Free Whispers of the Heart by Barbara Woster Page B

decided to remain behind. That meant he could focus his attentions on Kat without all of Chloe’s irritating interruptions. He hadn’t known Kat but a week, but something about her sent his senses haywire. He knew she was attracted to him as well, but for some reason, expressing herself wasn’t something she cared to do. He’d love to know why. He’d also love the time to find a way to break down those barriers he perceived surrounded her.
    Marsha came into the room bearing a fresh pot of coffee and he sighed. He was especially thankful that Marsha wouldn’t be going. She was even worse than Chloe about her intentions. His eyes widened slightly when he saw that she was heading in his direction.
    “Dalian. Good morning,” Marsha’s tone was just barely pleasant, which meant she hadn’t gotten over his perceived snub yesterday. “Mrs. Guthrie said to tell you that everything will be ready in less than an hour.”
    “Thank you, Marsha,” Dalian said. “Please inform her that Chloe, Cal, and Max won’t be accompanying us, so arrangements will need to be made for their meals while we’re gone.”
    “Oh, well, I was kind of hoping that I could...”
    “No!” Dalian interrupted. “Employees don’t go on drives, just hands; and since Mrs. Guthrie hired you to work here, that makes you an employee. Sorry.”
    “No you’re not, Dalian,” Marsha whispered. “You know something? You’re a real jackass,” she said, wanting everyone to hear, but knowing that it wouldn’t be wise.
    Dalian’s gaze narrowed and he lowered his head so that only she would hear, “A jackass, Marsha? Why? Because I won’t fall into your daddy’s trap? No! Don’t say another word! You’ve said quite enough, and I’ve tolerated your antics long enough, but I will say this,” he grasped her by the elbow and led her from the room. She wanted to pull away, but her humiliation would be too great, so she went along meekly. He pulled her far enough into the foyer, so he could be certain the guests wouldn’t hear. “I’ve put up with your pursuit for longer than I should have, young lady, so we’re going to put a stop to it once and for all. Understand me?”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Marsha said sullenly. “I can’t help it if I love. ...”
    “Stop it, ya hear!” Dalian snapped, his temper threatening to break. “Damn it, girl! I know what’s going on. Does your dad really believe I’m some naive school kid without a lick of sense? Don’t you think that at my age, I wouldn’t know a genuine attraction when I ran across it; that I don’t know that your attentions are all just an act? Now, I’m telling you straight – I’m not interested in you that way. To me, you’re just a kid, and I don’t mess with kids. And if that ain’t plain enough, then I’ll put it this way – leave me the hell alone and tell your daddy to do the same. If you want to keep working here, I don’t give a rat’s behind, but I’ll fire your ass if you keep acting like a lovesick puppy. Is that plain enough for you, Marsha?”
    “It’s that Kathryn McMurray isn’t it?” Marsha sniffled dramatically. “She’s taking you away from me...”
    Dalian grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her, then shoved her away from him. He closed his eyes and counted to ten as his frustration mounted, then took several slow, deep cleansing breaths. When he opened his eyes, Marsha was watching him warily.
    “You’ve been duly warned,” he whispered, and then turned and walked back into the dining room.
    “I told you, Dad,” Marsha whispered, swiping the tears from her eyes. “I made one final attempt to get him to look at me, but he just ain’t interested. I only hope you forget about plan B.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    Why didn’t you go on the drive?
    “I couldn’t.” The whispered reply shied away from the rebuke.
    It would have been fun, and you know I like to have fun. But you knew I’d pressure you into going, which