Page 48 of Eclipse Bay

“I saw it, but I gotta tell you, Perry, it didn’t look normal or healthy to me.”

“It was your fault that there was a small misunderstanding.”

She gave him an icy smile. “Yes, it was on the small side, but I wasn’t going to mention it.”

“There’s a word for women like you. You can’t blame me for trying to take you up on what you were offering.”

“I didn’t offer you anything, and you know it.”

“I cared for you.” His jaw jerked a couple of times as if he were on the verge of being overcome by emotion. “I wanted to marry you.”

“Sure. But only because I was a Harte.”

“That’s not true.”

“It was true. I wasn’t nearly as naïve in those days as everyone seems to think. Do you really believe that you were the first man who latched on to me because he saw it as a way to marry into Harte Investments?”

“I resent the implications of that statement,” Perry said furiously. “I’m an academic. I live for the world of ideas, not the world of business.”

“Give me a break, Perry. You’re a hustler. You always have been a hustler. Eight years ago you saw marriage to me as a quick, easy way to get access to the deep pockets of my father’s company. You also figured you’d have a lot of use for the social and business contacts that my family could provide, didn’t you?”

“Your parents liked me.”

“Mostly because they thought you were bright, charming, and ambitious. Really ambitious. My family admires ambition in a person. Sometimes we admire it a little too much.”

“There’s nothing wrong with ambition. It’s the American way.”

“What you seem to have overlooked is that there’s a line between ambition and hustling. I’ll admit that it can be mighty thin at times, but it’s there if you care to check for it.” She paused deliberately. “Something tells me that you haven’t looked for it in years, Perry.”

“You’re just as preachy and prissy as ever, aren’t you?” His mouth tightened. “Do you know how incredibly self-righteous and officious you sound when you go into your lecturing mode? No wonder your engagement fell apart. What man in his right mind wants to go to bed every night with a woman who can’t stop lecturing?”

She caught her breath. Then she glanced very pointedly at the hands he had clasped around her arms. “Let me go, Perry.”

He ignored her. His fingers squeezed tighter. “I’ve got news for you. The Miss Virtue act doesn’t work here in Eclipse Bay anymore. You screwed your image eight years ago when you provided Rafe Madison with his alibi. And what do you think will happen when word gets out that the two of you arenegotiatingthe details of your aunt’s will over cozy little breakfasts at your folks’ place?”

“You know, it won’t be as easy to knee you in the crotch tonight as it was the last time, because this skirt is much tighter than the one I had on that night. But I think I can manage it, and I will if you don’t let me go right now.”

He released her and jumped back as if he’d just touched an electrically charged wire. “Bitch!”

“I think this is about where I came in last time,” Rafe said from the shadows behind Perry. “But the big difference is that Hannah won’t have to walk home tonight. I’ve got my car.”

“Madison.”Perry jerked around to face Rafe and then took another hasty step back. “This is a private conversation.”

“I got the impression that Hannah didn’t want to continue it any longer.” Rafe glided forward with a deceptively lazy movement. His eyes never left Perry’s face.

“Was I mistaken?”

“This is none of your business.” Perry’s voice squeaked slightly. “If you touch me, I’ll file charges.”

Alarmed by the glint of predatory anticipation in Rafe’s eyes, Hannah stepped quickly between the two men. “That’s enough, Rafe. Everything is under control.”

“I know, but it would be sort of fun to bounce him around a little. Please?”

“Rafe, I’m serious.” It occurred to her that in her career as a wedding consultant she had honed to a fine art the ability to nip embarrassing public scenes in the bud. Now she was standing in the middle of one that she herself had created. “I do not want anyone hurt here.”

“I could take him somewhere else.” Rafe looked hopeful. “Pretty quiet down at Eclipse Arch this time of night. No one would hear him squawk.”

“You’re crazy.” Perry backpedaled several more steps. “How dare you threaten me! Do you have any idea of just who is out there in that reception room? There’s a future U.S. senator out there. Not to mention a lot of other very important people.”

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