The defiant expression fell from Roxie’s face, and her fingers went from drumming on the armrest to playing with the seat belt.“Sorry, I’m nervous about this too.”
Neither of them had time to deal with their anxiety because they’d already come upon the main house.Lexie recognized the cars assembled out front.Everyone was there, including Cam.
Her gaze stuck on the black SUV.She couldn’t remember him leaving last night.After what he’d told her, though, she hadn’t been able to ask him to go.Instead, they’d talked.Seeing that crack in his impenetrable exterior, she’d somehow felt more comfortable with him—especially when he’d sat beside her rather than in front of her on the coffee table.Too comfortable, obviously.She’d fallen asleep on him…while she’d been wearing Roxie’s sexy dress…with nothing underneath…
Roxie inhaled sharply.“You’vegotto be kidding me,” she said, gaping at the house.
Underhill Manor was a majestic sight, sitting alone atop its hill.Blinding white with pillars made of marble, the structure looked more like a museum than a family home.
Appearances weren’t always deceiving.
“Are you ready?”Lexie asked.
Roxie’s seat belt wound back into its holder with a snap.“It’s now or never.”
Lexie unclipped her seat belt with more care.One thing was for certain, today she’d find out who really cared for her.
She hoped she’d be pleasantly surprised.
Together, they climbed the steps to the double front doors.They were oversized on purpose, but knowing that didn’t lessen the feeling of intimidation.Lexie smoothed her dress.
Her nerves jangled.She half-expected everyone to be waiting for her, but the foyer was empty as she stepped inside.
Everyone was probably in the front sitting room waiting for them.She’d taken three steps in that direction before she realized that Roxie wasn’t by her side.Looking back, she saw that her sister’s gaze was wide as she followed the curve of the staircase that led up to the second floor.Roxie’s attention darted from the brass sculpture at its base up the well-oiled banister to the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
Lexie walked back and held out her hand.“Okay?”
“I knew you had money, but this?”Roxie rolled her shoulders in discomfort but then squeezed Lexie’s hand and let it go.“I’m fine.Let’s go.”
Their footsteps sounded loud as they crossed the tiled floor.A maid stepped out from the far hallway.When she saw Lexie, her smile turned sympathetic but welcoming.She continued her work, but did a double take when she saw Lexie’s guest.The duster in her hand froze on the crystal bowl she was cleaning.
“Good morning, Sharon,” Lexie said.
Sharon’s mouth worked like a fish.Finally, she licked her lips and got them working.“Good morning, Ms.Underhill.”
The woman’s gaze drilled into Roxie, and a real smile started burgeoning.
Roxie relaxed from her stiff posture and threw the maid a wink.
“Where is everyone?”Lexie asked.
The housekeeper quickly got herself under control.“On the veranda, ma’am.Mrs.Underhill thought it would be nice for the family to have brunch together.”
Of course, she did.That was her mother, the queen of social niceties.Anne Marie would have heard how poorly things had gone at the office.This would be her way of smoothing everything over without really dealing with the issues.
The maid threw another fascinated look at Roxie.“I’ll go tell the staff to put out another place setting.”With a polite nod, the maid excused herself.Yet the way she scurried away, Lexie knew that wasn’t all she was going to tell the staff.
Lexie inhaled deeply.There was no going back now.She turned towards Roxie, but almost immediately there was other movement in the hallway.She flinched, not yet ready for a confrontation, but Blaire didn’t see her as she rushed into the foyer.Oblivious to everything, her younger sister honed in on Roxie.
Sympathy and concern were clear on her face.“Oh, Lex.There you are.I’ve been so worried about you.”
Roxie couldn’t get out of the way before Blaire enveloped her in a hug.
“I’ve been calling and calling, but you didn’t have your cellphone turned on.”The tiny blonde squeezed tighter.“Are you okay?I’m so sorry about what happened with that newspaper.”
Roxie stared over Blaire’s shoulder, and Lexie held up her hands helplessly.
Her twin patted the shorter woman on the shoulder.“There, there.”
