"Roberts, Nora - Stanislaski 08 - Dance of Dreams" - читать интересную книгу автора (Roberts Nora)

Dance of Dreams

Chapter 1
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The cat lay absolutely still on his back, eyes closed, front paws resting on his
white chest. The last rays of the sun slanted through the long vertical blinds
and shone on his orange fur. He was undisturbed by the sound of a key in the
lock which broke the silence of the apartment. He half-opened his eyes when he
heard his mistress' voice but closed them again, just as lazily, when he noted
she was not alone. She'd brought that man home with her again, and the cat had
no liking for him. He went back to sleep.
"But Ruth, it's barely eight o'clock. The sun's still up."
Ruth dropped her keys on the dainty Queen Anne table beside the door, then
turned with a smile. "Donald, I told you I had to make it an early evening.
Dinner was lovely. I'm glad you talked me into going out."
"In that case," he said, taking her into his arms in a practiced move, "let me
talk you into extending the evening."
Ruth accepted the kiss, enjoyed the gentle surge of warmth just under her skin.
But when he pulled her closer, she drew away. "Donald." Her smile was the same
easy one she had worn before the kiss. "You really have to go."
"A nightcap," he murmured, kissing her again, lightly, persuasively.
"Not tonight." She moved firmly out of his arms. "I have an early class
tomorrow, Donald, plus a full day of rehearsals and fittings."
He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. "It'd be easier for me if it were
another man, but this passion for dancingЕ" He shrugged before reluctantly
turning to leave. Was he losing his touch? he wondered.
Ruth Bannion was the first woman in over ten years who had held him off so
consistently and successfully. Why, he asked himself, did he keep coming back?
She opened the door for him, giving him one last, lingering smile as she urged
him through. A glimpse of her silhouette in the dim light before she shut the
door on him answered his question. She was more than beautifulЧshe was unique.
Ruth was still smiling as she hooked the chain and security lock. She enjoyed
Donald Keyser. He was tall and dark and stylishly handsome, with an acerbic
humor and exquisite taste. She respected his talents as a designer, wore a
number of his creations herself and was able to relax in his companyЧwhen she
found the time. Of course, she was aware that Donald would have preferred a more
intimate relationship.
It had been a simple matter for Ruth to decide against it. She was attracted to
Donald and was fond of him. But he simply did not stir her emotions. While she
knew he could make her laugh, she doubted very much that he could make her cry.
Turning into the darkened apartment, Ruth felt a twinge of regret. She felt
abruptly, unexpectedly alone.
Ruth turned to study herself in the gilt-framed, rectangular mirror that hung in
the hallway. It was one of the first pieces she had bought when she had moved
into the apartment. The glass was old, and she had paid a ridiculous price for
it, despite the dark spots near the top right-hand corner. It had meant a great
deal to Ruth to be able to hang it on the wall of her own apartment, her own
home. Now, as the light grew dim, she stared at her reflection.
She had left her hair down for the evening, and it flowed over her shoulders to