
Tiffanyglancedatherselfinthemirrorwithaquietsigh.“Finefeathersmakefinebirds,but

Kingisn’tthesorttobeimpressedbysophisticationorbeauty.Besides,thetabloidsarealready
predictingthathe’sgoingtomarryCarla.”

“Inoticed.Surelyyoudon’tbelieveit?”
“Idon’tbelievehe’llevermarryanyoneunlesshe’strappedintoit,”Tiffanysaidhonestly,and

hereyesweresuddenlyveryold.“He’sseennothingofmarriagebuttheworstside.”

“It’sapityaboutthat.It’swarpedhisoutlook.”
“Nothingwilleverchangeit.”ShesmiledatLettie.“Sureyouwon’tcomewithus?Youwon’tbe

acrowd.”

“Iwon’tcometonight.Butaskmeagain.”
“Youcancountonit.”

Markwasbroodyashepickedathisminticecream.
“You’reworried,”Tiffanymurmured.
Heglancedatherwryly.“No.I’mdistraught.Mygirlisbeingseenaroundtownwithaminor

moviestar.Sheseemssmitten.”

“Shemaybedoingthesamethingyou’redoing,”shechided.“Seeingsomeonejusttonumbthe

ache.”

Hechuckled.“IsthatwhatI’mdoing?”
“It’swhatwe’rebothdoing.”
Hereachedhishandacrossthetableandheldhers.“I’msorrywedidn’tmeetthreeyearsago,

whileIwasstillheart-whole.You’reunique.Ienjoyhavingyouaround.”

“Samehere.Butfriendshipisallitcaneverbe.”
“Believeitornot,Iknowthat.”Heputdownhisspoon.“WhatareyoudoingforChristmas?”
“I’llbetryingtogetbackfromalocationshootandprayingthatnoneoftheairlinepilotsgoon

strike,”shemurmuredfacetiously.

“NewYear ’s?”
“Ihavetogohomeandarrangeabusinesspartyformyfather.”Sheglancedathimandhereyes

begantosparkle.“I’vehadanidea.HowwouldyouliketovisitTexas?”

Hiseyebrowsarched.“DoIhavetorideahorse?”
“NoteveryoneinTexasrides.WeliveinJacobsville.It’snottoofarfromSanAntonio.Dad’sin

businessthere.”

“Jacobsville.”Hefingeredhiswineglasswithelegantdarkfingersthatlookedverysexyinthe

adshemodeledfor.“Whynot?It’salongwayfromManhattan.”

“Yes,itis,andIcan’tbeartogohomealone.”
“MayIaskwhy?”
“Ofcourse.Myownheartbreakerlivesthere.Itoldyouabouthim.Iranawayfromhomesothat

Icouldstopeatingmyheartoutoverhim.Butmemoriesandheartacheseemtobeportable,”she
addedheavily.

“Icouldattesttothatmyself.”Helookedupatherwithwickedlytwinklingblackeyes.“Andwhat

amIgoingtobe?Thecompetition?”

“Wouldyoumind?”sheasked.“I’llgladlydothesameforyouanytimeyoulike.Ineedyour

moralsupport.”

Hepausedthoughtfullyandthenhesmiled.“Youknow,thismightbetheperfectanswertoboth

ourheadaches.Allright.I’lldoit.”Hefinishedhiswine.

“I’vebeenaskedtofillalotofroles.That’sanewone.”Heliftedhisglassandtookasip.“What

thehell.I’lltanglewithKingmanMarshall.Idon’twanttoliveforever.I’myours,darling.Atleast,
forthedurationoftheparty,”headdedwithagrin.

Sheliftedherownglass.“Here’stopride.”
Heansweredthetoast.Asshedrankit,shewonderedhowshewasgoingtobearseeingKing

withCarla.Atleastshe’dhavecompanyandcamouflage.Kingwouldneverknowthatherheartwas
breaking.

Chapter5

iffanyandMarkboardedtheplanewithLettiethedaybeforeNewYear ’sEve.Tiffanylookedsleek

andexpensiveinablackfigure-huggingsuitwithsilveraccessoriesandablack-and-whitestriped
scarfdrapedoveroneshoulder.Mark,inadarksuit,wasthepictureofmaleelegance.Women
literallysighedwhenhewalkedpast.Itwasoddtoseeamanthathandsomeinperson,andTiffany
enjoyedwatchingpeoplereacttohim.

LettiesatbehindthemandreadmagazineswhileMarkandTiffanydiscussedtheirrespective

assignmentsandwheretheymightgonext.

Itwasn’taslongaflightasshe’dexpectedittobe.TheywalkedontotheconcourseattheSan

Antonioairportjustintimeforlunch.

Tiffanyhadexpectedherfathertomeetthem,andsureenough,hewaswaitingnearthegate.

TiffanyrantohimtobehuggedandkissedwarmlybeforesheintroducedMark.

Harrisonscowledasheshookhandswiththeyoungman,buthegatheredhiscomposurequickly

andtheworriedlookvanishedfromhisfeatures.HegreetedLettiewarmly,too,andledthethreeof
themtothelimousinenearthefrontentrance.

“Mark’sstayingwithus,Dad,”Tiffanysaid.“We’rebothworkingforthesameagencyin

Manhattanandourholidayscoincided.”

“We’llbegladtohaveyou,Mark,”HarrisonsaidwithaforcedwarmththatonlyTiffanyseemed

tonotice.

“HowisKing?”Lettieasked.
HarrisonhesitatedwithalightningglanceatTiffany.“He’sfine.Shallwego?”
Tiffanywonderedwhyherfatherwasactingsopeculiarly,butshepretendednottobeinterested

inKingorhisfeelings.OnlywithMark.

“Didyoumanagetogetthearrangementsfinalized?”Harrisonaskedhisdaughter.
Shegrinned.“Ofcourse.Longdistanceisn’tsolonganymore,anditwasn’tthathard.I’vedealt

withthesamepeopleforyearsarrangingthese‘do’s’foryou.Thecaterer,theflowers,theband,even
theinvitationsareallset.”

“You’resure?”Harrisonmurmured.
Shenodded.“I’msure.”
“Youdidn’tforgettosendaninvitationtoKingandCarla?”herfatheradded.
“Ofcoursenot!Theirswerethefirsttogoout,”shesaidwithmagnificentcarelessness.“I

wouldn’tforgetyourbusinesspartner.”

Harrisonseemedtorelaxjustalittle.
“What’swrong?”sheasked,sensingsomeproblem.
“He’soutoftown,”hesaidreluctantly.“Rather,they’reoutoftown,andnotexpectedbackuntil

sometimenextweek.OrsoKing’sofficemanagersaid.Ihadn’theardfromhim,andIwonderedwhy
hewaswillingtoforgotheparty.Henevermissestheholidaybash.Or,atleast,heneverhasbefore.”

Tiffanydidn’tbetrayherfeelingsbysomuchasthebattingofaneyelashhowmuchthat

statementhurt.Sheonlysmiled.“Isupposehehadotherplansandwasn’twillingtochangethem.”

“Perhapsso,”hesaid,buthedidn’tlookconvinced.

MarkreachedbesidehimandcaughtTiffany’shandinhis,pressingitreassuringly.Heseemed

tosense,asherfatherdid,howmiserableshefeltatKing’sdefection.ButMarkaskedHarrisona
questionaboutalandmarkhenoticedastheydrovedownthelonghighwaythatwouldcarrythemto
Jacobsville,andgothimoffonasubjectdeartohisheart.Bythetimetheyreachedthetoweringbrick
familyhomelessthananhourlater,MarkknewmoreaboutthesiegeattheAlamothanhe’dever
gleanedfrombooks.

TiffanywastoobusywithherarrangementstokeepMarkcompanythatdayorthenext,sohe

borrowedasedanfromthegarageandsetaboutlearningthearea.Hecamebackfulloftidbitsabout
thehistoryofthecountryside,whichheseemedtoactuallyfindfascinating.

HewatchedTiffanydirectingthetrafficofimportedpeoplehelpingwiththepartywithamused

indulgence.

“You’reactuallyprettygoodatthis,”hemurmured.“Wheredidyoulearnhowtodoit?”
Shelookedsurprised.“Ididn’t.Itjustseemedtocomenaturally.Iloveparties.”
“Idon’t,”hemused.“Iusuallybecomeadecoration.”
Sheknewwhathemeant.Shelearnedquicklythatveryfewofthepartiesmodelsattendedwere

anythingbutanopportunityfordesignerstoshowofftheirfashionsinarelaxedsetting.Themore
wealthyclientswhowerepresent,thebettertheopportunitytosellclothes.Butsomeoftheclients
foundthemodelsmoreinterestingthantheirregalia.TiffanyhadgravitatedtowardMarkformutual
protectionatfirst.Afterward,they’dbecomefastfriends.

“Youwon’tbeadecorationhere,”shepromisedhimwithasmile.“Whatdoyouthink?”
Shesweptherhandtowardtheballroom,whichwaspolishedandpackedwithflowersandlong

tableswithembroideredlinentablecloths,crystalandchinaandcandelabras.Buffetswouldbesetup
thereforsnacks,becauseitwasn’tasit-downdinner.Therewouldbedancingonthehighlypolished
floortomusicprovidedbyaliveband,andmixeddrinkswouldbeservedatthebar.

“It’sallveryelegant,”Markpronounced.
Shenoddedabsently,rememberingotherpartieswhenshe’ddancedanddanced,whenKinghad

beencloseathandtosmileatherandtakeheroutontothedancefloor.Shehadn’tdancedwithhim
often,buteachtimewasindeliblyimprintedinhermind.Shecouldclosehereyesandseehim,touch
him.Shesighedmiserably.Well,shemightaswellstoplookingback.Shehadtogoon,andKing
wantednopartofher.Hisabsencefromthismostspecialofallpartiessaidso.

“Ithinkit’lldo,”sherepliedafteraminute.Shegavehimawarmsmile.“ComeonandI’llshow

youthewayI’vedecoratedtherestofthehouse.”

Tiffanyworealongsilver-sequineddressfortheparty,withadiamondclipinhershorthair.

She’dlearnedhowtowalk,howtomove,howtopose,andevenpeoplewho’dknownherforyears
weretakenabackathernewimage.

Mark,atherside,resplendentindarkeveningdress,drewfeminineeyeswithequalmagnetism.

HisItalianancestrywasveryevidentinhisliquidblackeyesandolivecomplexionandblack,black
hair.OneofTiffany’sacquaintances,aprettylittleredheadnamedLisa,seemedtobetotally
captivatedbyMark.Shestoodinacornerbyherself,juststaringathim.

“ShouldItakepityonherandintroduceyou?”sheaskedMarkinateasingwhisper.
Heglancedtowardthegirl,barelyoutofherteens,andsheblushedasredasherhair.Seconds

later,sherushedbacktowardherparents.Hechuckledsoftly.

“She’sveryyoung,”hemused.“Afriend?”
Sheshookherhead.“Herparentsarefriendsofmyfather ’s.Lisaisaloner.Asarule,she

doesn’tcareasmuchfordatingasshedoesforhorses.Herfamilyhasstablesandtheybreed
racehorses.”

“Well,well.Allthat,andnobeaux?”
“She’sshywithmen.”
Hiseyebrowsarched.Helookedattheyoungwomanasecondtime,andhiseyesnarrowedas

theycaughthervividblueonesandheldthemrelentlessly.Lisaspilledherdrinkandblushedagain,
whilehermotherfussedattheskirtofherdresswithahandkerchief.

“Howwicked,”TiffanychidedtoMark.
“Eyeslikehersshouldbeillegal,”hemurmured,buthewasstillstaringatLisajustthesame.He

tookTiffany’sarmandurgedhertowardthegroup.“Introduceme.”

“Don’t…”shebegan.
“I’mnotthatmucharake.”Hecalmedher.“Sheintriguesme.Iwon’ttakeadvantage.Ipromise.”

Hesmiled,althoughhiseyesweresolemn.

“Allright,then.”ShestoppedatMrs.McKinley’sside.“Willitstain?”sheaskedgently.
“Oh,Idon’tthinkso,”theolderwomansaidwithasmile.“Itwasmostlyice.Lisa,you

rememberourTiffany,don’tyou?”sheadded.

Lisalookedup,veryflusteredashereyesdartednervouslyfromMark’stoTiffany.“H…hi,

Tiffany.Nicetoseeyou.”

“Nicetoseeyou,Lisa,”Tiffanyrepliedwithagenuinesmile.“I’msorryaboutyourdress.Have

youmetMarkAllenby?Heworkswithme.We’rebothrepresentedbythesamemodelingagencyin
NewYork.Youmighthaveseenhiminthesnackfoodcommercialswiththepuppet…?”

“G…goodLord,wasthatyou?”Lisachoked.“Ithoughthe…you…lookedfamiliar,Mr.

Allenby!”

Hesmiledlazily.“Niceofyoutorememberit,MissMcKinley.Doyoudance?”
Shelookedasifshemightfaint.“Well,yes…”
Heheldoutahand.“You’llexcuseme?”hesaidtoTiffanyandLisa’sparents.
Lisaputherhandintohisandlethimleadherontothedancefloor.Hereyesweresofullof

dreamsanddelightthatMarkcouldn’tseemtostoplookingdownather.

“Hedancesbeautifully,”Mrs.McKinleysaid.
“Notbad,”hergruffhusbandagreed.“Ishegay?”
“Mark?”Tiffanychuckled.“Notachance.He’squiteasuccessstory,infact.Hisparentsare

Italian.Hecametothiscountryasababyandhisfatherhelddowntwojobswhilehismotherworked
asawaitressinacafeteria.Hemakesenoughtosupportbothofthemnow,andhisthreeyoung
sisters.He’sveryresponsible,loyal,andnotaseducerofinnocents,justincaseyouwondered.”

Mrs.McKinleycolored.“I’msorry,buthewasanunknownquantity,andit’sveryeasytoseethe

effecthehasonLisa.”

“Iwouldn’tworry,”shesaidgently.“He’sjustbrokenupwithhislong-timegirlfriendandhis

hearthurts.He’snotinthemarketforanaffair,anyway.”

“That’sarelief,”theolderwomansaidwithasmile.“She’ssounworldly.”
Becauseshe’dbeenasshelteredasTiffanyherselfhad.Thereweregreatdisadvantagestothat

overprotectionintoday’sworld,Tiffanythoughtmiserably.Shestaredintoherchampagneand
wonderedwhyKinghaddeclinedtheinvitationtotheparty.Perhapshewasmakingthepointthathe
coulddonicelywithoutTiffany.Ifso,he’dsucceededbeyondhiswildestdreams.

Shegotthroughthelongeveningonchampagneandsheerwillpower.Markseemedtobe

enjoyinghimselfimmensely.HehardlyleftLisaallevening,andwhensheandherparentsgotready
toleave,heheldontoherhandasifhecouldn’tbeartoletitgo.

Theyspokeinterse,quiettonesandassheleft,herblueeyesbrightenedconsiderably,although

Mrs.McKinleylookedworried.

“I’mgoingovertheretomorrowtoseetheirhorses.Youdon’tmind?”heaskedTiffanyasthe

otherguestswerepreparingtoleave.

Shestaredupathimcuriously.“She’sveryyoung.”
“Andinnocent,”headded,hishandsdeepinhispockets.“Youdon’tneedtotellmethat.Ihaven’t

everknownanyonelikeher.She’sthesortofgirlImighthavemetbackhome,ifmyparentshadn’t
immigratedtoAmerica.”

Shewasstartled.“Ithoughtyouweregrindingyourteethoveryourgirlfriend?”
Hesmiledvaguely.“SodidI.”Hisheadturnedtowardthefrontdoor.“She’sbreakable,”hesaid

softly.“Vulnerableandsweetandshy.”Hisbroadshouldersroseandfell.“Strange.Ineverliked
redheadsbefore.”

Tiffanybitherlowerlip.Shedidn’tknowhowtoputintowordswhatshewasfeeling.Lisawas

thesortofgirlwho’dnevergetoverhavingherhopesraisedandthendashed.Didheknowthat?

“Shedanceslikeafairy,”hemurmured,turningaway,hisdarkeyesintrospectiveandoblivious

tothepeoplemillingaroundhim.

Harrisonjoinedhisdaughteratthedoorasthelastguestsdeparted.
“Yourfriendseemsdistracted,”hemurmured,hiseyesonMark,whowasstaringoutadarkened

window.

“Lisaaffectedhim.”
“Inoticed.Sodideverybodyelse.He’sarake.”
Sheshookherhead.“He’sahardworkingmanwithdeepfamilytiesandanoverworkedsenseof

responsibility.He’snorake.”

“Ithoughtyousaidhehadagirlfriend.”
“Shedumpedhimforsomebodyricher,”shesaidsimply.“Hispridewasshattered.That’swhy

he’sherewithme.Hecouldn’tbearseeingheraroundtowninallthenightspotswithhernewlover.”

Harrison’sattitudechanged.“Poorguy.”
“Hewon’thurtLisa,”sheassuredhim,mentallycrossingherfingers.Shesawtroubleahead,but

shedidn’tknowquitehowtowarditoff.

Hestudiedherface.“You’remuchmoremature.Iwouldn’thaverecognizedyou.”Heaverted

hiseyes.“PityKingdidn’tgetbackintimefortheparty.”

Shefrozeover.“Ididn’texpecthim,soit’snogreatloss.”
Hestartedtospeak,andsuddenlyclosedhismouth.Hesmiledather.“Let’shaveanightcap.

Yourfriendcancomealong.”

Shetookhisarmwithagrin.“Thatsoundsmorelikeyou!”

Thenextday,MarkborrowedHarrison’ssedanagainandmadeabeelinefortheMcKinleyplace

outsidetown.Hewaswearingslacksandaturtle-neckwhitesweaterandhelookedbothelegantand
expensive.

AsTiffanystoodontheporchwavinghimoff,acarcamepurringupthedriveway.Itwasa

blackLincoln.Shefoughtdowntheurgetorun.Shedidn’thavetobackawayfromKinganymore.
Shewasoutofhisreach.Shefoldedherarmsovertheredsilkblouseshewaswearingwithelegant
blackslacksandleanedagainstapostinadistinctiveposetowaitforhim.Itsurprisedherjustalittle
thathedidn’thaveCarlawithhim.

Kingtookthestepstwoatatime.Hewaswearingdarkeveningclothes,asifhe’djustcome

fromaparty.Sheimaginedhewasstillwearingtheclotheshe’dhadonthenightbefore.Probablyhe

didn’tkeepanythingtochangeintoatCarla’splace,shethoughtvenomously,certainthatitexplained
hisstateofdress.

“Well,well,whatbringsyouhere?”shedrawled,withoutanyparticularshyness.
Kingpausedatthelaststep,scowlingashegotagoodlookather.Thechangewasphenomenal.

Shewasn’ttheyounggirlhe’dleftbehindmonthsbefore.Shewaspoised,elegant,somehowcynical.
Hereyeswereolderandtherewasnowelcomeorhero-worshipinthemnow.Hersmile,ifanything,
wasmocking.

“IcametoseeHarrison,”hesaidcurtly.
Shewavedahandtowardthefrontdoor.“Helpyourself.IwasjustseeingMarkoff.”
Heseemedsuddenlyverystill.“Mark?”
“MarkAllenby.Weworktogether.Hecamehomewithmeforourholidays.”Shegavehima

coolglance.“You’veprobablyseenhimincommercials.He’sincrediblyhandsome.”

Hedidn’tsayanotherword.Hewalkedpastherwithoutspeakingandwentrightintothehouse.
Tiffanyfollowedafewminuteslater,andfoundhimwithherfatherinthestudy.
Harrisonglancedoutthedoorasshepasseditonherwaytothestaircase.“Tiffany!Comein

hereaminute,wouldyou,sweetheart?”

Henevercalledherpetnamesunlesshewantedsomething.Shewanderedintotheroomasif

King’spresencemadenodifferenceatalltoher.“Whatdoyouwant,Dad?”sheaskedwithasmile.

“Kingneedssomepapersfromthesafeatmyoffice,andIpromisedI’ddriveLettiedownto

Floresvilletovisithersister.Wouldyou…?”

Sheknewthecombinationbyheart,somethingherfatherhadentrustedherwithonlytwoyears

before.Butshesensedaplothereandshehesitated.Kingnoticed,andhisfacefrozeover.

