Priceless Treasure(32)

“That’s not at all why Richard suggested the job,” Savvy told them. There would be no way Richard could think she was good enough to marry his son.

“You can think that if it makes you feel better,” Amy said, smiling. “But you’ll go through a lot of heartache in the meantime.”

“I’m not hurting,” Savvy assured the group of women.

But all the women in the group wore a knowing smile that had her worried.

Still, she found that after a few minutes with them, her nerves were beginning to calm. This large, wealthy, famous family was acting like any other family she’d had the privilege of spending time around. And they were all welcoming her.

They were nothing like what she’d have thought. She was a bit jealous, in fact, to see that a family could live this way — full of love and laughter and gossip that wasn’t meant to hurt anyone. What an incredible life they shared together.

The kids ran around together, collecting shells, dipping their feet in the water and roasting marshmallows at the fire while squealing in delight when one of their parents would chase them all down.#p#分页标题#e#

But the second Ash spotted her as the crowd parted, she watched as he made a beeline for them. She had no chance of escape unless she planned to dive into the ocean. And to judge from previous experience with the man, she had no doubt he’d dive in after her.

Her nerves took over, and she missed the last thing Amy said to her.

“Ah, Ash is on his way over,” Emily said with a chuckle. “I was wondering how long it would take for him to figure out you were here, Savvy.”

Richard reached them right before Ashton did.

“I’m sorry, darling. I got to visiting with my brother. Can I bring you anything?” he asked politely.

“I think a six-foot-plus hunk would cure her thirst,” Jessica said beneath her breath, making Savvy’s cheeks flood red.

Thank goodness it was dusk.

“Don’t worry, Savvy. We’ve all been where you are right now. We’ll give you some privacy,” Amy told her.

And much to her horror, the women and kids slipped away, leaving her standing with only Richard, and Ashton just about there.

“I was hoping my father would bring you back here,” Ashton said.

She couldn’t read his expression. But maybe she didn’t want to.

“I didn’t know you were the one behind all this.” She spoke in measured tones. She wanted to shower him with just enough disdain to show him what she thought of him and his tactics, but without seeming like a complete … wench in front of his father.

“I wasn’t exactly behind it,” he told her. “I just mentioned to my father that you enjoyed sunsets.”

“Well, I’m enjoying your father’s company, so you’re free to leave us now,” she said through gritted teeth. She really hated being manipulated.

“Do you prefer older men now, Savvy?”

She gasped at the outrageous comment.

“I can’t believe you would embarrass Savvy this way, Ashton,” Richard told his son in the scolding tones of yesteryear.

“You’re right, Father. I apologize,” Ash said before giving her a once-over that had her on edge again. “You look very beautiful tonight, Savvy.”

She tried to find the undertones in his compliment, but there weren’t any that she could spot. “Thank you,” she finally mumbled.

“I must say, though, that I preferred what you were wearing when we woke up.”

Savvy’s cheeks flamed painfully as she looked to the ground in utter mortification. How could Ashton say that in front of his father? Did he have zero respect for anyone? Richard must think she was a complete trollop now. And she liked the man — his opinion meant something to her.

“That fire over there looks like it needs some more fuel, Ash. Why don’t you go add some, and maybe trip into it while there?” she told him so sweetly it took Ashton a moment to realize what she’d just said. But instead of the anger she’d hoped for, she saw his lips twitch upward.

“It looks like you don’t need me here,” Richard said with a twinkle in his eye, and then the man abandoned her. She decided that all the Storm men were traitors.

“Are you having a bad day, darling?” Ashton asked her. “You seem slightly hostile.” Before she was able to stop him, he was winding his arm around her back. “Maybe I can make it better.”

“I’m not your darling,” she snapped. “Let go of me.”

“But I like holding you. I can see it becoming an addiction.”

“Oh, Ash! I forgot, but I promised Savvy a beautiful sunset,” Richard called out from about twenty feet away. That loud announcement made several people turn in their direction, and Savannah wanted to find a hole, jump in, and let the sand bury her.#p#分页标题#e#