Free Loving Laura (The Cantrelle Family Trilogy) by Patricia Kay

Even though I don’t want you to dash his hopes until he’s stronger and able to take the disappointment, are you sure you want to lie to him?”
    She bit her lip. “It won’t be a lie.”
    For a long moment he didn’t reply. Laura’s heart thudded slowly as they stared at each other. Lord, she thought, I’d never be able to lie to
him.
    “Does that mean what I think it means?” he finally asked.
    She sighed, stroking the thick fur on Phoebe’s back as the cat inched closer. “Yes. If Norman still wants me, I’m going to marry him.” Disquiet gripped her as she heard herself speak the words aloud. She didn’t know if she was doing the right thing or not; she only knew she didn’t seem to have any choice.
    She’d always imagined when she was planning to marry she’d be filled with joy. She’d had all these romantic daydreams—daydreams fostered by her escape into movies and romantic novels during her growing-up years. But today all she felt was a weary acceptance. When Neil didn’t comment, she glanced up. He opened his mouth, then closed it as they both turned in response to a loud thud against the front door. Laura could see Denise’s face through the glass in the door.
    “Open up! I’ve got my hands full,” she shouted from outside.
    Neil got up and opened the door, and in the flurry of helping his sister with the food, the subject of Norman was dropped. But Laura knew Neil hadn’t forgotten about her revelation because while the three of them ate the spicy lasagna, salad, and rolls Denise brought, Laura caught him looking at her with a thoughtful expression in his eyes.
    He made her feel so uneasy. How he could be Norman’s brother was beyond her. There was none of Norman’s open, easygoing manner about him. With Norman, she’d always felt nothing was hidden, what you saw was what you got. But Neil was an enigma. She never knew exactly what he was thinking. Every time he looked at her, she wondered if she had something smeared on her face.
    What else does he want from me? she thought, meeting his look squarely, almost defiantly. I’ve told him I’m going to marry Norman. If he wants me to say I’m wildly in love with his brother, well, then he’s asking too much. But even as she told herself not to let Neil’s scrutiny bother her, she wished he’d leave.
    Finally he finished his meal, wiped his mouth on the paper napkins Denise had provided, and stood. “I’ve got some things to take care of this afternoon. Thanks for the food, Denise.”
    “Are you going back to the hospital?” she asked.
    “No, not today. Since Nicole and the folks are there now, I’m going to move my stuff over to Norman’s place this afternoon.”
    Laura stiffened. Norman lived in the apartment over the company’s office. The last thing she needed right now was to have Neil in such close proximity. She would never be able to relax with those eyes watching her every move.
    “You’re not staying with Mama and Papa?” Denise asked.
    “I like my privacy.”
    “Well, I know Norman thinks you walk on water, so he won’t mind.”
    “Got him fooled, don’t I?”
    “Yeah,” Denise drawled, giving Laura a wink, “One of these days he’s going to wise up. See you for what you
really
are.” Then she grinned and pointed to her left cheek.
    Wordlessly, Neil bent down and kissed her cheek, giving her a quick hug as well. “Why I put up with your lip,” he said.
    “Oh, you love it,” Denise retorted.
    He kissed her again, and Laura felt such a sharp yearning inside her, it was almost like a physical pain. Their loving relationship symbolized everything Laura had always longed for and never had.
    When he turned to Laura his eyes were still twinkling, but the twinkle faded as his eyes met hers. “Well, I guess I’ll see you again.”
    “Yes. Thanks for bringing me home, and . . . everything.”
    Now a quiet concern shadowed his eyes. “It was my pleasure.”
    After he walked out the door, Denise turned to