page20 (1/2)

And it wasn't as if she'd done anything wrong, not really She had told him she wouldn't have lunch with hio out with him he only had himself to blame She wasn't responsible for his stubbornness

She was al car in the lane outside the garden Her heart plu herself she would have had to face hiht as well be now, she turned and retraced her steps When the car caarden, unaware of how slender and defensive she looked in the shadowed night

The car stopped, but at the same time as Travis extracted himself froer seat 'You irl alking over to the gate 'I've heard all about you I think it's terrific you've chosen to come and live all by yourself for a while and to hell with the rest of the world'

Completely taken aback, Beth forced a s her eyes froirl

'I'm Sandra, Travis's sister, and I don't bla him up this lunchti a little stunned, Beth took it 'I'd have done exactly the sa if I'd been you'

'Hello, Beth' Travis's voice was very dry and as her gaze moved to him she saw the dark face was still and coolly i in the closed expression

Answering Sandra but looking at Travis, Beth said a little shakily, 'I didn't stand hi to have lunch with him I made it absolutely clear, in fact'

'But he wouldn't take no for an answer?' Sandra nodded 'That's my brother all over The stories I could tell you He's really bull-headed When he gets the bit between his teeth—'

'You've introduced yourself to Beth, Sandra Now it's tio and sit in the car' Travis's voice was soft and cool as it cut across his sister's chatter but there was no doubting it was an order and not a request

Beth saw the other girl open her lanced at her brother's face she ain soon,' she di herself in the Mercedes, closing the door behind her

Bern's stoitation as she looked at Travis, trying desperately to ignore how good he looked 'I did say I wasn't going to have lunch,' she repeated flatly 'If you remember?'

'I re the lines of I would be the last person on earth you'd lunch with Right?'