A Lasting Love by Mary Tate Engels Page A

would be an uphill battle.
    His dark eyes again cased the columned
entranceway. Where is she? Loren was
coming tonight with Mark. She had made that perfectly clear, and
Reid had reluctantly agreed. What else could he do? Now they were
half an hour late for cocktails. Where in hell were they? What were
they doing? Inwardly he groaned at the thoughts that tormented his
imagination.
    Reid wanted her here—and he didn't. He knew he
would be jealous as hell to see her with another man. And yet, he,
himself, had no claims on her. Deep inside, Reid admitted that
these last two days and nights with her had been sweet heaven,
after a long and wicked hell. It was like blessed ecstasy after a
prolonged abstinence. A six-year abstinence from
Loren. And he found that he cared for her much more
than he had ever dared to admit.
    A small commotion snapped Reid's attention to
the doorway. An attractive, well-dressed couple was visible through
the columns, and his heart pounded with the recognition. There she
was. Loren. Smiling, shaking hands,
leaning on her escort's arm. Not so close, damn
it!
    Loren stepped down the few steps into the room. Tiny
pearls of light graced her ears, matching the long, creamy strand
that draped between her breasts. Her dress was black and very chic.
It was apparent that she belonged in this elite setting. Reid
stared dumbly at her, as if he hadn't seen her in years, hadn't
held her close only a few hours ago, hadn't loved her throughout
the last two passion filled nights.
    She smiled graciously and extended her hand. "Reid.
How delightful. I want you to meet Mark Manning."
    What an actress. Thank God she didn't introduce Mark
as "my fiancé." Her voice trailed into his range. ". . . my old
friend, Reid Mecina. Reid's from Arizona and is here lobbying for
the new water bill before Congress." She stepped closer to
Mark.
    Reluctantly Reid's hand moved from hers to a
mannerly handshake with the rather tall man beside her. God! It was
hard to do! He wanted the hand to be a fist—jammed right into
Mark's solar plexis. How dare he touch her "Nice to meet you, Mark." Reid forced a smile. This evening
he would have to be a pretty good actor himself. He didn't dare let
his loving gaze rest on Loren. Instead, he eyed the man by her
side.
    Mark Manning was tall, brown-haired, and dynamic. He
had a strong handshake and kept his left arm possessively around
Loren's waist. Reid hated him instantly.
    "My pleasure, Reid. Are you related to the Senator
Mecina from Arizona who was in Washington a few years ago?"
    Reid nodded. "My father."
    Loren smiled encouragingly. "The senator is in
poor health now, Mark. He lives on the ranch back in
Arizo na."
    "Sorry to hear about your father, Reid. What
part of Arizona?" Mark exhibited mild attention as he
accepted a martini from the buxom maid's
tray.
    "Southern Arizona. Near Tucson," Reid answered,
tak ing another gin and tonic. Briefly his eyes grazed
over Loren. She was absolutely gorgeous in her slinky
black dress, with that low-cut neckline.
    Mark responded with growing interest. "I know
that area well. IBM, Learjet, Raytheon, and the
University of Arizona . Tucson is a growing city. Lots
of potential there, I understand."
    Reid raised his eyebrows. Maybe the man was
actually familiar with the area. "I'm surprised you're
so informed, Mark. Most people think that all Arizona
has to offer is the Grand Canyon."
    "I make it my business to know, especially the
sun belt cities. I'm impressed with Arizona's
utilization of re sources. There’s solar and wind power
in your future."
    Reid smiled grimly. "The potential and future
of south ern Arizona is in direct relation to our need
for an ade quate water supply."
    "Couldn't agree with you more, Reid. I'll be
glad to help you with this water bill all I can. I
know a couple of people who will be invaluable to
you."
    Reid gestured with his glass and muttered,
"I've met Pac here."
    Mark chuckled. "No, not this group. These are
the figureheads. I