O'Brien's Lady - By Marsha Doss Page 0,22

thick sarcasm, making it sound almost evil.

"And what's wrong with that? I happen to enjoy wearing fine clothes and going to nice places."

"You also like bringing a new life into the world and watching it grow into something truly wonderful." Michael's face had softened and Sonny could not bear to see the expression in his dark eyes. It sent a cold shiver down her spine and she turned away from his probing gaze. He had definitely hit a sore spot. Yes, she had been enchanted with the foaling of Midnight, but that did not alter the face that she didn't belong here. Why did Michael always probe into her mind? Couldn't he just accept the fact that their lives were different and they could never continue this ridiculous partnership?

"Anyone would have reacted to that foaling, Michael. That doesn't mean that I want to stay here for the rest of my life."

Sonny turned away, and did not see the pained look that crossed his face.

When she turned back, she saw only his hardened expression.

"What are we going to do about the purchase of this horse?" Sonny asked suddenly.

"We've made the transaction and she'll be flown out here the end of this week."

"Oh I see..you've made the decision and you assume I'll abide by it."

"You have no choice. We need that horse."

Sonny felt the irritation grow with Michael's stubbornness on this matter. If she had spent that much money without his consent, she was sure his reaction would not be favorable. Underneath it all, he was a very stubborn, steadfast man and nothing she could say or do would change his mind.

If she telephoned Crescent Stables to cancel, then hers and Michael's credibility would be questioned. Decisions like this were never taken lightly and right or wrong, she was certain Michael had given the matter great thought. He had mentioned her father's frequent purchasing of new stock and she certainly trusted J.B.'s business judgement. For now, she was in a precarious position where she could neither go forward nor retreat.

"I do have a choice Michael," she countered. "But I'll assume you know what you're doing. In the future, however all money matter must have my approval."

Michael's mouth turned up at the corners, and the hard line was replaced with an expanse of incredibly straight, white teeth. Just one more thing to make him attractive, she thought resentfully.

"You enjoy showing your power, Sonny, and I find it amusing."

Before Sonny could open her mouth to protest, Michael had the wide lapels of her jacket held securely between his fingers. She wanted to move away, to protest…to run, but his nearness made that impossible. Maybe if she didn't look into his eyes that would help fend off this virile man who stood before her.

"You're beautiful," Michael said.

Those two words held more feeling than Sonny could have imagined possible. Now she was trapped, and suddenly her knack for glib conversation was gone. She could not think of one coherent thing to say to this handsome Irishman who made her head spin and her heart dance.

If she didn't get away soon, he would know that his silly game was working and the mouse could be caught, oh so easily.

CHAPTER 7

Sonny picked the telephone up on the fifth ring. She had hurried in the back door and was now slightly out of breath.

The silky voice at the other end took her by surprise.

"Pierre," she exclaimed, "where are you?"

"I am leaving New York this evening. The show was a huge success."

The voice, gilded with a French accent was like a tranquilizer to Sonny. She sat on the kitchen chair and listened to the charismatic sounds of Pierre.

"That's wonderful. And how long will you be in the city?"

"About a week I would imagine. I will call you after the showing tomorrow. You will come won't you?"

No, she thought, I can't come. My hair is damaged, my nails short and split. She had a hundred things to do before he saw her again. "I'd love to come Pierre, but I have so much work here. Will you forgive me?"

"Of course. Until tomorrow, then." Pierre's voice was smooth and his words well enunciated. Not at all like Michael's. The two men were such opposites, yet each was an integral and important part of her life.

Before going to bed that night, Sonny made a list of all the things she would have to do the next day. At the top of the page was the hairdresser. She must have her hair conditioned and