“Youdon’thaveanythingpressing,doyou?”Harrisonpersisted.“NotwithMarkaway?”
“Isupposenot.”Shegavein.“I’lljustgetmyjacket.”
“Thanks,sweetheart!”
Sheonlyshrugged.Shedidn’tevenglanceatKing.

ItwasashortdrivetothedowntownofficeherfathersharedwithKing.Itseemedalittlestrange

toherthatKingdidn’thavethecombinationtoHarrison’ssafe,sincetheywerepartners.She’dnever
reallywonderedwhyuntilnow.

“Doesn’thetrustyou?”shechidedastheywentintothedarkofficetogether.
“Asmuchashetrustsanyone,”hereplied.“Butincaseyouwondered,hedoesn’thavethe

combinationtomysafe,either.Ourrespectivelawyershaveboth.It’sasafeguard,ofasort.”

Heturnedonthelightsandclosedthedoor.Thesprawlingofficeswerevacantonthisholiday

andshewasmoreawarethaneverofbeingtotallyalonewithhim.Itshouldn’thavebotheredher,
knowingwhatshedidabouthisrelationshipwithCarla,butitdid.Ithadn’tbeenlongenoughforher
toforgetthepleasureofhiskisses,beinginhisarms.

Sheignoredhertinglingnervesandwentstraighttotheconcealedsafe,openingitdeftly.“What

doyouwantoutofhere?”sheasked.

“AbrownenvelopemarkedInternetProposals.”
Shesearchedthroughthedocumentsandfoundwhathewanted.Sheclosedthesafe,replacedthe

paintingthatcoveredit,andhandedtheenvelopetoKing.

“Isthatallyouneededmefor?”sheasked,turningtowardthedoor.
“Notquite.”
Shehesitatedafewfeetawayfromhim.Hereyesaskedthequestionforher.

Hewasn’tsmiling.Thefriendlymanofyearspastwasmissing.Hiseyeswerewaryand

piercing.Hedidn’tmoveatall.Hejuststaredatheruntilshefeltherheartbeataccelerate.

Sheliftedherchin.“Well?”
“Wasitdeliberate?”
Sheblinked.“Waswhatdeliberate?”
“LeavingusofftheguestlistfortheNewYear ’sEveparty.”
Shefeltanuncomfortabletensionintheair.Shefrowned.“YouandCarlawereinvited,”she

said.“Ifaxedthelistofinvitationsstraighttotheprinters.Thetwoofyouwerethefirsttwonameson
thelist.Infact,theywentstraighttomyfather ’ssecretaryfromtheprinter ’s,tobemailed.Carla
knowsRita,Dad’ssecretary.I’msuresheknewthatyouwereonthelist.”

Hiseyesnarrowed.“Shesaidthatshecheckedthelist.Ournamesweren’tthere.”
“Someone’slying,”Tiffanysaidquietly.
Hemadeasounddeepinhisthroat.“Idon’tneedtwoguessesforaname.”
“YouthinkIdidit.Why?”
Heshrugged.“Spite?”heaskedwithamockingsmile.“Afterall,Isentyoupacking,didn’tI?”
Monthsofconditioningkeptherfacefromgivingawayanyofherinnerfeelings.Shepusheda

handintoherjacketpocketandliftedaneyebrow.“Youdidmeafavor,asithappens,”shesaid.“You
needn’tworry,I’mnolongerathreattoyou.MarkandIarequiteanitemabouttownthesedays.We
bothworkforthesameagency.Weseealotofeachother.Andnotonlyonthejob.”

Hisnarrowgazewentoverher,lookingfordifferences.“You’vechanged.”
Hershouldersroseandfell.“I’veonlygrownup.”Hersmileneverreachedhereyes.“Ihavea

brightfuture,theytellme.Itseemsthatmybodyisphotogenic.”

Somethingflashedinhiseyesandheturnedawaybeforeshecouldseeit.“Ithoughtyouwere

goingonaholiday,nottofindajob.”

“Ididn’thavemuchchoice,”shesaid,turningbacktothedoor.“Therewasnothingforme

here.”

Hisfistclenchedathisside.Heturned,abouttospeak,butshe’dalreadyopenedthedoorand

goneoutintothehall.

Hefollowedher,surprisedtofindherheadednotfortheexit,butforRita’scomputer.Shesat

downbehindthedeskthatherfather ’ssecretaryused,turnedonthecomputer,fedinaprogram,and
searchedthefilesfortheinvitationlist.Shefounditandpulledituponthescreen.Sureenough,
King’snamewasn’tonit.NeitherwasCarla’s.Butoneoftheagencymodelswasacomputerwhiz
andshe’dbeentutoringTiffanyontheside.

“Itoldyouournamesweren’tthere,”hesaidgrufflyfrombehindher.
“Oh,don’tgiveupyet.Waitjustasec…”Sheputupanotherprogram,onedesignedtoretrieve

lostfiles,andsetitsearching.Aminutelater,shepulledupthedeletedfileandthrewituponthe
screen.There,atthetopofthelist,wereKing’sandCarla’snames.

Kingscowled.“Howdidyoudothat?Ididn’tseeyourhandstypingonthekeyboard.”
“Theydidn’t.Thisfilewasdeliberatelyerasedandreplaced.I’msureifIlookforthefax,I’ll

discoverthatit’sbeenredoneaswell.”Shesavedthefile,cutoffthecomputer,andgottoherfeet.She
methiseyescoldly.“TellCarlanicetry.Butnexttime,she’dbetterpracticealittlemoreonher
technique.”

Sheretrievedherpurseandwentoutthedoor,leavingKingtofollow,deepinthought.
“WhydoyouthinkCarlatamperedwiththelist?”heaskedonthewayhome.
“She’sagirlwithaspirations.NotthatI’manythreattothem,”sheaddedfirmly.“Ihavealifein

NewYorkthatI’mlearningtolove,andamantoshoweraffectionon.Youmighttellherthat,before
shedreamsupanynewideastoputmeinabadlight.”

Hedidn’tanswerher.Buthishandstightenedonthesteeringwheel.

Shewasoutofthecarbeforehecouldunfastenhisseatbelt.
Thehousewasempty,sheknew,becauseHarrisonwassupposedtobeout,andshewascertain

thatMarkwasstillatLisa’shouse.Shedidn’twantKinginside.

Shepausedontheloweststep.“I’lltellDadyougottheinformationyouneeded,”shesaid

firmly.

Hisnarroweyeswentfromhertothefrontofthehouse.“Isheintherewaitingforyou?”he

askedcoldly.

“Ifheis,it’snothingtodowithyou,”shesaidsolemnly.“Asyousaidonthatmostmemorable

occasion,Iwantedtoplayhouseandyoudidn’t.Fortherecord,”sheaddedwithcoldeyes,“Ino
longerwanttoplaywithyou,inanymannerwhatsoever.Goodbye.”

Shewenttothedoor,unlockedit,letherselfin,andthrewthebolthomeafterher.Ifheheardit,

somuchthebetter.Shedidn’twanthimwithinthreefeetofher,everagain!

Chapter6

iffanywentupstairs,almostshakingwithfuryatCarla’streacherousaction,becausecertainlyno

oneelsecouldbeblamedfortheomissionofthosenamesontheguestlist.Carlawasplayingtowin
andthoughtTiffanywascompetition.Itwasfunny,inaway,becauseKingwantednopartofher.Why
didn’tCarlaknowthat?

Shewentintoherroomandopenedhercloset.ItwasNewYear ’sDay,andtomorrowsheand

MarkwouldhavetoflybacktoNewYorkandgetreadytobeginworkagain.Itwasgoingtobea
hecticfewweeks,withthespringshowingsinthenearfuture,andTiffanywasalmostcertainthat
she’dbeabletolandanewcontract.Shewasyoungandphotogenicandheragentsaidthatshehad
greatpotential.Itwasn’tasheadyaprospectasalifewithKing,butitwouldhavetosuffice.
Lonelinesswassomethingshewasjustgoingtohavetogetusedto,soshe…“Packingalready?”

Thedrawledquestionsurprisedherintogasping.Shewhirled,ahandatherthroat,tofindKing

lounginginthedoorway.

“Howdidyougetin?”shedemanded.
“Kittyletmeinthebackdoor.She’scleaningthekitchen.”Heclosedthedoorfirmlybehindhim

andstartedtowardTiffanywithastrangeglitterinhispaleblueeyes.“Itisn’tlikeyoutorunfroma
fight.Youneverusedto.”

“MaybeI’mtiredoffighting,”shesaidthroughatightthroat.
“MaybeIam,too,”herepliedcurtly.
Hebackedheragainstthebedandsuddenlygaveheragentlepush.Shewentdownontothe

mattressandhislean,hardbodyfollowedher.Hebracedhimselfonhisforearmsbesideherheadand
staredintohereyesatabreathlessproximity.

“I’mexpectingMark…”Shechoked.
“Really?Kittysayshe’satLisaMcKinley’shouse,andverysmitten,too,fromthelookofthem

atthepartylastnight.”Hishandsmoothedawaythelapelsofherjacket.Hisbighandskimmedsoftly
overherbreastandhisthumblingeredtherelongenoughtomakethetipgohard.Hesmiledwhenhe
feltit.“Somethings,atleast,neverchange.”

“Idon’tknowwhatyou…oh!”
Shearchedcompletelyoffthebedwhenhismouthsuddenlycoveredherbreast.Eventhrough

twolayersofcloth,itmadehershiverwithpleasure.Herhandsclenchedatherearsandhereyes
closedasshegaveinwithoutevenastruggle.

Hishandsslidunderherclothingtothetwofasteningsatherback.Heloosenedthemandhis

handsfoundthesoftnessofherbreasts.“GoodGod,it’slikerunningmyhandsoversilk,”he
whisperedashisheadlifted.“Youfeellikesweetheaven.”

Ashespoke,hishandsmoved.Hewatchedherpupilsdilate,herlipspartonwhisperylittlesighs

thatgrewsharpwhenhisthumbsbrushedherhardnipples.

“Thehellwithit,”hemurmuredroughly.Hesatup,drawingherwithhim,andproceededto

undressher.

“King…youcan’t…!”
“Iwanttosuckleyou,”hesaidquietly,staringintohershockedeyesashefreedherbodyfrom

theclothes.

Thewordsfannedtheflamesthatwerealreadydevouringher.Shedidn’tspeakagain.Shesat

breathinglikeatrackrunnerwhilehetossedherjacketandblouseandbraoffthebed.Thenhishands
atherribcagearchedherdelicatelytowardhim.Hebentandhismouthslowlyfastenedonherbreast.

Therewasnopast,nopresent.TherewasonlythegloryofKing’shardmouthonherbody.She

sobbedbreathlesslyasthepleasuregrewtounbelievableheights.

Hehadheracrosshisknees,herheadfallingnaturallyintothecrookofhisarm,whilehefedon

herbreasts.Thenuzzling,sucklingpressurewasthesweetestsensationshe’deverknown.Ithadbeen
solongsincehe’dheldherlikethis.Shewasaliveagain,breathingagain.

“Easy,darling,”hewhisperedwhenshebegantosobaloud.“Easy,now.”
“King…!”Hervoicebroke.Shesoundedasfranticasshefelt,herheartbeatsmotheringher,the

pressureofhishandsallofheavenasheheldhertohischest.

“Baby…”Heeasedherontothebedandslidalongsideher,hisfacesolemn,hiseyesdarkwith

feeling.Hismouthfoundhers,helditgentlyunderhiswhilehishandssearchedouttheplaceswhere
sheachedandbegantosoothethem…onlythesoothingmadethetensionworse.

Shemoaned,tearsoffrustrationstinginghereyesashiscaressesonlymadethehungermore

unbearable.

“Allright,”hewhispered,easingdownagainsther.“It’stoosoon,Tiffany,butI’mgoingtogive

youwhatyouwant.”

Heshiftedherandhishandmovedslowlyagainstherbody.Shestiffened,buthedidn’tstop.He

kissedhershockedeyelidsclosedandthensmotheredthewordsofprotestshetriedtovoice.

Shehadnocontroloverherbody,noneatall.Itinsisted,itdemanded,itwaswantonasitsought

fulfillment.Hereyesremainedtightlyclosedwhileshearchedandarched,pleading,whisperingto
him,prideshornfromherinthegripofamadnesslikenoneshe’deverexperienced.

Sheopenedhereyesallatonceandwentrigidasaflashofpleasurelikehotlightningshot

throughherflesh.Shelookedathiminshockandaweandsuddenlyshewasflyingamongthestars,
falling,soaring,inashudderingecstasythatnoneofherreadinghadeverpreparedherfor.

Afterward,ofcourse,shewept.Shewasembarrassedandshockedbythisnewestlessonin

passionanditsfulfillment.Shehidherfaceagainsthim,stillshiveringgentlyintheaftermath.

“Itoldyouitwastoosoon,”hewhisperedquietly.Heheldherclose,hisfacenuzzlingherthroat.

“Itookittoofar.Ionlymeanttokissyou.”Hisarmstightened.“Don’tcry.There’snoreasontobe
upset.”

“Nobody…ever…”Shechoked.
Histhumbpressedagainstherswollenlips.“Iknow.”Hismouthmovedontoherweteyelidsand

kissedthetearsawayslowly.“Andthatwasonlythebeginning,”hewhispered.“Youcan’timagine
howitreallyfeels.”

Hecarriedherhandtohisbodyandshiveredashemoveditdelicatelyagainsthim.“Iwantyou.”
Shepressedherlipstohisthroat.“Iknow.Iwantyou,too.”
Histeethnippedherearlobegentlyandhisbreathcaught.“Tiffany,yourfatherismybusiness

partner.There’snowaywecansleeptogetherwithouthavinghimfindout.Itwoulddevastatehim.He
doesn’treallybelongtothiscentury.”

“Iknow.”Shegrimacedslightly.“NeitherdoI,Isuppose.”
Heliftedhisheadandlookeddownathersofthandrestingsonervouslyagainsthisbody.He

smiledgentlyeventhroughthepleasureofhertouch.Hishandpressedherscloserashelookedinto
hereyeshungrily.“I’mstarving,”hewhispered.

Sheswallowed,gatheringhernerve.“Icould…?”
Hesighed.“No.Youcouldn’t.”Hetookherhandawayandheldittightlyinhis.“Inmyway,I’m

prettyold-fashioned,too.”Hegrimaced.“Isupposeyou’dbettercomeintotownwithmetomorrow
andpickoutaring.”

Hereyelidsfluttered.“Awhat?”
“Anengagementringandaweddingband,”hecontinued.
“Youdon’twanttomarry.Yousaidso.”
Helookeddownathimselfruefullyandthenbackatherflushedface.“It’sbeenseveralmonths,”

hesaidpointedly.“I’mnotamantowhomabstinencecomesnaturally,toputitmodestly.Ineeda
woman.”

“IthoughtyouwerehavingCarla,”sheaccused.
Hesighedheavily.“Well,that’soneofthelittleproblemsI’vebeendealingwithsinceyouleft.

Shecan’tseemtoarousemy…interest.”

Hereyeswidened.Thiswasnews.“Iunderstoodthatanywomancanarouseaman.”
“Readingfictionagain,arewe?”hemurmureddryly.“Well,booksandinstructionmanuals

notwithstanding,mybodydoesn’tseemtobeabletoread.Itonlywantsyou.Anditwantsyou
violently.”

Shewasstilltinglingfromherownpleasure.Shegrimaced.
“What?”heasked.
“Ifeelguilty.Thiswasalljustforme,”shefaltered,stillalittleembarrassed.
“I’llrunaroundthehousethreetimesandhaveacoldshower,”hemurmureddryly.“Noneedto

fret.”

Shelaidbackonthebed,watchinghimsketchhernuditywithquick,possessiveeyes.“Youcan,

ifyouwantto,”shewhisperedwithawickedsmile,neversosureofhimasshewasatthemoment.
“I’llletyou.”

Hishighcheekbonesactuallyflushed.“WithKittyinthekitchenandawarethatI’muphere?”He

smiledmockinglyandglancedathiswatch.“I’dsaywehaveabouttwominutestogo.”

“Untilwhat?”
“Untilyouhaveaphonecall,orIhaveaphonecall,”heremarked.“Whichwillhavestrangely

beendisconnectedtheminutewepickupthereceiver.”

Shegiggled.“You’rekidding.”
“I’mnot.”Hegotupandrearrangedhistie,staringdownatherwithpureanguish.“Iwantto

burymyselfinyou!”hegrowledsoftly.

Sheflushed.“King!”
Itdidn’thelpthathereyeswentimmediatelytothatpartofhimthatwouldperformsuchatask

andshewentevenredder.Shethrewherselfoffthebedandbegantofumbletoputherclothingback
on.

Hechuckled.“Allthatmagnificentbravado,gonewithoutawhimper.Whatasurpriseyou’vegot

instoreonourweddingnight,”hemurmured.

Shefinishedbuttoningherblouseandgavehimawrylook.“Youreallyarearake.”
“Andyou’llbegladaboutthat,too,”headdedwithaknowinglook.“Ipromiseyouwill.”
Shemovedclosetohim,hereyeswideandeloquent.“Itwon’thurtafterwhatwe’vedone,will

it?”

Hehesitated.“Idon’tknow,”hesaidfinally.“I’llbeascarefulandgentleasIcan.”
“Iknowthat.”Shesearchedhiseyeswithadeepsadnessthatshecouldn’tseemtoshake.“It’s

onlybecauseyouwantmethatwe’regettingmarried,isn’tit?”

Hescowled.“Don’tknockit.Sexisthefoundationofanygoodmarriage.YouandIarehighly

compatibleinthatrespect.”

Shewantedtopursuetheconversation,buttherewasasuddenknockatthedoor.

“Yes,whatisit,Kitty?”Tiffanycalled,distracted.
“Uh,there’saphonecallforMr.Marshall,MissTiffany,”shecallednervously.
“I’lltakeitdownstairs,Kitty.Thanks!”headdedwitharoguishlookinTiffany’sdirection.
“You’rewelcome!”Kittycalledbrightly,andherfootstepsdiedaway.
“Yourfatherputsheruptothat,”hemused.
“He’sshelteredme.”
“Iknow.”
Shepursedherlipsandeyedhimmischievously.“I’vebeensavedupforyou.”
“I’llbeworththeeffort,”hepromised,adark,confidentgleaminhiseyes.
“Oh,Iknowthat.”Shewenttoopenthedoor,pushingbackherdisheveledhair.“Areyou

comingtodinnertonight?”

“Isyourmalefashionplategoingtobehere?”
“I’mnotsure.Lisawasverytakenwithhim,andviceversa.”
Hesmiled.“Istartedupherebristlingwithjealousy.IcouldhavedancedajigwhenKittystopped

metotellmeaboutyourhouseguestandLisa.”

“Youwerejealous?”sheasked.
Heliftedaneyebrowandhiseyesslidoverherlikehands.“Webothknowthatyou’vebelonged

tomesinceyou’vehadbreasts,”hesaidblatantly.“Ikeptmydistance,almostfortoolong.ButIcame
tomysensesintime.”

“Ihopeyouwon’tregretit.”
“SodoI,”hesaidwithoutthinking,andhelookeddisturbed.
“I’lltrytomakeyouglad,”shewhisperedinwhatshehopedwasacoquettishtone.
Hegrinned.“Seethatyoudo.”
Sheopenedthedoorandhefollowedheroutintothehall.

Markwasmoreamusedthananythingwhenhediscoveredthathisgalpalwasengagedtoher

dreamman.HeandLisahadfoundmanythingsincommonandaromancewasbloomingthere,sohe
hadonlygoodwishesforTiffanyandherKing.ButtherewassomethinginthewayKinglookedthat
madehimuneasy.Thatmandidn’thavehappilyeverafterinmind,andhewasn’tpassionatelyinlove
withTiffany—anditshowed.Hewantedher;thatwasobvioustoablindman.Butitseemedlessthan
honestforamantomarryawomanonlybecauseofdesire.Perhapsherfatherwastheflyinthe
ointment.Hecouldn’tseethedignifiedMr.Blairallowinghisonlydaughtertobecomethemistress
ofhisbusinesspartner.

