Golden Chances (Jordan-Alexander Family 1)
“Because, she’s a southern lady,” Reese replied, “and I don’t have a signed contract in my hands. Yet.”
“Then you talked to her about the job?”
Reese nodded.
“And she agreed?”
“She says she needs the job, but I get the feeling she doesn’t really understand what I want her to do.”
“How could she not understand? The ad was pretty clear.”
Reese stood up and began to pace. “Who knows what goes on in the mind of a lady?”
“I thought you did.”
Reese turned to look at his cousin. “What ever gave you that idea?”
“You did,” David said quietly. “You’ve always been such a ladies’ man.”
“I don’t deal with ladies, David. I deal with prostitutes, tarts, whores, and the occasional neglected mistress. I don’t deal with ladies anymore.”
“Then, damn it, Reese, why advertise for one? Why not let one of your tarts have your child?”
“Because, dammit, my son is going to have a heritage he can be proud of. He’s going to be respected.”
“Then marry someone and do this the right way.”
“Out of the question,” Reese said.
“There are plenty of nice women—”
“Yes, there are,” Reese agreed, “but not for us. We’re mixed bloods, David, and while we’re proud of our heritage, most nice women are horrified.”
“All women aren’t like Boston society debutantes.”
“Only the proper ladies,” Reese sneered.
“I never realized your experience at Harvard had made you so bitter,” David said thoughtfully as he refilled Reese’s cup with coffee.
“I’m not bitter,” Reese told him. “I’m realistic.”
“You think this plan of yours is realistic?” David asked.
“Of course it is,” Reese said. “With enough money you can buy just about anyone or anything.” Reese broke off at the light tap on the door. He walked to the door and pulled it open.
Faith stood in the hallway clutching his robe tightly against her.
“Come in and have some coffee.” Reese’s voice was a soft, rumbling purr. “You must be freezing.” He frowned at the sight of her bare toes curling against the cold floor. He should have remembered to leave a pair of socks on the foot of the bed along with his bathrobe.
“I don’t want to intrude on your conversation,” Faith said.
“It’s no intrusion,” David assured her, “We were just passing the time while we wait for the breakfast tray.”
Faith’s eyes sparkled. “You’ve ordered breakfast?”
Reese smiled. “There should be enough for a small army. Will that be sufficient?”
Faith’s cheeks colored with embarrassment. “Don’t go to any trouble on my account. You bought my dinner last night. You’re not under any obligation to purchase my breakfast.” She looked at the floor to keep from meeting his gaze.