days for leading a quiet life. The old playboy image is well and truly gone.”
Keegan himself had mentioned something like that, but she’d only half heard him. She couldn’t lookat Wade. It was too embarrassing to have him guess what had happened.
He seemed to sense that. He touched her cheek lightly and coaxed her eyes up to his. “Don’t worry. It’s our secret. I’d never tell another soul.”
She relaxed a little. “It was all over a long time ago,” she said. “I have a few emotional scars, but I’m not carrying any torches.”
“So you keep saying. But when you look at him, there’s such a hunger in your eyes, Eleanor. You look at him as if you’d die to have him.” He smiled gently. “And if he ever catches that look, darling, you’re dead. Because he’s doing some looking of his own.”
“Conscience,” she said tightly.
“Perhaps. Perhaps not.” He pursed his lips, studying her flushed face. “Keegan’s spent most of his life manipulating people. So suppose we manipulate him for a change?”
She stared at him blankly. “What?”
“Let’s manipulate him. I’ll take you in hand and teach you how to be a society belle. We’ll go everywhere together, become what’s known as ‘an item.’ We’ll haunt his favorite restaurant, be seen at the marina, we’ll do everything but announce future plans, and watch him sweat.”
“He won’t…” she began.
“I’ll bet you a tuna-fish casserole that he will,” he returned.
“Tuna-fish casserole?” She groaned. “Ugh! I hate them!”
“So do I, and the loser has to eat the horrible thing,” he declared. “Is it a deal?”
She hesitated. “Why do you want to do this for me?”
“Because I like you, darling,” he said gently, and smiled at her. “I’d love to marry you and take care of you all my life, but since you haven’t a heart to offer me, I’ll help you find what you want.”
“And what do I want?” she mused.
“Oh, revenge,” he said absently. “Maybe a little fulfillment. Whatever. Come on, Ellie. Let’s give it a shot. Mother and Sandra will help. Look upon it as a project.”
“Well…” She hesitated. It did have possibilities, however, and it could be fun. She smiled. “Okay.”
“Good girl.” He kissed her cheek. “Come and meet the Arab prince, and then we’ll explore some of the more wearing social graces.”
“Lead on,” she said. “I’ll follow.” She only hoped she wasn’t following him into quicksand. It might be fun to manipulate Keegan a little, but she didn’t want to get caught in the middle. Once was enough.
Chapter Seven
“W ell , well, look who’s visiting.” Wade chuckled as he pulled up in front of Eleanor’s door late that afternoon.
Eleanor glanced at the red Porsche, a sinking feeling in her stomach. “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she grumbled.
“And he wasn’t interested, I believe you said?” he teased. “Funny, I’d call this hot pursuit, myself.”
“Care to come in and have coffee?” she asked hopefully.
“I’d love to—” he sighed “—but my dad is flying in from Greece. I have to meet him at the airport at five, which it almost is now. I’m sorry he didn’t get to meet you. We hoped he’d make it home in time for the party.”
“Some other time,” she replied, and grimaced. “I don’t want to go in there,” she moaned.
“Chin up, girl,” he said. “Remember—he’s the victim this time, not you. Now get in there and tellhim what a wonderful person I am, and how much you love my family, and how close I came to proposing! Lay it on thick. Spread it like butter.”
She studied him. “Ever think of coaching a professional football team?” she asked.
“I sure have, but I’ll settle for you right now. Come here, I see the curtains fluttering,” he murmured with a grin. He pulled her close and kissed her warmly, smiling against her lips. “Nice.” He laughed. “Like eating cotton candy. Now get in there and give him a
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