She restrained herself, of course, but she was finding it more and more difficult. As much as he teased her, and as often as she saw the softened expression he sometimes wore when he looked at her, Greg treated her with an aloof courtesy that prevented her from attempting to draw closer to him.
Not that she blamed him. His life functioned very smoothly as it was. He put in long hours at the office, Mrs. Beasley came in on a regular basis to keep his home clean, and he either made his own meals or went out to eat. Whatever he'd had in mind when he'd proposed, he wasn't looking for a housekeeper.
Brandi knew that the longer she was around him the harder it would be to adjust to being alone once again. For the first time in her life she'd discovered a person she preferred being with to being alone. What a revelation that had been.
If only she would hear something from Tim. Greg had stressed that she was not to call Tim for any reason. Tim would be in touch as soon as he knew something definite.
Tonight she had decided to do everything in her power to show Greg how much she appreciated him, how much she wanted him, how much her thinking had changed since they had first met.
The week spent in Payton had been an eye-opener. Just as Greg had predicted, by the time she had decided to go shopping everyone in town had seemed to know that she was the young woman visiting Gregory Duncan.
Brandi found the townspeople friendly and filled with carefully disguised curiosity. After several conversations with various neighbors and shopkeepers, Brandi recognized that the townspeople were proud of the fact that Greg made his home in Payton. They respected him; some revered him. To Brandi's amusement, she discovered that they all felt it their duty to warn her not to take him for granted in any way and to appreciate the sterling qualities he possessed.
Perhaps it wasn't fair to accuse the friendly folk of Payton of matchmaking. In their minds, the fact that she was actually living in Greg's home made a romance a foregone conclusion.
Brandi smiled at her image in the mirror as she put the finishing touches on her makeup. Perhaps she could prove the townspeople right in one respect, anyway. At least she was going to do her very best to remind Greg that she was a desirable woman who found him fascinating.
❧
The phone's sudden jangling near his elbow startled Greg out of his deep concentration on the deposition he was reading. He was preparing for the Sherman dissolution hearing, which was scheduled for Monday. Otherwise he wouldn't have spent all day Saturday at the office. But he'd had no choice.
The phone rang a second time before he grabbed it. His secretary had left at noon. It was past four now.
"Hello?"
"I figured I'd find you at the office on a Saturday afternoon, even with Brandi there to keep your attention off your law books."
"Tim! It's about time you called. It's been over a week. What's taking so long?"
"I was just behaving myself, being the loyal employee whose life—and phone calls—were all legitimate and aboveboard."
"I'm impressed. What's the word?"
"Officially, nothing ever happened. Unofficially, there are a bunch of red faces in Washington, and a colonel who is getting the tail-wrenching of his life."
"You mean the colonel was working on his own?"
"You got it. What I find a little amusing—or would if Brandi hadn't been seriously threatened—is the fact that the colonel is now claiming that the men in his charge overstepped their authority in pursuing and threatening a witness. He denies all knowledge of the attempts on her life and swears he never extended any such authority to his men."
Greg leaned back in his chair and smiled. "How interesting. Perhaps he has some idea how his superiors must feel about him at the moment."
"He probably hasn't given a thought to anything else. He's career military, and this may send him right out the door. He feels that what he was doing was justified and that eventually he will be proven right, that it's all been a misunderstanding."
Greg leaned back in his chair. "So where does that leave Brandi?"
"Now that the truth has come out, I admitted that I only heard about the incident through rumor. That I didn't know the person who had actually witnessed the incident."
"And they believed that?"
Tim laughed. "Of course they do," he said, his irony apparent. "They know me so well. They also know that I don't intend to tell them anything else, and we've all agreed to drop it."
"So Brandi's safe to return home."
"If you want her to go, yes."
"It isn't a case of what I want. I want Brandi to be happy, and Vm not at all sure I know how to accomplish that. She was right. I was trying to help her out of a tight situation. Now everything can return to normal.''
"Maybe you can get Brandi to accept that sort of an explanation, pal, but don't try it on me."
Greg straightened in his chair, leaning his elbows on the desk in front of him. "All right, so I'm a coward. I know all about fighting to win a lawsuit. I don't know how to fight to win the woman I love."
"At least you admit that."
"Of course I do. How could anyone not love Brandi? She's so full of life, she's so unpredictable, she's so—"
"I know, I know. Then I suggest you put some of your most persuasive powers to work and win her, counselor."
Greg laughed. "I just might take your advice. I'm taking her out to dinner tonight. Do you think I should do the whole thing—candlelight dinner, romantic music and another proposal?"
"Don't ask me. That's not my line of work at all. I can save her from subversives, but not from romance."
"The only thing is, I've got a case in court in St. Louis on Monday that may take all of next week."
"So? Let her get used to seeing you in action. Take her with you."
"Are you crazy? She'll be bored out of her mind."
"I doubt that very much. I think you should give her the opportunity, anyway."
"I'll think about it."