Ofcourse!Thathadtobethereasonforthesuddenmarriageplans.Kinghadmanipulated

Tiffanysothatshewasdoneoutofafairytalewedding,sothatshewassettlingforasmall,intimate
ceremonyinstead.ItwasunkindandMarkwishedhecouldhelp,butitseemedtheonlythinghecould
doforhisfriendwaswishherthebestandstepaside.Kingdidn’tseemlikeamanwho’dwantamale
friendinhisvirginbride’slife….

LifechangedforTiffanyovernight.ShewenttooneofthebiggestjewelersinSanAntoniowith

King,wheretheylookedatringsforhalfanhourbeforeshechoseawideantiquegoldweddingband
inyellowandwhitegold,withengravedroses.

Kinghesitated.“Don’tyouwantadiamond?”heasked.
“No.”Shewasn’tsurewhy,butshedidn’t.Sheletthesalesmantrytheringonherfinger.Itwasa

perfectfitandshewasenchantedwithit.

Kingheldherhandinhisandlookeddownatit.Thesentimentoftheold-fashioneddesignmade

himstrangelyuneasy.Itlookedlikeanheirloom,somethingawifewouldwanttopassdowntoa
child.Hiseyesmethersandhecouldn’thidehismisgivings.He’dmoreorlessbeenforcedinto
proposingbythesituation,buthehadn’tthoughtpastthehoneymoon.HerewasproofthatTiffanyhad
years,notmonths,ofmarriageinmind,whileheonlywantedtosatisfyaraginghunger.

“Don’tyoulikeit?”sheaskedworriedly.
“It’sexquisite,”herepliedwithadeterminedsmile.“Yes,Ilikeit.”
Shesighed,relieved.“Don’tyouwanttochooseone?”sheaskedwhenhewavedthesalesman

away.

“No,”hesaidatonce.Heglanceddownather.“I’mnotmuchonrings.I’mallergictogold,”he

addeduntruthfully,thinkingfast.

“Oh.Oh,Isee.”Shebrightenedalittle.Ithadhurttothinkhedidn’twanttowearavisible

symbolofhismarriedstatus.

Innotimeatall,theywerecaughtupinweddingarrangements.Kingdidn’twantabigsociety

wedding,andneitherdidTiffany.Theysettledforasmall,intimateserviceinthelocalPresbyterian
churchwithfriendsandfamily.Aministerwasengaged,andalthoughtraditionallythegroomwasto
providetheflowers,Tiffanymadethearrangementsforthemtobedelivered.

Heroneregretwasnotbeingabletohavetheelegantweddinggownshe’dalwaysimaginedthat

she’dhave.Suchadressseemedsomehowoutofplaceatasmallservice.Shechosetoweara
moderndesignersuitinwhite,instead,withanelegantlittlehatandveil.

Shewishedthatherlong-timebestfriendhadn’tmarriedamilitarymanandmovedtoGermany

withhim.Shehadnoonetobemaidormatronofhonor.Thereagain,inasmallserviceitwouldn’t
benoticeable.

Kingbecameirritableandwithdrawnastheweddingdateapproached.Hewasforeverawayon

businessorworkinglateattheoffice,andTiffanyhopedthiswasn’tgoingtobecomeapatternfor
theirmarriedlife.Shewasrealisticenoughtounderstandthathisjobwasimportanttohim,butshe
wantedabigpartinhislife.Shehopedshewasgoingtohaveone.

Thenightbeforethewedding,KinghadsupperwithTiffanyandherfather.Hewassoremote

evenHarrisonnoticed.

“Notgettingcoldfeet,areyou?”Harrisonteased,andtensedatthelookthatracedacrossthe

youngerman’sfacebeforehecouldconcealit.

“Ofcoursenot,”Kingsaidcurtly.“I’vehadalotonmymindlately,that’sall.”
TiffanypausedwithherglassinmidairtoglanceatKing.Shehadn’treallynoticedhowtauthis

facewas,howuneasyheseemed.He’dneverspokenofmarriageinanyone’smemory.Infact,he’d
beenquitehonestabouthismistrustofit.He’dhadgirlfriendsforaslongasTiffanycouldremember,
buttherehadneverbeenareasontobejealousofanyofthem.Kingneverlethimselfbecomeserious
overawoman.

“Don’tdropthat,”Kingmurmured,noddingtowardtheloosegripshehadontheglass.
Sheputitdowndeliberately.“King,youdowanttomarryme,don’tyou?”sheaskedabruptly.
Hiseyesmethersacrossthetable.Therewasnotraceofexpressioninthem.“Iwouldn’thave

askedyouifIhadn’tmeanttogothroughwithit,”hereplied.

Thephrasingwasodd.Shehesitatedforafewseconds,tracingpatternsonherglass.“Icould

workforawhilelonger,”shesuggested,“andwecouldputofftheceremony.”

“We’regettingmarriedSaturday,”heremindedher.“Ialreadyhaveticketsforaresorton

Jamaicaforourhoneymoon.We’rescheduledonanonstopflightSaturdayafternoontoMontego
Bay.”

“Planscanbechanged,”shereplied.
Helaughedhumorlessly.“Nowwho’sgotcoldfeet?”hechallenged.
“Notme,”shelied.Shesmiledanddrainedherglass.Butinside,butterflieswereriotinginher

stomach.She’dneverbeenmoreunsureofherownhopesanddreams.ShewantedKing,andhe
wantedher.Buthiswasaphysicalneed.Hadshepushedhimintothismarriageafterall,andnowhe
wasgoingtomakethemostofit?Whatifhetiredofherbeforethehoneymoonwasevenover?

Shestoppedthistrainofthought.Itwasabsurdtohavesolittlefaithinherownabilities.She’d

vampedhimathertwenty-firstbirthdayparty,tosucheffectthathe’dcomehomefromhisbusiness
tripoutofhismindoverher.Ifshecouldmakehimcrazyonce,shecoulddoittwice.Shecouldmake
himhappy.Shecouldfitinhisworld.Itwas,afterall,hers,too.AsforCarla,andthecomplications
shemightprovoke,shecouldworryaboutthatlater.IfshecouldkeepKinghappyathome,Carla
wouldn’thaveaprayerofsplittingthemup.

Hercovetouseyeswentoverhimasiftheywerecurioushands,searchingouthischiseled

mouth,hisstraightnose,theshapeofhishead,thedarknessofhishair,thedeep-seteyesthatcould
sparkleorstun.Hewaselegant,devastatingtolookat,aphysicalpresencewhereverhewent.Hehad
powerandwealthandthearrogancethatwentwiththem.Butwashecapableoflove,withthesortof
lovelessbackgroundhe’dhad?Couldhelearnit?

Asshestudiedhim,hisheadturnedandhestudiedher,hiseyesadmiringherbeauty,hergrace.

Somethingalteredintheeyesthatsweptoverherandhiseyesnarrowed.

“AmIslurpingmysoup?”sheaskedwithanimpishgrin.
Caughtoffguard,hechuckled.“No.Iwasthinkingwhatabeautyyouare,”hesaidhonestly.

“Youwon’tchangemuchintwentyyears.Youmaygetagrayhairortwo,butyou’llstillbea
miracle.”

“Whatanicethingtosay,”shemurmured,puttingdownhersoupspoon.“Yourememberthat,in

aboutsixyears’time.I’llremindyou,incaseyouforget.”

“Iwon’tforget,”hemused.
Harrisonletoutafaintsighofrelief.SurelyitwasonlyprenuptialnerveseatingatKing.The

manhadknownTiffanyforyears,afterall,therewouldn’tbemanysurprisesforthem.Theyhad
thingsincommonandtheylikedeachother.Eveniflovewasmissingatfirst,heknewitwouldcome.
Itwouldhaveto.NothingshortofitwouldholdamanlikeKing.

Tiffanyglancedatherfather ’ssomberexpressionandliftedaneyebrow.“It’sawedding,nota

wake,”shechided.

Hejerkedandthenlaughed.“Sorry,darling,Iwasmilesaway.”
“ThinkingaboutLettie?”sheteased.
Heglaredather.“Iwasnot,”hesnappedback.“Iftheyeverbarbecueher,I’llbringthesauce.”
“Youknowyoulikeher.You’rejusttoostubborntoadmitit.”
“She’saconstantirritation,likeamoleatthebeltline.”
Tiffany’seyeswidened.“Whatacomparison!”
“I’vegotabetterone,”hesaiddarkly.
“Don’tsayit!”
“Spoilsport,”hemuttered,attackinghissliceofapplepieasifitwerearmed.
Kingwaslisteningtothebyplay,notwithanyrealinterest.Hewasdeeplythoughtfuland

unusuallyquiet.HeglancedatTiffanyoccasionally,butnowhisexpressionwasoneofvagueconcern
andworry.Washekeepingsomethingfromher?Perhapssomethingwasgoingoninhislifethatshe

didn’tknowabout.Ifshecouldgethimalonelater,perhapshe’dtellherwhatitwas.

Butaftertheyfinishedeating,Kingglancedquicklyathiswatchandsaidthathehadtogetback

totheofficetofinishupsomepaperwork.

Tiffanygotupfromthetableandfollowedhimintothehallway.“Ithoughtwemighthavea

minutetotalk,”shesaidworriedly.“We’regettingmarriedtomorrow.”

“WhichiswhyIhavetoworklatetonight,”herepliedtersely.“It’sbeenaverylongtimesince

I’vegivenmyselfaweekoff.Askyourfather.”

“Idon’thaveto.Iknowhowhardyouwork.”Shelookedupathimwithrealconcern.“There’s

stilltimetobackout,ifyouwantto.”

Hiseyebrowsshotup.“Doyouwantto?”
Shegnawedtheinsideofherlip,wonderingifthatwaswhathewantedhertoadmit.Itwasso

difficulttryingtoreadhisthoughts.Shecouldn’tbeginto.

“No,”shesaidhonestly.“Idon’twantto.Butifyoudo…”
“We’llgothroughwithit,”hesaid.“Afterall,we’vegotplentyincommon.Anditwillkeepthe

businessinthefamily.”

“Yes,itwillgotoourchildren…”shebegan.
“GoodGod,”helaughedwithoutmirth,“don’tstarttalkingaboutafamily!That’syearsaway,

forus.”Hescowledsuddenlyandstaredather.“Youhaven’tseenadoctor,haveyou?”

“Forthebloodtest,”sheremindedhim,diverted.
“Forbirthcontrol,”hestatedflatly,watchinghercheekscolor.“I’lltakecareofitfornow.But

whenwegetbackfromourhoneymoon,youmakeanappointment.Idon’tcarewhatyouchoose,but
Iwantyouprotected.”

Shefeltasifhe’dknockedherdownandjumpedonherfeetfirst.“Youknowalotaboutbirth

controlforabachelor,”shefaltered.

“That’swhyI’mstillabachelor,”herepliedcoldly.Hesearchedhereyes.“Childrenwillbea

mutualdecision,notyoursalone.Ihopewe’veclarifiedthat.”

“Youcertainlyhave,”shesaid.
“I’llseeyouatthechurchtomorrow.”Hiseyeswentoverherquickly.“Trytogetagoodnight’s

sleep.We’vegotalongdayandalongtripaheadofus.”

“Yes,Iwill.”
Hetouchedherhair,buthedidn’tkissher.Helaughedagain,asifatsomecoldpersonaljoke.

Heleftherinthehallwaywithoutabackwardglance.Itwasaforebodingsortoffarewellforacouple
ontheeveoftheirwedding,andbecauseofit,Tiffanydidn’tsleepatall.

Chapter7

henextdaydawnedwithpouringrain.ItwasagloomymorningthatmadeTiffanyevenmore

depressedthanshehadbeentostartwith.Shestaredatherreflectioninthemirrorandhardly
recognizedherself.Shedidn’tfeelliketheolddevil-may-careTiffanywhowoulddareanythingto
getwhatshewantedfromlife.Andsherememberedwithchillingprecisionthewordsofanold
saying:becarefulwhatyouwishfor;youmightgetit.

Shemadeupherfacecarefully,camouflagingherpalenessandtheshadowsunderhereyes.She

dressedinherneatwhitesuitandrememberedbelatedlythatshehadn’tthoughttogetabouquetfor
theoccasion.Itwastoolatenow.Sheputonherhatandpulledthethinveiloverhereyes,pickedup
herpurse,andwentouttojoinherfatherinthedownstairshall.Thehouseseemedemptyand
unnaturallyquiet,andshewonderedwhatherlatemotherwouldhavethoughtofthiswedding.

Harrison,inanexpensivedarksuitwithawhiteroseinhislapel,turnedandsmiledathis

daughterasshecamedownthestaircase.

“Youlooklovely,”hesaid.“Yourmotherwouldhavebeenproud.”
“Ihopeso.”
Hecamecloser,frowningashetookherhandsandfoundthemice-cold.“Darling,areyousure

thisiswhatyouwant?”heaskedsolemnly.“It’snottoolatetocallitoff,youknow,evennow.”

Foronemadinstant,shethoughtaboutit.Panichadsetinfirmly.Butshe’dgonetoofar.
“Itwillworkout,”shesaiddoggedly,andsmiledatherfather.“Don’tworry.”
Hesighedimpotentlyandshrugged.“Ican’thelpit.Neitherofyoulookedmuchlikeahappy

coupleoverdinnerlastnight.Youseemedmorelikepeoplewho’djustwonachanceonthe
guillotine.”

“Oh,Dad,”shemoaned,andthenburstoutlaughing.“Trustyoutocomeupwithsomething

outrageous!”

Hesmiled,too.“That’sbetter.Youhadaghostlypallorwhenyoucamedownthestairs.We

wouldn’twantpeopletomistakethisceremonyforawake.”

“Godforbid!”Shetookhisarm.“Well,”shesaid,takingasteadyingbreath,“let’sgetitover

with.”

“Commentslikethataresoreassuring,”hemutteredtohimselfasheescortedheroutthedoor

andintothewhitelimousinethatwastotakethemtothesmallchurch.

Surprisingly,theparkinglotwasfullofcarswhentheypulledupatthecurb.
“Idon’trememberinvitinganyone,”sheventured.
“Kingprobablyfeltobligedtoinvitehiscompanypeople,”heremindedher.“Especiallyhis

executivestaff.”

“Well,yes,Isupposeso.”Shewaitedforthechauffeurtoopenthedoor,andshegotout

gingerly,keenlyawarethatshedidn’thaveabouquet.Sheleftherpurseinthelimo,inwhichsheand
Kingwouldbeleavingfortheairportimmediatelyaftertheservice.Areceptionhadn’tbeenpossible
inthetimeallocated.Kingwouldprobablyhavearrangedsomesortofrefreshmentsforhisoffice
staff,ofcourse,perhapsatalocalrestaurant.

Tiffanyenteredthechurchonherfather ’sarm,andtheypausedtogreettwoofKing’svice

presidents,whomtheyknewquitewell.

Kingwasstandingatthealtarwiththeminister.Thedecorationswereunsettling.Insteadofthe

bowerofrosesshe’dhopedfor,shefoundtwosmallandratherscruffy-lookingflowerarrangements
gracingbothsidesofthealtar.Carelesslytiedwhiteribbonsfestoonedthefrontpews.Familywould
havebeensittingthere,ifsheandKinghadanycloserelatives.Neitherdid,althoughTiffanyclaimed
Lettieasfamily,andsureenough,thereshesat,inasuit,andespeciallyahat,thatwouldhavemade
fashionheadlines.Tiffanysmiledinvoluntarilyatthepictureherfashionablegodmothermade.Good
thingthenewspapersweren’trepresented,shethought,orLettiewouldhaveovershadowedthebride
andgroomforsplendorinthatexquisitesilkdress.And,ofcourse,thehat.

TheministerspottedTiffanyinthebackofthechurchwithherfatherandnoddedtotheorganist

who’dbeenhiredtoprovidemusic.Thefamiliarstrainsofthe“WeddingMarch”filledthesmall
church.

Tiffany’skneesshookassheandherfathermadetheirwaydowntheaisle.Shewonderedhow

manycoupleshadwalkedthisaisle,inloveandwithhopeandjoy?Godknew,shewasscaredtodeath
ofwhatlayahead.

Andjustwhenshethoughtshecouldn’tfeelanyworse,shespottedCarlainthefrontpewon

King’ssideofthechurch.Withdisbelief,sheregisteredthatthewomanwaswearingawhitelacy
dresswithawhiteveiledhat!Asifshe,notTiffany,werethebride!

Shefeltherfathertenseashisowngazefollowedhers,butneitherofthemwereunconventional

enoughtomakeanypublicscene.ItwasunbelievablethatKingwouldinvitehisparamourhere,tohis
wedding.But,then,perhapshewasmakingastatement.Tiffanywouldbehiswife,buthewasmaking
noconcessionsinhispersonallife.Whenconfrontedbythepitifulfloralaccessories,andherlackof
abouquet,shewasn’tparticularlysurprisedthathe’dinvitedCarla.Sheandherdresswerethefinal
indignityoftheday.

Kingglancedsidewaysasshejoinedhim,herfatherrelinquishingherandgoingquicklytohis

ownseat.King’seyesnarrowedonhertrimsuitandtheabsenceofabouquet.Hescowled.

Shedidn’treact.Shesimplylookedattheministerandgavehimallherattentionashebeganthe

ceremony.

Therewasaflutterwhen,neartheendoftheservice,hecalledforKingtoputtheringon

Tiffany’sfinger.Kingsearchedhispockets,scowlingfiercely,untilhefounditlooseinhisslacks’
pocket,wherehe’dplaceditearlier.HesliditontoTiffany’sfinger,hisfacehardeningwhenhe
registeredhowcoldherhandwas.

Theministerfinishedhisservice,askedifthecouplehadanyspecialthingthey’dliketosayas

partoftheceremony.Whentheylookeduneasy,hequicklypronouncedthemmanandwifeand
smiledasheinvitedKingtokissthebride.

Kingturnedtohisnewwifeandstaredatherwithnarrowedeyesforalongmomentbeforehe

pulledupthethinveilandbenttokisshercarelesslywithcold,firmlips.

Peoplefromthefrontpewssurgedforwardtooffercongratulations.Lettiewasfirst.Shehugged

Tiffanywarmly,actinglikeamotherhen.Tiffanyhadtofighttears,becausehernewstatuswould
takeherawayfromtheonlysurrogatemothershe’deverknown.Butsheforcedawaterysmileand
startedtoturntoherfatherwhenshesawalaughingCarlaliftherarmsaroundKing’sneckandkiss
himpassionately,fullonthemouth.

TheministerlookedassurprisedasTiffanyandherfatherdid.Harrisonactuallystarted

forward,whenLettietookhisarm.

“Walkmetomycar,Harrison,”Lettiedirected.
Secondslater,Kingextricatedhimselfandshookhandswithseveralofhisexecutives.Tiffany

gaveCarlaalookthatcouldhavefriedanegganddeliberatelytookherfather ’sfreearm.

“Shallwego?”shesaidtohertwoelderlycompanions.
“Really,dear,thisismost…unconventional,”LettiefalteredasTiffanymarchedthemoutofthe

church.

“Nothalfasunconventionalasforgettingwhichwomanyoumarried,”shesaidloudlyenough

forKing,andtherestoftheonlookers,tohearher.

Shedidn’tlookathim,althoughshecouldfeelfuriouseyesstabbingherintheback.
Shedidn’tcare.Heandhisloverhadhumiliatedherbeyondbearing,andonherweddingday.

Shewastemptedtogohomewithherfatherandgetanannulmentonthespot.

AsshestoodnearthelimousinewithHarrisonandLettie,debatinghernextmove,Kingcaught

herarmandparceledherunceremoniouslyintothelimousine.Shebarelyhadtimetowaveasthe
drivertookoff.

“Thatwasafauxpasofthehighestorder,”hesnappedather.
“Trysayingthatwithlesslipstickonyourmouth,darling,”shedrawledwithpurepoison.
Hedugforahandkerchiefandwipedhismouth,comingawaywiththevividorangeshadethat

Carlahadbeenwearing.

“Myownwedding,”shesaidinachokedtone,herhandsmanglinghersmallpurse,“andyou

andthat…creature…makeaspectacleofthewholething!”

