Sarah's Child by Linda Howard Page B

impeccable pale blue pinstripe shirt, a discreet tie of navy and burgundy silk, and a burgundy silk handkerchief peeking out of his breast pocket, the splash of color looking smashing with his dark coloring. Suddenly she found it a little difficult to breathe, and her heart began racing in anticipation of the night to come. Theyd found the opportunity to make love only three times, as a spate of trips had taken him away several times, and her own natural functions had displayed the worlds worst timing. She wanted him, and her body felt weak and warm.
    He was tense, his arm rigid where her fingers lay lightly in the crook of his elbow. His deep voice was strained, and his hand shook when he slipped the plain gold band on her finger. As soon as the ring was on, Sarah closed her fingers into a fist, as if she could anchor it to her flesh. Then he was brushing her lips with a light kiss, and it was over. He drew back, his hand locking with hers, and he gave her a smile that merely twitched at the comers of his mouth, then faded.
    Everyone came up to shake their hands and congratulate them. Max was the last of all; he shook Romes hand, then framed Sarahs face in his palms and said softly, My word, youre lovely! Are you so happy, then?
    Yes, of course, she whispered, and lifted her face for his kiss, his mouth barely touching hers in the lightest of caresses.
    Damn it, Max, Rome said impatiently. Why does it seem that you kiss her more than I do?
    Maybe Im just smarter than you are, Max returned, grinning.
    Sarah clung to Romes hand, wondering if he thought she looked good. Several people other than Max had commented on her glowing looks, and she knew that it was due as much to the new makeup job she had as it was to her happiness. Shed gone to a hairstyling and makeup salon, and the makeup artist had showed her some new delicate translucent shades that gave her color without being too harsh. Her eyes were made up only slightly darker than usual, but that small difference was a gigantic one. Her Egyptian eyes were more exotic, her lashes feathered, while shadows and secrets lurked in the green depths. Apricot color dusted her cheekbones, and her mouth had a soft, lush quality to it. That wasnt lipstick; that was the way she felt. Beneath the pale rose silk dress she wore, her body was quivering, aching, needing him.
    But not yet. Reservations had been made at a swank restaurant, and everyone went along. Lobster and champagne seemed the perfect feast, but Sarah was so nervous that she scarcely noted the snow-white meat of the lobster or the sparkling champagne that slipped down her throat. She wasnt aware that she was getting tipsy until she turned her head to say something to Rome and the room suddenly dipped. She blinked, surprised.
    For the first time that entire evening Rome grinned, his dark face lighting as his teeth flashed whitely. Were two glasses of champagne too much for you?
    You let me drink two glasses? she asked weakly, clinging to the edge of the table. Rome, I wasnt joking about my alcohol tolerance. I wont be able to walk out of here!
    We were just married; everyone will think its romantic if I carry you out, he said calmly.
    Not if Im waving the tablecloth like a flag and singing Highland ballads at the top of my lungs, she predicted darkly. He chuckled but moved the champagne glass away from her plate and signaled the waiter. Shortly thereafter a glass of milk appeared by her side, and she sipped it gratefully. Everyone at the table groaned and predicted dire results from the mixing of champagne and milk, but Sarah knew a lifesaver when she saw one, and she wasnt about to turn it down. Even with the milk slowing the rate at which the alcohol was absorbed into her bloodstream, she knew she wouldnt be steady on her feet when they left the restaurant.
    She wasnt; Romes arm was clamped around her waist like a vise as he helped her to his car. He settled her in the seat and walked around to get behind the wheel,