How To Seduce An Heiress: The Reluctant Heiress / Pride After Her Fall / Project: Runaway Heiress

“I did it because those guys are important to me. And all they want is for you to give them a chance. But I don’t want to lose you,” he said. Her burning anger had turned to a chill. She shook and couldn’t stop tears from falling.

“Get out, Garrett. Just go. You can’t change my mind, and you and I are through.”

“Sophia, don’t do this. You’re being stubborn and foolish. If you don’t want the money for yourself, give it to charity and do some good with it. You don’t have to keep it or live on it.”

“There is nothing you can say that will make me change my mind. I don’t ever want to meet my half brothers. The only thing we have in common is Argus Delaney and nothing else. Garrett, get it through your head—I don’t want to have anything to do with any part of my father, and those half brothers are all part of him.”

“You’re part of him, Sophia.”

“Don’t remind me. If I could do anything to erase that, I would.” She walked toward the door, opening it to make it very clear that she needed him to leave. “You have to go now.”

“Why the hell are you being so selfish about this?” he said. Momentarily, she was taken aback by his harsh accusation and then her anger surged again.

“Selfish? Haven’t you been listening when I’ve talked about my father? His world revolved around him. He thought only of himself. His ego was enormous. Don’t accuse me of being selfish. He took the prize.”

“But what would it hurt to meet them? There’s no way you can be harmed by a meeting. You’re being stubborn and unreasonable about this—spiteful and hurtful for no reason. Argus will never know, Sophia. You are not getting back at your father,” Garrett said, his voice rising.

“How dare you. How dare you call me spiteful and hurtful after what you’ve just done to me. In case I haven’t made it abundantly clear, Garrett, I don’t want to see you again ever.”

“Sophia, I don’t want to lose you. You’re important to me and I thought I was to you. I thought we had something special between us. Other than my connections with the Delaneys, I’ve been open and truthful with you.”

“Other than your connections with the Delaneys? How can you discount that? That is actually the first thing you should have told me about yourself. Because the problem now, Garrett, is that I don’t believe you or trust you, and I never will. Get out of my life.”

“I’m sorry, Sophia. I’m sorry about everything. About the way this worked out, about how long I kept the truth from you. Just please promise me that you’ll think about this and stop having such a closed mind.”

Sophia wasn’t even going to grace his request with a response. Instead, she walked out of the room. He followed and caught up with her at the door.

“Just think about what I’ve said to you. Give some thought to your half brothers who have done nothing to you.” When she refused to look at him, he paused for a moment. “Maybe, Sophia, you’re more like Argus than you care to admit.”

“How dare you, Garrett!” she cried. His words cut like a knife. How could she possibly have given this man her body? Her heart? What on earth was she thinking? “Get out of my life!”

“That isn’t what I want to do. I don’t want things to end this way between us.”

“There is no ‘us,’ Garrett.”

“There was, and there can be, if you’ll just give me a chance to explain. I put off telling you about the Delaneys because I was scared of losing you. What I feel for you is real.”

“I can’t believe you care.”

He clenched his fists. “What I want is you in my arms, and in my life. What I feel for you, I’ve never felt for any woman. I can’t tell you how many times I thought about calling Will and resigning. But I didn’t, because I believed I was doing the right thing—both for you, and for them.”

“Goodbye, Garrett,” she said, unwilling to listen to another second of his plea.

“I wish you viewed this differently. You’re stirring up a storm when you could have so much joy and give so much joy. And you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. Actually, reason doesn’t even enter into it. You’re blindly striking out and trying to hurt whoever you can. Listen, if I had thought I could be up front with you from the first moment, I would have been. But I can see now that I was right. You wouldn’t have talked to me, and so I did the only thing I could to get near you. You have a closed mind. You want me out of your life? I’m out,” he stated coldly. He turned and left in long strides.

Sophia slammed her heavy door and sagged against it, sobbing and shaking. She hurt badly in every way.

Garrett had betrayed her—she couldn’t perceive anything else. Their lovemaking had simply been a means to an end, nothing more. When they had made love, he hadn’t been emotionally involved—he had been working. But as swiftly as that thought came, she replayed the pain in his voice as he confessed to her, and she believed his emotions were real.

Yet how could she trust him now?

She heard his car and then it was gone. And with that, Garrett vanished out of her life.

She sat on the nearest chair and cried. Hurt was overwhelming. Heartbroken, she hated herself for being duped just as much as she hated Garrett for deceiving her. How blind she had been to Garrett’s purpose.

His accusations echoed in her thoughts—you’re selfish; you’re blindly striking out and trying to hurt whoever you can.

Was he right? Was she being selfish?

He had not succeeded or even come close to getting her to consider meeting the Delaneys. So would Garrett continue trying, or was he giving up?

Would she ever see him again? And could she admit to herself that after everything he had done to her, after everything that had happened, the possibility of never seeing him was the worst part of all of this?

