Page 6 of Craig

He had even called the doctor with the hope of being told that it was all a ploy to get him to play ball. But the man had been grave in his report.

"He has stage-four prostate cancer and refuses to consider a clinical trial. At the most, he has three months to live."

So that's that. Craig wished he could tell him to go to hell and just turn his back.

But he couldn't and wouldn't. The smart play was to do as he was told and bide his time.

And he knew just who to ask to play along with him. His mouth twisted grimly as he thought about her.

She was the only obvious choice. Anyone else would demand a real marriage, and that was not an option.

He wanted his freedom, to do as he pleased. He would go along with the old man and wait until he surrendered to his illness.

Three months wasn't a long time. He could deal with toeing the line and living in this pile of rocks for three months.

Surging to his feet, he walked over to the glass doors and shoved them open. The scent of roses and daffodils hit him full on, almost staggering him.

He could envision his mother seated at the beautiful wrought-iron table, sipping her lemonade and gazing at what she had created. She would often be seen out in the gardens whenever she had some free time.

"She was a wonderful woman."

The quiet voice behind him made him start. He had been so deep in thought that he had not heard the woman's approach.

"She was." His voice was thick with sorrow, his eyes mirroring his grief.

Forcing a smile, he turned to look at the housekeeper. "She always said you were the first one to welcome her when she came here."

Millicent moved her shoulders slightly and folded her hands at her ample waist. "He tried to make their lives miserable, but didn't quite succeed."

Her eyes lifted to his, a smile touching her lips.

"You've always been strong. Don't allow him to get to you."

"Too late," Craig muttered. "I guess I'll be staying after all."

Millicent's smile beamed even brighter. "I had them clean up the east wing for you."

She moved forward to embrace him.

"I always believe that things have a way of working out. You just have to hang in there."

Craig gave in to the need to feel comforted and returned her embrace before stepping back. "I'll believe that when I see it."

Chapter 2

Regina figured that if she had to smile and pose for one more cosmetic, she was going to kill herself, or listen to that pompous ass of a director tell her what to do, she would very well slit her wrists with a dull razor.

“You’re late.”

“Why don’t you kiss my very shapely ass.”

Dylan tucked his tongue in his cheek and waited for her to plop down across from him.

“Seeing as I’m your brother, I don’t think that would be appropriate. You do realize that my time is precious, don’t you?”

“So’s mine.”

He watched her mood change in the usual lightning swift way as the besotted waiter came hurrying forward.