When She's Bad by Leanne Banks Page B

may not be his brother Benjamin, and sometimes he felt like he’d spent his entire life living in Benjamin’s shadow, but Robert had been dreaming and practicing for the moment when his father would finally see that he was the real choice for politics. He wasn’t as good-looking as Benjamin. Heaven knew, he wasn’t as naturally gifted, but he could be just as determined. Maybe more. The years of coming up on the short end of the stick during the comparisons had toughened him.
    There’d been times when he’d been so jealous of Benjamin that he’d nearly hated him, but not now. Robert could tell that Benjamin truly didn’t want to be in politics. He’d been a little nervous when Benjamin had suddenly returned to Houston, but Benjamin seemed intent on deflecting their father’s never-ending pressure to show the rest of the world how superior the Huntingtons were. Benjamin was determined to find his own way. Robert couldn’t help admiring his brother for his ability to buck their father. Even tonight, Benjamin had showed up for a few minutes to show his support then scooted away.
    After Robert finished giving his speech, he cordially accepted congratulations and promises of support. The smiles and faces smudged together and he felt light-headed. The pressure of the last month suddenly settled over him like a noose. He slipped out onto the balcony and inhaled a draft of cool air. He glanced around and was surprised to find Lilly staring onto the well-lit grounds of the club.
    “What are you doing out here?” he asked, moving closer to her. “I would have thought it would be too cold for you out here.”
    She turned and shook her head. “No. It felt stuffy in there.”
    He nodded. “Too much hot air.”
    “I didn’t say that.”
    “No, I did,” he said dryly. “It’s a political function. There’s enough hot air in there to fill up a balloon and send it to China.”
    She laughed. “It’s not that bad. You did well with your speech, but you always do.”
    “Thank you,” he said, her presence calming him. “You look nice tonight.”
    Her cheeks bloomed with color. “Thanks.”
    He thought of her date and a shot of irritation corrupted his sense of peace. “Where’s your date?”
    “He’s putting together a round of golf, so I thought I’d catch a breath out here.”
    Robert nodded. “Can I call you later? After the fundraiser’s over?”
    She swallowed and bit her lip. “I—uh.” She lifted a shoulder helplessly and her gaze skittered away from his. “I may not be home until late. Greg mentioned something about dancing.”
    “Dancing?” Robert echoed with a frown. “I didn’t know you liked to dance.”
    She gave a tight smile and fluttered her hand. “You’ve been busy. You probably didn’t think to ask.”
    Confused as hell by the burst of emotions circling inside him, Robert just nodded.
    “We should probably go back in,” she said. “It was great seeing you. You did a wonderful job as always.”
    “Thanks,” he muttered, wondering why he felt as if he’d been kicked in the teeth.
    Lilly should be pleased. It appeared that she had knocked Robert sideways with that dancing comment. It appeared that Delilah’s advice was working. She should feel triumphant.
    She felt like puking.
    She was seriously beginning to wonder if she possessed the fortitude to be a manipulative she-devil. The beat of the music in the disco pounded in her brain. Her face hurt from smiling and her feet hurt from dancing. A slow number eased through the dance floor and Greg took her into his arms.
    She allowed it, but she was miserable. She wished she were with Robert. She would rather be home waiting for him to call than dancing with Greg. Greg was nice enough, but he wasn’t Robert.
    Unable to stand another moment of pretending, she pulled back. “I think I’m ready to go home. I have an early appointment and I’m tired. Do you mind?”
    “Not a problem. Can I take you to dinner on Tuesday?”
    No ,