A Silken Thread - Brenda Jackson [9]
There was no need to pretend that he was in love with his wife, because he wasn’t. And the sad thing about it was that he never had been. But then, she hadn’t ever loved him, either, so any absence of emotions on his part didn’t warrant a guilt trip. Their marriage had started off from day one as a business arrangement. At least that’s how their parents had explained it to them. Now, thirty years later, nothing had changed other than their ages and the fact that during one of those rare times they’d made love they had produced a daughter.
He wondered if Karen had ever considered getting out of their farce of a marriage. Had she ever thought about wanting more or mulled over how it would be to really fall in love? Had she asked him for a divorce he would have gladly given her one. But she’d never asked, which meant she was satisfied with how things were between them. He was not. Never had been. And lately he was beginning to realize just how dissatisfied he was.
“When you find Erica, please let me know she’s all right.”
He worked the jacket over his shoulders. “Erica’s not lost, Karen. When are you going to realize and accept she’s a grown woman and not a child?”
Of course her response was one he didn’t want to hear, and a weary sigh flowed from his lips as he left the room.
“Close your eyes and open your mouth, sweetheart.”
Erica smiled and did what Brian asked. The moment she felt the spoon enter her mouth and tasted the chocolate concoction on her tongue she couldn’t help but moan.
She opened her eyes. “It’s delicious, Brian. Where did you get the recipe?”
They were standing in her kitchen. He was barefoot and shirtless and his jeans hung low on his hips. She was wearing his dress shirt and nothing else. After making love a second time he had dragged her out of bed and into the kitchen. They had ordered pizza and he had taken over her kitchen to make his favorite sweet treat. Brownies. And to top them off he’d made a mouthwatering chocolate sauce.
“It’s one of Mom’s. She uses it in her cake batter sometimes to make it moister.”
She nodded as she licked her lips. She’d been serious when she’d said the sauce was delicious and she couldn’t wait until the brownies cooled so they could layer it on top of them. The coffee had been brewing and she was anxious to pour a cup to go along with them.
“And how is your mom?” she asked.
He smiled as he turned back to the stove. “She’s great. Her contract with the Hastings Corporation was renewed, which means even more international travels for her. But she loves it.”
Erica leaned against the kitchen counter. She had met Brian’s mother months ago, the first time she’d visited him in Dallas. At first she’d found it hard to believe that the woman was old enough to have given birth to him. She looked to be in her early forties instead of fifty-two. And upon their introduction, Erica had immediately felt a genuine warmth emanating from her. She hadn’t known what to expect, since she’d figured out early in their relationship that Brian and his mother were rather close.
“Is she looking forward to the engagement party my parents are planning for us?” she decided to ask.
“Of course.”
Erica’s brows lifted in surprise. “She is?”
Brian chuckled. “Yes.”
At her doubtful look, he leaned over and brushed a kiss across her lips. His eyes were gentle and held a depth of understanding that she couldn’t help but appreciate. “I told you not to worry, Erica. Everything will be fine. Mom knows your mother doesn’t think I’m good enough for you.”
Hearing him put her mother’s very thoughts into words made her shiver. “And knowing all of that, she hasn’t talked you out of marrying me?”
His laughter filled the room and he pulled her into his arms. “Baby, no one can talk me out of marrying you. Besides, Mom wouldn’t think of doing so anyway. She’s gotten to know you and thinks I’m a lucky man, and I can’t help but agree.”
Erica shook her head. There were times when she felt she’d somehow found favor