“Youdidn’thelp,”hetoldherhotly,“showingupinasuit,withoutevenabouquet.”
“Thebouquetshouldhavecomefromyou,”shesaidwithshreddedpride.“Iwasn’tgoingtobeg

forone.Judgingbythoseflowerarrangementsyouprovided,ifyou’dorderedabouquetforme,it
wouldhavecomewithdandelionsandstingingnettle!Asforthesuit,youdidn’twantabigwedding,
andafancygownwouldhavebeenhighlyinappropriateforsuchasmallceremony.”

Helaughedcoldly,glaringather.“Youdidn’tsayyouwantedabouquet.”
“YoucangiveCarlaonelaterandsaveherthetroubleofhavingtocatchmine.”
Hecursedroundly.
“Goahead,”sheinvited.“Ruintherestoftheday.”
“Thiswholedamnedthingwasyouridea,”hesnappedather,tuggingroughlyathisconstricting

tie.“Marriagewasneverinmymind,untilyoustartedthrowingyourselfatme!Godknew,anaffair
wasneveranoption.”

Shesearchedhisavertedprofilesadly.Asshe’dfeared,thishadbeen,inmanyways,ashotgun

wedding.Shemournedfortheolddays,whentheywerefriendsandenjoyedeachother ’scompany.
Thosedaysweregoneforever.

“Yes.Iknow,”shesaidheavily.Sheleanedbackagainsttheseatandfeltasifshe’dbeendragged

behindthecar.She’dlosthertemper,butitwasn’treallyhisfault.Hewasasmuchavictimasshe
was,atthemoment.“Idon’tknowwhyIshouldhaveexpectedyoutojumpwithjoy,”shesaidwhen
she’dcalmedalittle.“You’reright.Ididforceyouintoamarriageyoudidn’twant.Youhaveevery
righttobefurious.”Sheturnedtohimwithdeadeyesinafacelikericepaper.“There’snoneedtogo
onwiththisfarce.Wecangetanannulment,rightnow.Ifyou’lljusthavethedrivertakemehome,I’ll
startitrightaway.”

Hestaredatherasifhefearedforhersanity.“Areyououtofyourmind?”heaskedshortly.

“We’vejustbeenmarried.Whatthehelldoyouthinkitwillsaytomyexecutivesandmystockholders
ifIannulmymarriageanhouraftertheceremony?”

“Noonehastoknowwhenit’sdone,”shesaidreasonably.“YoucanflytoJamaicaandI’llgo

backtoNewYorkwithLettieuntilthisallblowsover.”

“Backtomodeling,Isuppose?”heaskedcurtly.
Sheshrugged.“It’ssomethingtodo,”shesaid.
“Youhavesomethingtodo,”hereturnedangrily.“You’remywife.”

“AmI?”sheasked.“Notonepersoninthatchurchwouldhavethoughtso,afteryoukissed

Carla.Infact,Imustsay,herdresswasmuchmoreappropriatethanminefortheoccasion,right
downtotheveil.”

Heavertedhiseyes,almostasifhewereembarrassed.Sheleanedbackagainandclosedher

owneyes,toshuthimout.

“Idon’tcare,”shesaidwearily.“Decidewhatyouwant,andI’lldoit.Anythingatall,except,”

sheadded,turningherheadtostareathimwithcoldeyes,“sleepwithyou.ThatIwillnotdo.Not
now.”

Hiseyebrowsarched.“Whatthehelldoyoumean?”
“ExactlywhatIjustsaid,”sherepliedfirmly.“Youcanget…that…fromCarla,withmy

blessings.”Shealmostbitthroughherliptellingtheflatlie.Pridewasveryexpensive.Sheclosedher
eyesagain,tohidethefearthathemighttakeheruponit.“I’vebeenlivinginafool’sparadise,
lookingforhappilyeverafter,dreamingofsatinandlaceanddeliciousnightsandbabies.Andall
I’vegottoshowforitisasecondhandlustwithouteventheglossoffriendshipbehinditandan
absoluteedictthatI’mnevertothinkofhavingachild.”

Hesatbackinhisownseatandstaredstraightahead.Yes,he’dsaidthat.He’dbeenemphatic,in

fact,aboutnothavingchildrenrightaway.He’dwithdrawnfromherinthepasttwoweeks,so
deliberatelythathe’dgiventheimpressionofamanbeingforcedtodosomethingheabhorred.He’d
arrangedaquickceremony,buthehadn’tlethissecretary—Carla—arrangetheflowers.He’dleftthat
dutytoanothersubordinate.Hewonderedwhatthehellhadgonewrong.Onlytwosparseandnot-
very-attractiveflowerarrangementshadgracedthechurchandTiffanyhadbeendeniedabouquet.He
knewthatitwasdeliberate,thatCarlawassomehowinvolved,buttherewasnowaytoundothe
damage.Bythetimehesawtheflowersitwasfartoolatetodoanything.Carla’sdressandthekiss
hadbeenasmuchasurprisetohimasithadtoTiffany.Shewouldn’tbelieveit,though.Shewas
thinkingofthethingshe’ddeniedher.

She’dbeendeniedmorethanjustflowers,atthat.Shehadn’thadaphotographer,aringbearer,

flowergirlsandattendants,areception—she’dlackedallthoseaswell.Andtotopitalloff,itlooked
asifhe’dwantedtokisshissecretaryinsteadofhisnewbride,infrontofthewholeassembly.

Hiseyessoughtheravertedfaceagain,withbitterregret.He’dfoughtmarryingherfromthe

start,hatinghisweaknessforher,punishingherforit.Thishadbeenatravestyofawedding,all
around.Shewasbitterandwounded,anditwashisfault.Hestudiedherdrawncountenancewith
hauntedeyes.HerememberedTiffanyallaglitterwithhappinessandthesheerjoyofliving,teasing
him,laughingwithhim,temptinghim,lovinghim.Hecouldhavehadallthat,justforhimself.But
he’dlethisfearsandmisgivingscloudtheoccasion,andTiffanyhadsufferedforthem.

Hedrewinalongbreathandturnedhiseyesbacktothewindow.This,hethoughtwearily,was

goingtobesomehoneymoon.

Infact,itwassomehoneymoon,butnotatallthesortTiffanyhadoncedreamedabouthaving.

MontegoBaywasfulloflife,acolorfulandfascinatingplacewithalonghistoryandthefriendliest,
mostwelcomingpeopleTiffanycouldeverrememberinherlife.

Theyhadasuiteatanexpensiveresortonthebeach,andfortunatelyitcontainedtworooms.She

didn’taskKingwhathethoughtofherdecisiontosleepinthesmallerofthetworooms;shesimply
movedin.Shepaidhimthesameattentionshe’dhavepaidafemaleroommate,andshedidn’tcare
whathethoughtaboutthat,either.Itwasherhoneymoon.She’dhadnorealwedding,butshewas
goingtohaveahoneymoon,evenifshehadtospenditalone.

Kinghadbroughtalonghislaptopwithitsbuilt-infax-modem,andhespenttheevening

workingatthesmalldesknearthewindow.

Tiffanyputonaneatbeigetrousersuitandfixedherhairinasoftbunatopherhead.Shedidn’t

evenworrywithmakeup.

“I’mgoingtotherestauranttohavesupper,”sheannounced.
Helookedupfromhismonitor,withquiet,strangelysubduedeyes.“Doyouwantcompany?”
“Notparticularly,thanks.”Shewentoutthedoorwhilehewasgettingusedtobeingan

unwelcometourist.

Shesataloneatatableandateaseafoodsalad.Shehadapiñacoladawithhermeal,andthe

amountofrumitcontainedsentherheadspinning.

Shewasveryhappy,allofasudden,andwhenasteelbandbegantoplaytotheaudience,she

joinedinthefun,clappingandlaughingwiththecrowd.

Itwasn’tuntilatall,swarthymantriedtopickherupthatsherealizedhowherbehaviormight

bemisinterpreted.Sheheldupherlefthandandgavethemanasmilethatheldjusttherightportions
ofgratitudeandregret.Hebowed,nonplussed,andshegotuptopayherbill.

Kingwasoutonthepatiowhenshereturned,buthelookedathercuriouslywhenshestumbled

justinsidethecloseddoorandgiggled.

“Whatthehellhaveyoubeendoing?”heasked.
“Gettingsoused,apparently,”shesaidwithavacantsmile.“Doyouhaveanyideahowmuch

rumtheyputinthosedrinks?”

“Youneverdidhaveaheadforhardliquor,”heremarkedwithafaintsmile.
“Amantriedtopickmeup.”
Thesmileturnedintoacoldscowl.Hecamebackintotheroomslowly.He’dchangedintowhite

slacksandapatternedsilkshirt,whichwashangingopenoverhisdark-hairedchest.Helookedrakish
withhishaironhisforeheadandhiseyesglitteringather.

“Ishowedhimmyweddingring,”shesaidtoplacatehim.“AndIdidn’tkisshim.Itis,afterall,

myweddingday.”

“Ahellofaweddingday,”herepliedhonestly.
“IfIhadn’tgoneallmushy,we’dstillbefriends,”shesaidwithasadlittlesighastheliquor

madeherhonest.“Iwishwewere.”

Hemovedalittlecloserandhischestroseandfellroughly.“SodoI,”headmittedtersely.He

searchedhersadeyes.“Tiffany,I…didn’twanttobemarried.”

“Iknow.It’sallright,”shesaidconsolingly.“Youdon’thavetobe.Whenwegetback,I’llgo

andseeanattorney.”

Hedidn’trelax.Hiseyesweresteadyandcurious,searchingoverherslenderbody,seekingout

allthesoftcurvesandlinesofher.“Youshouldn’thavegrownup.”

“Ididn’thavemuchchoice.”Shesmotheredayawnandturnedaway.“Goodnight,King.”
Hewatchedhergowithanacheinhisbellythatwouldn’tquit.Hewantedher,desperately.Butan

annulmentwouldbeimpossibleifhefollowedherintoherroom.Andshe’dalreadysaidthatshe
didn’twanthim.Heturnedbacktothecoolbreezeonthepatioandwalkedoutside,lettingthewind
coolhishotskin.He’dneverfeltsorestless,orsocoldinside.

Tiffanyawokewithablindingheadacheandnauseathickinherthroat.Shemanagedtositupon

thesideofthebedinhersimplewhitecottongown.Itcoveredeveryinchofher,andshewasglad
nowthatshe’ddecidednottopackanythingsuggestiveorglamorous.Shelookedveryyounginthe

gownandwithouthermakeup,withherdarkhairinatanglearoundherpaleface.

Kingknockedatthedoorandthenwalkedin,hesitatinginthedoorwaywithanexpressionof

faintsurprisewhenhesawthewayshelooked.Hisbrowsdrewtogetheremphatically.

“Areyouallright?”heaskedcurtly.
“Ihaveahangover,”sherepliedwithoutlookingathim.“Iwanttodie.”
Hebreathedroughly.“Nexttime,leavetherumtotheexpertsandhaveasoftdrink.I’vegot

sometabletsinmycasethatwillhelp.I’llbringyouacouple.Wantsomecoffee?”

“Black,please,”shesaid.Shedidn’tmove.Herheadwassplitting.
Whenhecameback,shestillhadn’tstirred.Heshooktwotabletsintoherhandandgavehera

glassofwatertoswallowthemwith.Shethankedhimandgavebacktheglass.

“I’llbringthecoffeeinassoonasroomservicegetshere,”hesaid.“Idon’tsupposeyouwant

breakfast,butitwouldhelpnottohaveanemptystomach.”

“Ican’teatanything.”Sheeasedbackdownonthebed,curleduplikeachildwithhereyes

closedandapillowshovedoverherachinghead.

Heleftheragainsthisbetterjudgment.Acaringhusbandwouldhavestayedwithher,heldher

hand,offeredsympathy.He’dfouledupsomuchforherinthepastfewweeksthathedidn’tthinkany
overturesfromhimwouldbewelcomed.Shedidn’tevenhavetotellhimwhyshe’dhadsomuchto
drinkthenightbefore.Healreadyknew.

Minuteslater,heenteredtheroomwiththecoffeeandfoundTiffanyonthefloor,gaspingfor

breath.Shecouldn’tseemtobreathe.Herfacewasswollen.Red-rimmedeyeslookedupathimwith
genuinepanic.

“GoodGod.”Hewenttothephonebyherbedandcalledforadoctor,intonesthatmadethreats

ifonewasn’tforthcoming.Thenhesatonthefloorbesideher,hisexpressiononeofsubduedhorror,
tryingtoreassureherwithoutasingleideawhattodo.Shelookedasifshemightsuffocatetodeath
anyminute.

Thequickarrivalofthedoctorrelievedhisworry,butnotforlong.
WithoutevenlookingatKing,thedoctorjerkedupthetelephoneandcalledforanambulance.
“Whatdidsheeat?”thedoctorshotathimashefilledasyringefromasmallvial.
“Nothingthismorning.Shehadahangover.Igaveheracoupleofaspirinsafewminutes

ago…”

“Issheallergictoaspirin?”heaskedcurtly.
“I…don’tknow.”
Thedoctorgavehimalookthatcontainedequalpartsofcontemptandanger.“Youareher

husband?”heaskedwithveiledsarcasm,thenturnedbacktoputtheneedledirectlyintotheveinather
elbow.

“Whatareyougivingher?”Kingaskedcurtly.
“Somethingtocounteractanallergicreaction.You’dbettergooutanddirecttheambulancemen

inhere.Tellthemnottolagbehind.”

Kingdidn’targue,foronce.Hedidexactlyashewastold,coldalloverashetookonelast,

fearfulglanceatTiffany’spoorswollenface.Hereyeswereclosedandshewasstillgaspingaudibly.

“Willshedie?”Kingchoked.
Thedoctorwascountingherpulse.“NotifIcanhelpit,”hesaidtersely.“Hurry,man!”
Kingwentouttothebalconyandwatched.Heheardtheambulancearriveaneternityofseconds

later.Almostatonceambulanceattendantscameintoview.Hemotionedthemupthestairsandinto
Tiffany’sbedroom.

Theyloadedherontoagurneyandcarriedherout.Hercolorwasalittlebetterandshewas

breathingmuchmoreeasily,butshewasapparentlyunconscious.

“Youcanrideintheambulancewithher,ifyoulike,”thedoctorinvited.
Kinghesitated,notbecausehedidn’twanttogowithher,butbecausehe’dneverbeeninsucha

positionbeforeandhewasstunned.

“Followinacab,then,”theothermanrapped.“I’llridewithher.”
Hemutteredunderhisbreath,grabbedhiswalletandkey,lockedthedoor,andwentdownto

catchacabatthefrontofthehotel.Itwasasimpleexercise,therewasalwaysacabwaitinganda
doormantosummonit.

Minuteslater,hewaspacingoutsidetheemergencyroomwaitingforthedoctortocomeout.

Strangehowquicklyhisprioritieshadchangedandrearrangedinthepastfewminutes.Allithad
takenwasseeingTiffanylikethat.Heknewthataslongashelived,thesightofheronthefloor
wouldcomebacktohaunthim.Ithadbeensounnecessary.He’dneverbotheredtoaskifshewas
allergictoanything.Hehadn’twantedtoknowherinanyintimateorpersonalway.

Nowherealizedthatheknewnothingatall,andthathisignorancehadalmostcostherherlife

thismorning.Nothingwasasimportantnowasseeingthatshehadthebestcare,thatshegotbetter,
thatsheneverhadtosufferagainbecauseofalackofinterestorcaringonhispart.Hemightnot
havewantedthismarriage,butdivorcewasnotfeasible.Hehadtomakethebestofit.Andhewould.

Chapter8

utthethingthathadn’toccurredtohimwasthatTiffanymightnotcareonewayortheotherforhis

concern.Whenshewasreleasedfromthehospitallaterthatday,withawarningnottoevertouch
aspirinagaininanyform,herwholeattitudetowardherhusbandhadchanged.Everyounceofspirit
seemedtohavebeendrainedoutofher.

Shewasquiet,unusuallywithdrawnonthewaybacktothehotelinthetaxi.Herpalenesshadn’t

abated,despitehertreatment.Theswellinghadgone,butshewasweak.Hehadtohelpherfromthe
taxiandintothehotel.

“Ineveraskedifyouhadallergies,”Kingsaidashesupportedherintotheelevator.Hepushed

thebuttonfortheirfloor.“I’msorrythishappened.”

“Thewholethingwasmyfault,”shesaidwearily.“Myheadhurtsobadthatitneveroccurredto

metoquestionwhatyouweregivingme.Ihaven’thadanaspirinsinceIwasthirteen.”

Hestudiedherassheleanedbackagainstthewalloftheelevator,lookingasifshemight

collapseanyminute.“Onewayoranother,you’vehadahellofawedding.”

Shelaughedmirthlessly.“Yes,Ihave.”
Theelevatorjerkedtoastopandthedoorsopened.Kingabruptlyswungherupintohisarms

andcarriedhertotheirroom,puttingherdownonlylongenoughtoproducethekeyandopenthe
door.

Sheletherheadrestonhisbroadshoulderandclosedhereyes,pretendingthathelovedher,

pretendingthathewantedher.She’dlivedondreamsofhimmostofherlife,butrealityhadbeena
staggeringblowtoherprideandherheart.Theyweremarried,andyetnotmarried.

Hecarriedherintothesittingroomanddepositedhergentlyonthesofa.“Areyouhungry?”he

asked.“Doyouthinkyoucouldeatsomething?”

“Acoldsalad,perhaps,”shemurmured.“Withthousandislanddressing,andaglassofmilk.”
Hephonedroomservice,orderingthatforherandasteakandsaladandabeerforhimself.
“Ididn’tknowyoueverdrankbeer,”shemusedwhenhehungup.
Heglancedathercuriously.“We’velivedineachother ’spocketsforaslongasIcan

remember,”hesaid.“Amazing,isn’tit,howlittleweactuallyknowabouteachother.”

Shepushedbackherdisheveledhairwithasighandclosedhereyes.“Idon’tthinkthere’sadrop

ofanythingleftinmypoorstomach.Icouldn’teatlastnight.Ididn’tevenhavebreakfastthis
morning.”

“Andyoudon’tneedtoloseweight,”hestatedsolemnly.Hescowledashesearchedoverher

body.“Tiffany,you’vedroppedafewpoundslately.”

“Ihaven’thadmuchappetiteforseveralmonths,”shesaidhonestly.“Itwasn’tencouragedwhen

Iwasmodeling.AfterIcamehome,andwe…decidedtogetmarried,Iwastoobusytoeatalot.It’s
beenahecticfewweeks.”

Hehadn’tmissedthehesitationwhenshespokeoftheirdecisiontomarry.Hehatedthewayshe

looked.Thechangeinherwassodramaticthatanyonewho’dknownherevenayearbeforewouldn’t
recognizeher.

Hisheavysighcaughtherattention.

“Doyouwanttogohome?”sheasked.
Thesadnessinhereyeshurthim.“Onlyifyoudo,”hesaid.“Thereareplentyofthingstosee

aroundhere.WecouldgoupandwalkaroundRoseHall,forexample,”headded,mentioningawell-
knownhistoricalspot.

Butsheshookherhead.“Idon’tfeellikesight-seeing,King,”shetoldhimhonestly.“Couldn’t

wegohome?”

Hehesitated.Shewasworn-outfromtherushedwedding,thetripoverhere,herexperiencewith

theallergicreaction.Hewantedtotellherthatanight’ssleepmightmakeallthedifference,butthe
sightofherfacewasenoughtoconvincehimthatshe’ddobetterinherownenvironment.

“Allright,”hesaidgently.“Ifthat’swhatyouwant.We’llleaveattheendoftheweek.I’lltryto

getticketsfirstthinginthemorning.”

Shenodded.“Thankyou.”
Roomservicecamewiththeirordersandtheyateinastrainedsilence.Tiffanyfinishedhersalad

andcoffeeandthen,pleadingtiredness,gotuptogotobed.

Shestartedforherownroom.
“Tiffany.”
Hisdeepvoicestoppedheratthedoorway.Sheturned.“Yes?”
“Sleepwithme.”
Herheartjerkedinherchest.Hereyeswidened.
“No,”hesaid,shakinghisheadashegottohisfeet.“Idon’twantyouthatwayyet,honey,”he

saidsoftly,tolessentheblowofthestatement.“Youdon’tneedtobealonetonight.It’saking-size
bed,andyouwon’tneedtoworrythatI’lltakeadvantage.”

