Page 33 of A Lone Star Love Affair
He studied her with an intense stare. “You really didn’t want to see me again?”
“That night was in the past. Since I didn’t hear from you, I didn’t see any reason to pursue it. You didn’t call, come see me—there was no contact. That means you didn’t want to see me again. I assumed I would never cross paths with you again. That weekend was magical. Actually, you really charmed me and I had a wonderful time. You brought out a wild side in me that I hadn’t shown before or since.”
He inhaled deeply. “How I wish I had known all that after our night together. I would never have stopped trying to get back with you. You sound as if you had regrets. I didn’t, Isabelle,” he stated quietly.
“Not regrets. When you didn’t call, I just saw no point in pursuing something that was finished. I’ve seen occasional pictures of you with society women. You didn’t ever call me, so why would I think you’d want to see me?” He slipped his fingers into her hair again. “It no longer matters,” she added.
“I just would have found you sooner. How did you get into graphic arts?”
“I’ve always wanted to pursue graphic arts. I hope to have my own business at some point.”
“That may be difficult with all your plans for a family.”
“I see my own business as something happening far into the future. At this time in my life, it’s just a dream. I’ve loved my work at Morris.”
“I hope you continue to like it. You should, because you have your own department and a lot of authority.”
“I’m looking forward to that part of the job and to having my same staff with me.”
The corner of his mouth raised in a crooked smile. “So what part are you not looking forward to?”
She smiled in return. “Dealing with my supervisor and trying to keep business and my private life totally separate. So far, I’m failing to do so.”
“We’re doing pretty well at keeping it separate. Nothing about business has interfered with us tonight.”
“You’re learning about me. Tell me about you. Other than business, what’s in your life in addition to the few things you’ve mentioned already?”
“When I have time, I play basketball with my friends. I play polo. Travel, swim, play golf. Attend the symphony, the opera. Attend charity balls.”
“With your work schedule, I’d say you’re spread pretty thin,” she remarked, doubting he did half the things he listed on a regular basis. “I think your key words were, ‘When I have time.’”
“I make time for the important things. Such as this weekend. This was top priority, definitely,” he said, rubbing strands of her hair against his cheek.
“You could have clued me in.”
“Would have spoiled the surprise.”
“So did all your family get together for this past Christmas holiday?” she asked, wondering what the holidays were like in the Ryder mansion.
“No. My sister went with Dylan to his family’s celebration in Waco—not too far. My folks flew to Paris with friends. I went skiing in Switzerland.” He glanced at her. “You’re looking at me like someone might look at Scrooge.”
“Not Scrooge. I guess I just feel sorry for you. I can’t imagine a holiday without family.”
“You could imagine it if you knew my family. My parents fight when they’re home. If they’re out doing something, traveling, with friends, then they’re okay. Otherwise, they’re not the most fun to be around. Plus Dad always has an agenda where Sydney and I are concerned. Until this year. He’s backed off trying to manage my life and is now focused on my sister.”
“I’m sorry, Tony. I can’t conceive of that. Our family times are great fun. I will invite you to go with me to the next big family gathering and you’ll see what I’m talking about.”
“I look forward to meeting your entire family,” he said, but she couldn’t believe that he would actually accept such an invitation. She doubted he went home to visit his own family very often. Particularly if his sister wasn’t going to be there.
“I’ll tell you now—I’m not sure I’d know how to behave in one of those folksy Christmases you see in old movies.”
“Then I do feel sorry for you,” she said, patting his hand, and he smiled.
“That’s a first. I have a lot of firsts with you. You have a few with me.”
Her gaze flew to his and they both remembered their night of love when she lost her virginity.
He rubbed his cheek again with locks of her hair. “Temptation,” he whispered, his dark gaze on her. “I can’t tell you what you do to me. I missed you this week. I’m not even thinking straight. I lose my train of thought at work, something that’s never happened before.”
