Page 13 of Robert

That’s what was important to me at first and then when I started, I realized that I loved it.” She lifted her head to stare at him. “What I do is of the utmost importance to me, and I would do almost anything to keep it going.”

“Hence the reason for this pretended courtship leading to marriage,” he murmured, very moved by her confession.

“Yes!” She bit her lip and sent desire coursing through his body. “I don’t want to use you…”

“I don’t allow myself to be used.” His voice was unnecessarily harsh, and he had to temper it. “I agreed to be part of it, remember?”

“But why?” She asked softly. “What are you getting out of it?”

He smiled grimly and wished he had poured himself a glass of scotch. He certainly needed the liquid courage to play the game. “Perhaps I am sick and tired of being pursued because of my bank account and just need a rest from all of it.”

She eyed him closely as if weighing the truth. “You could always give in.”

He laughed, the tension loosening around his heart. “I am not known to do that. Let’s just say we are doing this for mutual benefits and leave it at that...”

He gave a silent sigh of relief when she nodded in agreement.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. We’re here.” He was reluctant to let her go, but he had to.

“Thanks for a wonderful evening, Robert.” She placed a hand over his and he felt the jolt and heat gathering in the center of his being.

“No problem.” He made his voice brisk to hide his emotions and decided to allow the driver to do his job by opening her door. “See you on Sunday.”

“Of course.”

He watched her making the journey towards her porch and admired the seductive swing of hips. Waiting until she was inside and had closed her door, he instructed the driver to take off. Giving into the impulse, he pressed the button and poured himself a full glass of scotch, figuring that he needed it.

*****

“Is something wrong?” Catherine asked anxiously as she slid into the seat across from him.

She was still wearing her baby blue scrubs and her hair was tidily tucked at the nape of her neck, making her look years younger. A smile touched his lips as he wondered how many of her patients were in love with her.

“You look like a doctor.”

“I am a doctor.”

“I ordered the burger for you. I figured you would appreciate the red meat.”

“I am just coming off a twelve-hour shift and was going straight home.” She picked up her water and eyed her brother. “And you have not answered my question.

“I am aware. Let’s wait- Ah here comes our meal.”

They waited in silence while the meal was set before them and the waiter withdrew discreetly. “I have met someone.”

Cat had been in the middle of picking up a fry when he made the announcement, and she stopped in the process of popping it into her mouth as she stared at him.

“That was quick.”

“I thought you wanted it to happen.”

“Who is she?” There was a note of distrust in her voice that had him smiling.

“Her name is Sonya Beaumont.”

His sister frowned slightly as she tried to place the name. Catherine was not much into the whole society scene and as much as he was able, he tried to shield her from the happenings.

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