Read Online The Heart's Victory by Nora Roberts - Free Book Online

and his manners were identical. With Scott, Foxy knew there would be no disasters, no dangers, no surprises. More than once, she felt a twinge of guilt, knowing her character would never be as untarnished as his. He was a knight on a white charger who rescued his quota of damsels in distress each day, then polished his armor.
    Restlessly Foxy wandered from window to window mulling over her analysis. There was a light staccato clicking from Pam’s typewriter. She could see boats of all sizes and descriptions docked in the Bay of Monaco or moving out to sea. She recalled that during one of the qualifying races, a car had taken a turn badly and joined the boats in the water. Foxy turned from the window and watched Pam’s fingers fly over the keys. The table where she worked was strewn with notes and paper and cassettes. There was a unique organization to it all, but only Pam had the solution.
    â€œAre you going to the casino tonight?” Foxy asked. She felt restless and dissatisfied.
    â€œMmm, no . . . I want to finish this segment.” Pam’s rhythm never altered. “You going with Scott?”
    Frowning, Foxy threw herself into a chair and draped her feet over the arm. “Yes, I suppose.”
    At the sulky tone, Pam sighed and stopped typing. Foxy’s long mouth was pursed in a pout, and her brows were drawn together over moody eyes. Russet curls tumbled without design over her shoulders. All at once, Pam felt very old.
    â€œAll right.” She propped her elbows on her table and laid her chin on her laced hands. “Tell Momma.” Quite purposely, her tone was mild and patronizing. Foxy’s chin shot out. Met with Pam’s amused, affectionate smile, however, her defiance melted.
    â€œI’m being an idiot,” Foxy confessed with a self-deprecating laugh. “And I don’t know why. I’m absolutely crazy about Monte Carlo. It has to be one of the most romantic, exotic, perfect spots in the universe. More, I’m getting paid to be here. I even have a terrific-looking man dancing attendance on me, and I’m...” She drew a deep breath and swept her arms in a huge circle.
    â€œBored,” Pam supplied. She lifted her cup, sipped cold coffee, and grimaced. “You’ve been left almost entirely in Scott’s company. Though he is nice, he isn’t the most stimulating companion. Kirk’s not available, I’m tied up, Lance is—”
    â€œI don’t need Lance’s company,” Foxy said too quickly. Her frown became more pronounced. Not having Lance Matthews to contend with was a blessing, not a problem.
    Pam said nothing for a moment, recalling the tempestuous kiss she had seen them exchange at the Indianapolis Speedway. “In any case,” she said carefully, “you’ve been deserted.”
    â€œScott really is very nice.” Somehow, Foxy felt the statement defended both Scott and herself. “And he’s not pushy. I made it clear from the beginning that I wasn’t interested in a serious relationship and he accepted it. He didn’t argue.” Foxy swung herself out of the chair and began to pace. “He hasn’t tried to lure me into the bedroom, he doesn’t lose his temper, he doesn’t forget the time, he doesn’t do anything outrageous.” Foxy remembered that both times Lance had kissed her, it had been over her protests. “He makes me feel comfortable,” she added tersely. She glared at Pam, daring her to comment.
    â€œMy fuzzy blue slippers do the same thing for me.”
    Foxy wanted badly to be angry, but a gurgle of laughter escaped. “That’s terrible.”
    â€œYou’re not built to be satisfied with comfortable relationships.” Pam twirled a pencil between her fingers and frowned at the eraser. “Like your brother, you thrive on challenges of one sort or another.” Shaking off a quick moodiness, she lifted her eyes and