Page 16 of Robert

“You’re early.”

“Is that a complaint?”

“No.” Robert greeted his sister by folding his arms around her petite figure, possessively and completely ignoring the nervous young man standing next to her. “I trust you don’t have a shift today?”

“No.” Cat placed her hands on his solid chest and quirked a brow at him. “You’re all dressed up,” she teased.

“Don’t start,” he muttered, lifting his head to look at the man who was practically wringing his hands.

“You must be Brian.” His expression had turned cool as he sized up the guy his sister was involved with.

“Yes sir!” The man took a deep breath, before sticking out a hand.

Shifting his sister aside, Robert clasped it and was surprised and pleased at the firm handshake and the fact that even though the younger man was nervous, his palms were not moist. “Come on in and dispense with the ‘sir’ - will you? I am not ancient. The name is Robert.”

“Of course!” Brian exchanged a glance with Cat and caught her smile.

“I think he likes you.”

“Let’s not go that far.” Robert warned as he led the way from the wide hallway towards the cozy living room where refreshments were already laid out.

“Help yourselves. I just have to go and see about something in the kitchen. Mrs. Hall left everything organized as well asinstructions on what to do.” He strode from the room, leaving the couple alone.

“Well!” Brian eased out a shaky breath and rolled his shoulders as he stared around the elegant room. “That went well. My God! This place is amazing.”

“My brother likes wide open spaces.” She was pleased at his look of admiration. “He grew up living in a shoe box when he was little and was determined to have as much space as possible.” She wandered over to the massive hearth.

“During the fall and winter months, we would cozy up here in the easy chairs and have our meals in front of the fire.” She lifted her head to stare at Brian, a smile touching her lips. “Now that he has approved of you, I think you’ll be included.”

“Does he think I am into you for your money?” He had come up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“I am very certain; he had you thoroughly checked out.” She laughed as his arms jolted.

What do you expect?”

“Nothing less,” Brian muttered, “he’s very intimidating.”

“He loves me and as long as you’re not into me because of him, then you have nothing to worry about.”

“You know better than that.” They both lifted their heads at the sound of the doorbell.

“That would be this woman he started seeing.”

Brian’s brows lifted at her tone.

“I take it that he’s not the only one who is territorial,” he muttered dryly.

“Was it that obvious?”

“Darling, you are practically vibrating. Try and disguise the fact that you’re not in approval of his choice.”

At the front door, Robert had to tamp down his anxiety before disengaging the lock. But that was before he had his first glance of her. Christ Jesus! He was never going to be able to keep things simple. He wanted to devour her, right here and now.

Forcing a smile to his lips, he stepped aside to allow her to enter and took her wrap and purse. Turning away and making a production of setting her stuff on the entrance table, he had time to compose himself before turning back to face her.

“Welcome.”

“It’s a lovely home.” She smiled at him. “But I have to confess that I did get a peek when I read the magazine just this week.”

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