"You do that. I've got to go. Keep in touch."
"You, too. Bye."
❧
Greg replaced the phone slowly, his mind already reviewing all that Tim had told him.
The best news was that Brandi's life was no longer threatened. However, he'd still feel better if she agreed to marry him and move to Payton immediately. He didn't like the idea of her living all alone in such an isolated area.
He looked at the file in front of him. He needed to finish it before leaving today. Within minutes, his concentration was once again on the papers in front of him.
By the time he finished, he was determined to have his client gain her freedom from the man she'd married. She had tried several avenues to get help, but none of them had worked. The man had many problems, and it was obvious that he was refusing to face them. Instead, he was blaming everyone around him, most especially his wife.
Locking the door to his office, Greg strode to his car. He was looking forward to the evening with Brandi. Although he'd been concentrating on the case, another part of his mind had been mentally reviewing all that Tim had said.
The past week had been torture for Greg. As his guest Brandi deserved his respect. He hadn't wanted to take advantage of the situation. He hadn't wanted her to feel trapped, with no place to go. So he had given her plenty of space.
Each night he kissed her, then went to his own bedroom. He wasn't sure where he found the self-discipline to keep his hands off her. He loved her and he wanted her, and knowing she was asleep nearby was an agony that he wasn't sure he could handle much longer.
Tim's news changed things; Brandi now had a choice. She could go home, or she could stay with him, but this time the conditions would be different. He had honored her terms and treated her as a friend. Now he wanted to convince her that he wanted to add another dimension to their friendship.
When he got home, he let himself in quietly and went upstairs to shower and change. He was pleased at the way he'd managed his time since Brandi had been with him. No l
onger did he spend most of his waking hours at the office. Instead, he left by six each evening. If it hadn't been for this trial coming up, he wouldn't have worked today.
Greg had already started delegating some of the work in his St. Louis office by phone, knowing that he wanted to be spending more and more time in Pay-ton. With Brandi.
Now all he had to do was to convince her to stay.
When Greg went back downstairs, Brandi was waiting.
In the time that he'd known her, he'd only seen her dressed in casual clothes. The stunning beauty waiting for him near the fireplace of his large living room stunned him.
She wore a filmy red Grecian style dress, tied at the shoulders and crisscrossed over her breasts. The skirt was full and ended at her knees. Scarlet high-heeled sandals completed the look. The bright hue played up the creaminess of her complexion and the ebony sheen of her hair.
"You look gorgeous, Brandi," he said in a husky voice.
"So do you," she managed to reply.
And he did. The black suit he had chosen to wear that night was the perfect foil for his tall, wide-shouldered figure and his bright hair. He looked commanding, arrogant and utterly luscious. Brandi swallowed, trying to rid herself of the lump that had suddenly appeared in her throat. This was the man she intended to seduce, to reduce to quivering jelly? Her knees felt as though they were weakening.
"Are you ready to go?" he asked.
She nodded, unable to find her voice.
He held her new coat for her, approving of the weight and length for the climate. He had teased her all week about making a career out of shopping for a new wardrobe. He'd enjoyed her showing off her latest acquisitions each day, pleased as a child who'd just discovered a new game.
She'd explained that shopping was new to her, that she'd never particularly cared about clothes, preferring to be casually dressed to work at home.
"I don't believe I've seen this coat or dress before, have I?" he asked, rubbing his index finger against the downy softness of her cheek.
"No. I just bought them today."
"You look lovely in them."
She smiled up at him. "I'm glad you think so."
Brandi saw such a look of warmth and caring in Greg's eyes that from that moment on the evening seemed to possess a magical quality. He made her feel beautiful and cherished and wonderful. He made her feel witty and interesting and charming.
The restaurant contributed to the mood of the evening. The tables were secluded from each other in the darkened room. A candle on each table gave additional light that seemed to leave everyone else round them in shadowy darkness—distant and unimportant to this time in Greg and Brandi's life.
Except for the occasional visit of their waiter and the wine steward, they were left alone to enjoy each other.
The music that played softly in the background called to them, and after dinner they danced to several songs. It was the first time they had ever danced together.
"Brandi?"
"Hmmmm."
"I have some news for you," Greg said, slowly circling the dance floor.
"That's nice," she murmured, enjoying being so close to him after almost a week of no more than brief good-night kisses.
"Do you want to know what it is?"
"I suppose."
"Tim called today."
That got her attention. She raised her head from where she'd been resting it on his shoulder. "What did he say?"
"That everything's been cleared up. You can go home anytime you wish."
"What was it I saw?"
"I have no idea. I doubt that you'll ever know. It's just better to forget about it and go on with your life, with one suggested change."
"What's that?"
He gazed down at her with a smile and a very vulnerable expression. "That you spend your life with me. I don't want you to go back to Colorado. Stay here and marry me."
He'd really meant it. He did want to marry her. Those were the thoughts that circled in Brandi's head.
