Like Silk

“Lana—”

She ignored him. “Daddy wants that, too. For us to get married soon, I mean.”

“I thought we might wait until I’m either in or out of the running for the judgeship. My name could be scratched any day. Besides, I’ve taken on a case that could eat my lunch. I don’t need to be distracted.”

She leaned her head to one side and smiled coyly. “Are you saying I’m a distraction?”

“You betcha,” he declared with forced enthusiasm.

“Mmm, maybe I’ll let you off the hook a bit longer, but only if you’ll promise not to neglect me like you have been lately.”

Collier finished his drink in one swallow and signaled the bartender for a refill. “I’ll give it my best shot.”

“You drive a hard bargain, Collier Smith.” Lana reclaimed his hand, then pressed another of those long, blood-red nails into his palm.

He winced.

“Just don’t wait too long,” she added with false sweetness. “Daddy wouldn’t like that, not one iota.”

“Are you threatening me?” Although he kept his tone light, the steely edge was there.

Flushing, she said, “You know better than that.” She paused and gave him her most engaging smile. “So do you want to talk about your case?”

“You know I can’t do that.”

She smiled. “Good. That stuff’s boring anyway. Let me tell you about my latest charitable project. I know it’s going to be a huge success.”

Collier sipped his drink and listened.

A short time later, his torture finally ended. He accompanied Lana to her Jag, then looked on as she took off, full speed ahead, the way she did everything. Whenever he left her, he often felt as if he’d been caught in a whirl-wind.

He headed for his condo. Once there, he grabbed his briefcase and made his way inside, only to stop in his tracks. For some reason, spending an evening alone no longer interested him. In fact, the emptiness ahead made him feel like a stranger in his own home.

Suddenly he whipped around, and got back into his Lexus, knowing that what he was about to do would merely make matters worse.

Still, he cranked the engine and backed out of the driveway.

Another day without Rupert walking through the door.

Lately that was how Brittany had come to measure the success of her days at the agency. She knew that was absurd and no way to live, but she couldn’t help it. Every time the door opened, her heart lodged in her throat until she peered from under thick lashes and saw who it was.

The flowers were what kept her on edge.

They continued to arrive. The smell and the thought were both sickening. She’d always loved flowers, but at the moment she wouldn’t care if she ever saw another one again.

How dare he think he could win her over with flowers after what he’d done to her? Just the thought made her furious.