"Do you go around stealing kisses from any female who catches your eye?" she inquired, moistening her dry lips. She wanted to ask why he hadn't seduced her, but she dared not. Still, she found it odd that she felt no shame or embarrassment at her unbridled response.
"No, but you're not just any female. Will you have dinner with me tonight?" Reis changed the subject but kept his distance.
"If you promise to control such wild impulses," she jested, regaining a measure of poise. She must keep his power over her a secret. Maybe it was her imagination or wishful thinking, but Reis also appeared unnerved and puzzled by her effect on him.
"Ouch," he winced playfully. "You wouldn't want me to lie, would you?" he tested her as the passion faded in her blue eyes.
Of course not," she stated too quickly.
"Then I can't make such a promise. But I will try to behave." He tensed as he awaited her response. Damn, but he wanted her!
"You, sir, are a rake," she declared, then laughed.
"It's one of my dark secrets. I hope it doesn't change your mind. However, I don't have a nasty temper or any hideous scars."
Both recalled their first conversation on which he was playing at that moment. "Do you have other dark secrets, Mister Harrison?"
Hearty laughter filled the quiet room. "Why don't we let you decide?" he murmured in a stirring tone.
"All right, Mister Rake. Do I meet you somewhere, or will you pick me up at home?" She accepted his stimulating challenge. She had to learn why this man was so unique, so irresistible, so unsettling.
Reis noted the softened eyes which watched him. He should warn her not to look at him like that, but he couldn't deny himself. "I'll pick you up at seven, if that's agreeable. First, I'll see you home safely." He lifted the borrowed basket and turned to face her. "Ready?" he asked, his tone sensually provocative.
Amanda grinned but didn't make the naughty comment which was teasing her tongue. He certainly had a way of making her feel like freshly churned butter beneath a blazing sun. She couldn't decide why she felt so carefree and daring around Reis, so happy and alive. She nodded and followed him out, locking the door.
As they approached a busy street, Reis took her hand and guided her across. At the other side he didn't release it, and Amanda couldn't break this pleasing contact. Even if she had thought about someone seeing them, it wouldn't have worried her today. His hand was so warm and strong but his grip so gentle. Nothing felt more natural than strolling with Reis, or more serene than being in his company, or more enticing than his touch. Amanda was glad she wasn't wearing gloves, for his flesh was delightful.
Reis left her at her front door, saying he would return later. The moment he was out of sight, she raced inside and up the stairs to decide which gown to wear. Miranda had been watching from her window. She sighed happily and smiled, heading for Amanda's room.
When she knocked, Amanda sang out for her to enter. "Did you get much work done?" she asked innocently.
Amanda whirled and laughed. "I saw Reis this afternoon. He's taking me to dinner tonight. That should please you, dear sister."
"It obviously pleases you, dear sister," she teased, witnessing Amanda's exuberance and starry eyes. Amanda had never pursued a man; but from the way she was acting, it appeared she intended to start with this one. Miranda was happy for her, as Reis seemed a perfect match.
"Yes, it does," Amanda stated honestly. She told Miranda about their deal and visit. "Need I say you were right?"
"It's just like Mama said, isn't it, Mandy?" she asked hopefully as she observed her ecstatic sister.
Amanda giggled as she vowed, "Even better."
When Reis came for her that night, he couldn't believe his senses. She was even more beautiful, if possible. "The way you look, you're not planning to help me keep my word, are you?" he chided her, remembering that she hadn't pulled her hand from his or spurned his touch at her office. Did she think he was made of iron? Did she think he could govern the situation between them without her help? Where was the arrogant ice maiden she was alleged to be? Doubtlessly, spurned males considered her such because she had refused their advances. He realized that only a rare and lucky man could win Amanda's love and stir her passions. Fortunately, he thrived on challenge.
She laughed merrily. "If that was a veiled compliment, Reis, thank you. You look quite handsome yourself."