Itwasverytempting.He’dhardlytouchedherinalmostamonth.Andalthoughhedidn’tknowit,

anyfearofhavinghimtakeadvantageofthesituationwasnonexistent.Shesometimesfeltthatshe’d
havegivensixmonthsofherlifetohavehimthrowherdownontothenearestavailablesurfaceand
ravishhertothepointofexhaustion.Shewonderedwhathe’dsayifsheadmittedthat.Probablyit
wouldbejustonemorecomplicationhedidn’twant.AndtherewasstillCarla,waitingbackhome.

“Allright,”shesaidafteraminute.“Ifyoudon’tmind…”
“Mind!”Hebitoffthewordandturnedawaybeforeshecouldseehisstrainedface.“No,”he

saidfinally.“Idon’t…mind.”

Hewasbehavingveryoddly,shemusedassheshoweredandthenputonanotherofherwhite

embroideredgowns.Thegarmentwasveryconcealingandvirginal,andtherewasacottonrobethat
matchedit,withcolorfulpastelembroideryonthecollarandthehem,andevenonthebeltthat
secureditaroundhertrimwaist.

WhenshewalkedintotheotherroomandapproachedKing’s,throughtheslightlyopendoor

sheheardhimtalkingonthetelephone.

“…behometomorrow,”hewassaying.“I’llwanteverythingreadywhenIgettotheoffice.Yes,

we’lltalkaboutthat,”headdedinacold,bitingtone.“No,Iwouldn’tmakeanybetsonit.Youdothat.
Anddon’tfoulthingsupthistimeoritwillbethelastmistakeyoumakeonmypayroll.Isthatclear?”

Heputdownthereceiverwithanangrybreathandranahandthroughhisowndamphair.He

waswearinganincrediblysexyblackvelourrobewithsilvertrim.Whenheturned,Tiffany’sknees
wentweakatthewideswathofhair-roughenedchestitbaredtoherhungryeyes.

Hewaslookingather,too.Thegownandrobeshouldhavebeendampeningtoanyman’sardor,

becauseshelookedasvirginalasheknewshewas.Butitinflamedhim.Withherfacesoftinthe
lamplight,hereyesdowncast,shemadehimache.

“Whichsideofthebeddoyouwant?”heaskedcurtly.
“Iliketheleft,butitdoesn’tmatter.”

Hewavedhertowardit.Tryingnottonoticethathewaswatchingherobsessively,shedrewoff

therobeandspreaditacrossthebackofanearbychairbeforesheturneddownthecoversand,
tossingoffherslippers,climbedunderthesheet.

Helookedatherwithdarkening,narrowedeyes.Shecouldseehisheartbeat,itwassoheavy.

Whileshewatched,hishandwenttotheloopthatsecuredthebeltofhisrobeandloosenedit,catching
therobeoveronearmtotossitaside.Hestoodthere,completelynude,completelyaroused,andlet
herlook.

Herlipsparted.Itwasablatant,arrogantaction.Shedidn’tknowwhattodoorsay.Shecouldn’t

managewords.Hewas…exquisite.Hehadabodythatwouldhavemadethemostjadedwomanswoon
withpleasure.And,rememberingtheheatedmasteryofhislovemaking,herbodythrobbedallover.It
wasinhereyes,herflushedface,hershakingheartbeat.

“Takeitoff,”hesaidinahuskysofttone.“Iwanttolookatyou.”
Shewasn’tabletothinkanymore.Sheclammeredoutfromunderthesheetandontoherknees,

strugglingtothrowofftheyardsofconcealingcotton.Atlast,shetuggeditoverherheadandthrew
itontothefloor.Herbodywasasarousedashis.Heknewthesigns.

Hemovedaroundthebed.Ashecamecloser,hecaughttherosescentofher.Forgottenwasthe

rockystarttotheirhoneymoon,theaccusations,thesuddenillness.Heapproachedherlikeapredator.

Shemadeahelplesslittlesoundandabruptlyreachedbesidehertosweepbothpillowsoffthe

bedandontothefloorasshesurgedbackward,flatonthesheet,herlegsparted,herarmsbesideher
head.Shetrembledthere,waiting,alittleafraidoftheoverwhelmingmasculinityofhim,buthungry
andwelcomingdespiteit.

Hecameontothebed,slowly,stealthily,asifhestillexpectedhertobolt.Onelean,powerfulleg

inserteditselfbetweenbothofhers,hischesthoveredabovehers,hisarmsslidbesideher,hisfingers
interlacedwithherownandpinnedthembesideherears.

“It’s…pagan.”Shechoked.
Heunderstood.Henoddedslowly,andstillhiseyesheldhers,unblinking,ashislegmoved

againsttheinsideofhersinasinuous,sensualtouchthatechoedthepredatoryapproachofhismouth
toherpartedlips.

Itwaslikefencing,shethoughthalf-dazed.Hisbodyteasedher,hismouthteasedher,everypart

ofhimwasaninstrumentofseduction.Itwasnothingliketheirearlierlovemaking,whenhe’dkissed
her,touchedher,evenpleasuredher.Thiswastherealthing,aprowling,tenderlyviolentstalkingof
thefemalebythemale,acontrolledsavageryofpleasurethatenticedbutneversatisfied,thataroused
anddeniedallatthesametime.

Herbodyshookasifwithafeverandshearched,pleaded,pulled,twisted,tryingtomakehim

endit.Thetensionwasatalevelfarbeyondanythathe’deversubjectedherto.

Hetouchedherverybrieflyandthen,finally—finally!—moveddownintotheintimacythat

she’dbeggedfor.Butevenasitcame,itfrightenedher.Shestiffened,hernailsdiggingintohis
musculararms,herteethbitingatherlowerlip.

Hestilled.Hisheartwasbeatingfuriously,buthiseyes,despitetheirfierceneed,weretender.
“Firsttimesarealwaysdifficult,”hewhispered.Heheldhereyesashemovedagain,verygently.

“Canyoufeelme,there?”hemurmuredwickedly,bendingtobrushhissmilinglipsagainsthers.
Theyrestedthereashemovedagain.“Talktome.”

“Talk?”Shegaspedasshefelthiminvadingher.“Good…Lord…!”
“Talktome,”hechided,laughingassheclutchedhim.“Thisisn’taritualofsilence.We’re

learningeachotherinthemostintimatewaythereis.Itshouldn’tbeanordeal.Lookdownmybody
whileI’mtakingyou.Seehowitlookswhenwefittogetherlikepuzzlepieces.”

“Icouldn’t!”shegasped.

“Why?”Hestilledanddeliberatelyliftedhimselfforafewseconds.“Look,Tiffany,”hecoaxed.

“Itisn’tfrightening,orsordid,orugly.We’rebecominglovers.It’sthemostbeautifulthingaman
andwomancanshare,especiallywhenit’sasemotionalasitisphysical.Lookatus.”

Itwasapowerfulenticement,anditworked.Buthershockedeyesdidn’tlinger.Theywent

quicklybacktohis,asiftoseekcomfortandreassurance.

“You’remywife,”hewhisperedsoftly.Hecaughthisbreathashisnextmovementtookhim

completelytotheheartofher,andhiseyesclosedandheshivered.

Seeinghimvulnerablelikethatseemedtorobheroffearandtheslightdiscomfortoftheir

intimateposition.Oneofherhandsfreeditselfandmovedhesitantlytotouchhisdrawnface,tosift
throughhisthick,coolblackhair.Hiseyesopened,asifthecaressstartledhim.

Itwasincredible,tolookathimandtalktohimwiththelightsonwhiletheyfusedinthemost

shockingway.Buthedidn’tseematallshocked.Infact,hewatchedherthewholetime.Whenhiships
begantomovelazilyagainsthersandtheshockofpleasureliftedhertightagainsthim,andshe
gasped,heactuallylaughed.

“For…shame!”Shechoked,shiveringwitheachmovementasunexpectedpleasurerippled

throughher.

“Why?”hetaunted.
“Youlaughed!”
“Youdelightme,”hewhispered,bendingtonibbleherlipsashismovementslengthenedand

deepened.“I’veneverenjoyeditlikethis.”

Whichwasanuncomfortablereminderthathewasnonovice.Shestartedtospeak,butasifhe

sensedwhatshewasgoingtosay,hesuddenlyshiftedandshewasoverwhelmedbythemost
staggeringpleasureshe’deverfelt.

Itpossessedher.Shecouldn’tevenbreathe.Shearchedup,helpless,hermouthopen,hereyes

dazed,gaspingwitheachdeliberatemovementofhisbody.Shewastryingtograspsomethingelusive
andexplosive,reachingtowarditwitheverythreadofherbeing.Itwasjustoutofherreach,almost,
almost,tantalizinglyclose…

“Oh…please!”shemanagedtosayinashudderinglittlecry.
Helookedsomber,almostviolentinthatinstant.Hesaidsomething,butshedidn’thearhim.Just

asthetensionabruptlysnappedandsheheardherownvoicesobbinginunbearablepleasure,hisface
burieditselfinhersoftthroatandhisownbodyshudderedwiththesamesweetanguish.

Foralongtimeafterward,hisbreathingwasaudible,raspyandunsteadyatherear.Shegasped

forair,butshewasstillclingingtohim,asifshecouldretainjustafragmentofthatextraordinary
waveofpleasurethathaddrownedherforendlessseconds.

“Itdoesn’tlast,”shewhisperedshakenly.
“Itcouldn’t,”herepliedheavily.“Thehumanbodycanonlybearsomuchofitwithoutdying.”
Herhandsspreadonhisdampshoulderswithasortofwonderatthefeelofhimsodeepinher

body.Shemovedherhipsandfeltthepleasureripplethroughherunexpectedly.

Shelaughedatherdiscovery.
Heliftedhisdarkheadandhiseyes,satednow,searchedhers.“Experimenting?”
Shenodded,andmovedgentlyagain,gaspingasshefoundwhatshewassearchingfor.But

alongwithitcameanewandunfamiliarstingingsensationandshestilled.

Hebrushedbackherdamphairgently.“Yourbodyhastogetusedtothis,”hemurmured.“Right

now,youneedrestmorethanyouneedme.”Hemovedveryslowlyandbalancedhimselfonhis
hands.“Trytorelax,”hewhispered.“Thismaybeuncomfortable.”

Whichwasanunderstatement.Sheclosedhereyesandgroundherteethtogetherashelifted

awayfromher.

Heeasedoverontohisbackwithaheavybreathandturnedhisheadtowardher.“Andnowyou

knowafewthingsthatyoudidn’t,before,”hemused,watchingherexpressions.“Wantabathorjusta
wetcloth?”

Thematter-of-factquestionshouldn’thaveshockedher,butitdid.Hernudityshockedher,too,

andsodidhis.Withouttheanestheticofpassion,sexwasveryembarrassing.Shegottoherfeetand
gathereduphergown,holdingitoverherfront.

“I…IthinkI’dlikeashower,”shestammered.
Hegotoutofbed,completelyuninhibited,andtookthegownfromherfingers,tossingitonto

thebed.“Noneofthat,”hetauntedsoftly.“We’reanoldmarriedcouplenow.Thatmeanswecanbathe
together.”

Herexpressionwascomplicated.“Wecan?”
“Wecan.”
Heledherintothebathroom,turnedontheshowerjets,andploppedherinbeforehim.
Itwasanadventuretobathewithsomeone.Shewasalternatelyembarrassed,intrigued,amused,

andscandalizedbyit.Butshelaughedwithpuredelightatthisunexpectedfacetofmarriedlife.Ithad
neveroccurredtoherthatshemighttakeashowerwithKing,eveninhermosteroticdreams.

Afterward,theydriedeachotherandhecarriedherbacktobed,placingherneatlyunderthe

covers,nude,beforehejoinedherandturnedoffthelights.

Hecaughtherwanderinghandanddrewittohishairychestwithachuckle.
“Stopthat,”hemurmured.“You’reusedup.Nomoreforyoutonight,orprobablytomorrow,

either.”

Sheknewhewasright,butshewasstillbristlingwithcuriosityandthenewnessofintimacy.
Hishandsmoothedhersofthair.“Wehaveyearsofthisaheadofus,”heremindedherquietly.

“Youdon’thavetorushinasiftonightwasthelastnightwe’deverhavetogether.”

Shelayagainsthimwithoutspeaking.Thatwashowithadfelt,though.Therewasasortof

desperationinit,afuriousseekingandholding.Shedidn’tunderstandherownfears,exceptthatshe
wasfatallyuncertainofKingmanMarshall’sstayingpower.Carlastillloomedinthebackground,and
evenifhe’dfoundTiffanyenjoyableinbed,hewasstillgettingusedtoamarriedstatusthathe’d
neverwanted.Shedidn’tkidherselfthatitwassmoothsailingfromnowon.Infact,theintimacy
they’djustsharedmightprovetobemoreofadetrimentthananadvantageinthecoldlightofday.

Theworryslowlydriftedaway,though,asshelayinherhusband’swarmarmsandinhaledthe

expensivescentofhiscologne.Tomorrowwouldcome,butfortonight,shecouldpretendthatshe
wasamuch-lovedwifewithalonghappymarriageaheadofher.Kingmustknowthatshehadn’thad
timetoseeadoctoraboutanysortofbirthcontrol.Butheapparentlyhadn’ttakencareofitashe’d
saidhewould.He’dbeentoohungryforhertotaketimetomanageithimself.

Shethoughtofachildandherwholebodywarmedandflushed.Hedidn’twantchildren,butshe

did,desperately.IfhedidleaveherforCarla,she’dhaveasmallpartofhimthattheotherwoman
couldnevertakefromher.

Frompipedreamstorealitywasahardfall.Butshewokealonethenextday,withhergown

tossedhaphazardlyonthebedwithher.Kingwasnowhereinsight,anditwasoneo’clockinthe
afternoon!

Sheputonthegownandherslippersandrobeandpaddedslowlyoutintothesittingroomofthe

suite.Itwasempty,too.Perturbed,shewentacrossintoherownroomandfoundsomewhitejeans
andared-and-blue-and-whitejerseytoslipinto.Shetiedherhairbackinaredribbon,slippedonher

sneakers,andstartedtogooutandlookforKingwhenshesawtheenvelopeonthedresser.

Hernamewasonthefrontinafamiliarboldblackslash.Shepickeduptheenvelopeandheldit,

savoringforamomentthenightbefore,becausesheknewinsideherselfthatwhateverwasinthat
envelopewasgoingtoupsether.

Shedrewoutapieceofhotelstationeryandunfoldedit.

Tiffany,
I’veleftyourpassport,andmoneyforareturnticketandanythingelseyouneedinyour
purse.I’vepaidthehotelbill.Anemergencycameupbackhome.Imeanttotellyoulast
nightthatIhadtoleavefirstthingthismorning,butitslippedmymind.Imanagedtoget
thelastseatonaplanetoSanAntonio.We’lltalklater.
King.

Shereadittwicemore,foldedit,andputitintotheenvelope.Whatsortofemergencywasso

pressingthatamanhadtoleavehishoneymoontotakecareofit?

Thatwaswhensomethingniggledatthebackofhermind,andsherememberedthesnatchof

conversationshe’doverheardbeforethey’dgonetobed.Kinghadsaidthathe’dbehometomorrow
—today.Shedrewinaharshbreath.Carla.Carlahadphonedhimandhe’dlefthiswifetorushhome.
She’dhavebetherlastdollarthattherewasnoemergencyatall,unlessitwasthathewasmissinghis
oldlover.Apparently,shethoughtwithdespair,eventheheatedexchangeofthenightbeforehadn’t
beenenoughforhim.Andwhyshouldit?Shewasanovice,onlyanewexperienceforhim.Carlawas
probablyasexpertashewas.

Withwoundedpridestiffeningherbackbone,shepickedupthetelephoneanddialedthe

internationalcodeandherfather ’sprivateofficenumber.

“Hello?”heansweredafteraminute.
Thesoundofhisvoicewassodearandcomfortingthatshehesitatedafewsecondstochoke

backhurttears.“Hi,Dad,”shesaid.

“Whatthehell’sgoingon?”hedemanded.“Kingphonedmefromtheairportandsaidhewason

hiswayintothecitytosortoutsomeuniondisputeatoneofthebranchoffices.Sincewhendowe
haveauniondispute?”heaskedirritably.

“Idon’tknowanymorethanyoudo,”shesaid.“Heleftmeanote.”
Hesighedangrily.“Icouldhavedealtwithadispute,iftherehadbeenone.I’vebeendoingit

longerthanhehas,andI’mtheseniorpartner.”

Hedidn’thavetosaythat.Shealreadyknewit.“I’mcominghometomorrow,”shetoldhim.“I,

uh,sortofhadaboutwithsomeaspirinandI’mfeelingbad.Iwasreadytoleave,buttherewasonly
oneseatavailableonthemorningflight.WeagreedthatI’dfollowtomorrow,”sheliedglibly.

ItsoundedfishytoHarrison,buthedidn’tsayawordaboutit.“You’reallergictoaspirin,”he

saidpointedly.

“Iknow,butKingdidn’t.Ihadasplittingheadacheandhegavemesome.Hehadtotakemeto

thehospital,butI’mfinenow,andheknowsnottogivemeaspirinagain.”

“Damnation!”herfathergrowled.“Doesn’theknowanythingaboutyou?”
“Oh,he’slearningallthetime,”sheassuredhim.“I’lltalktoyoutomorrow,Dad.Canyouhave

thecarmeetmeattheairport?I’mnotsureifKingwillrememberme,ifhe’sinvolvedinmeetings.”
OrwithCarla,shethought.Kinghadn’tsaidanythingabouthercominghomeatallinhisterselittle
note.Shewasgoingtobeasurprise.

Therewasanominouspause.“I’llrememberyou.Phonemewhenyougetin.Takecare,

darling.”

“You,too,Dad.Seeyou.”
Heputdownthereceiver,gotoutofhischair,andmadethedoorintwostrides.Hewentpasthis

secretaryanddownthehalltoKing’soffice,pushedopenthedooronastartledCarla,andslammedit
back.

Sheactuallygasped.“Mr….Mr.Blair,canIdosomethingforyou?”
“Youcanstoptryingtosabotagemydaughter ’smarriage,youblack-eyedlittlepitviper,”he

saidwithfuriouseyes.“Firstyoufouleduptheflowers,thenyouworeadresstotheceremonythat
eventothemostunprejudicedpersonintheworldlookedlikeaweddinggown.Youkissedthe
groomasifyouwerethebride,andnowyou’vemanagedtogetKingbackhereonsometomfool
excuse,leavinghisbridebehindinJamaica!”

Carla’seyesalmostpopped.“Mr.Blair,honestly,Inevermeant…”
“You’refired,”hesaidfuriously.
Shemanagedtogettoherfeetandhercheeksflamed.“Mr.Blair,I’mKing’ssecretary,”shesaid

throughherteeth.“Youcan’tfireme!”

“Iownfifty-onepercentofthestock,”hetoldherwithpurecontempt.“ThatmeansIcanfire

whomIdamnedwellplease.Isaid,you’refired,andthatmeansyou’refired.”

Shedrewanindignantbreath.“I’llfileacomplaint,”shesnappedback.
“Gorightahead,”heinvited.“I’llcallthetabloidsandgivethemastorythatyou’llhaveyearsto

livedown,aftertheydoalittlecheckingintoyourbackground.”

Itwasonlyashotinthedark,butshedidn’tknowthat.Herfacewentpaperwhite.Sheactually

shivered.

“Yourseverancepaywillbewaitingforyouonthewayout,”hesaidshortly.
Hewentouttheofficedoor,almostcollidingwithKing.
“I’vejustfiredyourdamnedsecretary!”HarrisontoldKingwithuncharacteristiccontempt.

“Andifyouwantadivorcefrommydaughtersoyoucangochasingafteryoursweetlittleparamour,
here,I’llfootthebill!Thetwoofyoudeserveeachother!”

HeshoulderedpastKingandstormedawaydownthehall,backintohisownoffice.Thewalls

actuallyshookundertheforcewithwhichheslammedthedoor.

