“I can’t imagine why.” Rob was unwilling to deal with Shelly’s matchmaking schemes when he was having the time of his life with Meg.
“Are you feeling well, Robert?” Shelly asked. “We’ve been here several minutes and you’ve yet to notice my new hairdo or remark on Tara’s lovely dress. We went to special pains for you, darling.”
Rob groaned. He’d committed a major faux pas, failing to follow the social niceties expected by the Thompson-Rhodes of the world. Without a thought, Rob slipped into the familiar character he played, noticing for the first time, how much it chafed.
“It’s simply that you caught me unaware. You both look very pretty, as always.”
Appeased, Shelly and Tara tittered at his insincere praise.
“Seth, how are you?” Rob turned his attention to Shelly’s husband, anxious for an escape from the two women.
“Quite well,” Seth replied. “Managed to schedule a couple months off from the practice.”
Rob swallowed his sarcastic reply, well aware that Seth, since landing the very wealthy Shelly Thompson, was little more than a token figurehead at his successful practice, leaving the real work to his partners.
Shelly kept him on a tight leash and wouldn’t accept more than his total attention and devotion. It was the main reason she and Rob would never have been a compatible match. He was far too independent for Shelly’s tastes.
However, as far as Rob could tell, Tara would be perfectly content to share his name, homes and money while making few demands on his time. Obviously, Shelly realized this as well and was quite anxious for the advantageous union, regardless of his feelings about it. He’d successfully evaded her maneuverings for two years. Meg’s appearance in his life had only solidified his conviction that Tara was the last person on earth he wanted to marry.
“Robert Madison, I swear I don’t know where your manners are. We’ve been here nearly five minutes and you’ve yet to offer us a drink.” Shelly crossed to the bar and looked ready to settle in for the long haul.
Rob needed to get rid of his unexpected guests before Meg reappeared. This heartless trio would blow his cover in a matter of seconds and Rob wasn’t willing to have his real identity revealed in such a fashion. “I’m afraid you’ve caught me at a bad time. I was about to shower and head out to an important meeting.”
“A meeting? At this time? It’s nearly five o’clock. Surely you haven’t planned a meeting in the midst of your vacation.”
“Actually, an unexpected opportunity has fallen into my lap. You know me, Shelly, never one to look a gift horse in the mouth.”
“What type of opportunity?”
He hedged. “I find as I get older, I don’t like to talk about business ventures until the deal is done. Getting a bit superstitious.”
“You, superstitious? Ridiculous. What are you up to? I find it very hard to believe you have anything so pressing you would miss the opportunity to spend the day with Tara. Especially after all the fuss she’s gone to for you.”
Glancing behind Shelly, Rob watched Tara throw him a come-hither look as she thrust out what appeared to be a new pair of breasts. Rob felt a trickle of sweat bead at the back of his neck as he counted the minutes remaining before Meg returned. Suddenly, her habit of showering and dressing quickly seemed less endearing. He needed more time.
The sound of a door opening behind him, as well as the shocked faces on the three people in front of him convinced him that time was up. Turning slowly, Rob smiled at Meg’s lovely appearance. She had donned a simple sundress, the same color as her blue eyes. Her hair was still damp and she’d left her long, blonde curls loose. He’d never seen her look more beautiful.
Her friendly smile caused him unease as he could practically hear the women behind him sharpening their claws.
“Meg.” He walked quickly to meet her as she approached. “You look gorgeous,” he murmured in her ear. “Come meet some of my friends.”
Placing a protective arm around her waist, he turned to face the firing squad, praying silently for a reprieve.
“This is Seth Rhodes and his lovely wife, Shelly.”
“Pleasure to meet you.” Meg shook their hands in her ever-practical, no-nonsense way. Rob watched the subtle rising of Shelly’s eyebrows as she took in every aspect of Meg’s appearance.
“Of course it is.” Shelly’s words were cold. Meg looked inquisitively at Rob.
Ignoring Shelly’s rudeness, Rob gestured to Tara. “And this is Shelly’s younger sister, Tara.” Rob smiled inwardly as Shelly hissed at his mention of her elder status. Shelly was extremely sensitive to any mention of age and Rob was pleased to manage his own revenge.
“Nice to meet you.” Meg repeated the words warily, obviously wondering what response she would receive from this sister.
“Yes.” Tara looked down her nose at Meg. “Indeed.”