"Oh, Greg."
He was quiet for a moment as they continued to dance to the slow music. "Is that a yes or a no?"
"I don't know what to say."
"I like that better than a no. I'll wait."
"I love you more than I've ever loved anyone in my life. It's not that—"
She couldn't say any more. His arm had tightened around her waist. She thought she heard his murmur, "Thank God," but she wasn't certain.
"Let's get out of here."
Those words were distinct and understandable. He walked her back to the table, placed money on the tray and helped her with her coat, and then they left.
❧
The night air was crisp and clear. Hundreds of stars lighted up the sky, and Brandi lifted her face. "What a beautiful night."
"You aren't going to get off that lightly. No changing the subject." After making sure she was safely inside the car, he closed the door and walked around to the driver's side. After closing the door, he reached for her the way a hungry man reaches for a long-awaited meal.
"I love you so much," he muttered, pulling her to him. His kiss reinforced his words.
Brandi felt as though the world had suddenly exploded into a kaleidoscope of color. This kiss was not the friendly kiss he had given her each night before leaving her for the night. This kiss made leaving a sacrilege. This kiss could go on for eternity with very little effort.
When Greg finally raised his head, his face was flushed and his hair had been disarranged by Brandi's fingers.
"Let's go home," he suggested quietly.
She nodded.
When they walked into the house, neither one of them spoke. Greg slipped her coat off and hung it in the hall closet. "Would you like some coffee or something?" he asked, like a gracious host.
Brandi shook her head.
Greg led her into the living room and guided her to the sofa. As soon as she was seated he sat down beside her, taking her hands in his. "Brandi, if you aren't willing to marry me, tell me now. I have to know-Did you mean what you said earlier?"
She nodded. "I think I must have fallen in love with you the first time you kissed me, in the snow, even if I didn't realize it at the time."
"Oh, Brandi," he whispered.
Brandi felt his arms enfold her, and she felt that she was surrounded by the wonderful haven of his love. His kiss was so tender it brought tears to her eyes. How could she possibly resist this kind and sensitive man? Buried deep inside him was that young child who had never experienced unconditional love. Brandi's heart seemed to expand with a surge of feeling for him.
When he finally pulled away from her, they were both trembling. Greg's voice broke when he started to speak. He cleared his throat and in a husky tone said, "I know I'm rushing you, but I'm so afraid of losing you. I don't want to take that chance."
"I don't feel rushed at all," she admitted with a smile.
"You have no idea how badly I want to make love to you, Brandi. But I want you to be mine when I do. Can you understand that? I want our first night together to be perfect. I want to know that you want and love me as much as I want and love you. I couldn't bear to make love to you, then lose you."
Brandi placed her hand along his jaw. "You aren't going to lose me, Greg. I promise."
"I've got to go to St. Louis for a trial next week. I know I'm rushing you, but would you go with me? We could have the judge marry us. I don't want to wait any longer than I have already."
Brandi was aware of the tight rein he was holding on his emotions. She knew this was important to Greg. She didn't need the public vows and the signed document. Her commitment had already been made to him.
However, she could better understand him since Tim had explained about his background. His first engagement also played an important role in how he felt now. He didn't want a long engagement, a large wedding, a reminder of his past.
Brandi knew that she loved him enough to agree to whatever he wanted.
"I'll mar
ry you, Greg. Whenever and wherever you want."
Chapter 10
Brandi stood in the judge's chambers and glanced around as though she were in a dream. She was becoming used to the sensation. In the past four days she had often felt as though she would wake up any minute and find herself at home, would discover that everything that had been happening to her was the result of her vivid imagination and too much rich food.
She looked across the room at the man she had met a few short weeks ago, the man she had just married. He was deep in discussion with the judge who had performed the ceremony.
Brandi focused her attention on the rings that nestled on the third finger of her left hand. The engagement ring had been placed there three days ago, the day they had arrived in St. Louis. Greg had wasted no time in starting the paperwork, arranging the blood tests and purchasing her rings.
The trial that they had come to St. Louis for had been postponed because the judge was in the midst of another trial that had run over from the week before. In fact, that trial was the topic of discussion between Greg and the judge at the moment.
Brandi almost laughed at the situation. Somehow Greg had managed to sandwich the wedding ceremony between his other appointments. How like him! If she hadn't loved him so much, she would have wanted to point out that his distracted interest in their union was not the most romantic attitude she could wish for in her groom.
But she did love him, and she wanted to be a part of his life, regardless of how much or how little of his time she shared. She knew he loved her. She also knew he had a well-organized, fully established life that had nothing to do with her. She couldn't expect him to change. She could only love him just the way he was.
Greg nodded at something the judge said, shook hands with him, then strode across the room to Brandi. He smiled as he took her arm and started toward the doorway. "Ready to go?" he asked, opening the door.
Brandi looked over her shoulder at the judge, who was already donning his robe to return to the courtroom. "Yes. Where are we going?"
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