The Man at Key West by Katrina Britt Read Free Book Online Page A

but not Jay Denver. He was too strong a character for one ever to forget him.
    On the other hand, it was a bit mean not to have a drink with him, because he had been instrumental in her getting the post.
    ‘Very well,’ she agreed. ‘Only I want to get back to tell Daddy about the job. He’ll be pleased. I don’t know about Connie, though—not that I don’t understand how she feels about having a grown-up stepdaughter.’
    Jay was putting her in the car as she spoke, and he slid into the seat beside her.
    Lazily, he said, ‘Connie knew that you existed when she married your father. Are you independent of parents?’
    Sue settled down in her seat. ‘If you mean financially, just about. My mother left me some bonds and shares. But money doesn’t bother me while I can earn it. I’ve seen what going after it means and what it has done to my father, and I would hate to marry a man in a similar position. In fact I wouldn’t even consider it.’
    The car roared along the highway and he said mockingly,
    ‘So it’s no use my proposing to you? Ah well, I shall just have to bear it.’
    ‘I bet you’re breaking your heart,’ she scoffed. ‘And don’t be so damned nice! If you must know, I never really relax when I’m with you. You have this knack of throwing your masculinity around that’s positively indecent!’
    He said coolly, ‘I wasn’t aware of exposing myself at any time. What would you have me do, assume a high-pitched voice and mince along on high-heeled shoes carrying a handbag?’
    Sue laughed at the picture his words produced in her mind. Tears of mirth were like jewels on her eyelashes and he tossed her a smile.
    She said, ‘You are a fool,’ and used a wisp of handkerchief to wipe her eyes.
    ‘And you’re a very attractive girl. I like you in a lighthearted mood. It makes your company more enjoyable. You should laugh more. Don’t you like men?’
    Sue put her handkerchief away and closed her bag. ‘Some of them—Daddy for one.’
    ‘And his kind of life makes no difference to your loving him?’
    ‘Of course it doesn’t. He’s my father.’
    ‘You could say the same about a husband, couldn’t you?’
    ‘I suppose I could.’ Sue sat up and looked around with interest. ‘Where are we going?’
    ‘What about going to my place for lunch?’ Jay said casually.
    Sue felt suddenly breathless. ‘I thought you were taking me out for a drink? That’s a long way to go, isn’t it? If you have no money with you, I’ll treat you. After all, we’re celebrating my new job.’
    He was swinging the car down to where the launch was moored.
    ‘I asked you out for a drink and I don’t have to take you to the nearest joint. It’s a glorious day and we’re going to make the best of it.’
    He swung her into the launch and set it off across the water. He did not speak until they were at the palm-shaded pier. There he hesitated with his hands on her trim waist before he lifted her from the launch.
    ‘Do you really have a date for this evening ... say like going out to some dreary function with your parents or wandering around aimlessly on your own and possibly meeting up with a lifeguard?’
    Sue glared up at him with a feeling of annoyance for pointing out how dull her present existence was. All the same, she had to defend herself.
    ‘I’m now a working girl, so life won’t be so dull after all once I get going. I might even accept a few dates for the lonely evenings,’ she said lightly.
    ‘Mine is as good a start as any you’ll get, madame,’ he murmured. ‘Good food, excellent wine and still more excellent conversation from yours truly.’ His eyes twinkled devilishly. ‘Not to mention all that masculinity thrown in.’
    ‘That’s what worries me,’ she answered. ‘You’re a very convincing man. But watch it!’
    Jay chuckled as he lifted her on to the pier, then secured the launch. All his movements were done with a deceptively lazy air which did not fool Sue for one moment. Each