Wonderful.
The papers rustled frantically as Dad-not-Dad hauled himselfout of the fancy yellow settee.
“Loren, my boy, we didn’t have a chance to greet each otherearlier.It’s lovely to see you again.”
Loren studied Dad curiously, like he was a speck of dirt inthis pristine, but very attractive, sitting room, and he had no clue how hemanaged to be missed by the maids.
In our very brief acquaintance, Loren had shown somedickishtendencies, but now I was thinking I might like theguy.
“I’m afraid the tea’s cold,” Dad-not-Dad went on gamely.“Shall we ring for some more?”
“I don’t drink tea,” Loren declared.
“Really?What do you drink?”Dad-not-Dad asked eagerly.“Obviously, my darling Maxine will need to knowallyour preferences.”
I looked to the ceiling and mouthed,Oh my God.
“Maxine!”Dad snapped.
I righted my head and caught Loren now studying me, not likeI was a speck of dirt, but like I was a fascinating specimen, and he didn’tknow what to make of me.
At least the fascinating part was good.
“Yes, of course, my lord, please, I beg of you, shareallyour preferences,” I said to him, lifting a hand and placing it on mychest for added emphasis of how deeply I desired this knowledge.
Loren’s eyes fell to my hand.
They stayed there.
He smirked.
Well, there’s one.
I’d taken off my jacket.
I was baring cleavage.
And he was atitman.
Thank goodness I had ample in that region.
More thunder, closer, and the darkening room lit withlightning.
I dropped my hand, turned back to the window and saw therain come sluicing down.
This wasn’t an afternoon thunderstorm.
This was a monsoon.
And the horses had their heads ducked, all eight of them onthe two carriages, as the deluge pelted them.The wind was tearing at theirmanes and tails.And I could swear to God, I saw one of them shivering.
I whirled on Dad-not-Dad.
“Are you going to call a damned groom?”I demanded.
My not-father dropped all pretense, and his face twisted.
“Watch that mouth, lady,” he snapped.
