For himself, it was better he build in some emotional distance now. For Rina, it was better she know up front that she could
n’t count on him for the long run.
RINA ACCEPTED another glass of punch from the server and turned to the good-looking man who’d approached her, then proceeded to talk about his portfolio for the last fifteen minutes. He bored her to tears but at least he was paying attention to her.
Unlike Colin, who’d ditched her. He could have waited and told her about Joe himself or taken her with him to the hospital. He could have done many things. Instead, he’d opted to leave her at the party alone. His actions spoke volumes about something she’d known all along. Colin Lyons was the love-’em-and-leave-’em type. As hurt as she was, she reminded herself she’d wanted a fling and Colin had just proven he was the right man for the job.
Rina squared her shoulders, determined to make the best of the party and gather information for her column. “So tell me,” she asked Edward Worthington III. “Is your portfolio really as large as you claim?” She leaned in closer and batted her lashes.
He leaned closer. “Come home with me and I’ll show you,” he said, his implicit meaning obvious.
“Rina already has a ride home,” Emma said, grabbing her by the hand and pulling her away. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Research. And tonight I’ve discovered that men like outgoing, friendly women.”
“Men like to think they’ll get lucky, and Edward is out to prove himself ever since his fiancée ditched him because his mother took over their wedding plans. Now wave goodbye and let him move on to someone who’s really interested.”
Knowing Emma had a point—she always did—Rina waved goodbye to Edward. She’d only been flirting to take her mind off Colin anyway. The column was the last thing on her mind.
“Research my patootie,” Emma muttered. “You’re sulking because Colin left, and that’s completely unbecoming.”
Rina agreed with the unbecoming part, but since she refused to enlighten Emma as to what had transpired in the bathroom, she clenched her jaw shut tight and followed the older woman into the foyer.
“My driver is ready to take you home,” Emma said, patting her hand. “We’ll talk more tomorrow when your head is clearer.”
“Nonsense. I’ll drive Ms. Lowell home.” Stan Blecher stepped up beside them. “I heard you tell your driver where she lives and it’s on my way home.”
“Eavesdropping’s rude,” Emma muttered.
“So is your attitude, but you don’t see me complaining,” the older gentleman said.
Rina had never seen Emma put in her place before and bit the inside of her cheek to contain her laughter. “If you’re sure you don’t mind, I’d appreciate the ride,” she said to Stan.
“Of course not. It’s been ages since I had someone as young and beautiful as you in the seat beside me.” He glanced at Rina and winked. He obviously wanted to make Emma jealous.
“I told you he was a lecher.” From the sulking pout on the other woman’s face, his tactic had obviously worked.
“He’s a gentleman, Emma,” Rina said softly.
“Then let him take you home. I don’t give a fig if I ever see him again.” With a haughty raise of her chin, Emma pivoted around and walked away. But not before adding, “Colin’s a little boy at heart, Rina. Give him the chance to explain.”
Rina rolled her eyes because she didn’t see her friend giving Stan any chances at all. She met Stan’s gaze and shrugged, unsure of what to say now that Emma had taken her leave.
Stan grinned. “Emma lies. Within a week she’ll be putty in my hands.”
“I hope so.” Rina meant her words even more after Stan drove her home.
On the way, he’d told her about the death of his wife, how much he and Emma had in common and how he just wanted companionship in his later years. Emma, with her outspoken attitude and bubbly personality, suited him fine. Rina agreed. Though she hadn’t met Judge Montgomery, only caught sight of the stuffy man from across the room, she didn’t think Stan fell into the other man’s league. No way would Stan side with Judge Montgomery against Emma. Relieved, she hoped Emma would give in and find the happiness she tried to give others.
Twenty minutes after arriving home, Rina stepped out of her own shower, free of the champagne but not free of Colin or the memory of him bringing her to climax. Alone.
Men. What woman could possibly understand them? At this rate, her series would probably never answer the question.
What did men want? Darned if she knew.
Towel drying her hair, she glanced at Norton. As soon as she met his gaze, he whined and rolled over onto his back. “At least your needs are simple, boy.” She leaned down to scratch his belly, when the doorbell rang.
Norton scrambled to his feet and Rina rose, following him to the door. “Coming,” she called.