The Arrogance Of Love

His eyes took in the slim-fitting green suit with the fur collar, and the nylon-clad legs. Although he was not as tall as his father, he was still a little taller than Susan and in her high heels their eyes were on a level.

‘Jon?’ she ventured slowly.

‘Yes. You must be Susan.’ He smiled. ‘My father told me you would be going with us. Tell me, do you know my father well?'

Susan flushed. ‘Not very, why? Didn't he explain that I'm Amanda's secretary?'

‘Oh, yes, he told me that. But I wondered …’ His gaze slid away, and Susan felt mortified. Did he mean what she thought he was meaning? Surely not? Oh, God, she thought, what have I let myself in for?

She was relieved when Amanda came into the room, smiling cheerfully. ‘Ah, there you are, Susan. Have you met Jon?'

‘We've introduced ourselves,’ said Susan, swallowing hard. ‘Is there anything you want me to do?'

‘No, I don't think so.’ Amanda shook her head. ‘Well, Jon, are you looking forward to going to your aunt's?'

Jon shook his head. ‘Not particularly. Those kids are a bind.'

Amanda frowned. ‘Jeremy is only a year younger than you,’ she said. ‘You ought to be good friends. And Yvonne is the same age as you, isn't she?'

‘Oh, sure.’ Jon shrugged. ‘There's nothing to do there, though. Except go swimming in the lake.'

‘And what thrills do you indulge in here in town?’ asked Amanda dryly. ‘You're not old enough to go night-clubbing yet, or has your father already initiated you into that art?'

Jon laughed, and Susan found herself laughing too. Amanda's expression was so comical.

‘No, I don't go to night clubs. Just strip shows.'

Aware that he was teasing her now, Amanda chuckled. ‘All right, Jon, I'm sorry. But please, try and enjoy yourself at Fontainebleau. Your aunt tries so hard to please you.'

‘I know. Because I'm like Dad. She thinks the world of him, you know, and she hardly ever sees him.'

‘Hmn. Dominic really does neglect his family, doesn't he?'

‘All except one member,’ replied Jon coldly.