Honest Betrayal Read Online Free PDF Page B

though at that moment his words crushed her.
     She wished he’d see beyond that. Didn’t he see that she was still very much a woman? Didn’t he know that her leg was only a part of her existence? That she had worked her entire life not to be the disappointment her father had expected? That in one day he’d shattered her with his honesty? That he’d made her feel foolish?
    “I have the same needs and desires as any other woman.” Her words sounded feeble, selfish. She knew he couldn’t understand the choice he was taking away from her.
    He kissed her cheek and gave her shoulders a squeeze. “Of course you do, but you’re not like other women and the reality is no man is going to want to take the risk that his heir will be deformed. I care about you.” He held her close but inside she felt hollow. “But I can’t marry you.”
    They managed to part as friends and he went on to become a top criminal lawyer. From that day, Brenna promised herself never to be that vulnerable or foolish again. She was resigned to her decision and had no regrets. She’d buried herself in her work and made it very successful. She found no need for a man’s company.
    Brenna sighed, pushing the memory away. “It just wasn’t the right match.”
    Diane looked sad. “You’re not in the position to be picky.”
    She shrugged. “Well, I am.”
    The phone rang before Diane could reply. Brenna picked it up, relieved at the interruption. “Hello?”
    “Hi, I’m Tony. Your mother—”
    Brenna made a face then sweetened her voice. “I’m sorry, but my mother made a mistake. I’ve decided to become a nun. God bless.” She hung up.
    Diane stared at her outraged. “Brenna!”
    She calmly returned to her dinner. “I don’t need you to find me a man.”
    “I wouldn’t have to if you had one of your own. Why can’t you at least date?”
    “I do date.”
    “Then how come I never get to meet them?”
    “Because I keep them in little jars in my room.”
    “Brenna, until you find yourself a man, I will continue to do so.”
    “Mom, the truth is I’ve given up on men. Completely. I’m happy with my life and that’s the way it will be.”
    Diane hesitated then said, “I want you to be happy.”
    Brenna smiled. “I am.” But for the first time in years, she wondered if that was true.

    ***
    Brenna glanced at her watch with mounting dread. Ten minutes to six. Her heart raced as she chewed the top of her pen into a flat sheet of plastic. She wanted to run, but she wouldn’t. She would stay with her plan. Everything was set. She would leave five minutes early. When Hunter arrived, Pauline would give him the name of his date then he, in turn, would give up his ridiculous idea of wanting her and leave. Then she’d be rid of him and he’d never know anything about her. She took a deep breath. Everything would be fine.
     Brenna jumped when her buzzer rang. She put her pen down then answered.
    “He’s not coming,” Pauline said.
    “How do you know?”
    “Because I know.”
    “Fine.” She sat back and glanced at her watch. Pauline was right. He wasn’t coming. She told herself she was relieved not disappointed.
    Pauline came into the room and sat down resigned. “Well.”
    Brenna nodded. “Well.”
    “He didn’t show up.”
    “Nope.”
    “Perhaps he changed his mind.”
    “I hope so.” Brenna glanced at a file she’d set up for him. “Although he did waste my time.”
    Pauline snorted. “He’s inconsiderate, remember?”
    “Yes,” she said quietly. “I remember.”
    “So you’re no longer attracted to him?”
    Brenna began to smile. “Is that what you’re worried about?”
    She nodded.
    “It was a passing infatuation, you needn’t have worried. I know how to handle men.”
    “This one flustered you.”
    Brenna raised a mocking brow. “He flustered you too.”
    Pauline shrugged. “At least he’s gone. That’s the good news. The bad news is Helen’s last date was a disaster.”
    Helen was a client