Rite of Passage Read Online Free PDF

was still a vision.
    “Oh, Robert, I’m so sorry,” she burst out.
    “Sorry. For what?”
    “You’re being too kind.” She blushed, raising her eyes. “For behaving like an hysterical school girl last night. It’s just that…”
    “Shhh,” I whispered. “No need to apologize.” I touched her hand. Her eyes shone.
    “I think it may be a little cooler today,” I said, withdrawing my hand as I changed the subject.
    “You couldn’t prove it by me. It was hot riding this morning.” She lowered her eyes, pushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
    “So, what are you doing for the rest of the day?” I asked.
    She shook her head, pushing her lips together. “Actually, I’d love to get away, visit some of the countryside,” she said quietly. “It’s beautiful here and some of the riding trails are exquisite. But I’ve been here for weeks and haven’t left. Not that I’m complaining. Auntie Gretchen’s been a jewel.”
    Spend time with her, be her friend, break down the walls . Gretchen’s words echoed. I played with the idea of asking her. It sounded so innocent. Was I opening myself to an emotional train wreck? What would I say if Rachel asked how I spent my day?
    “What about you?” she asked, looking up as she drank her tea and spread jam on her toast.
    “Well, I was thinking of taking a ride around the lake up to Naples and…”
    “May I come? Please? ” Courtney dropped her toast, putting her hands together in mock prayer. “It would be so nice to go for a drive, and I’d love to spend some time with…” She stopped. “I mean, it would be such fun to see the scenery. If you think it proper. I mean with your situation and all.” She lowered her gaze and her face flushed.
    “I’d love to have company,” I confessed, watching as she raised her eyes to meet mine . “We’ll have a wonderful day. And there’s nothing improper about it.” I nodded, tapping the table.
    Her smile shone in the sunlight.
    I cleared my throat. “Well, how about meeting in front of the garage in an hour?” I looked at my watch. “About half past eleven?”
    She gulped a quick swallow of tea and grabbed her gear. “See you in thirty minutes,” she said, beaming as she jumped up and headed for the door, her high boots clattering on the hardwood. As Courtney reached the door, she turned and waved.
    “Thirty minutes,” I agreed, nodding. For God’s sake, stay in control. I repeated the mantra. But as I watched her disappear, a sense of anticipation and excitement filled me. My stomach had that wonderful hollow feeling again. I looked at my watch, wishing the minutes away.

Chapter Five
    I left the dining room, giving Gretchen a thumbs-up. Jonathan looked on, frowning. I wondered what was behind his mistrust of Courtney. She was young, pretty, and aloof. Did he have an interest in her? Could it be that simple? No. That was ridiculous. I dismissed the thought. I’d known Jon since I was a child and lecher wasn’t a name that rang true. And despite Gretchen’s attempt to poke fun at him, I found her comments odd. Jon was the most level-headed person I knew. My father told us Jon was a rock, the compass that headed their business in the right direction. No. It was difficult to imagine him being stirred by a pretty face or things that went bump in the night—unless they affected his bottom line.
    I dashed across the courtyard and into my room. I brushed my teeth, ran a brush through my hair and added a generous splash of Creed, the expensive aftershave Michael had brought from England.
    I went to the garage to get the Jaguar so we could leave as soon as Courtney was ready. Throwing the canvas cover off, a stab of guilt hit me. No matter how I tried to rationalize the trip, Courtney was driving this adventure. I could hear my father—my moral compass. The most honest man I had ever known. If you can’t tell a woman what you’re doing, you shouldn’t be doing it. He was right. I’d always been honest