"A woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Excellent."
As they dined in a candle-lit corner of the restaurant in the Windsor Hotel, she asked, "Where are you from, Reis?"
"Texas, but I live in Washington," he replied casually.
"That explains your western attire, but I thought you were a Yankee," she remarked, her mind spinning at his nearness.
"You say that as if it's a nasty word, Amanda. If it makes a difference to you, I was in the Union army," he informed her, knowing Weber would tell her, if he hadn't already.
"Why?" she probed inquisitively, lowering her fork and focusing her full attention on him. Something different about him tugged at her mind, but she was too enchanted to comprehend it.
"Do you really want to discuss my past politics? Do you hold some grudge against the Union?" he inquired anxiously, dismayed that she had broached this particular subject tonight. After dropping his pretense, he should have expected it, as Amanda was smart and alert.
"Of course not. Papa remained neutral because he didn't feel either side was totally right. We never had slaves on our plantation, but we are Southerners. When Virginia sided with the Confederacy, we were included in the hostilities whether we wanted to be or not.,,
"But your father held on to his plantation and shipping firm," he asserted genially, hoping she would explain how and why. He had to make certain he could trust this winsome beauty.
"Yes, but it was difficult. We made enemies on both sides," she answered sadly as she recalled unpleasant memories.
Comprehending this point, he stated, "But the war has been over for years, Amanda. Are you having problems with someone?"
"I know it's over, but many don't accept it. There are Northerners and Southerners who still won't do business with us. Sometimes I think the conflicts will never end. Is it over for you, Reis?"
"Any man who battles his brother gets scars from it, Amanda, wounds which heal slowly or not at all," he answered candidly. "Each man must find his own cure or method of treating such injuries."
"Do you have any family?" she asked abruptly.
"No," he stated sullenly. "Would you like some dessert?"
"What happened to them?" She persisted despite his chilling mood.
He met her gaze and replied evenly, "Rebs killed them while I was off fighting other Rebs. Afterward, they burned our ranch to the ground. I still own the property, but I've never gone back."
"I'm sorry," she murmured, wishing she hadn't pressed him.
"Dessert?" he asked again, seeming to look right through her. He was suddenly tense and distant. Could he trust this woman who had ties to a snake like Richardson? If he was wrong about Amanda, she could destroy him and crush this vital mission. Until he was sure of her, he dared not get too close.
"No thanks," she replied, witnessing a withdrawal in him.
As if anxious to end their evening, the moment they finished he remarked, "It's late. I'd best get you home. I'll see you tomorrow."
Reis paid for their meal then escorted her home, all in moody silence. At the steps, he bid her good night and turned to leave.
"Reis," she called to him in panic. He halted and turned, his expression concealed by shadows. He seemed so remote. "Nothing," she murmured, scolding herself for spoiling a lovely evening, pondering how she had done so.
In the moonlight playing upon her face, Reis saw the effects of his rash behavior. Tears glittered on her lashes; her expression exposed hurt and confusion. From what he had learned about her, this was unusual behavior for haughty and coy Amanda Lawrence. Reis knew he had upset her and he didn't want to push her a
way, but he couldn't explain matters to her for a long time. This case was forcing him to relive some painful times, times he hadn't allowed himself to think of in years. He surged forward, caught her in his arms, kissed her soundly, then hurried away before she could respond or speak. Whatever her part in this messy and hazardous affair-innocent or intentional-Reis felt he must find a way to protect her, to save her from danger.
Amanda stood there, utterly bewildered. If any other man had treated her this way, she would have berated him furiously and refused to see him again. Oddly, she wanted to comfort Reis, to go after him. She concluded Reis must have some hidden scars, if not on that firm and virile body, then surely on his soul. She must never mention the war or his family again, if he returned. That had to have been the source of his abrupt change.
