Chapter 9
"My dear, you seem distracted." Before she could deny or confirm, he rushed on. "I apologize profusely for having you come here instead of the dinner I had planned to take you to. It's just that two employees are out. The flu." Luther waved a distressed hand, his expression anxious. "And being the manager, it's my responsibility to fill in whenever there's no one else."
"I'm fine."
"You're here at my place of employment," he pointed out anxiously.
"There are worse places to be, and I happen to love art. You have quite a crowd," she murmured, trying to distract him from his guilt.
"A few tour buses came in earlier and some people are staying over." He looked around quickly, eyes taking in the crowd and making sure the artworks were displayed according to his specific instructions. "I'm hoping we can get out-" His voice tailed off as he straightened his shoulders.
"Prince Tomas," he gushed. "We did not expect you. Is the queen here as well?"
"No." Dismissing him, he turned his green eyes on the woman who had turned as still as stone. "Señorita Carter, what a pleasure to see you here. What do you think of the display?"
"Everything is wonderful." Forcing a smile to her lips, she groped for and found Luther's arm. "Luther and I were-"
"Is that someone signaling for your attention?" Tomas cut in smoothly.
"I- Oh yes!" Luther extricated his arm from Antoinette's grip and stepped back. "I'll be back when I can."
"Take your time. I will keep the Señorita company."
"Of course." Darting a glance at Antoinette, Luther hurried away.
"How dare you!" she hissed. "Are you stalking me?"
"Stalking?" He shifted slightly so that he was boxing her in and shielding them from the curious looks. "That's such an ugly word. I prefer to think of it as finding out where you have your pretend date and making my presence felt." He touched her arm briefly, smiling when she jerked away. "The guy is so cheap,he had you coming to his work? What happened to wining and dining a beautiful woman?"
"He had several people calling out. Not that it's any of your business. Now go away."
"Not going to happen." He picked up a painting propped on an easel and studied the bold colors. "One of Jackson Colby's. Ever met him?"
"No." She was hoping desperately that Luther would come back.
"He's coming here for the fall benefit in a couple of weeks." Putting back the painting, he lifted his head to stare at her. "What color is that? Russet? It suits you."
"Now I can die happy."
Her sarcastic tone had him smiling.
"Mother has gone for the night."
"I know that."
"She won't be back until late afternoon. I will give you the option, my bed or yours."
She stiffened, eyes flashing.
"I told you I would choose the time."
"The time is perfect and I'm not waiting another day."
"You think you can-"
"Ah, Señor Luther, crisis averted?" Tomas asked smoothly.
"Yes, thanks for asking," Luther replied.
