“Then we should definitely make the most of the time we do have together.”
This is when his earlier words hit her.
“What did you mean by saying that I’ve done the best job I could?”
“We’ve had a pleasant evening,” he told her. “I really wouldn’t want to ruin it.”
She narrowed her eyes and pulled back from him. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I don’t want to know what you mean.”
Whitney tugged herself away from his grasp and whirled around, back in the direction they’d come from. She was surprised when he didn’t follow her when she walked away from him, but she was also relieved. She could completely see herself being worn down by his determination.
That was the last thing she needed in her life right now.
Her fears continued to grow the longer she remained in this man’s world. He was telling her she’d done the best she could do, but she also knew that what he wasn’t quite saying — that he could do so much better.
Was this seduction nothing more than a way to distract her? If it was, it was working, because she was focused so much on this man that she was losing sight of the bigger picture — the picture of where her niece and nephew would spend the rest of their childhood.
The biggest problem of all, however, was that she knew he was right. She knew there were so many more opportunities for the kids on this side of the country. Maybe the easiest solution of all would be for her to just move close by. Then they could all share the children and Liam could quit pretending he wanted her.
She had a lot to think about. That was the only thing she knew for sure right now.
Chapter Thirteen
I forgot to tell you about the fundraiser that will be held here at the end of the week,” Frederick announced at the midday meal. “Of course it’s formal, with all that implies, and there will be music and entertainment.”
“What’s a fundraiser?” Ally asked.
“It’s something that raises money for those who aren’t as fortunate as you are, darling,” Whitney told her niece. “Or for good causes of other sorts.”
“Yes, and sometimes for politicians, but that’s another matter entirely,” Frederick joked. “And if you go to the right fundraisers, they’re also a lot of fun,” Frederick told her. “You get to dance and dress up in a very pretty gown.”
“Ooh, that sounds like fun! Are you going to dress up too, Auntie?”
Whitney was at a loss for words. She had nothing to wear to such a fancy event, and even if she had, she wouldn’t know what to do there. The biggest fundraiser she’d been to so far in her life was a school carnival where she accepted tickets at a game for children.
The school had raised about $20,000 that night, and it had seemed amazing at the time. But she somehow doubted that the event Frederick was speaking of would net less than seven figures. And she’d most likely trip on her own two feet as she entered the room. No. It was lucky that someone as lowly as she was on the social totem pole would never be invited.
“Of course your aunt will go.” Liam had interrupted, and what he’d said made Ally smile broadly.
Whitney wasn’t smiling; in fact, she sent him a menacing look. If she and Liam found themselves alone again, she’d certainly give him a piece of her mind. He needed to learn he couldn’t speak for her. The whole situation was absurd. Quite absurd. She’d tell him that in her best imitation of a cultured accent.
“Dancing and fancy clothes don’t sound all that fun,” Brayden said with a sneer, though Whitney could see that he was intrigued. Appearing too interested in anything wasn’t what cool boys did.
“You will have a wonderful time, Brayden, if you allow yourself to,” Frederick told him. Brayden looked at him skeptically, but his grandfather went on. “Just give it a try. If you hate it, you can ‘sneak’ away early.”
That seemed to do the trick. Brayden’s frown disappeared.
“You both should get back to your school lessons for the day, though. Since the fundraiser is coming up, we’ve added dance to your lessons,” Liam told them.
Brayden groaned, and Ally squealed with delight.
“I don’t need any extra lessons. I think we do more schoolwork here than we do at our actual school,” Brayden said with a pitiful sigh.
“That’s an evident exaggeration,” Liam told him with a semblance of a smile. “Besides, don’t you think it’s always wise to introduce yourself to new pursuits, ones that your father and I engaged in when we were your age?”
“Pursuits? What do you mean by that?” Brayden asked, suspicion clear in his tone.