Change, she mused to herself. She slipped her arms around the porch pillar and rested her cheek against it, concentrating on this mysterious and arresting man. All at once, she knew what had been bothering her all evening. Until he had kissed her this afternoon, Reis had spoken with a northern accent; since then, his voice had altered to a stirring blend of western and southern drawls!
Amanda was puzzled. That's why she had assumed he was a Northerner. The change had registered ' in her mind; that's why thoughts of Yankees and Rebs had come forth. But why would a man use a phony northern accent then switch to a southern one? Was it intentional or accidental? Did he think her so dense she wouldn't notice?
But he had confessed to being from Texas, to being a Southerner! Was this some kind of game she didn't understand? She couldn't help but feel duped, and she needed to know why he had deceived her. What was he doing to her? What did he want here? She tried to recall every word he had spoken and every expression since their meeting. No explanation came to mind. Amanda was very adept at playing wily games with people, and she felt that Reis was up to some mischief. Before he gained too much influence over her, she vowed to uncover-his-sport and its rules.
Amanda left the house early the next morning, anxious to get to the office and complete her study of the books before Weber's return. After opening the safe, she was astonished to find the missing book behind the others. Her eyes widened in confusion. Weber had not returned to Alexandria, so how had this book found its way back into a locked safe and office? How could she have overlooked an item of its size and importance? She sighed in frustration and scolded herself for her carelessness.
Clearly the book must have been there yesterday. She ordered herself to clear her wits. This book contained the most recent business dealings of her father's firm, with some personal entries at the rear. Perhaps the names of Reis's clients would offer her a clue to his sudden appearance and curious conduct.
Reis had told her that his friends had changed firms months ago. Perhaps her father had made helpful notations about those dissatisfied customers. Sure enough, Amanda located the three names which had halted business with Lawrence Shipping, all at the same time-their three largest accounts! She was shocked to learn that all three had switched to Richardson's Shipping.
She carefully went over those three records. There were old notes about shipments and cargoes, coded messages which only her father could understand. Was it possible those clients had created phony complaints just to cancel with him?
Amanda wondered how Weber's firm was handling that much business. If Weber had pulled some trick to gain those accounts, he would have destroyed this enlightening evidence, knowing she would eventually see it. After all, Weber had been in control of her firm and its bookslor two months. Was it true that Reis's friends weren't receiving the cheaper and faster service they had sought from Richardson's? Did Web know he was losing these accounts back to her? Had he gone to see these men, to try to hold them? She knew Weber wanted to expand his business, needed to do so. Was Weber afraid of losing everything a second time? Reis or no Reis, if these men were trouble, she didn't want to have them back.
Amanda returned her attention to the critical book at hand. She went over every fact and figure listed there. When she doubted her conclusions, she went over them again, and again.
When she couldn't deny the implications of those pages, she lay the book aside and closed her eyes to rest them. Amanda was alarmed by the shocking discovery that the firm was in terrible financial condition, the plantation had been sold, and the townhouse was mortgaged. How was that possible? Her father had said nothing to them. If business didn't pick up, the company wouldn't survive through June. What would happen to her and Miranda? Even if they sold their possessions and jewels, the money wouldn't last long.
Was this why Weber was pressing her about marriage? Not to gain a lucrative company and a wealthy business, but to spare her from humiliating bankruptcy? Was this why he didn't want her to take over, to keep her from learning the grim truth? She recalled him saying something about choosing him for himself and not for his position. She had taken the remark as a joke. Weber was so proud; he didn't want anyone to think she was marrying him for his money. He wanted them affianced before this news could be revealed. Did he hope to save her company by absorbing it into his? One thing appeared certain. Weber wasn't after her for the business; he couldn't be, for he knew its condition.
Amanda felt awful that she had had such wicked thoughts about Weber. One particular item plagued her; Weber had loaned her company a large amount of money to pay the bills for the past month .. .
What a selfish fool she was! While dear Weber was trying to help her, she was romancing another man. How could she take over and run a business that was losing money every day? How blind she had been. So much for Luke's suspicions and contempt. If not for Weber, she and Miranda would have lost everything.