KinggaveCarlaapenetratinglook.Hewalkedintotheoffice,andclosedthedoor.Harrisonhad

beatenhimtothepunch.HewasgoingtofireCarla,butfirsthewantedsomeanswers.

“Allright,”hesaid.“Let’shaveit.”
“Havewhat?”shefaltered.Shemovedclosetohim,usingeverywileshehadforallshewas

worth.“Youaren’tgoingtolethimfireme,areyou?”sheteased,movingherhipsgentlyagainsthis
body.“Notafterallwe’vebeentooneanother?”

Hestiffened,butnotwithdesire,andsteppedback.“WhatwehadwasoverlongbeforeImarried

Tiffany.”

“Itneverhadtobe,”shecooed.“She’sachild,alittleprincess.Whatcanshebetoamanlike

you?Nothingmorethananewexperience.”

“Youphonedandsaidtherewasalabordispute,”heremindedher.“Ican’tfindatraceofit.”
Sheshrugged.“TomsaidtherewererumorsofastrikeandthatI’dbetterletyouknow.Askhim,

ifyoudon’tbelieveme.”Shestruckaseductivepose.“Areyougoingtolethimfireme?”sheasked
again.

Heletoutaharshbreath.Harrisonwasbreathingfire.Apparentlyhe’dgotthewrongendofthe

stickandCarlahaddonenothingtochangehismind.

“You’vemadeanenemyofhim,”Kingtoldher.“Abadone.Yourbehaviorattheweddingis

somethinghewon’tforget.”

“Youwill,”shesaidconfidently.“Youdidn’twanttomarryher.Youdidn’tevencheckaboutthe

flowersorasillybouquet,becauseyoudidn’tcare,andsheembarrassedyoubywearingasuittoget
marriedin.”Shemadeamoueofdistaste.“Itwasafarce.”

“Yes,thankstoyou.”Hestuckhishandsintohispocketsandgloweredather.Hewonderedhow

faroutofhismindhe’dbeentogetinvolvedwiththissmilingboaconstrictor.She’dbeenexciting
andchallenging,butnowshewasanuisance.“I’llseewhatIcandoaboutgettingyouanotherjob.But
nothere,”headdedquietly.“I’mnotgoingagainstHarrison.”

“Isthatwhyyoumarriedher?”sheasked.“Sothatyoucouldbesureofinheritingthewhole

companywhenhedies?”

“Don’tbeabsurd.”
Sheshrugged.“Maybeit’swhyshemarriedyou,too,”shesaid,plantingaseedofdoubt.“She’ll

havesecuritynow,evenifyoudivorceher,won’tshe?”

Divorce.Harrisonhadsaidsomethingaboutadivorce.“IhavetotalktoHarrison,”hesaid

shortly.“You’llworkyourtwoweeksnotice,despitewhathesaid,andI’llseewhat’sgoingatanother
office.”

“Thankyou,sweet,”shemurmured.Shemovedcloseandreacheduptokisshim.“You’rea

prince!”

Hewentoutthedoorwithahandkerchieftohismouth,wipingoffthetasteofheronhiswayto

hispartner ’soffice.

Chapter9

arrisonjustglaredatKingwhenhewentintotheofficeandclosedthedoorbehindhim.

“Idon’tcarewhatyousay,she’shistory,”Harrisontoldtheyoungerman.“She’smeddledinmy

daughter ’saffairsforthelasttime!”

Kingscowled.Hedidn’tlikethelookofhispartner.“Ihaven’tsaidaword,”hesaidsoftly.

“Calmdown.Ifyouwanthertogo,shegoes.Butletherworkouthernotice.”

Harrisonrelaxedalittle.Hiseyeswerestillflashing.Helookeddeathlypaleandhisbreathing

wasunusuallystrained.Heloosenedhistie.“Allright.Butthat’sall.Thatsillywoman,”hesaidina
raspyvoice.“She’scaused…Tiffany…noendofheartachealready,andnowI’vegot…tocauseher…
more…”Hepausedwithahandtohisthroatandlaughedinsurprise.“That’sfunny.Mythroathurts,
rightuptomyjaw.Ican’t…”Hegrimacedandsuddenlyslumpedtothefloor.Helookedgrayand
sweatcoveredhisface.

KingbuzzedHarrison’ssecretary,toldhertophonetheemergencyservicesnumber

immediatelyandgetsomehelpintoHarrison’soffice.

ItwasterriblyapparentthatHarrisonwashavingaheartattack.Hisskinwascoldandclammy

andhislipswereturningblue.KingbeganCPRatonce,andinnotime,hehadtwootherexecutives
ofthecompanystandingbytorelievehim,becausehehadnoideahowlonghe’dhavetokeepitup
beforetheambulancecame.

Asithappened,lessthanfiveminuteselapsedbetweenthecallandtheadventoftwoEMTswitha

gurney.TheygotHarrison’sheartbeatstabilized,hookedhimuptooxygenandrushedhimdownto
theambulancewithKingrightbesidethem.

“Anyhistoryofhearttroubleinhimorhisfamily?”theEMTaskedabruptlyashecalledthe

medicalfacilityfororders.

“Idon’tknow,”Kingsaidirritably.Forthesecondtimeinlessthanaweek,hecouldn’tanswera

simplequestionaboutthemedicalbackgroundsofthetwopeoplehecaredformostintheworld.He
feltimpotent.“How’shedoing?”heasked.

“He’sstabilized,butthesethingsaretricky,”theEMTsaid.“Who’shispersonalphysician?”
Finally,aquestionhecouldanswer.Hegavetheinformation,whichwaspassedontothedoctor

answeringthecallatthemedicalcenter.

“Anyfamilytonotify?”themanrelayed.
“I’mhisson-in-law,”Kingsaidgrimly.“MywifeisinJamaica.I’llhavetogetherbackhere.”

Hedreadedthat.He’dhavetotellheronthephone,anditwasgoingtodevastateher.Butthey
couldn’taffordthelossoftimeforhimtoflydownthereafterher.Harrisonmightnotlivethatlong.

Theambulancepulledupatthehospital,andHarrison,stillunconscious,wastakeninsidetothe

emergencyroom.Kingwentwithhim,pausingjustlongenoughtospeakwiththephysicianbeforehe
foundapayphoneandcalledthehotelinJamaica.Butmorecomplicationslayinstore.Mrs.
Marshall,hewastold,hadcheckedoutthatverymorning.No,hedidn’tknowwhereshe’dgone,he
wassorry.

Kinghungup,runninganangryhandthroughhishair.Playingagrimhunch,hetelephoned

Harrison’shouseinsteadofhisown.Amaidansweredthecall.

“ThisisKingmanMarshall.Ismywifethere?”heasked.
“Why,yes,sir.Shegotinabouttwohoursago.ShallIgetherforyou?”
Hehesitated.“No.Thankyou.”
Thiswasonethinghecouldn’tdoonthephone.Hetoldthedoctorwherehewasgoing,haileda

taxiandhaditdrivehimtoHarrison’shome.

Tiffanywasupstairs,unpacking.ShepaledwhenshesawKingcomeinthedoor.Shehadn’t

expectedherfathertobeathome,sinceitwasaworkingday.Shehadn’texpectedtoseeKing,either.

“Lookingforme?”sheaskedcoolly.“I’vedecidedthatI’mgoingtolivehereuntilthedivorce.”
Divorce!Everythinghewasgoingtosaywentrightoutofhismind.He’dleftherafterthemost

exquisitelovingofhislife.Hadn’theexplainedtheemergencythathadtakenhimfromherside?It
wasn’tasifhehadn’tplannedtoflyrightback.He’dhadnoideaatallthatCarlahadmanufacturedthe
emergency.

“Tiffany,”hebegan,“Iflewbackbecausetherewasanemergency…”
“Yes,andIknowwhatitwas,”shereplied,havingphonedtheofficejustawhileago.“Myfather

firedyoursecretary,andyouhadtorushbacktosaveherjob.I’vejustheardallaboutitfromthe
receptionist,thanks.”

“Thereceptionist?”
“Iwantedtoknowifyouwerein.ShetalkedtosomeoneandsaidIshouldcallback,youwerein

themiddleofsomesortofargumentwithmyfather…”

Heletoutashortbreath.“We’lltalkaboutthatlater.There’snotime.Yourfather ’shadaheart

attack.He’sintheemergencyroomatcitygeneral.Getyourpurseandlet’sgo.”

Shegraspedherbedpost.“Ishealive?Willhebeallright?”
“HewasseeingthedoctorwhenIlefttofetchyou,”hereplied.“Comeon.”
Shewentoutwithhim,numbandshockedandfrightenedtodeath.Herlifewasfallingapart.

Howwouldshegoonifshelostherfather?Hewastheonlyhumanbeingonearthwholovedher,
whoneededher,whocaredabouther.

Throughwavesoffearandapprehension,shesatmotionlessashedroveherJaguartothe

hospital.Whenhepulledupattheemergencyentranceandstopped,sheleaptoutandranforthe
doors,notevenpausingtowaitforhim.

Shewentstraighttotheclerk,rudelypushinginfrontofthepersonsittingthere.
“Please.”Shechoked,“myfather,HarrisonBlair,theyjustbroughthiminwithaheart

attack…?”

Theclerklookedveryworried.“Youneedtospeakwiththedoctor,MissBlair.Justone

minute…”

Kingjoinedherintimetoheartheclerkusehermaidenname.Underdifferentcircumstances,

he’dhavebeenfuriousaboutthat.Butthiswasn’tthetime.

TheclerkmotionedTiffanytowardanotherdoor.Kingtookherarmfirmlyandwentwithher,

sensingcalamity.

Awhite-coatedyoungdoctorgesturedtothem,buthedidn’ttakethemintothecubiclewhere

Kinghadleftherfather.Instead,hemotionedthemfartherdownthehalltoasmallclusterof
unoccupiedseats.

“I’msorry.Ihaven’tdonemuchofthisyet,andI’mgoingtobeclumsyaboutit,”theyoungman

saidsolemnly.“I’mafraidwelosthim.I’mverysorry.Itwasamassiveheartattack.Wedid
everythingwepossiblycould.Itwasn’tenough.”

Hepattedherawkwardlyontheupperarm,hisfacecontortedwithcompassion.
“Thankyou,”Kingsaidquietly,andshookhishand.“I’msureit’shardforyoutoloseapatient.”
Thedoctorlookedsurprised,butherecoveredquickly.“We’llbeatthesethingsoneday,”hesaid

gently.“It’sjustthatwedon’thavethetechnologyyet.Theworstthingisthathisfamilyphysiciantold
ushehadnohistoryofheartproblems.”Heshookhishead.“Thiswasunexpected,I’msure.Butit
wasquick,andpainless,ifthat’sanycomfort.”HelookedatTiffany’sstiff,shockedfaceandthen
backatKing.“Bringheralongwithyou,please.I’llgiveyousomethingforher.She’sgoingtoneed
it.Anyallergiestomedicines?”heaskedatonce.

“Aspirin,”Kingsaid.HeglanceddownatTiffany,subduinghisownsorrowatHarrison’sloss.

“Areyouallergictoanythingelse,sweetheart?”headdedtenderly.

Sheshookherhead.Shedidn’tsee,didn’thear,didn’tthink.Herfatherwasdead.Kinghad

arguedwithhimoverCarla.HerfatherwasdeadbecauseofKing.

Shepushedhishandaway.Hereyes,filledwithhatred,searedintohismindasshelookedupat

him.“Thisisyourfault.”Shechoked.“Myfatherisdead!WaskeepingCarlaworthhislife?”

Hesuckedinasharpbreath.“Tiffany,thatwasn’twhathappened…”
Shemovedawayfromhim,towardthecubiclewherethedoctorwaswaiting.Shewascertain

thatsheneverwantedtospeaktoherhusbandagainforaslongasshelived.

Thenextfewdayswereatotalblackvoid.Therewerethearrangementstobemade,aserviceto

arrange,minordetailsthatsomehowfellintoplacewithKing’shelp.TheBlairhomebecamelikea
greatemptytomb.Lettiecametostay,ofcourse,andKingdid,too,inspiteofherprotests.Hesleptin
abedroomdownthehallfromTiffany’s,watchinghergothroughlifeinatrancewhilehedealtwith
friendsandlawyersandthefuneralhome.Shespoketohimonlywhenitbecamenecessary.He
couldn’treallyblameherforthewayshefelt.Shewastooupsettoreason.Therewouldbeplentyof
timetoexplainthingstoherwhenshe’dhadtimetorecover.Meanwhile,Carlawasonherwayoutof
theofficedespiteherpleatoworkouthernotice.Onthatonepoint,Kinghadbeenfirm.Shehadher
severancepayandaterseletterofrecommendation.Ifonlyhecouldhaveforeseen,yearsago,the
troubleitwasgoingtocausehimwhenheputheroutofhislife,allthisanguishwithTiffanymight
havebeenavoided.Butatthattime,Carlahadbeenanexcitingcompanionandhe’dneverconsidered
marryinganyone.Nowhewaspayingthepriceforhisarrogance.

Undauntedbyherfiring,Carlashowedupatthefuneralhome,onlytobeescortedrightbackout

againbyKing.Shemadesomeveiledthreataboutgoingtothetabloidswithherstory,andheinvited
hertodoherworst.Shewasoutofhislife.Nothingshedidwouldevermattertohimagain,andhe
saidso.Sheleft,butwithadangerousglintinhercoldeyes.

Shedidn’tcometothefuneralservice,Tiffanynoted,ortothegravesideservice.Apparently

she’dbeentoldthatitwasn’tappropriate.Somepeople,Lettiehadsaidhuffily,hadnobreedingand
nosensitivity.Shesaiditdeliberately,andwithinKing’shearing.Hedidn’treactatall.Whateverhe
felt,hewaskeepingittohimself.

Theonlychipinhisstonyfrontcamethenightofthefuneral,whenhesatinHarrison’sstudy

withonlyalampburninganddownedathirdofabottleofHarrison’sfineScotchwhiskey.

Lettieintrudedlongenoughtoaskifhewantedanythingelsefromthekitchenbeforethe

housekeepercloseditup.

Heliftedtheglasstowardher.“I’mdrinkingmysupper,thanks,”hedrawled.

Lettieclosedthedoorbehindherandpausedinfrontofthebigantiqueoakdesk,wherehis

bootedfeetwereproppedonitsaged,pittedsurface.

“Whatareyougoingtodoaboutthehouse?”sheaskedabruptly.Hereyeswerered.She’dcried

forHarrisonalmostasmuchasTiffanyhad.Nowheronlyconcernwasthegirl’sfuture.

“Whatdoyoumean,whatamIgoingtodo?”heasked.“ItbelongstoTiffany.”
“No,itdoesn’t,”Lettiesaidworriedly.“Harrisonwascertainrightupuntilthewedding

ceremonythatyouweren’tgoingtogothroughwiththemarriage.HewantedTiffanyprovidedforif
somethinghappenedtohim,andhedidn’twanthertohavetobedependentonyou.Sohewenttosee
hispersonalaccountantabouthavingeverythingheownedputintrustforher,includingthehouse
andhishalfofthebusiness.”Shefoldedherhandsatherwaist,frowningworriedly.“Butthe
accountantcouldn’tbelocated.ThenHarrisonfoundoutthatthemanhadbeensteadilyembezzling
fromhimforthepastthreeyears.”Sheliftedherhandsandspreadthem.“Justthisweek,helearned
thatanewmortgagehadbeentakenoutonthehouseandgroundsandthemoneytransferredtoan
accountinaBahamianbank.”ShegrimacedasKingloweredhisfeettothefloorandsatup.“He’d
hiredaprivatedetectiveandwastoseehisattorneythisafternoonafterfilingalawsuitagainstthe
manbeforeheskipsthecountrywithwhat’sleftofHarrison’sfortune.Ifyoucan’tstophim,Tiffany
willbebankrupt.”

“GoodGod!”Kinggottohisfeet,weavingalittle.“Nowonderhewassoupset!Lettie,whythe

helldidn’tyousaysomethingbeforethis?”

“BecauseIwasn’tsurethatIhadtherighttoinvolveyou,exceptwherethebusinessis

concerned,”shesaidflatly.“YoumustknowthatTiffanydoesn’twanttocontinueyourmarriage.”

Hisfacewasdrawntautlikearope.“Iknowit.”
Sheshrugged.“Butthere’snooneelsewhocandealwiththis.Icertainlycan’t.Ican’teven

balancemycheckbook.Iwouldn’tknowhowtoproceedagainsttheman.”

Kingleanedforwardwithhisheadinhishands.“Getmeapotofstrongcoffee,”hesaidthrough

heavybreaths.“ThenIwanteveryscrapofinformationyouhaveonthemanandwhatHarrison
planned.”

Lettiebrightenedjustalittle.“We’llallmisshim,”shesaidgentlyassheturnedtowardthedoor.

“ButTiffanymostofall.Hewasbothparentstoher,formostofherlife.”Shehesitated.“Sheneeds
you.”

Hedidn’treply.Shedidn’tseemtoexpecthimto.Shewentoutandclosedthedoorbehindher.
Tiffanywassittingonthebottomstepofthestaircase,lookingpaleandworn.Hereyeswerered

andshehadacrumpledhandkerchiefinherhand.Thelongwhitegownandrobeshewaswearing
seemedtoemphasizeherthinness.

“Child,youshouldbeinbed,”Lettiechidedsoftly.
“Ican’tsleep.”Shestaredatthestudydoor.“Isheinthere?”
Lettienodded.
“What’shedoing?”
“Gettingdrunk.”
Thatwasvaguelysurprising.“Oh.
“Iwanttoknowwhymyfatherhadaheartattack,”shesaidgrimly.“Thereceptionistwouldn’t

letmespeakwithKingthedayDaddydiedbecauseheandmyfatherwerearguing.Thenatthe
funeral,oneofhiscoworkerssaiditwasapityabouttheblow-up,becauseitwasonlysecondslater
whenhecollapsed.IknowhefiredCarla.WasthatwhyKingarguedwithhim?”

“Idon’tknow.Tiffany,”shesaid,approachingthegirl,“thisisavulnerabletimeforallofus.

Don’tsayanything,doanything,thatyou’llhavecausetoregretlater.King’shurt,too.Herespected
Harrison.Eveniftheydidargue,theywerefriendsaswellasbusinesspartnersforalongtime.”

“TheywerefriendsuntilImarriedKing.”Tiffanycorrectedher.“Myfatherthoughtitwasa

mistake.Hewasright.”

“Washe?It’searlydaysyet,andsomemarriagescanhavearockybeginning.It’snoeasything

tomakealifewithanotherperson.Fairytalesnotwithstanding,eventhemostlovingcoupleshaveto
adjusttoasharedcoexistence.”

“Ithelpsifbothpartnersworkatit,”Tiffanysaid.
“Iagree.Getinthereanddoyourpart,”hergodmotherprodded,jerkingherredheadtoward

theclosedstudydoor.“Ifyouwantanswers,he’stheonlypersonwho’sgotthem.”

Tiffanystaredatthecarpetforaminuteandthengotslowlytoherfeet.
“That’stheidea,”Lettiesaid.“I’mgoingtomakehimapotofcoffee.Wehaveafew

complications.Gethimtotellyouaboutthem.Sharedproblemsareanotherpartofbuildinga
marriage.”

Tiffanylaughed,butwithoutmirth.ShewenttothedoorafterLettievanisheddownthehalland

openedit.

Kingglancedatherfrombehindthedeskasshecameintotheroom.“Ididn’tplantostrandyou

inMontegoBay,”hesaidpointedly.“Iwouldhavebeenonmywaybackthatnight.”

“Wouldyou?”Shewenttothechairinfrontofthedesk,acomfortableburgundyleather

armchairthatshe’doccupiedsomanytimeswhensheandherfatherhadtalked.Shesighed.“The
wholeworldhaschangedsincethen.”

“Yes.Iknow.”
Sheleanedback,slidingherhandsoverthecoldleatherarms,overthebrassstudsthatsecuredit

totheframe.“Tellmehowhedied,King.”

Hehesitated,butonlyforasecond.Hischiseledmouthtuggedintoamockingsmile.“Sothey

couldn’twaittotellyou,hmm?I’mnotsurprised.Gossiplovesawillingear.”

