Magnificent Folly - Iris Johansen [46]
“I don’t believe it.” Lily gazed blankly at the closed door. “I feel as if I’ve stepped onto the set of a Star Wars movie. I didn’t think robots as sophisticated as that one existed yet.”
“They didn’t until my dear sister turned her hand to robotics.” Andrew scowled. “I told Mariana she only created Mrs. Muggins to be the bane of my existence. The damn thing nags me to death.”
“Then why don’t you give her back to your sister?”
Andrew’s scowl vanished, and he smiled sheepishly. “I guess I like her. Muggins kind of grows on you.”
“Your sister must be a positive genius,” Lily said. “Does she intend to patent the prototype?”
Andrew shook his head. “There are too many difficulties right now. It would revolutionize robotics and cast a glaring spotlight on the inventor. The Clanad can’t afford the publicity.”
“What a shame. It must be very frustrating for her.”
“Mariana doesn’t mind. She’s too busy working on Mr. Muggins.”
“I hesitate to ask what Mr. Muggins does.”
“He’s a gardener and a handyman.” Andrew grinned. “Mariana’s hoping to incorporate chauffeuring, but she tells me the judgment skills involved in driving are a nightmare.”
“I’d like to meet her.”
“You will. She’s a curious imp. She won’t be able to resist popping in to meet you and Cassie.” Andrew’s grin faded. “I’ve told everyone else to leave you alone for a few days to let you both become accustomed to your surroundings. I know it must seem very alien to you here.”
“Well, I admit I don’t run into motherly robots like Mrs. Muggins every day back home.”
He nodded. “I’ve asked Quenby to select and send over a new wardrobe for you and Cassie. It should be delivered this afternoon.”
“You’re being very kind.”
He shook his head. “I’m being very selfish. I want you to be happy here.”
His gaze met hers, and Lily felt suddenly breathless. Sensuality. Where had it come from? Out of nowhere the sexual magnetism that had first drawn her to Andrew had come back in full strength. With an effort she pulled her gaze away. “You’ve certainly supplied the right ingredients.”
“I tried. There’s a darkroom, with several professional cameras, in one of the outbuildings.”
“A darkroom?” Her eyes widened in surprise. “Are you a photographer too?”
He shook his head. “But when I had the house built I decided I’d provide for any eventuality. I knew you’d need one if you ever came here.” He smiled. “You see, some sand castles aren’t washed away, Lily. You’re here in my house.”
Lily felt her throat tighten with tears. Blast him, how was he able to do this to her? She knew the answer. The man was romantic, idealistic, and completely appealing. Dear heaven, she mustn’t let him move her like that. “Well, I thank you for this particular sand castle. I promise I’ll make good use of it.”
“That’s all I ask.” He turned toward the door. “If you need anything, ask Muggins, and she’ll either find it or phone and have it delivered.”
“You’re leaving?” Lily tried to hide the disappointment surging through her. “But this is your home. It’s not right that I put you out.”
“I want you to be comfortable,” Andrew said softly. “You have adjustments to make, and I’m selfish enough to try to distract you if I’m in the same house.”
She moistened her lips with her tongue. “It’s a big house. We might never run into each other.”
“But I’d see that we did.” He smiled with frank sexuality. “And we might start a new roller-coaster ride before you were recovered from the old one. I can give you a day or so.” He inclined his head. “With the greatest reluctance.”
“Where will you stay?” Her voice sounded breathless even to her own ears.
“With Mariana. She has a place near the hospital, and I have some work that may need doing there.”
“What kind of work?”
He shrugged. “Therapy.” He opened the door. “Take care of yourself. I’ll be in touch.”
“Andrew,” she called impulsively.
He stopped and looked at her inquiringly.
“I don’t want …” She halted and