The Forever Dream by Iris Johansen Read Free Book Online Page A

it." Marguerite chuckled. "Does that put you any closer to your goal of becoming the greatest ballerina in the world?"
    "Well, it's another step in the right direction. Give me two more years and I just may get there."
    "If you don't have a breakdown from exhaustion first," Marguerite said grimly. "Michael told me your relaxing little weekend has suddenly escalated into a full-scale bash, with you presiding as hostess."
    "Only for tonight," Tania said in a tone calculated to soothe. "Tyler had one of his rare attacks of impulsiveness and invited everyone in the company up to Connecticut to mark the closing of our most successful engagement." She laughed. "Now, I couldn't refuse him, could I? I make it a practice never to discourage any variation in Tylers careful routine. Are you coming to the party?"
    "Have you ever tried to get a babysitter at midnight?" Marguerite asked dryly. "No, Michael and I are going to have to pass on this one. I only called to remind you not to burn the candle at both ends just so Tyler can show you off as a feather in his cap."
    Tania felt a warm rush of affection. "No danger of that," she said lightly. "I only do what I want to do these days. No one uses me for anything, not even Tyler."
    "Except Barry."
    "Except Barry," Tania conceded softly. "That's an entirely different situation." She straightened. "Thanks for your concern, Marguerite, but I'll be fine. I'm not a
    bit tired. Now, I really must run. I only came home to change before driving up to Connecticut. I'll call you when I get back to town."
    After she'd hung up the receiver she checked her watch and made a face. She was definitely going to be late, and Tyler wouldn't be at all pleased. She picked up her purse, paused to fasten the chain lock on the front door, and then strode briskly through the bright, modem living room toward the bedroom. She would have to rush if she wasn't to be the last guest to arrive at Tyler's party. Well, it would serve him right for assuming she'd be honored and pleased to act as hostess at this little soiree, she thought crossly. He should know by now how she detested that sort of thing.
    In fact, it was possible that Tyler's impromptu party and champagne breakfast weren't really a celebration for the company. He might have thought it a brilliant stroke to surround her with her own friends while dazzling his corporate acquaintances with the glamour of an artist such as she. She hadn't the least doubt that this party of Tyler's would encompass a certain amount of business as well as pleasure. Like many self-made tycoons, he was totally unable to separate the two.
    Forty minutes later she quickly finished weaving a silver-and-diamante ribbon through her braid and fastened it with a diamond star brooch where the shining tresses nestled against the curve of her breast. The simple, but elegant piece of jewelry added just the touch of festive elegance that the simple black velvet gown needed, she thought with satisfaction. Even Tyler couldn't fault her appearance this evening.
    She made a gamin face at the sophisticated beauty reflected in the mirror of her vanity table. She dusted a little powder over her nose and quickly got to her feet. That hadn't been at all fair to Tyler, she thought remorsefully. He never commented on her casual,
    sometimes tomboyish ensembles, but she was well aware he much preferred her more glamorous alter ego.
    She plucked the black velvet cloak from its hanger in the closet and draped it about her shoulders. Well, she would see this weekend that Tyler got exactly what he wanted. She would be the charming, sophisticated hostess to his guests and wouldn't indicate by even the tiniest yawn how bored and restless she was. He deserved at least that from her, after all he'd done for her in the past two years. He'd been a warm, understanding friend and had guided her career with a firm, benevolent hand that had propelled her to the top of her profession. Yes, Tyler deserved a great deal more