One Special Moment - Brenda Jackson [11]
He was silent for so long that for a while Colby didn’t think he would answer her question. When he finally did, his tone was serious, and the look in his eyes held no signs of humor. “Diamond Swain is very special to me but not in the way the media has claimed. She and I are very good friends and that’s all you need to know.”
“That’s not all I need to know. If you plan on sleeping with the both of us then—”
“I wouldn’t do that, and I refuse to discuss Diamond any further.”
Colby’s anger increased. She wondered just what his relationship was with the woman who was the leading lady in most of his movies. According to Cynthia, at one time rumors had circulated that the two of them were even married.
She looked at him and his gaze held hers. His expression was unreadable. She knew he was waiting for her to make some kind of flippant comment about what he’d just said. But she had no intention of making his day. Her eyes narrowed at him but she said nothing.
“What’s the matter, Colby? Suddenly at a loss for words?”
When she didn’t reply, he shrugged indifferently. “Now where were we? Ah, yes, I was explaining how you were chosen. Another thing that impressed me about you was that you’re an extraordinarily bright young woman. You graduated from high school at the age of sixteen.”
“There was nothing bright about that,” she said quietly. “James was taking classes at night at the college and didn’t want to leave me home alone so he took me with him. I discovered I could get credit for a lot of my required high school classes if I took similar classes at the continuing education center located on campus, so I did. In the end, I had taken enough hours to waive my senior year of high school. I was able to graduate a year early.”
Sterling nodded as he listened carefully to her explanation. “You also completed four years of college in three years and still managed to graduate valedictorian of your class. You also got your master’s degree in half the usual time.”
Colby shrugged. “So what of it? I merely took classes year round and studied hard.”
Sterling again nodded. Unlike a lot of women he knew, she wasn’t one who liked to toot her own horn. “Lastly, according to my information, you’re not seriously involved with anyone and haven’t been for some time. All those things are important to me.”
His gaze suddenly became serious. “If you decide to go along with what I proposed to do, no one is to know of our agreement. The only person who’ll know our marriage isn’t one made in heaven is Edward. You’re to tell no one, not even your brother. We’ll do everything within our power to convince everyone we’re in love. Because of who I am, our relationship will become news. The media is always fishing for a story. It’s very important that we put on a good show.”
“Why? From what I’ve read, you’ve never cared one way or the other what the media has thought. Why are you doing so now? Besides, even if I went along with what you’re suggesting, James would never believe it. He knows me too well and knows I’m not serious about anyone—especially not serious enough to rush into marriage.”
“The reason I’ll be courting the media is because I don’t want my child growing up with the circumstances surrounding his birth an issue. Neither do I want there to be any speculation about why you and I got married. As far as your brother is concerned, it’ll be up to you to convince him our marriage is a match made in heaven,” Sterling said calmly.
Colby got out of her seat and began pacing again. Moments later she turned to Sterling. “I can’t do it.”
He came from the window to stand before her. “Yes, you can. You love your brother too much to let him lose everything he’s worked hard for. You will make the ultimate sacrifice to help him.”
“James would turn the company over to Morton Industries on a silver platter before he’d let me do what you’re suggesting.”
“Are you willing to let him do that? I really don’t think you are.”
Colby’s head began spinning. Things were moving too fast. “I need time to think.”
Sterling shrugged. “I wish I could