Read Online Blind Promises by Diana Palmer - Free Book Online

policies. Gannon would like to expand the business; Dirk is cautious. Gannon believes in the generous approach to labor negotiations; Dirk is conservative. They’re very different.”
    “I suppose most brothers are,” came the quiet reply. “I’ve always hated being an only child. I used to hope for a brother or sister when I was little.”
    “Your parents couldn’t have other children?”
    Dana shifted uncomfortably. “No,” she said simply, letting it go at that.
    “I’d better have the maid get a room ready for Dirk. No doubt he’ll be here at least overnight. I never expect quick solutions when my stepsons start discussing company politics.” She patted Dana on the shoulder and left the room.
    It was another hour before the men joined them at
     
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    Blind Promises
     
    Diana Palmer
     
    69
     
    the table, and Dana was starving. The beef and scalloped potatoes had been kept warm, and now fresh rolls and asparagus with hollandaise sauce was being brought in by the cook.
    “That smells like asparagus/’ Gannon remarked as he slid cautiously into his chair at the head of the table. He looked out of humor, but Dana noted that he wasn’t scowling as fiercely as usual.
    “It is,” Lorraine said. “Everything settled?”
    Dirk only laughed. “If you believe that, I’ve got some oceanfront property in Arizona I’d like to talk to you about”
    “In the middle of the Painted Desert, no doubt,” Dana murmured, tongue in cheek.
    Dirk’s eyebrows lifted. “However did you guess?”
    Gannon was listening to their conversation, and his face darkened. “How long are you staying, Dirk?” he asked curtly.
    “Oh, a couple of days, I suppose-now mat you’ve phoned Dobbs and gotten the union off my back,” the younger man added wryly.
    Gannon made a gruff sound and waited for Dana to fill his plate and tell him what was where. The others watched the small ritual with careful amusement. It was so new for them to have Gannon docile.
    Her eyes ran over his hard face like silk, liking its rough contours, the broad forehead and jutting brow over his gray eyes. He was a handsome man. Dana could almost picture him in evening clothes; he’d stand out anywhere.
    Dirk, watching, smiled at the look on her face. “Dana, how would you like to drive up to Savannah with me tomorrow and see the city?”
    She jerked her eyes up, astonished at the unexpected
     
    invitation. She wasn’t the only one, because Gannon’s eyes darkened menacingly.
    “I can’t spare her,” Gannon said shortly.
    “She’s been here for several weeks, dear,” Lorraine reminded him, “without a single day off. Don’t you think she deserves a little recreation?”
    Gannon’s jaw tautened. “She’s been out driving with me, hasn’t she? Walking?”
    “Really, Mrs. van der Vere, it’s all right…” Dana began softly.
    “No, it isn’t,” Dirk broke in. “She isn’t slave labor.”
    Gannon made a rough sound. “All right, take her with you,” he said harshly. “If she thinks she needs a day away from me, I can’t stop her.”
    He was making her feel guilty, and she didn’t like it.
    “She does need a day away from here,” Lorraine seconded. “She’s young, Gannon; it must be terrible to be shut away from the world Like this.”
    “But it isn’t…!” Dana tried to say, but Gannon’s deep voice drowned her words.
    “Go, then,” he said bitterly. “I don’t need you, Miss Steele, and that’s a fact. I never have.” He tossed his napkin aside and almost knocked over his chair, getting to his feet. “Excuse me, I’ve lost my appetite.”
    Dana was painfully aware of the two pairs of eyes watching her, but she was top disheartened to put her thoughts into words. She felt as if she’d betrayed the big Dutchman, and it wasn’t a feeling she liked. Perhaps she was getting too close to him and a day away would do her good. After all, this job was temporary. He might regain his sight any day and she’d return to