Genuine Lies

the expression on his face, he’d been none too pleased to find himself bundled into a stiff suit and snug tie.
    The eyes were the same. Odd, she thought, that even as a child he’d had those intense adult eyes. They weren’t smiling, but looked back at her as if to say that he’d already seen, heard, and understood more than someone twice his age.
    “Spooky little beggar, wasn’t he?”
    Julia turned, the portrait still clasped in her hand. She’ been so intent on it, she hadn’t heard Rory Winthrop entrance. He stood watching her, a charmingly crooked smile on his face, one hand casually dipped into the pocket of pearl-gray slacks. Physically he could have been taken forPaul’s brother rather than father. His mahogany hair was full and swept back like a lion’s mane. Rory allowed the gray only to dash the temples, where it added dignity rather than age. His face was as firm and as fit as his body. He, too, was no stranger to the fountain of youth offered by cosmetic surgeons. Besides the lifts and tucks, he had weekly treatments that included seaweed masks and facial massage.
    “Excuse me, Mr. Winthrop. You caught me off guard.”
    “The best way to catch a beautiful woman.” He’d enjoyed the fact that she stared. A man could preserve his face and body with care, diligence, and money. But it took a woman, a young one, to preserve the ego.
    “Interested in my miniature rogues’ gallery?”
    “Oh.” She remembered the portrait in her hand and returned it to the mantel. “Yes, it’s very entertaining.”
    “That one of Paul was taken right after Eve and I were married. I didn’t know what to make of him then any more than I do now. He mentioned you to me.”
    “He—” Surprise, pleasure, embarrassment. “Really?”
    “Yes, I can’t recall him ever mentioning a woman by name before. It’s one of the reasons I was glad you could make this trip to see me.” He crossed to her to take her hand in both of his. Up close, the smile that had devastated women for generations was very potent. “Let’s sit by the fire, shall we? Ah, and here’s our tea.”
    A second maid wheeled in the cart while they settled in two balloon-back chairs before the blaze. “I want to thank you for agreeing to see me, and on a weekend.”
    “My pleasure.” He dismissed the maid with a friendly nod, then poured out himself. “I have to be at the theater by noon for the matinee, so I’m afraid my time’s limited. Lemon or cream, dear?”
    “Lemon, thank you.”
    “And do try these scones. Believe me, they’re delightful.” He took two, treating himself to a hefty portion of marmalade. “So, Eve’s stirring up mischief with this book, is she?”
    “You could say she’s generated a great deal of interest and speculation.”
    “You’re diplomatic, Julia.” Again that quick, woman-melting smile. “I hope we’ll be Julia and Rory. More comfortable that way.”
    “Of course.”
    “And how is my fascinating ex-wife?”
    Though it wasn’t blatant, Julia caught the affection in his tone. “I’d say she’s as fascinating as ever. She speaks fondly of you.”
    He sipped his tea with a murmur of appreciation. “We had one of those rare friendships that grew warmer after lust cooled.” He laughed. “Not to say she wasn’t more than a little peeved at me toward the end of the marriage—with good cause.”
    “Infidelity often ‘peeves’ a woman.”
    His grin flashed, so much like Paul’s, Julia couldn’t prevent an answering smile. Direct women had always charmed him. “My dear, I’m the foremost expert on just how women react to infidelity. Fortunately, the friendship survived—in large part, I’ve always thought, because Eve is so tremendously fond of Paul.”
    “You don’t find it odd that your ex-wife and your son are so close?”
    “Not at all.” He sampled a scone as he spoke, eating slowly, enjoying every morsel. It wasn’t difficult for Julia to imagine he had enjoyed his women in much the same way. “Frankly, I was a poor father. I’m afraid I simply had no idea what to do with a growing boy. Now, in babyhood, you just stood by the crib now and again and cooed, or walked through the park pushing a pram, looking proud and rather smug. We had a nanny to deal with the less pleasant aspects of parenting.”
    Unoffended, he chuckled at her expression, then patted her hand before freshening the tea. “Julia dear, don’t judge me too harshly. At least I admit my failings. The theater