Page 14 of Robert

But every now and then he would prevail on her to be his hostess and she carried out the task with an aplomb that he admired. He saw when her expression cleared as the name registered.

“She is into charity.”

“Big time.”

“She looks like a model and her mother was one as well as an actress. Why her?”

“We went to high school together.” He told her lightly as he busied himself with his salad. He had meetings lined up for therest of the afternoon but figured that giving his sister a heads up would be prudent.

He had seen the photos on the internet and in the society rags and how they were already being paired with each other. He had had the unpleasant task of informing Merva that they were finished.

Cat frowned at him and then her eyes widened. “It’s her.”

“Yes.” He said simply.

“She was horrible to you.”

“No, she wasn’t. She saved me as a matter of fact.”

“You told me the stories of what you went through at that private high school. Those people made your life a living hell.”

“She wasn’t part of it and that was years ago. I got over it.”

“Well, I haven’t.” She was staunchly protective of her brother and her loyalty was unquestionable. Robert realized that she was going to take a stance when she meet Sonya face to face.

“Look at me.” He ordered and when she did, his expression softened. “I love you and appreciate the fact that you think you have to look out for me. You will be meeting her on Sunday because she has been invited to dinner. And I would like you to keep an open mind. She is not the person she was before.”

“You really like this woman.”

“I do.” He paused and took a sip of his drink. “I am going to ask you a big favor.”

“Anything.”

“Don’t say anything to her about me liking her.”

“I don’t understand.”

“One day, I will explain everything to you, but for now, I am asking you to trust me. I know what I am doing.”

“And what is that?” She demanded.

He smiled slightly. “I am chasing my dream, and the rest of my life depends on it. That is all I am prepared to share right now.”

Chapter 4

“Have you gone mad?” Deidre stared at her daughter, her expression one of acute displeasure. She had seen the photos on the internet as well as prominently featured in several society rags and had fielded the curious questions from a few friends and associates who wanted to know if her daughter was dating Robert Faulkner.

She had called and demanded a meeting. Now they were on the patio of her townhouse where Deidre had instructed the housekeeper to fix a tray for brunch.

“You were the one who wanted me to get married. And gave me a two-week timeline.” Sonya retorted. She had had every intention of telling her mother the news, but the photos had done it for her, and she was not unhappy about that.

“Of all the eligible men who would have loved the privilege of being your husband, you have chosen him. What about Kevin Blagrove?” She threw up one hand in question. “His family owns real estate, and they are old and dignified. Milo Vermont?

David Pettigrove? Allan Smithfield? These men are most suitable and have pedigrees, distinguished ones, I might add. Robert Faulkner is…”

“A very successful and ambitious man who made something of himself.” She interrupted firmly before her mother could voice her derogatory term. Pulling out one of the iron grille chairs, she plopped down impatiently.

She had several meetings with various sponsors and did not have time for this. “Mother, you instructed me – no…!” She shook her head. “You ordered me to find a husband and that’s what I did. Robert is someone I have known for years. We went to school together.”

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