. How could she accept the accounts Reis was offering to her? From her father's past notations, they had switched to Web's company. They had to be his three largest accounts, and to take them away might ruin him, alienate him. Could she do such a cruel thing after all Weber had done for her and her sister? Far worse, how deeply would it hurt Weber if she put Reis Harrison in his place, in the firm and in her life? Did Web truly love her and want her for herself?
Why hadn't Weber told her how things really stood? He must think her ungrateful and insensitive. From the way it looked, Weber had supported her and Miranda for the past two months and never claimed any credit or repayment. Now that she was indebted to Web, what would he expect or demand in return? Did Web want her totally dependent upon him before telling her about the sorry state of her business and personal finances? Were his actions selfish or lovingly generous? This situation was painful and complex.
Amanda realized that Weber would know she had discovered the truth when he returned to find her in the office with her nose in the books. She should get out of here quickly and not return until she decided what to do with this dreadful information. She quickly put things as they had been left before his departure. She could only pray that he wouldn't discover her probing actions and force a talk before she was ready.
But what about Reis? her heart screamed. She told herself she couldn't think about the mysterious Reis at present. Her way of life was on the verge of collapse; her future survival and happiness were at stake. Until she searched her heart and conscience about both men, she shouldn't see Reis again.
Amanda didn't like what she was thinking and feeling. Only a few months ago, her conscience wouldn't have troubled her at all, but today it did. If she had known Reis longer, or knew him better ... Reis was a cunning stranger, and she couldn't expect anything from him. There were strong hints of genteel breeding and wealth exuding from Reis. If she confided in him or if he learned the truth, he might think her interest in him was selfish and greedy. Could she marry Weber when she wanted Reis? Could she refuse to accept Web's proposal if her and Miranda's livelihood depended upon her submission to Web? Her decision would have been simple and quick if Reis Harrison hadn't entered her life one stormy night. .
Weber would return in a few days; he would insist upon that
talk he had mentioned. Could she risk losing Web by seeing Reis? Yet, if she didn't see Reis, how could she uncover his true feelings? Even if she accepted Reis and his clients, her firm couldn't be saved. If Reis left as mysteriously as he had appeared, where would she be then?
Such thoughts and plots made her feel cheap and heartless. Yet, what choice did a woman have but a profitable marriage? So many times she had toyed with men, tempted them with a treasure they could never have. Now vengeful Fate was dangling a tempting treat before her hungry eyes and bound hands, teasing and tormenting her. Reis was a dream; Weber was reality. Fury and frustration overwhelmed Amanda.
"Hell's bells!" she shrieked, flinging a book at the wall to reduce her tension and anger. "It's too late," she murmured.
"Are you all right, Amanda?" Reis's compelling voice asked from the doorway. "You shouldn't leave that door unlocked," he chided for the second time, wondering at the meaning of her last words.
Startled, Amanda whirled, drilling her fiery blue eyes into his tanned face and worried expression. "What do you want, Mister Harrison, besides the opportunity to scold me like a child?" she panted coldly, her ire directed at the forbidden object of her desire.
"I know I was rude last night, Amanda, but aren't you overreacting?" he reasoned tenderly. "I'm sorry," he stated simply.
She had to get rid of him, to halt this temptation, to cease this punishment! Her pride demanded she make him think his deception was behind her rejection of him and his accounts. "You traitor, I wonder what I find different about you," she scoffed, daring to stroll around the towering man as he remained stiff and alert. She halted before him, placing her hands on her hips and glaring up into his inquisitive gaze, her eyes exposing more anguish than anger.
Reis's hands snaked out and seized her gently but firmly. "What's gotten into you, woman?" he demanded. If he didn't know any better, he might think her hysterical. What did she mean by "too late" and "traitor"? Was she pledged to Weber? Was she in trouble?
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