Reckless Moon by Doreen Owens Malek

when I moved out. They’re still there. Remember that off-white strapless number I got for last New Year’s Eve? The fabric’s light—I think you could get away with it. I’ll be right back.”
    Marion went down the hall to her old bedroom and Beth replaced the aqua dress in the closet. She was standing barefoot in her slip when Marion returned with the dress.
    Beth had forgotten how pretty it was. She and Marion had similar coloring and were almost the same height and weight, so it fit. The draped bodice tapered to a fitted waist and the shirred skirt featured a side slit that bared a portion of one graceful leg. Beth stepped into her shoes and studied her reflection in the mirror.
    “There you go,” Marion said triumphantly. “It looks as if it were made for you. Put your hair up, and with a necklace and earrings it’ll be perfect. I have a lace shawl that will go great with it, too.”
    Beth hugged her sister. “Marion, you’re a life-saver.” She was turning to glance at the rear view when Marion said, “Is Bram going to this shindig?”
    “Don’t be ridiculous,” Beth replied. “Bram wouldn’t be caught dead at one of these things.”
    Marion raised her brows. “I wouldn’t be too sure. Joshua is certain to get a courtesy invitation, and Hal told me that Bram’s been taking his place at a lot of functions recently. If I were you, I’d be prepared to see him.”
    “It never occurred to me that he might go,” Beth said thoughtfully.
    Marion shrugged. “Ordinarily I would agree with you, but he’s been trying to cooperate with Joshua lately. If his father wants him to go, he’ll be there.”
    Beth absorbed that in silence.
    “That obviously bothers you,” Marion said.
    Beth sighed.
    “I don’t understand,” Marion went on. “I thought you were working with him. Aren’t you getting along?”
    Beth removed Marion’s gown and folded it over her arm. “That’s one way of putting it.”
    Marion pursed her lips. “Okay, Bethany, I may not have a cum laude law degree but even I can see that something is up with you. What’s going on?”
    “I should never have agreed to represent Curtis Broadleaf.”
    “Why? Is it too much for you?”
    “No, no. I had to do a lot of reading on corporate contracts to familiarize myself with the sort of work I would be handling, but once I got into the swing of it I was okay. I’ve been weathering it pretty well.”
    “Then it is Bram.”
    “Yes.”
    Marion took the dress away from Beth and put it back in its protective plastic bag. “Well, I can’t say I’m surprised. You two have always been a volatile combination.”
    “He’s forever pushing for a personal relationship, and I’m afraid to get involved with him. You know what he’s like.”
    “I know what he’s like,” Marion confirmed grimly.
    “And the more I resist, the more hostile and defensive he becomes. He’s retreated behind this wall of excessive politeness; every word he says sets my teeth on edge. We’re circling each other like a pair of…of...”
    “Tigers about to mate?” Marion suggested.
    “I wish you wouldn’t be quite so graphic,” Beth said faintly.
    “It’s the image that comes to mind,” Marion said crisply. “I’ve never seen such chemistry. I’ve often thought that you two were destined for something.”
    “Yes. Disaster.”
    Marion shook her head. “That’s not what I’d call it.” She eyed her sister sympathetically. “He takes your breath away, doesn’t he?”
    Beth swallowed, and then nodded.
    “Well, then, I’d say you’re lucky. Most people never feel that way about anybody.” She reached out and patted Beth’s arm. “You’ll cope with it.”
    “I’m not so sure.”
    “I am,” Marion said in a definite tone. “You’re the only woman I know who could take that guy on and hold her own.” She headed for the door. “I’ll see if I can dig up that shawl.”
    “Thanks,” Beth called after her, bemused by the tone of admiration in