moment of panic as she looked at him again. Was it too late?
âOh, Uncle Jordan.â He saw Alisonâs heart leap into her eyes.
Love without restrictions. He felt something open inside ofhim. âOh, yes,â he said quietly and touched Alisonâs cheek. âI believe Iâll keep you.â
âAlison,â Beatrice called from across the room. âWhere are your manners? Come say good evening to Dr. Rhodes.â
Alison flashed a grin at Kasey and went to do her grandmotherâs bidding.
âWell, Jordan.â Kasey swallowed hard and cleared her throat. âYouâre quite a man.â
He looked back at her and smiled. âTears, Kasey?â
âDonât.â She shook her head and swallowed again. âIâll disgrace myself.â
Briefly, his eyes swept to Alison. âI have you to thank for that.â
âOh, no. Please.â Kasey shook her head more fiercely.
He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. âYes. I have a feeling itâs going to be a difficult debt to pay. I had love staring me in the face and didnât see it.â
She studied him and let out a deep breath. You still do, she thought. Itâs just a bit more complicated. âJordan, unless you want to send Dr. Rhodes and your mother into fits and soil that perfectly beautiful handkerchief you have tucked in your pocket, youâll change the subject and fix me a drink.â
âAll right.â He kissed her fingers again. âFor now.â
Â
Through courses of onion soup, rack of lamb and chefâs salad, Harry Rhodes prompted Kasey with questions about the science of anthropology. He was unable, even with this second meeting, to equate the Kathleen Wyatt whose work he had read and admired with the quick-witted woman who sat across from him. She bounced from one subject to the next, occasionally making statements that left him completely baffled. Because he knew Jordan well, he was easily able to see that his friendâs interest in her was not strictly academic. And because Kasey had come into the Taylor household on his recommendation, he worried. Had he, in fact, saddled Jordan with a problem rather than a solution?
Her knowledge in her field, however, was all-encompassing. By the time the peach flambé was served, Harry began to relax.
âAnthropology is not psychology,â Kasey answered to oneof his comments. âAs a psychologist, Dr. Rhodes, you attempt to hold culture constant and explore mind and psyche. As an anthropologist, I attempt to hold mind and psyche constant and explore culture. I have a good book on the subject. Perhaps youâd like to borrow it.â
âYes.â Her conversation seemed lucid and relieved his mind. âIâd very much appreciate that, Miss Wyatt.â
âFine. If I can dig it up, you can take it with you tonight.â She took another scoop of dessert.
âIâm afraid all this is far above my head,â Beatrice put in. She sent Harry a warm smile. She ignored Kasey completely. âYou psychologists and anthropologists fascinate me with your theories and philosophies on life.â
âNow, Beatrice, Iâd hardly consider my theories fascinating,â Harry put in modestly.
âI wonder what Kaseyâs philosophy on life might be,â Jordan mused. He sent her one of his engaging smiles. âIâm sure weâd all be fascinated.â
Kasey licked the back of her spoon. âFrom this anthropologistâs point of view, Jordan . . .â She paused to pick up her wineglass. âLife is like a moustache. It can be wonderful or terrible. But it always tickles.â
Jordan laughed as Harry took a rather deep swallow of wine.
Thirty minutes later the two men were closed off in the game room. Jordan racked the balls on the pool table and listened to Harryâs uneasy comments on Kasey.
âHarry, thereâs no need to be concerned.â He
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