Free Love Is Patient and A Heart's Refuge by Carolyne Aarsen Page B

so.”
    Annoyance twitched through him. “Truthfully, Uncle Anton, I think this makes things a whole lot easier for my father. He can keep Ted in charge without any guilt.”
    “I think your father is struggling with his own regrets.”
    Dylan tugged at his tie, feeling suddenly restricted by it. “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t heard much from him.”
    Anton nodded, brushing his index finger over his mustache. “Pride is a strong Matheson trait. You might have to make the first move.”
    “I have.” Dylan tossed down the last of his punch, stifling his annoyance. His uncle didn’t need to be treated to a display of family disunity.
    Anton caught Dylan’s angry gaze, a soft smile playing around his lips. “Your father does care about you.”
    Dylan put his cup down and leaned forward. “Uncle Anton, I really appreciate that you’re trying to do this, but I’ve given all I can as far as my father is concerned. I’ve come to help the company. Not him. And if my father is really concerned about our relationship, then I would say it’s up to him to do something about it.”
    Dylan felt the anger leave him as he spoke.
    Anton nodded. “I know what you’re saying, Dylan. And you’re right. Now let’s talk about something pleasant. Maybe that lovely young woman you’re with. Tell me some more about her.”
    Dylan glanced at the dance floor where Lisa was laughing at something her partner was saying.
    “Her name is Lisa.”
    Anton nodded, and Dylan could almost hear his smirk.
    “She’s beautiful.”
    Dylan didn’t have to echo that remark. But it made him uncomfortable to talk to his dear uncle about a relationship that was strictly for convenience.
    It made him feel guilty. As if he was using Lisa.
    Lisa and the man on the dance floor made another twirl, and thankfully the music came to an end.
    “Well, here’s my chance to dance with her, Uncle Anton. I’ll catch you later.”
    Anton waved him off. “Go. Enjoy yourself.”
    Couples drifted off the dance floor as Dylan walked toward Lisa. With a surge of relief Dylan watched as Lisa shook her head, obviously declining another dance. Then, turning, she walked straight to him.
    “Did you have a good time?”
    “I’ve had more fun at the dentist,” she muttered, keeping her smile intact.
    Dylan couldn’t help but laugh, surprised at the relief he felt at her annoyance. “He couldn’t have been that bad—you danced two dances with him.”
    “He didn’t understand the meaning of the word no. ” Lisa shook her head. “Maybe he’s dyslexic.”
    “He’s my cousin.”
    Lisa stopped, looked away and then back at him with a shrug. “Sorry. I didn’t know.”
    “Can’t pick your relatives.”
    “Oh, the joys of splashing in the gene pool.”
    Dylan laughed out loud as pleasure spiraled up in him, replacing his earlier melancholy.
    The music changed tempo, the lights dimmed andDylan glanced at the dance floor. Couples were moving closer together. In the middle he saw his sister Chelsea with her new husband, her arms clasped around his neck. He saw his parents, Tiffany and her husband.
    Everyone paired up. Belonging to someone.
    “Can I have this dance?” he asked, looking back at Lisa.
    “I’m not very good at slow dances,” she said with a light laugh.
    “It’s not hard. Just follow my lead.”
    “I’m not much good at doing that, either.”
    “Try,” Dylan urged. He caught her hand and took a step toward the dance floor, smiling encouragement at Lisa.
    With a laugh she finally gave in. Then they were on the floor, facing each other.
    “Do we have to pretend to be a devoted couple?” Lisa asked with a touch of irony in her voice.
    “No, but you can pretend you’re having a good time.” Dylan pushed down his disappointment at her response. He caught her hand in his, slipped his arm around her waist.
    “I don’t know if I can rise to the occasion,” she said, flashing him a teasing grin. “But I can slide over to it.”
    “Then