Double Identity

“Ah. I would never have noticed.”

She laughed. “I love my family dearly, but sometimes the noise of everybody talking at once and children squealing overwhelms me.”

“I’m glad I could play the gallant knight and come rescue you.” So much for thinking she might find him irresistible. He supposed his ego could handle the letdown.

She rested her head against the back of her seat. “Sometimes my brothers can be so annoying. They’re way too protective of me.”

“They didn’t like you coming out with me this afternoon?”

“Al didn’t say that. What he did was ask where we were going and when I expected to get back, as though I were sixteen.”

“I hope that you convinced him that I’m perfectly harmless.”

Carina sputtered into laughter. “No one meeting you could ever be convinced that you’re harmless, Jude. I think he and the rest of the family are curious, that’s all. As I told you last night, I haven’t dated in a while. My brothers would probably prefer that I become a nun!”

“I feel doubly honored that you agreed to see me, if that’s the case.”

“I enjoyed being with you last night. Plus, I suppose I was curious, too.”

“Oh. Then it wasn’t my charm and sparkling personality that wowed you? I’m crushed.”

“With your reputation, I figured I’d be safe enough, knowing you’d be moving on after a few dates.”

“You make me sound like a heartless jerk.”

“No. It’s just that since you’re a very handsome man, come from a highly respected family, don’t need to work for a living and you’re single, I’m sure many women are eager to spend time with you.”

“You have a positive knack for making what some could consider a compliment sound like an indictment of my character.” He looked over at her. “Are you going to tell me you don’t want to see me again? Because if you are, I sincerely hope you’ll allow me to make a case for myself first.”

“There’s no need. I enjoy your company and don’t mind seeing you. I have no fear of getting too involved with you before you get bored with me.”

“Ouch. You really know how to hurt a guy. You must have had some really bad dating experiences to form your opinion about men. Or is it just me?”

She didn’t answer right away and he decided he’d better stay quiet.

Finally, she said, “I was engaged once.” She glanced at him from the corner of her eye before continuing. “We met in high school, became friends, and later dated. Danny was my best friend. We enjoyed each other’s company and when I returned home from New York after Dad’s stroke, it seemed only natural to become engaged. I don’t know what I would have done during that time without Danny being there for me. The family was pleased to see me happy and ready to settle down. We talked about my desire to get my music degree from Juilliard and Danny told me he was willing to move to New York while I attended school, whenever I was ready to return.”