“Nobodytoldmeanything.Itwasinferred.”
“Samedifference.”Hespreadhishandsonthedeskandstoodup.“Okay,honey,youwantthe

truth,hereitis.HefiredCarlaandtheyhadaroyalrowoverit.Iwalkedinandhestartedonme.I
followedhimtohisofficeandgottherejustintimetowatchhimcollapse.”

Sheletoutthebreathshe’dbeenholding.Hernailsbitintotheleatherarmsofthechair.“Why

didyoufollowhim?Wereyougoingtotalkhimoutofit?”

“No.Butthere’smoretothisthananargumentoverCarla,”headded,searchingfortheright

waytoexplaintoherthetangledanddevastatingfactofherfather ’slossofwealth.

“Yes,thereis.We’vealreadyagreedthatImaneuveredyouintoamarriageyoudidn’twant,”she

saidcurtly.“WecanagreethatwhathappenedinMontegoBaywasaformofexorcismforbothofus
andletitgoatthat,”sheaddedwhenhestartedtospeak.“Chargemewithdesertion,mentalcruelty,
anythingyoulike.LetmeknowwhenthepapersarereadyandI’llsignthem.”

Hiseyesflashedlikeblackfires.“Therewon’tbeadivorce,”hesaidshortly.
Shewassurprisedbythevehemenceinhistone,untilsherememberedbelatedlyjustwhather

statuswas.Asherfather ’sheir,byaquirkoffateshewasnowhisbusinesspartner.Hecouldn’tafford
todivorceher.Whatanirony.

Shecockedherheadandlookedathimwithcoldcuriosity.“Oh,yes,Iforgot,didn’tI?We’re

businesspartnersnow.Hownicetohaveitallinthefamily.Youwon’tevenhavetobuymeout.
What’smineisyours.”

Thelookonhisfacewasarevelation.Amazinghowhecouldpretendthatthethoughthadnever

occurredtohim.

“That’sanicetouch,thatlookofsurprise,”shesaidadmirably.“Iexpectyoupracticedinfront

ofamirror.”

“Whyareyoudownstairsatthishourofthenight?”heasked.
“Icouldn’tsleep,”shereplied,andwassuddenlyvulnerable.Shehatedhavingitshow.“My

fatherwasburiedtoday,”shedrawled,“incaseyouforgot.”

“Wecandowithoutthesarcasm,”hesaid.“Waitaminute.”Hereachedintoherfather ’stopdesk

drawerandextractedabottle.“Comehere.”

Shestoppedwiththewidthofthedeskbetweenthemandheldherhandout.Heshooktwo

capsulesintoherhandandrecappedthebottle.

“Don’ttrustmewiththewholebottle?”shetaunted.
Thatwasexactlyhowhefelt,althoughhewasn’tgoingtoadmitit.She’dhadonetoomany

upsetsinthepastfewweeks.Normallyassoundasarock,evenTiffanycouldbepushedoverthe
edgebygriefandworry.Hecouldn’taddthefearofbankruptcytoherstoreofproblems.Thatonehe
couldspareher.Letherthinkhimaphilanderer,ifithelped.Whenshewasstrongenough,he’dtell
herthetruth.

“Takethoseandtrytosleep,”hesaid.“Thingswilllookbrighterinthemorning.”
Shestaredatthecapsuleswithwoundedweteyes.“Hewasmyrudder,”shesaidinahusky

whisper.“Nomatterhowbadthingsgot,hewasalwaysheretorunto.”

Hisfacehardened.Once,he’dbeentheretorunto,beforetheymarriedandbecameenemies.

“You’llneverknowhowsorryIam,”hesaidtightly.“Ifyoubelievenothingelse,believethatIdidn’t
causehimtohavethatheartattack.Ididn’targuewithhimoverCarla.”

Sheglancedathimandsawthepaininhiseyesforthefirsttime.Ittookmostofthefightoutof

her.Sheseemedtoslump.“Iknowyoucaredaboutmyfather,King,”shesaidheavily.

“Andincaseyou’rewondering,”headdedwithamockingsmile,“she’sgone.Shehasher

severancepayandsomesortofreference.Youwon’tseeheragain.”

Shestudiedhimsilently.“Why?”
“Why,what?”
“Whydidmyfatherfireher?”
Itwaslikewalkingoneggshells,buthehadtotellherthetruth.“Becauseshedraggedmehome

fromJamaicawithanonexistentemergency,justtointerferewithourhoneymoon,andheknewit.He
saidhe’dhadenoughofhermeddling.”

“SohadI,”shereturned.
“NothalfasmuchasIhad,”hesaidcurtly.“Harrisonbeatmetothepunchbyfiveminutes.”
“Hedid?”
“Comehere.”
Helookedfaintlyviolent,andhe’dbeendrinking.Shehesitated.
Hegotupandcamearoundthedesk,watchingherbackaway.“Oh,hell,no,youdon’t,”hesaid

inavoicelikesilk.Hisarmsslidunderherandheliftedherclearofthefloor.“I’velistenedtoyou
untilI’mdeaf.Nowyoucanlistentome.”

HewentbacktohischairandsatdownwithTiffanycradledstifflyinhisarms.
“Noneedtodoyourimitationofaplank,”hechided,makinghimselfcomfortable.“Drunkmen

makebadlovers.I’mnotinthemood,anyway.Now,youlisten!”

Shesquirmed,butheheldherstill.
“Carlawasn’tsupposedtohaveanythingtodowiththeflowersforourwedding,”hesaid

shortly.“IgavethattasktoEdna,whoheadsthepersonneldepartment,becauseshegrewupina
florist’sshop.ButIwasoutoftheofficeandCarlawenttoherwithaforgedletterthatsaidIwanted
Carlatodoitinstead.”

Tiffanyactuallygasped.
Henoddedcurtly.“Andshedidn’tgetthosearrangementsfromaflorist,shedidthemherself

withwiltedflowersthatsheeithergotfromaflorist,orfromaflorist’strashcan!Sheneverhadany
intentionofbringingyouabouquet,either.Thewholethingwasdeliberate.”

“Howdidyoufindout?”
“IwenttoseeEdnawhenIflewbackfromJamaicaandfoundtherewasnoemergency.Igave

herhellabouttheflowers,”hesaid.“Shegaveitback,withinterest.Thenshetoldmewhathadreally
happened.Iwaslivid.I’dgonestraighttomyofficetohaveitoutwithCarlawhenIfoundyourfather
there.”

“Oh.”
Hesearchedherstunnedeyes.“Youdon’tthinkmuchofme,doyou?”heaskedquietly.

“RegardlessofhowIfeltaboutthewedding,Iwouldn’thavedeliberatelyhurtyoulikethat.”

Shegrimaced.“Ishouldhaveknown.”
“Youworeasuittobemarriedin,”headded.“Thatwasablowtomypride.Ithoughtyouwere

tellingmeinanonverbalwaythatyouwerejustgoingthroughthemotions.”

“AndIthoughtthatyouwouldn’tmindwhatIwore,becauseyoudidn’twanttomarrymeinthe

firstplace.”

Thearmbehindhershoulderscontracted,andthebig,warmhandattheendofitsmoothedover

herupperarminanabsent,comfortingmotion.“Idrewawayfromyouatatimewhenweshould
havebeentalkingaboutourinsecurities,”hesaidafteraminute.“Wehadtoomanysecrets.Infact,we
stillhavethem.”Hetookaquickbreath.“Tiffany,yourfather ’spersonalaccountantjustdidaflitwith
themajorityofyourinheritance.I’llbetthat’swhatreallysetyourfatheroff,notCarla,althoughshe
helped.Hewasupsetbecauseheknewhe’dhavetotellyouwhathadhappenedwhenyoucame
home.”

Tiffany’seyeswidened.“Youmean,Daddywasrobbed?”
“Inanutshell,”heagreed.Hesmiledfaintly.“So,alongwithallyourotherwoes,mywife,you

mayhavebankruptcyloomingunlessIcanfindthataccountantandprosecutehim.”

“I’mbroke?”shesaid.
Henodded.
Shesighed.“Theregoesmyyacht.”
“Whatdoyouwantwithoneofthose?”
Shekepthereyeslowereddemurely.Herheartwasracing,becausetheyweretalkingasthey’d

nevertalkedbefore.“IthoughtI’ddangleitonthewaterfrontforbaitandseeifIcouldcatchanice
mantomarry.”

Thatsoundedlikethegirlheusedtoknow.Hiseyesbegantotwinklejustfaintlyandhesmiled.

“Whatareyougoingtodowiththehusbandyou’vealreadygot?”

Shestudiedhisleanfacewithpursedlips.“Ithoughtyouweregoingtodivorceme.”
Oneeyebrowleveredup.Hiseyesdroppedtoherslenderbodyandtraceditwitharrogant

possession.“Thinkagain.”

Chapter10

helookinhiseyeswaselectricandTiffanywatchedhimwatchingherforlong,exquisiteseconds

beforehisheadbegantobend.

Shelayinhisarms,waiting,barelybreathingashedrewhercloser.Itseemedlikeforeversince

he’dkissedher,andshewantedhim.Shereachedup,barelybreathing,waiting…

ThesuddenintrusionofLettiewithatrayofcoffeeandcookieswasasexplosiveasabomb

goingoff.Theybothjerked.

Shehesitatedjustinsidethedoorandstaredatthem.“ShallIgoaway?”sheasked,chuckling.
Kingrecoveredwithapparentease.“Notifthosearelemoncookies,”hesaid.
Tiffanygasped,buthegotupandhelpedhertoherfeetwitharakishgrin.“Sorry,honey,but

lemoncookiesaremygreatestweakness.”

“Dotell,”shemurmuredwithherhandsonherhips.
Hegaveherathoroughgoing-overwithacquisitiveeyes.“Mysecondgreatestweakness,”he

said,correctingher.

“Toolatenow,”shetoldhimandmovedalittleself-consciouslytowardLettieasKingswept

forwardandtooktheheavytrayfromher.

HeputitonthecoffeetableandtheygatheredarounditwhileLettiepouredcoffeeintothin

chinacupsanddistributedsaucersandcookies.

“I’mgoingtobepoor,Lettie,”TiffanytoldLettie.
“Notyet,you’renot,”Kingmurmuredashesavoredacookie.“I’llgetintouchwiththeprivate

detectiveyourfatherhiredtotrailyourelusiveaccountant,nottomentionInterpol.He’llbecaught.”

“PoorDaddy,”Tiffanysighed,tearingalittleasshethoughtofherloss.“Hemusthaveonly

foundout.”

“Abouttwodaysbeforetheheartattack,Ithink,”Lettiesaidheavily.Sheleanedovertopickup

hercoffee.“Itriedtogethimtoseeadoctoreventhen.Hiscolorwasn’tgood.Thatwasunusual,too,
becauseHarrisonwasalwayssorobust—”Shebrokeoff,fightingtears.

Tiffanyputanarmaroundher.“There,there,”shesaidsoftly.“Hewouldn’twantustocarryon

likethis.”

“No,hewouldn’t,”Kingadded.“Butwe’llallgrieve,justthesame.Hewasagoodman.”
Tiffanystruggledtogetinadeepbreath.Shebithalfheartedlyintoacookieandsmiled.“These

aregood.”

“There’sabakerydowntown,wheretheymakethemfresheveryday,”Lettieconfided.
“Iknowwhereitis,”Kingmused.“Istopbytheresomeafternoonstobuyacoupletogowith

mycoffee.”

Tiffanyglancedathimalittleshylyandsmiled.“Ididn’tknowyoulikedcookies.”
Helookedbackather,buthedidn’tsmile.“Ididn’tknowyouwereallergictoaspirin.”
Hesoundedasifnotknowingthatfactaboutherreallybotheredhim,too.
“It’stheonlything,”shereplied.Shesearchedhisdrawnfeatures.“King,youcouldn’thave

knownaboutDaddy’sheart.Ididn’tevenknow.Youheardwhatthedoctorsaid.Therewasnohistory
ofhearttrouble,either.”

Hestaredathishalf-eatencookie.“Itdidn’thelptohavehimupset…”
Shetouchedhishand.“Itwouldhavehappenedanyway,”shesaid,andshewassureofitnow.

“Youcanonlycontrolsomuchinlife.Therearealwaysgoingtobethingsthatyoucan’tchange.”

Hewouldn’tmeethereyes.Hisjawwasdrawntight.
“Yes,Iknow,youdon’tlikebeingoutofcontrol,inanyway,”shesaidgently,surprisinghim.

“Butneitherofuscouldhavepreventedwhathappened.Irememberreadingaboutapoliticianwho
hadaheartattackrightinhisdoctor ’soffice,andnobodycouldsavehim.DoyouseewhatImean?”

Hereachedouthisfreehandandlinkeditwithhers.“Isupposeso.”
Lettiesippedcoffee,lostinherownthoughts.ShemissedHarrison,too.Thehousewasempty

withouthim.Shelookedupsuddenly.“GoodLord,youonlyhadaone-dayhoneymoon,”she
exclaimed.

“Itwasagoodday,”Kingmurmured.
“Yes,itwas,”Tiffanysaidhuskily,andhisfingerscontractedaroundhers.
“We’llfinishitwhenwesolveourproblemshere,”Kingreplied.“Wehaveallthetimeinthe

world.”Tiffanynodded.

“Itwillbeashameifyoucan’tcatchthatcrook,”Lettiesaid,lookingaroundheratthebeautyof

thestudy.“Thishouseisthebeginningofalegacy.Harrisonhadhopedtoleaveittohis
grandchildren.”

TiffanyfeltKingstiffenbesideher.Slowly,sheunlinkedherhandwithhisandputbothhands

aroundhercoffeecup.

“Wehaveyearstotalkaboutchildren,”shetoldLettiedeliberately.“Somecouplesdon’tever

havethem.”

“Oh,butyouwill,dear,”Lettiemurmureddreamily.“Irememberhowweusedtogoshopping,

andthenurserydepartmentwasalwaysthefirstplaceyou’dstop.You’dtouchlittlegownsandbooties
andsmileandtalkaboutbabies…”

Tiffanygottoherfeet,hopinghersuddenpalenesswouldn’tupsetLettie.Shehadnowayof

knowingthatKingdidn’twantachild.

“I’msotired,Lettie,”shesaid,andlookedit.Shesmiledapologetically.“I’dliketotrytogo

backtosleep,ifyoudon’tmind.”

“Ofcoursenot,dear.Canyousleepnow,doyouthink?”
TiffanyreachedintothepocketofherrobeandproducedthetwocapsulesKinghadgivenher.

Shepickedupherhalf-fullcupofcoffeeandswallowedthem.“Iwillnow,”shesaidasshereplaced
thecupinthesaucer.“Thankyou,King,”sheaddedwithoutlookingdirectlyathim.

“Willyoubeallright?”heasked.
Shefeltthathewastryingtomakeherlookathim.Shecouldn’tbearto,notyet.Shewas

thinkingaboutthelong,lonelyyearsaheadwithnobabies.Shedidn’tdarehopethattheironlynight
togetherwouldproducefruit.Thatonelapsewasn’tenoughtobuildadreamon.Nobodygot
pregnantthefirsttime.Well,somepeopledid,butshedidn’thavethatsortofluck.Shewonderedif
Kingrememberedhowcarelesshe’dbeen.

“Ihopeyoubothsleepwell,”shesaidasshewentfromtheroom.
“You,too,dear,”Lettiecalledafterher.Shefinishedhercoffee.“I’lltakethetraybacktothe

kitchen.”

“I’lldoit,”Kingmurmured.Hegotupandpickeditup,lessrockyonhisfeetnowthathe’d

filledhimselffullofcaffeine.

“Areyougoingtotrytosleep?”
Heshookhishead.“I’vegottoomuchworktodo.Itmaybethemiddleofthenighthere,butI

canstilldobusinesswithhalftheworld.Ihavetowrapupsomelooseends.Tomorrow,I’mgoingto

havemyhandsfulltracingthataccountant.”

Lettiewentwithhimtothekitchenandsortedoutthethingsthatneededwashing.
Kingpausedatthedoor,hisfacesolemnandthoughtful.“StayclosetoTiffanytomorrow,will

you?”heasked.“Idon’twantheralone.”

“Ofcourse,Iwill.”Sheglancedathim.“AreyouworriedaboutCarla?”
Henodded.“She’salwaysbeenhigh-strung,butjustlatelysheseemsoffbalancetome.Idon’t

thinkshe’dtrytodoanythingtoTiffany.Butthere’snoharmintakingprecautions.”

“Iwish…”shebeganandstopped.
“Yes.IwishI’dnevergotteninvolvedwithher,either,”hereplied,finishingthethoughtforher.

“Hindsightisagrandthing.”

“Indeeditis.”Shesearchedhisbloodshoteyes.“Youaren’tsorryyoumarriedTiffany?”
“I’msorryIwaitedsolong,”hecountered.
“Buttherearestillproblems?”sheprobedgently.
Hedrewinalongbreath.“ShewantsbabiesandIdon’t.”
“Oh,King!”
Hewinced.“I’vebeenabachelorallmylife,”hesaidshortly.“Marriagewashardenough.I

haven’tstartedadjustingtoityet.Fatherhood…”Hisbroadshouldersroseandfelljerkily.“Ican’t
copewiththat.Notforalongtime,ifever.It’ssomethingTiffanywillhavetolearntolivewith.”

Lettiebitdownonharshwords.Shesighedworriedly.“Tiffany’sstillveryyoung,ofcourse,”

shesaidpointedly.

“Youngandfullofdreams,”Kingagreed.Hestaredatthesink.“Impossibledreams.”
Outsidethedoor,theobjectoftheirconversationturnedandmadeherwayslowlybackupstairs,

nolongerthirstyfortheglassofmilkshe’dcometotaketobedwithher.Sothereitwas.Kingwould
neverwantachild.Ifshewantedhim,itseemedthatshe’dhavetogiveupanyhopesofbecominga
mother.Somewomendidn’twantchildren.ItwasapitythatTiffanydid.

Shedidn’thavetoavoidKinginthedaysthatfollowed.Hesimplywasn’thome.Businesshad

becomeoverwhelminginthewakeofHarrisonBlair ’sdeath.Therewereallsortsoflegalitiestodeal
with,andKinghadanewsecretarywhohadtolearnherjobthehardway.Hewasveryseldomhome,
andwhenhewas,heseemedtostayonthetelephone.

Lettiewasstillinresidence,becauseTiffanyhadbeggedhertostay.Thehousewasbigand

emptywithoutHarrison,butLettiemadeitbearable.AndontherareoccasionswhenKingwashome,
theirmealsweren’tsilentones.Lettiecarriedonconversationswithherselfifnooneelse
participated,whichamusedTiffanynoend.

Shehadn’tpaidmuchattentiontothedate.She’dgrievedfortwolongweeks,cryingeverytime

shesawfamiliarthingsofherfather ’s,adjustingtolifewithouthim.Butjustasshewasgettingused
tothelonelyhouse,anotherunexpectedcomplicationpresenteditself.

Tiffanysuddenlystartedlosingherbreakfast.She’dneverhadanysuchproblemsbefore,and

evenifitwastoosoonfortests,deepinsidesheknewthatshewaspregnant.Shewentfromboundless
joytostiflingfearinamatterofsecondsassherealizedhowthisnewswasgoingtoaffecther
husband.Herhandswentprotectivelytoherflatstomachandshegroanedoutloud.

Shecouldn’ttellhim.Hewouldn’twantthebaby,andhemightevensuggest…alternatives.There

wasn’tanoptionshewaswillingtodiscuss.Shewasgoingtohaveherbaby,evenifshehadtoleave
himandhideitaway.Thatmeantthatshehadtokeepherconditionsecret.

Atfirstitwaseasy.Hewasneverhome.Butasthedemandsofbusinessslowedacoupleof

weekslater,hebegantocomehomeearlier.Andhewasattentive,gentlewithTiffany,asifhewere
tryingtoundotheirrockybeginningandstartover.

Itwoundedhertothequicktohavetowithdrawfromthosesweetovertures,becausesheneeded

himnowmorethanatanytimeintheirsharedpast.Butitwastoogreatarisktolethimcomeclose.
Herbodywaschanging.Hewasn’tstupid.Ifhesawherunclothed,therewerelittlesignsthatevena
bachelormightnotice.

Herbehaviorsurprisedhim,though,becausethey’dbecomemuchcloserafterHarrison’sdeath.

