“You can say that again.”
“At first, I thought you were just shy. Rob commented that comparing you to the woman on the tapes was like looking at a different woman. I had to agree and found myself watching Jessie’s interview once again. The resemblance is remarkable for you not to be twins, but she lacks your gracefulness and strength, but has a verve for life that is enchanting.”
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“Because Rob refused to see the truth when it was right before his eyes. All he could see was you. Since Mandy, he’s never let a woman close. With you, he was so busy focusing on all the other reasons why you two shouldn’t be together, he forgot to protect his heart.”
“You’re wrong.”
“Am I?”
“Yes. He asked me to leave the castle. Just as soon as it can be arranged.”
“Then he’s a fool.”
“No, I deceived him. I admit I was wrong, but he deceived me, too.”
“You mean Isabella?”
She nodded, fighting to keep tears from falling.
“He couldn’t tell you. To do so would have been betraying me. He may be as thickheaded as a Neanderthal, but the boy is loyal. I’d trust him with my life.”
“Yes, he cares a great deal for you.”
“As he does you.”
“I thought he did, but I was wrong. When it comes down to it, Rob isn’t willing to risk getting hurt, again. He’d rather I have gone on that stupid honeymoon with Jeff than to have admitted he cares about me. I deserve better.”
“Agreed. Give the boy some time. He’ll come around. Apparently you had a conversation with his foolish pride.”
“No.” She shook her head, knowing she spoke the truth. She and Rob were finished. Too many things stood between them. Things like their backgrounds and financial status. His past and her desire for a real relationship rather than a clandestine one hidden from prying eyes. “Please help me to leave tonight. I don’t want to see him again.”
“Now whose pride is talking?”
“Not pride. Reality. My reality is that I’m a police officer who for a short while got to live out a fantasy. Rob’s a famous producer who got sucked into that fantasy. What we had would never last under the strains of the real world.”
JP sighed. “You’re sure about this? Because once he’s had time to calm down and think about this, he’s going to realize your taking Jessie’s place isn’t the real issue.”
“He already knows. And yes, I’m sure. Please help me go home.”
“I’ll arrange for you to leave tonight. But first we have to record your comments on the show. If you’re sure this is what you want, I’ll set everything up.”
She nodded. “I’m sure. I want to go home.”
Chapter Eighteen
“Do you have any idea of how fast you were driving?” Jill asked the grinning man in the gleaming red Porsche she’d just pulled over on the San Padres highway.
“Why don’t you tell me, sugar.” The man’s gaze raked over her uniformed bosom, visibly undressing her before meeting her gaze again.
What a jerk. “I’ll need to see your license, registration and prove of insurance, please.”
“Baby, you can see anything you’d like.” He reached into his glove box, withdrew papers and handed them along with his already out license to her.
She flicked her gaze over his information and had started to walk back to the patrol car where Dan was running the guy’s tags.
“Hey, while you’re writing my ticket, do you mind autographing this?” He handed her a copy of a magazine with her smiling face on the cover.