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.`You're forgetting your first effort,' he prompted drily.file:///E|/My%20Library/books/ROMANCE/kerry%20al.0%20%20the%20challenge%20TXT/THE%20CHALLENGE.txt (44 of 77)05/05/2010 14:40:01file:///E|/My%20Library/books/ROMANCE/kerry%20allyne/1980%20%20the%20challenge%20TXT/THE%20CHALLENGE.txt`Don't be nasty!' She wrinkled her nose at him goodnaturedly and confessed, `I was partnering Dad atthe time, and he'd just belted a beauty, so I immediately set off like a mad thing.The only trouble was,'she started to laugh, `someone caught it, and by the time I realised what was happening, the ball hadbeen returned and I was out as well.' Amid the ensuing laughter she turned to Debra.`How many didyou score?''Twenty-five, according to Prue.'`It would probably have been more, except for me,' Anthea leant across to advise, sweetly apologetic.`But I'm sorry to say I'm just not as fast and as athletic as Debra is.I'm more at home with golf, or one ofthose less vigorous sports.Although,' she was quick to add, `I do admire those robust girls who canstand up to the rigours of men's games and play as their equals.It's just that I'm not one of them,' shesmiled with feline satisfaction.Having been made to feel like a cross between a greyhound and the Incredible Hulk, Debra looked downat her slim, one hundred and twenty pound, five foot six length, and shook her head wryly.`I would hardly call it competing on equal terms with the men when they're bowling underarm,' she halflaughed.`No, of course it isn't!' Surprisingly, it was Eleanor who broke into the conversation, her voice morevexed than Debra had ever heard it.`It's utterly ridiculous to even suggest that might be the case, and I'msure Debra would be the last person to want to compete under such conditions.I've never heard suchnonsense inn all my life!'In the momentary silence which followed, Saxon's clear blue gaze locked with Debra's and she held hisunfathomable glance with a slight defiance in her own.It wasn't her fault if his stepmother chose tochampion his secretary instead of his lady friend!Then he was turning to the older woman to drawl, `Apart from the fact that I doubt very much if Antheameant any harm by her remarks.'Whereupon the red-faced girl at his side immediately confirmed, `No! No, of course not!'`I have the feeling that the chicken you're trying so hard to harbour beneath your wings, Eleanor, is morethan capable of taking care of herself, should it be necessary,' he concluded with sardonic emphasis.Although she looked considerably mollified,.Eleanor apparently still wasn't altogether appeased,because she promptly sent him a frowning sideways glance and queried, `Meaning?'`Only that the next time I feel the sharp edge of her tongue won't be the first!' He subtly relieved thestrained atmosphere by giving them something to laugh at.`Believe me, if Debra considers you're out ofline, she doesn't hesitate to let you know.'`Good for you!' chuckled Jeanne delightedly, taking her cue from Saxon and keeping the talk flowing.`We can't have these men believing they're infallible, can we?'Debra smiled and agreed, but her eyes were wistful, and she only half heard Paul and Neale's banteringremonstrances.To defuse an awkward situation -for both his stepmother's and Anthea's sakes Saxon haddeliberately made it sound as if he was the one who came off worst in their encounters.Whereas, inactual truth, they both knew exactly the opposite was true.She had never managed to defeat him yet, andwith a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, for the first time she really began to doubt if she evercould.`Hey! Where have you drifted off to?'Paul's laughing enquiry brought her back to the present sharply and had her shaking her headselfconsciously on discovering herself to be the focal point for everyone's attention.file:///E|/My%20Library/books/ROMANCE/kerry%20al.0%20%20the%20challenge%20TXT/THE%20CHALLENGE.txt (45 of 77)05/05/2010 14:40:01file:///E|/My%20Library/books/ROMANCE/kerry%20allyne/1980%20%20the%20challenge%20TXT/THE%20CHALLENGE.txt`Nowhere in particular,' she parried protectively, and urged a light smile to her lips.`I was justdaydreaming, I guess.I'm sorry.'`You're excused,' he pardoned her with a reciprocating grin.`But Eleanor was just saying it's time tohead for the house and help bring out the lunches.She thought you might like to go with her.'`Oh, yes, of course [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]