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‘I never told her because she went off to effing America to become a bloody model, remember?’ he hissed, hoping Lizzie couldn’t hear. ‘Anyway, you’re right,’ he continued in a more normal voice. ‘Lizzie is staying with me at the moment, until this issue blows over.’
‘Poor thing. She must be seesawing between livid and humiliated.’
‘Actually, I couldn’t have put it better myself.’ Lizzie appeared in the doorway, surprising the heck out of both of them.
Nick died a few deaths but she didn’t look at him any differently than she did normally, so either she hadn’t overheard, please God, or she was going to be one hell of an actress.
Charlotte dashed towards her. ‘Lizzie, it’s good to see you again.’
There was an awkward moment, when neither seemed to know whether to hug or shake hands. They hadn’t seen all that much of each other, really. Nick had usually visited the Donavues alone. But clearly they felt they knew each other because when Lizzie reached out her arms to hug Charlotte, she hugged her warmly back. ‘It’s good to see you too, despite the circumstances.’
Turning to Nick, Charlotte gave him her winning, baby sister smile. ‘Be a sweetie and make me a drink. We girls need to catch up.’
* * *
It seemed like hours before Nick managed to manoeuvre his sister towards the front door. ‘Thanks for coming round,’ he said again, hoping this time she really was going to leave.
‘My pleasure. It’s not often I get to talk to a famous model.’ She lowered her voice. ‘I can see why you were so besotted.’
Nick felt the telltale flush creep over his face. Hell, shouldn’t he have grown out of this blushing habit by now? He tried to look away, but his sister had razor-sharp eyes.
‘Oh God, Nick, you’re still besotted, aren’t you?’
This time he physically moved away, walking out ahead and into the driveway, not giving her the opportunity to read the depth of his feelings in his eyes. ‘Don’t be ridiculous. I’m helping out a friend in need, that’s all.’
‘And putting yourself through all kinds of torture in the process.’
He felt a pair of arms wind their way around his waist, forcing him to stop. How he wanted to deny the truth of her words, but he couldn’t. Not now she was standing in front of him, scrutinising his face for every trace of emotion. ‘What else am I supposed to do?’
‘You could tell her how you feel. You never know, she might feel the same way.’
He raised his eyes skywards. ‘We’re talking about a world famous supermodel here. Have you taken a good look at your brother recently?’
Charlotte looked him straight in the eye. ‘Yes. Have you taken a good look at Lizzie recently? She’s no different to the girl you hung around with, you know. Not inside. Why do you assume she’s more interested in flashing good looks than brains and personality?’
Amused, he cocked his head to one side. ‘I’m not sure whether to be insulted that I haven’t got the looks, or flattered that my sister thinks I’m smart and funny.’
Laughing she climbed into her car. ‘You’ve got it all, big brother of mine. Not only that, you’re a good man. Good enough for any woman you set your heart on, be it a brain surgeon, a princess or a supermodel.’
With his head feeling several inches wider, he waved Charlotte goodbye. As a gawky adolescent, trying to find his feet as a young man, he’d have given his eye teeth to hear such a compliment. Instead, all he’d ever heard was how he wasn’t good enough. He wondered if he’d ever be able to believe the words of his sister, over those of his uncle.
‘That was nice of Charlotte to come round.’ Lizzie was waiting in the kitchen when he came back into the house.
‘She probably just wanted a nosey.’
Lizzie shook her head. ‘No, she was looking out for you. She loves you so she wants to take care of you. That’s what siblings are for. I used to have that with Robert . . .’ Her words trailed off, and he ached for her.
‘Well, now you’ve got me,’ he replied roughly.
‘Even when I yell at you, like I did this morning?’
‘Yes, even then.’ You’ve got me forever, he wanted to shout, but despite his sister’s words, he knew he couldn’t. Maybe there would come a time when he’d be able to, but it certainly wasn’t now. She needed a friend, not another male complication. So he accepted the warm smile she gave him, and told himself it was enough.
* * *
They ate dinner on their laps in the living room, the conversation flowing easily between them once more. Nick was loath to break the harmony, but there was still a matter that needed to be dealt with.
He cleared his throat. ‘Lizzie, I need to ask you something. A delicate something.’
