A Lasting Love by Mary Tate Engels Page B

know the behind-the-scenes guys.
They're the ones you need."
    Reid nodded knowingly. "I would appreciate any
assis tance I could get. I represent over three hundred
businesses and ranchers in Arizona. Our economy is dependent on
this bill."
    "It's your economy I'm most interested in, Reid. In
fact, I have a small investment in a mining company south of
Tucson. It's been suffering drastically the last few years, and I'd
like to see some profits someday," Mark admitted.
    Loren looked curiously at him. "I didn't realize you
had stock in a mine there, Mark."
    He turned to her impatiently. "Of course, darling.
Don't you remember last year when I went out there for a week?"
    She studied for a moment, trying to recall. "I
don't—"
    "You were probably in the middle of a stubborn case,
darling, and don't remember," Mark offered in a slightly
condescending tone. Then, turning to Reid, he explained, "Sometimes
Loren gets so wrapped up in those damned women's cases, she doesn't
know what the rest of the world is doing."
    "Oh, really?" Reid cast Loren a curious glance.
Actually he was heartened to know that Mark could be gone from
Loren for an entire week, and she hadn't even missed him.
    "Back to Arizona's water problems, Reid ..."
    Reid listened politely, but inside he was
smiling. And the singular dimple revealed itself daringly to Loren
for the first time that evening. Taking a deep drink, he seemed to
relax somewhat. "I can't guarantee that the passage of this water bill will increase the profits in your copper
mine, Mark. But without it I can assure you that the
mines—as well as all of us—will eventually fold."
    "It's that important?" Mark's eyes narrowed as he
assessed Reid's words.
    "Absolutely," Reid asserted.
    "I'd like you to meet my business partner, Reid. How
about lunch tomorrow?"
    "Sure," Reid agreed. Much to his chagrin, Reid was
finding that Mark had the personal interest and connections with
the right people to be of more help on the proposed water bill than
anyone in the room. Worse yet, he was willing to help.
    Mark spotted an acquaintance across the room. "Would
you excuse me for a few minutes, please, Reid, Loren? I've got to
see Sam about a case."
    "Certainly, darling," Loren murmured with obvious
relief in her eyes.
    "Tell me about your law practice, Loren," Reid
requested loudly as Mark left them alone. Then, steering her aside,
his eyes traveled curiously down her bare back. "Nice dress. How is
that thing attached?" he murmured closely.
    "Rude." Loren fussed teasingly.
    He shrugged with a grin. "You are beautiful in that dress. But I'm somewhat
jealous when someone else eyes your spine. Where the hell have you
been? I waited here over thirty minutes for you." Intense jealousy
gnawed at him whenever he thought of her alone with
Mark.
    "Sorry, Reid. I hope you didn't feel too awkward. The
car stalled on the way, and we had to leave it and call a cab."
    "A likely story," Reid said in a muffled voice.
    "Reid, you're awfully paranoid lately. What's
wrong?"
    "Oh, nothing. I just love to see the lady I spend my
nights with on the arm of another man."
    "Now, Reid, you knew—"
    "I know, I know. I'm the intruder here."
    Loren sighed. "Reid, please. Don't make things more
difficult than they already are."
    "The only way I can avoid that is to leave town. And,
now that I'm here, and have you in my arms again, I won't give up
so easily."
    "Reid—" Her blue eyes implored a warning.
    He turned casually. "Oh, hello there, Mark. Loren was
just telling me about her interesting practice."
    Mark barely acknowledged the statement. Instead, a
worried frown creased his brow. "I'm concerned about leaving the
car for too long, Loren. That's not the best part of town, you
know."
    Smoothly Reid said, "Loren mentioned car trouble.
It's not a good idea to leave a car unattended at night in D.C. Not
if you value it."
    Mark agreed. "The more I think about it, the more
worried I am."
    "Tell you what, Mark. You call a tow truck and