Sometimes It Is Rocket Science Read Free Page B

scientist as easy prey.  Remembering that the last event he’d seen Georgiana at, though, had his lips curling down in a frown.
    “He wasn’t with you at the Lassiter Labor Day weekend party on Fishers Island last September.”
    She grinned, started towards the nearest cluster of people.  “Our arrangement is for his benefit, not mine.  Ever since Merry Widow Winslow cornered him and put her hand down his trousers, he refuses to go solo.”
    Robert’s eyes traced the demure but still tantalizing v-neckline of her dress.  The hints of pale, smooth skin were more seductive than the expanses of skin other women habitually displayed.  “Dad has excellent taste.  He couldn’t ask for a better date.  If he’s not careful, someone could steal you away.”
    Georgiana stopped abruptly.  Her face was wan and her eyes were fixed on his platinum tiepin.   “I know you don’t want to be here Bobby, so I appreciate you how good you’ve been. You have a reputation for a short attention span and an appreciation for fake breasts and long legs; I’m just the dorky girl you got strong-armed into escorting.  I was prepared for it to be like the Cotillion fiasco, but this isn’t at all what I expected.  Since I’m sure we’re going to be stuck in this position again, I just want you to know that I’m not going to try and keep you from having fun while you’re in town.  I can handle the pity and saccharine sympathy.  You don’t have to stick to me like glue.”
    “Did you breathe at all just now?”
    “I’m serious, Bobby.  I don’t want to hold you back.  If you see someone you want, go for it.  Don’t worry about me.”
    Robert placed his empty crystal tumbler on a passing waiter’s tray and covered her hand.  “I assure you, my reputation has been grossly exaggerated.  I can handle a night of celibacy.”
    Her lips twitched as she tried to hold back a laugh.  “Maybe you can, but I don’t think the gossip columnists can survive without something to gnaw on.  You wouldn’t want to have that on your conscience would you?”
    “They’ll make up something physically impossible and morally outrageous, I’m sure.”  Robert met her smile with an encouraging grin.  Conversing with her was easier and the light banter was more enjoyable than the practiced flirtation and false flattery he used with other women.   “Cotillion was a long time ago, Georgiana, I’m not the same person.  Besides, we’re friends, remember?  I stand by my friends.”
    “Bobby, I…”
    “Georgiana, darling.”  Lacey Mercer bustled forward and wrapped pale, French-tipped fingers around Georgiana’s forearm.  She tried to tug Georgiana free from Robert’s grip, but his grasp was stronger. 
    “Mrs. Mercer.”  Georgiana brushed her lips across the older woman’s razor-sharp cheekbone.  “Bobby and I were just coming to compliment you on the party.  Judging by those tempting smells coming from the kitchen, we’re in for a real treat tonight.”
    Lacey beamed back at them.  She set her half-empty wine glass on nearby table and cupped Georgiana’s cheek.  “It is lovely to see you enjoying yourself, darling.  I have been simply torn up with worry ever since poor Daniel’s attack.  It’s too soon for you, my dear.  There’s only so much heartbreak a soul can handle before it splinters.”
    Georgiana shifted uncomfortably.  Her smile dimmed.  “Bless your heart, Mrs. Mercer, but Dan is doing better than we anticipated.  Bobby’s back in town to help, so you can see that I’m not alone.”
    Lacey turned her attention to a silently observing Robert.  She took her hand off Georgiana’s cheek and waggled her finger at him.  “You, young man, have been away for far too long.  Gallivanting about New York flashing your bits to anyone with a camera.  It’s about time you returned.  Your father’s missed you.”  She tapped the end of his nose reprovingly.  “Take care of our precious