Free Eye of the Tiger by Diana Palmer Page B

face and caught Eleanor’s eyes, she actually raised her wineglass and inclined her head gracefully. Then she turned back to Wade with magnificent disdain.
    “What was that all about?” he asked with a faint smile.
    “That was a congratulatory toast,” she replied innocently. “He’s bagged another one.”
    He chuckled. “You make him sound like a headhunter.”
    “Why not? His reputation’s worse than yours,” she replied.
    He lifted both eyebrows. “Do you suppose he’s ever done it suspended from a tree limb?”
    She burst out laughing, almost choking on her wine. Across the room, a pair of deep blue eyes saw and darkened with an odd kind of pain. But Eleanor didn’t see them.

Chapter Six
    I t was just past midnight when Wade took her home, and she was still a little shaken from trying to eat with Keegan watching her. Had he really gone there by coincidence, or had her father told him where Wade was taking her? She had to know.
    “I had a great time,” she told Wade as he cut the engine of the Mercedes at her front door. “Thanks for the meal.”
    “My pleasure,” he said sincerely. He leaned toward her, giving her plenty of time to draw away.
    But she didn’t. She liked Wade. Tonight he’d been there when she’d needed a buffer against Keegan. She owed him this, if nothing more. She smiled against his warm mouth and closed her eyes.
    It was pleasant kissing him. Not threatening or explosive as it was with Keegan. Keegan. She drew back against her will with a tiny sigh. What was the use inpretending? No one would ever move her as Keegan did. She couldn’t hurt Wade by letting him believe she felt something that she truly didn’t.
    He touched her face and shrugged. Then he smiled, without anger. “You’re a nice kid,” he said. “Hang around with me, anyway. I’ll teach you all kinds of useless information and leave you panting with my expertise as a local tour guide.”
    She burst out laughing. “You crazy man!”
    His white teeth showed brilliantly against his dark tan as he returned the smile. “It beats sanity, from what I’ve seen.” He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “Just don’t let the rabid redhead see that lost look in your eyes, darling,” he cautioned solemnly, nodding when her eyelids flinched. “Oh, yes, you’re very transparent sometimes, innocent lady. I don’t think he noticed, but you’d be a basket case if he did. Keegan doesn’t play around.”
    She knew that far better than he did. She straightened proudly. “You’re wrong,” she replied firmly. “I had a crush on him when I was eighteen, but I outgrew it. I don’t feel that way anymore.”
    “Of course you don’t,” he said, humoring her. He leaned forward and brushed a kiss across her forehead. “Be careful, all the same. I wouldn’t like to see him hurt you. I’ve gotten very fond of you, miss nurse.”
    “You’re nice people,” she murmured.
    “I try, I try,” he replied, dark eyes sparkling with humor. “We’re having a garden party Saturday. You’re invited. I’ll pick you up about ten o’clock, and don’t argue,” he said when she opened her mouth. “Consider it private tuition,” he added wickedly.
    “And how will your family feel about having the Tabers’ hired help to entertain?” she asked hesitantly.
    He actually glowered at her. “For heaven’s sake, don’t start that. All you have to worry about is keeping your head while you fend off my mother and sister. My dad will be a pushover.” He chuckled. “He likes pretty girls.”
    “Well—” she sighed “—if you’re willing, I’m willing. I don’t want to embarrass you, though, and I have a quick tongue.”
    “Do you?” he asked eagerly. “Show me!”
    She hit him. “You stop that, you animal,” she teased.
    He stretched lazily, still smiling. “Well, it’s too late for a game of chess with your father, so I guess I’ll go home to my lonely bed and try to sleep.” He glanced sideways at her as