Free A Treasure Worth Seeking by Sandra Brown Page B

an official capacity. He had sounded concerned. His kiss had been that of an ardent lover. Her body was no longer a stranger to his. He had spoken her name in an emotional whisper after that elec-trifying interlude in the darkness.
    This morning he had reverted to that cool, impersonal demeanor and called her Miss O'Shea in that dictatorial voice. But he hadn't taunted her. He didn't look like a man pleased with himself. He seemed distraught and worried.
    She couldn't figure it out. Even though she had no illusions of him having any real romantic interest in her, she had expected some kind of reaction.
    Even more galling was the fact that she found herself unable to forget his kisses. Though what had happened seemed to have had no effect on him, it had affected her.
    She had experienced sensations she hadn't known she was capable of until last night. Could she bear to stay in the same city with him, seeing him each time she came to visit Melanie? Her sudden involvement in Ken's life was staggering enough. She woul d be complicating matters a hun dredfold if she became attracted to Lance Barrett.
    The questions and arguments skipped and played through her mind until she was ready to scream. And still she didn't know what course of action to take.
    Meeting Melanie's parents convinced her of what she should do.
    The couple rang the doorbell late that morning. Lance had not yet come back from across the street so Mike went to answer the door, after checking their identity through the draped living room window.
    Erin, who was seated on the couch looking through a magazine, realized that Lance must have watched her before opening the door. She remembered waiting a long time for him to respond to the ringing doorbell.
    Mike followed the couple into the living room and grumbled, "I'd better call Lance," before going to the red telephone and speaking into it. "Does he see them? Okay."
    He hung up and then said, "He'll be right over."
    "We didn't come to see Mr. Barrett, and I resent not being able to visit my daughter without feeling like I'm being interrogated by that man."
    The woman who had dressed down Mike so harshly was apparently used to getting her own way and never being subjected to anyone else's will. With a rueful smile Erin thought that indeed Lance would have been a shock to Melanie's mother.
    She was a short woman whose figure necessitated mod-eration at the canape trays at cocktail parties. Her skin and hair were impeccably maintained. The dress she wore was casual, but Erin knew which designer's label was inside. Its price wasn't so casual, unless one were accustomed to having and spending a lot of money, which apparently Mrs. Charlotte Winslow was.
    Howard Winslow was as well-groomed and stereotypical as his wife. His graying hair was closely trimmed around a patrician head. Had she not already known his profession, Erin could have guessed it at a glance. His dark blue suit, white shirt, and dark necktie indicated that he must have come straight from the bank of which he was president. His assurance, level steadfast eyes, and authoritative manner would imbue the customers of his bank with confidence and peace of mind that their money was well taken care of.
    Erin disliked them intensely and immediately.
    Melanie came skipping down the stairs when she heard her mother's voice and now she flew into the room, breathless and excited.
    "Oh honestly, Melanie, I wish you'd let me make a hair appointment for you. That limp, straight hair is dis gust ing. Just because your husband has pulled this asinine stunt, do you have to let yourself go to seed, too?"
    Erin was stunned by Mrs. Winslow's words. How could a mother speak to her child that way? Especially a child whose whole world had crumbled around her.
    "I'm sorry, Mother. I haven't thought much about my hair lately,"Melanie apologized contritely. "Hello, Father."
    "Hello, Melanie. Has there been any word from Ken?"
    "Not directly," Melanie said mysteriously and grinned at