Sara's Child Read Free Page A

like no woman he’s ever met yet knows instinctively that she is more than she appears on the surface. The puzzle is, how much more and why is he so interested in finding out?
    As Catherine and Arthur conclude their business, Robert moves across the room to say his goodbye, or so Logan thinks.
    “Colson, don’t rush off.” Robert smiles warmly at Catherine, obviously quite taken by her. “As we were saying earlier, my father is insisting on retiring so we’re insisting on giving him a good send off. It’ll be at the end of next month and we’d love you to be there, wouldn’t we?” He turns an encouraging look on his father, obviously wanting his backing.
    “Wouldn’t be the same without you,” Arthur reiterates enthusiastically, and Catherine knows they both mean it.
    Ok Brain-of-Britain, think of something!
    Catherine hesitates; she really does not go out, as in being social and actually making conversation for the sake of it. She’s never seen the point for one thing. “I’m not sure…I don’t really think…” Help!
    However, Robert isn’t taking no for an answer. “That’s settled then,” he states, steamrolling over any further protests. “I can arrange a car to pick you up…” then adds “…and your escort, of course, or a friend of your choosing?” when Catherine still doesn’t look convinced.
    Friend! What friend? I don’t do friends!             
    “Fine…” she finds herself agreeing awkwardly, “…I’ll ask Ben if he can make it.” Are you nuts? Socialising? Really?
    “Well that’s great,” Robert smiles slyly. “And now that you’ve agreed to go to my father’s bash you can hardly miss mine. Wouldn’t be fair at all would it…?”
    What? I need to get out of here!
    “Yours…I don’t understand…what bash?” I feel faint. She is starting to flail, feeling totally out of her depth.
    “It’s my thirtieth birthday in a week’s time – though we’re having the party the night after rather than the night of,” he laughs. “Can’t get rat-faced on a Thursday so it’s going to have to be on the Friday, and we can make the same transportation arrangement for you and Ben…or whoever you decide to bring?”
    Bloody buggering hell!
    “I can get myself to both dos,” she tells him, making to leave before he can talk her into anything else.
    “So you are coming then.” No! No! No! Robert laughs at her forlorn frown. “That’s great, and I promise you’ll have a good time.” Whoopee!
    Catherine eyes him doubtfully then turns to smile at Arthur. “Thanks for your time, Arthur. I have copies of everything so don’t feel you have to rush or return the paperwork. But if you’ve got any queries you know how to reach me.” Now let me out of here!
    “I’m sure it will all be fine,” he assures her. “Now go and enjoy the rest of the day. The sun is shining and you could do with a little more colour in your cheeks.”
    I’d have more colour in my cheeks if your bloody son would stop cornering me into things I’d really rather not do!
    Turning she acknowledges the stranger with a grimace more than a smile and a very brief nod of her head . Holy fuck, he’s built like He-man and looks like a Norse God – shame he’s such a stiff-necked son-of-a-bitch!
    Taking her completely off guard, Logan thrusts his hand forward expectantly waiting for her to shake it. “Ms Colson.” Holy cow!
    Not wanting to appear petulant or ignorant, Catherine takes his hand and feels a jolt of electricity shoot up her arm to addle her brains. God Almighty – what the hell was that!
    Her bright blue eyes flash up to his face and she knows that he felt it too.
    “Mr Sayers.” You know what you’re doing to me, don’t you? The only reason she hasn’t snatched her hand back is because Logan is holding it in a firm but gentle grip.
    After what feels like forever, Logan lets go of her hand and Catherine makes a speedy exit. Phew!
    Berating herself all the way back to