From the Heart

and elegant rooms. Yet there’s so much more to him than I realized that first night I walked in here. More depth, more character, more strength. If I could have chosen a man to fall in love with, I couldn’t have chosen any better.
    Taking a deep breath, she walked into the room. “It seems my timing’s perfect.”
    Jordan turned to watch her. The dress was dark green and clinging with a deep slash of a neckline. It was caught at the side of her waist and fell straight, leaving a slit that opened and closed as she walked.
    “I thought once you were a witch,” Jordan murmured. “Now I’m sure of it.”
    Kasey took the glass from his hand. “Like it?” She smiled and sipped. “Jordan, you’ve picked up the knack for mixing these. You could make a living from it.”
    “Yes, I like it.” He took the glass from her, set it down, and then drew her into his arms. He gave her a long, deep, satisfying kiss that begged for more. “The thought comes intomy mind,” he said as his lips grazed her cheekbone, “of locking those doors over there and staying right where I am.”
    “Oh, no.” Kasey smiled and shook her head. “You asked me for a date. I’m holding you to it.”
    “We could be late.” He kissed her again, lingeringly. They hadn’t had nearly enough time together since they had returned from New York. “We’ve been late before.”
    But not here, she thought, floating under the kiss. We’re not alone here.
    She drew herself carefully out of his arms. “Someone once told me that being late was rude. Besides,” she picked up her glass again, “you promised to dance with me. I should think you dance very well.”
    It occurred to him that he wasn’t going to like sharing her. He shook off the notion. Jealousy was foreign to him. “All right,” he agreed. “A date’s a date.”
    Kasey took his hand as they walked to the door. “Can we go parking afterward?” she asked.
    “Love to.” He grinned and nudged her outside.
     
    Jordan slipped two glasses from the tray of a roving waiter. “Champagne?” he asked her.
    “Absolutely.” Kasey took the glass and sipped. “It’s beautiful here. I’m glad you asked me to come.”
    He touched the rim of his glass to hers. “To anthropology,” he murmured. “A fascinating science.”
    Kasey gave a low laugh and raised her glass to her lips. She turned to watch a slim brunette in a filmy white dress weave through the crowd toward them. Reaching Jordan, she rose on her toes to kiss his cheek.
    “Jordan. You’ve finally come out of hibernation.”
    “Hello, Liz. You look lovely, as always.”
    “I’m surprised you remember what I look like after all this time. It’s been months.” She smiled and turned to Kasey. She had round, fawn’s eyes and creamy skin. There was a single, perfect diamond on a chain at her throat.
    “Kathleen Wyatt.” Jordan touched Kasey’s shoulder lightly. “Elizabeth Bentley.”
    “Kathleen Wyatt?” Liz repeated. “The name’s very familiar, but we haven’t met before, have we?”
    “No, Miss Bentley, we haven’t met.” Kasey gave her a friendly smile, appreciating the frank interest in her eyes. “Would you like some champagne?” she asked, slipping a glass from another tray. “It’s really very good.”
    “Thank you.” Liz glanced down at the glass, then back at Kasey.
    “Kasey’s been working with me on my novel,” Jordan explained. He could see Liz was both confused and intrigued.
    “Oh, yes.” A piece fell into place. “Harry Rhodes mentioned your name at dinner the other night.” She hesitated a moment. “He said you were extraordinarily intelligent.”
    “That’s because I hustled him at pool.” Kasey’s eyes gleamed with laughter over the rim of her glass as she lifted it again. “Do you play?”
    “Play—pool?” Liz shook her head, and a faint line of concentration appeared between her brows. “No. You’re an archaeologist?”
    “No, an anthropologist.” Kasey smiled and couldn’t resist. “An archaeologist is one who studies the life and culture of ancient peoples by excavating ancient cities, relics, artifacts. An anthropologist is one who studies the races, physical and mental characteristics, distributions, customs, social relationships of mankind.” She took another sip of champagne. “That’s a terrific dress,” she commented, nodding at Liz. “French?”
     
    “You did a fine job of confusing Liz,” Jordan stated when he had Kasey in his arms on the