Page 34 of Landen

He nodded. “Ialso scour the internet with a ferocity that reminds me of a dog witha bone. Your young man seemed very familiar, but that name - Landen-is not very popular.

So, I looked him up.”Ignoring her bland look, he continued. “Landen Chapman, heir toan immense fortune which includes exclusive jewel stores,pharmaceuticals, and real estate, among other things.

His parents are somesort of relative to the King of England, and your young man has beenphotographed with Princes William and Harry.” His expressionbecame thoughtful. “I have also seen how he hangs around you,and it appears he is quite enchanted. Which is natural consideringthe way you look.”

Dropping his hands,he picked up a unique crystal paperweight and rolled it in his palm.“Do you know what you are doing?”

“I don’tknow what you think you know-”

“You have beenintimate. That much is quite obvious. I am gay, darling, and mysenses about these things are never wrong. That young man might bedazzled and enamored by you, but the reality is, he will never marryyou.”

Tessa felt the arrowpiercing her heart, and it took all of her control not to reactaccordingly. “I am not looking for marriage.”

“This is goodbecause even if he could defy his parents, they would never allowtheir bloodline to be soiled, so to speak, by an American who is justa simple girl working in a gallery and who happens to be black.”He shrugged his thin shoulders. “I am just stating theobvious.”

She rose to her feet,fighting his statement's nausea and bitter truth. “Is thatall?”

“Be upset withme, darling, but I have your best interests at heart. I am hopingthat you are simply having a fling with that handsome Brit andnothing more.” His expression turned sober. “I care aboutyou, Tessa, and would hate to see you hurt.”

Chapter 7

She hid theuncertainty and misgivings so well that he did not suspect anything.After the conversation with Ronald, she returned and did her job tothe best of her ability. She loved her career, and explaining themerits of the paintings and the other artworks came naturally to her.

She almost cried offgoing to dinner with him, but some perverse need to be with him, tospend the time they had together, had her going. He was charming,engaging her in conversation after he had ordered for her. And thefilet mignon was tasty, not to mention the wine he had chosen to gowith it.

He never had to worryabout money. He was entitled and possibly titled. He had been broughtup being waited on hand and foot. He was seeing people around him,and picking up after him came naturally.

But to her, he wassimply a very handsome man with a distinctive accent, and she wasenjoying him. When it came time for her to say goodbye, she would tryher best to be sophisticated about it.

“Hey.”

Mentally shaking hermiserable thoughts aside, she forced herself to concentrate on him.

“Yes?”

“If I were lessthan confident, I would begin to think you have lost interest.”

“But you happento be very confident.” He had ordered mango mousse, and she wasforcing herself to eat it.

“I am.”His jade green eyes searched her face, a frown crossing his brow.“Care to tell me what’s going on?”

“I had a hardday at the gallery.” She said evasively, which did not fool himone bit.

“Want to takethat to go?” He nodded at the pastry.

“I-” Witha distracted frown, she looked down at the discarded dessert. “No.”

“Then, shallwe?” He was already pushing back his chair and calling for thecheck.

“You are notfinished.” She pointed out.

“I have lost myappetite.” His tone had become calm and distant, sending awarning into her brain.

“Did youdrive?”

“No.”

“We willcatch a taxi.” Holding his hand out, he waited while a vehicleslid to a stop at their feet. The short journey was done in silence.Getting out of the car, he came around to open her door, and theymade their way to the building.

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