Page 19 of The Playboy and the Widow
“That’s what I want to talk about.”
“Is it that difficult to decide?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
Cliff stood and leaned against the tree, bracing one foot against the trunk. “All right, when?”
Diana was uncertain. “Anytime the girls aren’t around.”
“Later tonight?”
She’d never felt more unsure about a man in her life. The sooner they talked, the better. “Tonight will be fine.”
“Don’t look so bleak. It can’t be that bad.”
It was worse than bad. Shirley’s warnings echoed in her ears, reminding her that she’d be a fool to date a prominent womanizer who was said to have little conscience and few scruples. Diana’s insides were shaking and her nerves were shot. She was a mature woman! She should be capable of handling this situation with far more finesse than she was exhibiting.
“I—I wish you hadn’t come back.” Her emotions were so close to the surface that she tossed the blanket on the picnic table and stalked away, upset with both Cliff and herself.
For half a minute, Cliff was too stunned to react. This woman never ceased to astonish him. She’d wept in his arms when he’d kissed her, and when he’d told her how attracted he was to her and asked her out again, she’d stormed away as though he’d insulted her.
Driven by instinct, Cliff raced after her, his quick stride catching up with her a few feet later.
“Maybe we should talk now,” he suggested softly, gesturing toward a park bench. “We can see the girls from here. If there’s a problem, I don’t want it hanging over our heads. Now tell me what’s got you so upset.”
She gaped at him. He honestly didn’t know what was wrong. He was driving her crazy, and he seemed completely oblivious to the fact. Gathering her composure, Diana nodded in silent agreement and sat down.
Cliff joined her. “Okay, what’s on your mind?”
You!she wanted to scream, but he wouldn’t understand her anger any more than she did. “First of all, let me tell you that I am very flattered at the attention you’ve given me. Considering the women you usually date, it’s done worlds of good for my ego.”
A frown marred his brow. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, come on, Cliff,” she said in an effort to be flippant. “Surely you realize that you’re ‘hot stuff.’”
“So they tell me.”
She expelled her breath slowly, impatiently. “A date with you would quicken any female’s heart.”
“I’m flattered you think so.”
“Cliff, don’t be cute, please—this is difficult enough.”
He paused, leaned forward and clasped his hands. “I don’t understand what any of this has to do with a picnic supper. I like you. So what? I think your daughters are wonderful. Where does that create a problem?”
“It just does.” She felt like shouting at him.
“How?” he pressed. Women generally went out of their way to attract his attention. He found it an ironic twist that the one woman who had dominated his thoughts for an entire week would be so eager to be rid of him. Her defiance pricked his ego. “All right, let’s hear it,” he said, his voice low and serious.
Still, he wouldn’t look at her, which was just as well for Diana, since this was difficult enough.
“I don’t want to see you again,” she said forcefully, although her voice shook. There—it was out. Considering the way she responded to his kisses, she must be out of her mind. Although she had to admit she didn’t feel especially pleased to decline his invitation, it was for the best.
Cliff was silent. The thing was he knew she was right, but he felt he was on the brink of some major discovery about himself. Ego aside, he realized he could have just about any woman he wanted, except Diana Collins.
“I suppose Shirley told you I have the reputation of being some heartless playboy. Diana, it’s not true.”
Diana paused to take in several deep breaths. She’d hoped that he’d spare her this. “I think you’re wonderful... .”