He’dhadbusinessdemandsthathadkepthimawayfromhome,andhe’ddeliberatelymadeveryfew
demandsonTiffanyjustafterherfather ’sdeath,togivehertimetoadjust.Butnow,suddenly,shewas
talkingaboutgoingbacktomodelinginNewYork,withLettietokeephercompany.

Kingworriedaboutherattitude.He’dbeenkeptbusywiththetransferofauthorityandstocks

andtheimplementationofHarrison’swill,nottomentiontrackingdowntheelusiveaccountant.
Perhapsshe’dthoughthewasn’tinterestedinherfeelings.Thatwasn’ttrue.Butwhenhetriedtotalk
toher,shefounddozensofexcusestogetoutofhisvicinity.

EvenLettiewaspuzzledandremarkedaboutTiffany’scoldnesstotheman,whenhe’ddoneso

muchforthem.ButTiffanyonlysmiledandignoredeverywordshesaid.EvenfromLettie,thebouts
ofnauseawerecarefullyconcealed.Noonewasgoingtothreatenherbaby,Tiffanytoldherself.Not
evenLettie,whomightunwittinglyletthecatoutofthebag.

ShetalkedaboutgoingtoNewYork,butallthewhile,shewascheckingintopossibleescape

routes.Shecouldflyanywhereintheworldthatshewantedtogo.Evenwithoutherfather ’sfortune,
shehadalegacyfromhermother,whichguaranteedheratidyfixedsumeverymonthpaidintoher
personalcheckingaccount.Shecouldlivequitewellandtakecareofherchild.Allsheneededwasa
placetogo.

Kingfoundheroneafternoonporingovertravelbrochures,whichshegatheredwithuntidy

hasteandstuffedbackintoafolderasifshe’dbeencaughtstealing.

“Planningatrip?”heasked,scowlingashestoodoverher.
Shesatforwardonthesofa.“Who,me?No!”Sheclearedherthroat.“Well,notimmediately,at

least.Ithought…”Shehesitatedwhileshetriedtoformulateananswerthatwouldthrowhimoffthe
track.

“HeardfromyourfriendMark?”heaskedabruptly.
“Mark?”She’dallbutforgottenhermodelingfriend,althoughshesawLisaoccasionally,and

Lisacertainlyheardfromhim.Theywerebecominganitem.“Ibelievehe’sinGreece,”sheadded.
“Doingacommercialforsomeswimwearcompany.”

“Yes,heis,”Kingrepliedthoughtfully.“IsawLisa’sfatheratacivic-clubmeetingthisweek.He

saidthatthetwoofthemarequiteserious.”

“I’mglad,”Tiffanysaid.“Mark’shadahardlife.SohasLisa,insomeways.She’salwayshad

money,butherfatherisaverydomineeringsort.Ihopeheisn’tplanningtothrowastickintotheir
spokes.”

“ApparentlyLisa’sthreatenedtorunawayifhedoes,”hemused,andsmiled.“Lovedoesmakea

womanbrave,Isuppose.”

ShecouldhavemadeanastyremarkaboutCarla,butsheletitgoandmadesomecareless

remark.

“Don’tyoueatbreakfastanymore?”heaskedabruptly.
Shejumped.“I…Well,no,Idon’t,really,”shestammered.“I’vegottenintobadhabitssince

Daddydied,”sheaddedwithanervouslaugh.“Breakfastremindsmetoomuchofhim.”

“Whichisstillnoreasontostarveyourself,isit?”
Sheshifted,tracingaflowerinthepatternonherskirt.“I’mnotstarvingmyself.Ijustdon’tlike

eatingbreakfastatthetable.Ihaveitinmyroom.”

Hestoodtherewithoutspeaking,frowning,jinglingtheloosechangeinhispocket.
Sheglancedattheclockandthenathim.“Aren’tyouhomeearly?”sheasked.
“Yes.”Hemovedtothearmchairbesidethesofaanddroppedintoit.“Ithoughtyoumightliketo

knowthatwe’vefoundtherunawayaccountant.”

“Haveyoureally!”
Hechuckledatherradiance.“Vengefulgirl.Yes,hethoughthe’dgottencleanaway.Hewas

passingthetimeinluxurioussplendoronaprivateislandintheBahamaswhensomeroguepoppeda
bagoverhishead,trussedhimuplikeaduck,andcartedhimofftoasailboat.Hewashauledontothe
beachinMiamiandsummarilyarrested.”

“Doweknowrogueswhowoulddosuchathing?”sheasked.
Hechuckled.“Ofcoursewedo!”
“Doeshestillhaveanymoney?”
“Allbutafewthousand,”hereplied.“Heconfessedwholeheartedlywhenfacedwithalong

prisontermforhispains.Heofferedtogivethemoneybackwithoutanyprompting.Todohim
credit,hewassorryaboutHarrison.”

“Myfathermightstillbehere,ifithadn’tbeenforthatskunk.Iwon’tshedanytearsforhim,”

shemuttered.“Ihopeheisn’tgoingtogetoffwithaslaponthewrist.”

“Notachance,”hereplied.“He’llservetime.Andhe’llnevergetanotherjoboftrust.”
“Isupposethat’ssomething.Butitwon’tbringDaddyback.”
“Nothingwilldothat.”
ShecrossedherlegsandglancedatKing.Hewasrestlessandirritable.“What’swrong?”she

asked.

“IwishIdidn’thavetotellyou.”
Shesatup,bracingherselfforanything.Afterwhatshe’djustcomethrough,shefeltthatshe

couldtakeitonthechin,though,whateveritwas.Shewasstrongerthanshe’deverbeen.

“Goahead,”shesaid.“Whateveritis,Icantakeit.”
Helookedather,sawthenewlinesinherface,thenewmaturity.“Howyou’vechanged,

Tiffany,”hemurmuredabsently.

“Stopstalling,”shesaid.
Heletoutahollowlaugh.“AmI?Perhapsso.”Heleanedforward,restinghisforearmsacross

hisknees.“Iwantyoutoseeadoctor.”

Hereyebrowsarched.“Me?Whatfor?”
“Becausewe’remarried,”herepliedevenly.“AndI’vegonewithoutyouforaslongasIcan.

Thatbeingthecase,youhavetomakesomesortofpreparationaboutbirthcontrol.Wecan’thaveany
morelapses.”

Steady,girl,shetoldherself.Youcan’tgivetheshowawaynow.Sheswallowed.“Yousaidthat

you’dtakecareofit,”shehedged.

“Yes,Idid,didn’tI?”hereflectedwithalaugh.“AndyourememberhowefficientlyIdidit,

don’tyou?”heaskedpointedly.

Sheflushed.“Itwas…unexpected.”
“Andexquisite,”hesaidquietly.“Idreamabouthowitwas.I’vetriedtowait,togiveyoutimeto

getoverthetraumaoflosingHarrison.But,toputitbluntly,I’mhurting.Iwantyou.”

Shefelthercheeksgohot.Shestillwasn’tsophisticatedenoughforthissortofbluntdiscussion.

“Allright,”shesaid.“I’llseethedoctor.”

“Goodgirl.”Hegotupandmovedtowardthesofa,reachingdowntopullherupintohisarms

withalongsigh.“Imissyouinmybed,Tiffany,”hemurmuredashebenttohermouth.“Iwantyou

sobadly…!”

Hismouthopenedonhersandshemoanedharshlyatthepleasureofhisembrace.Shereached

upandheldhimaroundtheneck,pressingherbodytohis,movingprovocatively,involuntarily.

Hegroanedharshlyandhishandswenttoherwaisttopullhercloser.Then,suddenly,hestilled.

Holdingherrigidly,heliftedhishead.Hisbreathseemedtocatchinhisthroat.Hiseyeslooked
straightintohers.Andwhileshewastryingtodecidewhathadmadehimstop,hishandssmoothed
withdeliberationoverherthickwaistand,slowly,downoverthefaintswellofherstomach.

Hisfacechanged.Sheknewtheinstanthebegantosuspect.Itwasallthere,thetautness,the

shock,thehorror.

Shejerkedawayfromhim,herfacestiffwithpain.Thebreathshedrewwaspainful.
Helethisarmsfalltohissides.Thelookhesenttoherbellywouldhavewonaphotocontest.
“No,Iwon’t.”Shechokedoutthewordsbeforehecouldspeak.Shebackedtowardthedoor.“I

won’tdoanythingaboutit,Idon’tcarewhatyousay,whatyoudo!It’smine,andI’mgoingtohaveit!
Doyouhearme,I’mgoingtohaveit!”

Shewhirledandrantowardthestaircase,desperatetoreachthesanctuaryofherroom.She

couldlockthedoorandhecouldn’tgetin,shecouldoutrunhim!Butoutofthecornerofhereye,she
sawhimracingtowardher.She’dnevermakethestaircase,notatthespeedhewasrunning.

Sheturnedatthelastsecondandwenttowardthefrontdoor,panicinhermovements,nauseain

herthroat.Shejerkedopenthefrontdoorandforgottherainthathadmadethebrickporchasslickas
glass.Herfeetwentoutfromunderherandshefellwithahorrible,sickeningthud,rightonherback.

“Tiffany!”
King’sexclamationbarelyregistered.Shekneweveryboneinherbodywasbroken.She

couldn’tevenbreathe,muchlesstalk.Shehadthebreathknockedcompletelyoutofher.Shestaredat
hiswhitefaceanddidn’treallyseeitatall.

“My…baby,”shemoanedwiththeonlybitofbreathshecouldmuster.
Kingkneltbesideher,hishandsrunningoverhergently,feelingforbreakswhilehestrangled

oneverybreathhetook.Therewasafainttremorinhislongfingers.

“Don’ttrytomove,”hesaiduneasily.“DearGod…!”Hegotupandwentbacktothedoorway.

“Lettie!Lettie,getanambulance,she’sfallen!”

“Issheallright?”Lettie’swailcameoutthedoor.
“Idon’tknow.Callanambulance!”
“Yes,dear,rightnow…!”
KingkneltbesideTiffanyandtookhercold,nervelesshandinhis.Therainwascomingdown

steadilybeyondtheporch,likeacurtainbetweenthetwoofthemandtheworld.

Tiffanysuckedinshallowbreaths.Tearsrandownhercheek.Onehandliftedtoherstomach.

Shebegantosob.“Mybaby,”shewept.“Mybaby!”

“Oh,God,don’t!”hegroaned.Hetouchedherwetcheekswiththebacksofhisfingers,tryingto

drythetears.“You’reallright,sweetheart,you’regoingtobefine.You’regoingtobefine…Lettie!
ForGod’ssake!”

Lettiecameatarun,pausingattheslickporch.“I’vephoned,andthey’reonthewayrightnow.”

ShemovedontothewetsurfaceandlookeddownatTiffany.“Oh,mydear,”shegroaned,“I’mso
sorry!”

Tiffanywasbeyondwords.Shecouldn’tseemtostopcrying.ThetearsupsetKingmorethan

she’deverseenanythingupsethim.Hefoundhishandkerchiefanddriedherweteyes,murmuringto
her,tryingtocomforther.

Sheclosedhereyes.Shehurtallover,andshe’dprobablylostthebaby.She’dnevergetanother

one.He’dmakesurethatshetookprecautionsfromnowon,she’dgrowoldwithoutthecomfortofa

child,withoutthejoyofholdingherbabyinherarms…

Thesobsshookher.
Kingeaseddownbesideher,regardlessofthewetfloor,andhisbighandflattenedgentlyover

herflatstomach,pressingtenderly.

“Trynottoworry,”hewhisperedatherlips.Hekissedhersoftly,andhishandmoved

protectively.“Thebaby’sallright.Iknowheis.”

Chapter11

iffanycouldn’tbelievewhatshe’djustheard.Hereyesopenedandlookedstraightintohis.

“Youdon’twantit,”shewhispered.
Hedrewinaroughbreathandhishandspreadevenmore.“Yes,Ido,”hesaidquietly.“Iwant

bothofyou.”

Shecouldbarelygetenoughbreathtospeak,andbeforeshecouldfindthewords,theambulance

drownedoutevenherthoughtsasitroaredupatthefrontstepsandtwoEMTsdisembarked.

Shewasexaminedandthenputintotheambulance.Kingwentwithher,promisingLettiethat

he’dphonetheminuteheknewanything.

Tiffanyfelthimgraspherhandastheambulancestartedupagain.“You’reforevertakingme

awayinambulances,”shewhisperedbreathlessly.

Hebroughtherhandtohismouthandkissedthepalmhungrily.“Whereveryougo,Igo,

Tiffany,”hesaid.Buthiseyesweresayingotherthings,impossiblethings.Theytooktherestofher
breathaway.

Shewastakentothelocalemergencyroomandcheckedthoroughly,bythefamilyphysician

whowasdoingrounds.

Dr.Briggschuckledatherwhenhe’dfinishedhistestsandhadtheresults,overanhourlater.“I

heardaboutyourwildrideinMontegoBay.Now,hereyouareinafall.Maybemarriagedoesn’t
agreewithyou,”heteased,havingknownherfromchildhood.

“Itagreeswithher,”Kingmurmuredcontentedly,watchingherwithopenfascination.“Sowill

havingababytonurse.”HeglancedatBriggs.“Isshe?”

Henodded,smilingcomplacentlyatTiffany’sgaspandradiantsmile.“Idon’timaginewe’ll

havemuchtroublecomputingadeliverydate,”headdedwickedly.

TiffanyflushedandKingchuckled.
“Onetime,”hemurmureddryly.“Andlookwhatyoudid,”heaccused.
“WhatIdid!”sheexclaimed.
“Ionlyplant.Idon’tcultivate.”
Sheburstoutlaughing.Shecouldn’tbelievewhatshewashearing.Allthattalkaboutnot

wantingbabies,andherehesatgrinninglikeaCheshirecat.

“He’llstrutforawhile,”thedoctortoldher.“Thenhe’llstartworrying,andhewon’tdoany

morestruttinguntilafterthedelivery.You’llhavetoreassurehimatfrequentintervals.Expectant
fathers,”hesaidonasigh,“areveryfragilepeople.”

“She’llhavetohaveanobstetrician,”Kingwasmurmuringaloud.HeglancedatBriggs.“No

offense.”

“Nonetaken,”thedoctormused.
“Agoodobstetrician.”
“Idon’treferpregnantwomentoanyotherkind,”hewasassured.
“We’llneedtofindagoodcollege,too—”
Tiffanystartedtoprotest,butKingwasatthewindow,talkingtohimselfandDr.Briggsheldup

ahand.

“Don’tinterrupthim,”hetoldTiffany.“He’sconsideringalltheotherappropriatefamiliesin

townwhohavebabydaughters.He’llhavetohavetherightwife—”

“Itcouldbeagirl,”sheinterjected.
“Heresy!”thedoctorsaidinmockalarm.
“Shouldn’twepointthatout?”shecontinued,glancingatKing.
Dr.Briggsshookhishead.“Amanhastohavedynasticdreamsfromtimetotime.”Hesmiled.

“You’refine,Tiffany.Afewbruises,butnothingbrokenandthatbabyisfirmlyimplanted.Justdon’t
overdoduringthefirsttrimester.CallmeMondayandI’llreferyoutoanobstetrician.Idonot,”he
added,“deliverbabies.Ilikesleepingatnight.”

“Arebabiesbornatnight?”
“FromwhatIhear,almostallofthem,”hesaidwithachuckle.
Kingtookherhome,stillreelingwithhisdiscoveries.Hecarriedherinside,cradlingherlikea

treasure.

Lettiemetthematthedoor,wringingherhands.“Youdidn’tphone,”shesaidaccusingly.
“Hewastoobusyarrangingthewedding,”Tiffanyreplied.
Lettielookedblank.“Wedding?”
“Ourson’s.”
“Son.”Lettiestilllookedblank.Thenherfaceflushedwithglorioussurprise.“You’re

pregnant!”

“Yes,”shesaid.
LettiegnawedherlipandshotaworriedglanceatKing.
“Iknow,”hesaidwearily.“I’llhavetoeatboiledcrowforthenextmonth,andIdeserveto.”He

shrugged,holdingTiffanycloser.“Ididn’tknowhowitwasgoingtofeel,”hesaidinhisown
defense,andhesmiledwithsuchtendernessthatelectricityseemedtorunthroughherrelaxedbody.
“Whatanincrediblesensation.”

Tiffanysmiledandlaidhercheekagainsthisshoulder.“I’msleepy,”shesaid,yawning.
KingglancedatLettie.“I’mgoingtoputhertobed.”
“That’sthebestplaceforher,”Lettiesaidwithawarmsmile.“Letmeknowifyouneed

anything,dear,”shetoldTiffany,andbenttokisstheflushedcheek.

“I’llbefine.Thankyou,Lettie.”
Kingwasgrinningfromeartoearallthewayupthestaircase,andheneverseemedtofeelher

weightatall,becausehewasn’tevenbreathinghardbythetimetheyreachedthetop.

“Youdon’twantchildren,”shemurmureddrowsily.“Yousaidso.”
“We’reallentitledtoonestupidmistake.”Hecarriedhertohisroom,nothers,andlaidher

gentlyonthecoverlet.Hiseyesweresolemnashelookeddownather.“Forwhatit’sworth,Idowant
thischild.Iwantitverymuch.AlmostasmuchasIwantyou.”

Sheflushed.“King,Dr.Briggssaid—”shebegancautiously.
Heputafingeroverherlips.“Hesaidthatthefirsttrimesteristricky,”hereplied.Henodded.

“Wewon’tmakeloveagainuntilthebabyisathome.”Hebentandkissedherwithachingtenderness.
“Butwe’llsleepineachother ’sarms,asweshouldhavebeendoingfromthefirstnight,whenyou
wereavirginbride—mybeautifulprincessbride.Ifyou’recold,I’llwarmyou.Ifyou’reafraid,I’ll
cuddleyou.”Hepushedbackhersofthair.Hiseyeslookeddeeply,hungrilyintohers.“Andifyou
wanttobeloved,I’llloveyou.Likethis.”Hislipsdrewsoftlyagainsthermouth,cherishing,tasting.
Hischeekrestedonhersandhesighed.“I’llloveyouwithallmyheart,”hewhisperedalittle
roughly.“Forallmylife.”

Hercaughtbreathwasaudible.“Youloveme?”
“Asmuchasyouloveme,”heagreed.Heliftedhisheadandsearchedhereyes.“Didn’tyou

thinkIknew?”

Shesighed.“No.Notreally.”
“That’stheonlythingIwaseversureof,withyou.Andsometimes,Iwonderedwhyyouloved

me.I’vebeenalotoftrouble.Stillwanttokeepme,inspiteofeverything?”

Shesmiledslowly.“Morethanever.Somebodyhastoteachthebabyhowtotakeover

corporationswhenheorsheisoldenough.”

Hechuckled.“Well,you’restuckwithme,whetheryouwantmeornot.”Hetouchedhercheek

andlookedatherwithpaleeyesthatmirroredhisaweanddelight.“Ineverdreamedthatitwouldfeel
likethistobelongtosomeone,tohavesomeonewhobelongedtome.”Hesighed.“Ididn’tthinkI
could.”

“Iknowwhy,”shereplied,tracinghismouthwithherfingertip.“Butwe’renotlikeyourparents,

King.Wewon’thavetheirproblems.We’llhaveeachotherandourchild.”

Hebegantosmile.“Sowewill.”
Shedrewhimdowntoherlipsandkissedhimwithpurepossession.“Now,trytogetaway,”she

challengedunderherbreath.

Hechuckledashemetherlipswithhis.“Thatworksbothways.”
ShethoughtwhatawonderfulgodmotherLettiewouldbetothenewarrival,andhowproudher

fatherwouldhavebeen.Itmadeheralittlesadtothinkofhim.

Butthenherhusband’swarm,strongarmstightenedgentlyaroundherandremindedherthatin

life,foreachpain,thereisapleasure.Sheclosedhereyesandherthoughtsturnedtolullabiesasthe
rainbeatsoftlyontheroof.

ISBN:978-1-4592-0876-6

THEPRINCESSBRIDE

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Document Outline

Letter to Reader
About the Author
Title Page
Dedication
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Copyright

Diana Palmer Long Tall Texans 17 The Princess Bride

Document Outline