Enemy Lovers by Shelley Munro Page A

getting you a drink?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œWe’ll talk after dinner,” Laura said. “When everyone is more relaxed and not inclined to interrupt.”
    â€œSounds fine.”
    Laura could see why he was no match for her mother. Luckily for him, she was, although her mother hadn’t realized it yet.
    During dinner talk turned to the wedding.
    â€œAt least the weather has cleared. The bride and groom are arriving at the church via horse and carriage,” her mother said. “Personally, I think a summer wedding is a better proposition, although a late spring wedding can be very pleasant. Laura, what do you think?”
    â€œI haven’t considered the matter,” Laura said.
    â€œWhat about you, James?” her mother asked.
    â€œI prefer warm weather.”
    Her mother’s expression turned smug. “Do have more dessert, James. You’re so trim you can afford to have a second helping.”
    â€œThis pavlova is delicious,” Laura said, accepting another slice and ignoring her mother’s unvoiced disapproval. “The combination of chocolate and raspberry is irresistible.”
    Her mother sniffed, in a feminine manner, of course. Laura hid her smile. The meringue confection was beyond excellent. She’d have to compliment the housekeeper.
    They rose to take their coffee and after-dinner liqueurs in the lounge. Very civilized. Her father dispensed alcoholic drinks while her mother took care of coffee.
    Her brother sidled over to sit on the arm of Laura’s chair. “How are things in the city?”
    â€œWhy?” Was her guilty secret emblazoned on her face? She shot him a sharp glance. Aaron possessed an impassive expression.
    â€œJust wondered. You seem to enjoy city life. Mother was bitching about you not returning home every weekend.”
    â€œYou have a life. Why can’t she let me have one too?”
    â€œShe wants more grandchildren,” Aaron said, his brown eyes—so like her own—glinted with amusement.
    â€œYou get working on that.”
    â€œNot gonna happen.” He grinned at his girlfriend of three months, who stood chatting with their mother. “Cassie knows the score. She knows I’m not interested in anything permanent. I told her upfront.”
    As if Cassie knew they were talking about her, she wandered over with her coffee. “We missed you at the hen’s night. We had a ball, despite the rotten weather.”
    â€œIf your hangover was any indication,” Aaron said, sotto voce.
    Cassie flapped her hand as if that were of little consequence. “What did you do for the weekend? It must have been boring when you knew everyone was here having fun.”
    â€œI…ah…caught up on my reading, watched some television.” Had some very hot sex.
    â€œYou’re lucky you were able to get back to Napier with the rain we had,” Cassie said. “I heard Dianna Malcolm is pregnant.” She scanned the room and leaned closer. “Rumor says one of the O’Grady brothers is the father.”
    Aaron made a scoffing sound deep in his throat. “I wouldn’t say that too loud around Mother and Father. Besides, there are always rumors about the O’Grady family. Which brother is leading in the betting pool?”
    â€œDallas is the odds-on favorite,” Cassie said. “But Dianna has been seen with each brother during the last six months. No one is certain, so my guess is as good as anyone’s.”
    â€œThey’ve got reputations.” Aaron sounded as if he admired them. “And they have a different woman on their arms every time I see them. Mason said Dallas had a woman up at his cabin for the weekend.”
    â€œWho?” Cassie’s face held nosy interest, the scent of the rumor flaring her nostrils.
    Laura shuddered, noticed her hand holding the delicate white cup and saucer trembled. She set her coffee on a side table. “See, this is