Page 70 of For Love or Money
‘Oh my God.’ Scott grinned, hugely enjoying himself. ‘How do you even say something like that? I mean, in this day and age? I bet she told you where to shove it.’
Rafe gave a little reluctant smile. ‘She did, actually,’ he said, his eyes softening.
‘Well, I guess that’s that, then,’ Scott said.
‘It doesn’t mean she’s on the level.’ Rafe looked boot-faced. ‘Anyway, it’s not just the money.’ He raked a hand though his hair. ‘The whole thing is ridiculous, and they’ll end up making each other miserable.’
‘Dad seems happy,’ Scott said.
‘How long do you think that will last? You know what Dad’s like,’ Rafe appealed to his brother. ‘He doesn’t marry his girlfriends – and with good reason.’
‘Maybe this one’s different,’ Scott said.
‘Right. Like Mum was different.’
Scott’s smile faltered, and he toyed with his glass, rattling the ice around.
‘What happens when the next bright young thing comes along?’ Rafe continued. ‘Or when Stella gets tired of playing nursemaid to an old man? It’d be better for everyone if she’d just take the money and run.’
‘There’s not much we can do about it, though, is there?’ Scott said. ‘They’re both grown-ups. I guess they know what they’re doing.’
Rafe’s jaw set stubbornly. ‘Dad just isn’t someone who should be married. It doesn’t suit him. I thought he at least had the sense to realise that.’
‘You don’t think he’s going to be playing around on Stella, though?’ Scott said scathingly.
‘Have you met Dad?’
‘I know, but ... isn’t he a bit old for all that stuff now?’
‘Maybe,’ Rafe said gloomily. ‘But I doubt it.’
‘I mean, he’s not even sleeping with Stella. You know they have separate bedrooms?’
‘That’s just because of his heart attack, not because he’s past it.’ Rafe tossed back the last of his water. ‘Anyway, I don’t see what more we can do.’
‘Well ... maybe you just didn’t offer her the right incentive,’ Scott said. ‘If she’s only into Dad for his money, she’d probably ditch him at the drop of a hat for the younger, hotter version – Mr Darcy himself, no less.’
‘You think I should try it on with Dad’s girlfriend?’ Rafe looked aghast.
‘Just flirt with her, lead her on a bit. I’m not saying you should follow through.’ Scott shrugged. ‘Just a suggestion, since you’re so determined to break them up.’
‘And you’re not?’
‘I told you, I think she’s fabulous. I love her already.’
‘Anyway, it’s not as if she’d fall for it, after I’ve tried to buy her off, is it?’
‘I don’t see why not. That enemies-to-lovers thing is sexy as hell. And you do that whole repressed Englishman battling your feelings schtick so well – all smouldering passion under your stiff upper lip. It totally plays into your wheelhouse.’
Rafe looked thoughtful. Then he shook his head. ‘Sorry, Lesley,’ he said, as if he’d only just become aware of her presence. ‘You must think we’re awful. We’re not usually this ... Machiavellian.’
‘No worries,’ she said. ‘It’s fine. I totally get it.’ In fact, she was having the time of her life. After all, she was sitting in a bar in the South of France, drinking cocktails in the afternoon and hugger-mugging with three gorgeous men. It was like being part of some super-glamorous version of the Famous Five.
‘Right, well, I’m going to get back,’ Rafe said, standing. He took some euros from his pocket and tossed them on the table. Scott got up with him. ‘Are you coming?’ he asked Al.
‘No, I think we’ll stay here for a while, maybe have another,’ Al said, looking to Lesley.
She nodded in agreement.
