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has to prove herself in this family. Eric s mother was gentle by nature.
She didn t cope well with the jealousy, the possessiveness, the arguing.
It s my opinion that loneliness and despair drove her to remarry again
and again. I think in truth, she loved Eric s father. I doubt she ever got
over losing her two boys.
Despite the odds, I would have thought she d have tried to gain
custody of her children.
Eric s father had a cruel streak. Once you defied him, he showed
little mercy. I m sure his threats were enough to make her keep her
distance.
How awful. Does Eric know any of this?
Hildy nodded her head. He listened to the late night arguments,
even as a wee babe. He s never spoken of it. Hildy released a deep
sigh. Sometimes it s best to let dried bones lie. Nothing good comes of
digging up the past.
No, I suppose not. Jane s brow furrowed. Do you think Eric
shares his father s view? Does he think of a woman as a possession?
Hildy s face softened. No, not my Eric. Oh, he has his fair share of
pride and mistrust, but underneath the tough exterior is a soft center.
You simply need to know how to break that shell.
Jane took a minute to absorb Hildy s words. And how does one
crack that tough exterior?
I can sum it up in one word. Hildy s lips curved and her eyes
brightened.
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Love? Jane guessed.
Time.
Jane frowned at Hildy s observation.
Now, there s a nice bakery in town, on the main street. I m sure
they have plenty of pies to choose from. You run along and fetch me
one for dinner.
Y yes, I can do that. Jane admired Hildy s knack for suddenly
changing the subject.
And there s no need to tell Eric about this. He s not likely to be
able to tell the difference in the pies.
I don t know, Hildy, your pies are first rate.
I ll just whip up a little cream for on top. That ll fool him. Now
remember, this is our secret.
Our secret, Jane agreed. What Eric didn t know wouldn t hurt her
goats.
* * *
Jane studied her reflection. It had taken her all day to get up the
nerve to open Eric s romantic gesture. He d bought her a dress and
despite earnest efforts, she hadn t been able to resist trying it on. His
purchase was black with short sleeves and a low back. The scooped
neckline hinted at full cleavage. It was a little shorter than she would
normally wear, certainly more risque, but she had to admit that she
looked good in it even if it was clearly a man s choice. And right
now, considering the limited resources in her wardrobe, it was her only
choice.
Hildy had helped her with her hair, securing it into a loose knot on
the top of her head. Despite the fact that it was Mark s last night, Jane s
mood lightened.
Jane descended the long staircase just as the doorbell rang. I ll get
it, Hildy, she called. Jane walked to the door and opened it.
Roxy s cool stare met hers. The redhead s gaze moved up and down
the length of her in sharp appraisal. She lifted her brows. Went
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shopping, I see. Roxy breezed into the house as if she owned the
place.
Yes, and not in a pumpkin patch this time. Jane had little choice
but to follow in Roxy s wake as she headed in the direction of the
living room.
Orange not your color? Roxy s full lips curved in mild
amusement.
Trick or treat, smell my feet, Roxy.
Quite the pleasant little hostess, aren t you? Roxy looked about
the livingroom. Is Eric home?
A newspaper rustled in the far corner of the room and Roxy s gaze
followed the sound to a large, overstuffed chair. Oh, there you are,
she said, moving further into the room.
Mark put down his newspaper and rose at the sound. He smiled his
surprise at the newcomer. Hello, he said.
Roxy hesitated, her mouth parting slightly, skin glowing a faint
pink. I hello. Roxy s stare moved up and down Mark. She smiled
and turned to Jane. I didn t know you had a guest, dear. Do introduce
us.
Jane released a tight breath at Roxy s audacity. Roxanne Rodham,
this is my brother, Doctor Mark Morgan.
Your brother? Roxy appeared taken back. She frowned slightly.
But I didn t know you had a brother.
Maybe because you never cared enough to ask, Jane suggested.
Doctor Morgan. Roxy was clearly impressed. Well, I can see
who got all the looks in the family. Roxy moved across the room with
a sleek, sexy sway that was more pronounced than usual. She claimed
Mark s hand in a prolonged embrace. Call me Roxy, she insisted.
Call me Mark.
Roxy fluttered her lashes.
Jane resisted the urge to puke. She cleared her throat. Have you
had dinner, Roxy?
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Roxy managed to tear her eyes away from Mark momentarily.
Why? Is Mark staying to dinner?
Jane gritted her teeth. Yes.
Then, no, I haven t eaten. Roxy smiled and let go of Mark s hand
at last. She moved to the couch, posed her slender frame seductively
and patted the cushion beside her. Have a seat, Mark.
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