“And what if it’s just a blip on the screen?”
“Then you’ll try something else because it’s the way Payne Sterling is made.”
“Rainey,” her name came out on a half groan. That adorable mouth of hers was such an enticement, he could barely concentrate. The urge to take her in his arms was so intense, he had to force himself to put distance between them.
“You want to know what my theory is?” she went on talking, oblivious to the powerful tremors that shook his body.
“What’s that?” he asked with his back to her, struggling for control.
“The talk about romance novels got to her.”
“Diane’s never read one.”
“Oh yes she has. Maybe not a Red Rose Romance, but her literature degree guarantees she’s read the classics.
“The point is, since the shooting she’s been in a depression and hasn’t allowed herself to escape the reality of her situation. But the court hearing has forced her to listen to Catherine and Linda, even Nyla, go on about their favorite kinds of books.
“I believe their conversation has reminded her of your relationship before she got shot—w-when she felt whole and knew she was all things to you,” she stammered.
Lord.
“Remember what Linda said? It’s fun to see how two completely different people get together, the problems they have to overcome.
“Maybe Diane’s not ready for an operation yet, but she’s decided to go to Paris with you to prove she’s trying to conquer her fear and be that vital woman you fell in love with.”
His heart almost failed him. “You’re wrong, Rainey.”
There was a slight pause. “As I said, it was just a theory,” her voice trailed.
He’d hurt her when it was the last thing under heaven he wanted to do.
Payne swung around, aware his breathing was ragged. “Where are you going?”
She paused midstride. Turning her blond head toward him she said, “You’re obviously upset. I’ve only made matters worse.”
“You’re right. I am upset, but you’re not the reason. Please stay. I need to talk to you.”
There was a tender expression in her green eyes as she studied him. “Tell me about Diane. How did you two first meet? How long ago? I’ve wanted to know the answers to those questions since the hearing, but it wasn’t any of my business.”
Payne inhaled sharply. “Diane grew up on Long Island like I did. Our parents have always been good friends. They’ve traveled in the same circles, had parties with all their children at least half a dozen times every year for years.”
“That explains so much,” her voice shook. “You and Diane were—”
“Not childhood sweethearts,” he cut her off. Payne couldn’t let the lie continue any longer.
“I’m not in love with Diane. I was never in love with her. She only thinks she’s in love with me.”
Rainey’s shock rendered her speechless. That was good. He had more to say.
“For the last ten years I’ve been so involved building my company, I can probably count on one hand the times I’ve even seen Diane in passing.
“During the last Christmas holiday her family invited mine for brunch. My parents asked them back for dinner. It’s a tradition with them. I’d forgotten all about it because I stopped going to those functions by the time I went away to college.
“On the night Diane was shot, I was working at my office alone when I got a phone call from mother. She said Diane Wylie was on her way to my office. Apparently she’d been shopping and had lost track of the time. Would I let her in and bring her to the house for the annual party when I flew home?
“I didn’t even know mother was having a party. It was the last thing I wanted to do, but if Diane was already downstairs in the foyer waiting for me to let her come up, I didn’t see how I could get out of it. So I agreed.”
Rainey looked shell-shocked. The way she was holding on to the back of one of the chairs, he had the strongest suspicion she needed the support.