Wildest Hearts

modifications.”

    “You're wrong,” Heather said simply. “The changes are major.”

    “Heather's right.” Richard looked at Annie. “Maybe this is a case of Beauty and the Beast.”

    Annie bristled. “Oliver was never a beast.”

    “That's what you think,” Valerie said dryly. “Don't get me wrong, I love him dearly, but Oliver can be a real pain when it comes to getting what he wants. And he always knows what he wants.”

    “Yeah, not only for himself, but for everyone else,” Richard added.

    “He means well,” Annie said quickly.

    “We're not saying he doesn't,” Nathan said wryly. “But with Oliver it's usually a case of do it his way or don't do it at all.”

    “He's not that bad,” Annie said.

    “No?” Nathan chuckled ruefully. “Last year I came up with the brilliant idea of postponing college for a year while I did some traveling in Europe. Oliver didn't agree. You will notice that I am at the university this year, not drinking coffee on the Via Veneto.”

    “Here comes Mom,” Richard said. He nodded toward the doorway. “And she's got Grace with her. Looks like she really is going to introduce him to Oliver.” He whistled soundlessly. “This is serious stuff.”

    “Do you like Jonathan Grace?” Annie asked curiously as she watched Sybil and Jonathan make their way through the room.

    “He's okay,” Nathan said noncommittally. “What matters is that Mom is happy.”

    “You mean Oliver has finally condescended to allow her to be happy,” Valerie said bluntly. She glanced at Carson. “I know how Sybil's been feeling these past few months.”

    Carson shrugged. “Your brother doesn't seem so bad to me.”

    “You never knew him B.A.,” Valerie said.

    Carson slanted her a questioning look. “B.A.?”

    “Before Annie,” Heather murmured. “Sybil looks terrific tonight, doesn't she?”

    Annie had to agree that Sybil looked radiant in a soft green sheath that highlighted her upswept hair. Beside her Jonathan Grace was distinguished looking in his expensively tailored formal clothes. He had Sybil's arm tucked protectively under his own, and there was an expression of intense satisfaction in his eyes. Annie realized he was watching Oliver, who had not yet noticed Sybil's arrival.

    Annie glanced at Heather inquiringly. “I thought Sybil said Oliver and Jonathan had never met.”

    “They haven't,” Valerie said. “Sybil's been afraid to introduce them. Cross your fingers and hope this works. Otherwise, I'm afraid Sybil's going to be heartbroken. I think she's really in love with Grace.”

    “It'll be okay,” Annie assured her.

    Oliver chose that moment to abandon the small group of people with whom he had been standing. He searched the room with a single glance, found Annie, and started toward her.

    In typical Oliver fashion, he looked neither to the right nor to the left as he cut a swath through the crowd. He didn't seem to notice people moving aside for him; he simply walked where he wanted to walk and a path miraculously appeared before him.

    When he reached Annie and the others, he nodded at Carson and then looked at Valerie. “The exhibition is impressive, Val. Congratulations.”

    Valerie glowed. It was obvious Oliver's praise meant a great deal to her. “Thanks.”

    Carson smiled proudly. “She's one of the best on the West Coast when it comes to Pre-Columbian art. Eckert is lucky to have her.”

    Before Oliver could respond, Sybil glided up with Jonathan at her side.

    “Good evening, everyone.” Sybil's eyes were bright with pleasure. “Valerie, the exhibition is terrific. It's bound to attract a lot of attention.”

    “I hope so,” Valerie said.

    “It will. The reviews are going to be great.” Sybil turned smoothly to Oliver. “I'd like you to meet Jonathan Grace, Oliver. Jonathan, this is Oliver. I believe I've mentioned him.”

    “Several times.” Jonathan smiled, but his eyes were watchful. “It's a pleasure to meet you at last. I must admit, you're not quite what I had imagined.”

    “What were you expecting?” Oliver asked mildly.

    “There was something said about fangs and claws, but I don't see them,” Jonathan said. “I understand you're going to have me investigated.”

    “Jonathan,” Sybil hissed in dismay.

    “It's all right.” Jonathan patted her hand affectionately. “I appreciate the fact that he wants to protect you, darling. You should appreciate it, too.”

    Sybil raised her eyes toward the