Garrett slid behind the wheel and took deep breaths. Desperate at the thought of losing Sophia, he had been tempted to just grasp her shoulders and force her to talk to him. But where the Delaneys were concerned, Sophia had shut off reason.

Her actions shocked him even though he had known about her feeling rejected beforehand, and had heard her bitterness when she talked about the Delaneys, particularly her father.

Anger churned his insides. Along with fury was an uncustomary hurt. He had enjoyed being with her more than any other woman he had known. He wasn’t ready for the hurt of losing her. He wasn’t ready for the fallout from telling the truth, yet he had been compelled to do so. How could she be so stubborn?

Clenching his teeth until his jaw hurt, he drove home, charging into the empty house and tossing down his keys. Yanking off his jacket as he headed to his room, he tried to compose his thoughts and get a grip on his stormy emotions.

He’d always thought Will was the most stubborn Delaney—until now. Sophia was more stubborn than Will because Will would at least listen to reason and if you got through to him, he would cooperate. Sophia, on the other hand, turned deaf ears to his arguments.

He thought about the night and her passion. It was as if he had been with a different woman when they had made love. A warm, loving, passionate woman. He hurt and hurt for her.

He swore quietly, pacing his room, glaring at the phone. He needed to break the news to Will, but he wasn’t ready yet.

Would she ever give him another chance to talk to her about the Delaneys—or to make it up to her? He doubted it and he didn’t care to hang around with unreasonable expectations.

He went to the kitchen to get a cold beer. Reeling with anger and frustration, Garrett popped the top and took a drink, feeling the cold liquid wash down his throat.

Procrastinating, Garrett stared at the window. He did not want to call Will or any other Delaney. Yet he had to. What would he do if he were in Will’s place? What could he suggest Will and his brothers do now? In future years, after the inheritances were dispersed to other places and no longer an issue, then would she meet with the Delaneys? The brothers truly wanted to know their sister, and Garrett knew they wouldn’t stop trying. Surely then she would think more rationally about them and give them a chance.

But would she ever give him another chance?

Garrett paced the floor and sipped his beer while he thought. All the time he had argued with her, he had wanted to just wrap his arms around her and ask her to forgive him, believe him and go back to the way things had been. He knew that was unrealistic, but he wanted her badly and he hurt now in a manner he had never hurt before in his life.

Reluctantly, he picked up the phone. Will answered on the second ring.

“Will, it’s Garrett.”

“You’re running true to schedule, waking me in the wee hours of the morning. What’s the deal?”

“Here’s the latest,” he said, pausing. This was the second-hardest thing he had ever had to tell someone. “I did what I could for you with Sophia.”

“Whoa, Garrett. You told her who you are?”

“Yes, I did. I had to. I think waiting longer would have made it worse and it’s bad enough anyway.”

“Go ahead,” Will said, his voice becoming gruff, the disappointment showing. “I’m not sure I want to hear, but I know I have to. This doesn’t sound good.”

“It’s not,” Garrett declared. “She’s adamant about her decision. She still won’t meet with any of you,” he said, pain rippling through him as he remembered her cold remarks to him.

“Dammit, I thought you were getting close to her—I thought this would work.”

“I did get damn close to her, but the instant she learned the truth … You can’t imagine her fury. She doesn’t want anything to do with me or any Delaney. Will, I did my damnedest with her.”

“I’m sure you did. I’m disappointed, but not with you. You always give a job your best.”

“We were getting along great and I thought I could safely tell her. I was wrong, but I don’t think she would have been any different if I had waited a year. She won’t listen to reason. She’s stubborn, determined and filled with hate for Argus. Because of that, Sophia will pass up the inheritance and hurt herself along with all of you. I’ve been shocked by the depth of her anger toward your dad. It’s monumental.”

“Garrett, I gotta ask,” he said. “I’ve been thinking about you giving up your pay for this. Do you care about her?”

Silence stretched between them. Garrett didn’t want to answer Will, but he knew his silence was telling.

“Dammit,” Will said. “We didn’t want you getting hurt in the cross fire.”

“Forget it, Will. None of us—not any of you, Sophia or even I—expected us to get involved. That’s beside the point here.”

“Sorry. That’s bad news. When the time is up on the inheritances, and we still want to meet her, do you think she’ll at least meet us and let us try to be a family?”

“I can’t answer that.”

“We all want to know her. You liked her, so in the right circumstances, I suppose we would, too.”

“Yes, you would. She’s like you in some ways, like Zach in others. She’s stubborn as hell—definitely a Delaney.”

Another heavy silence ensued. “What do you suggest as a next step?” Will finally asked.

“I’ve been thinking about it and the only thing I can come up with is to go back to your lawyer. Or get a different lawyer and see if he can reason with her.”

“Like I said, she won’t even talk to our attorney. She has her attorney talk to our attorney.”

“All right, but get him to tell her attorney everything you want her to know. Try to get him to convince her attorney this is in her best interests, which it is. Also, try to get across that you want to know her and include her in the family.”

“We’ll do that.”

“How can her attorney not want to argue in your favor when the size of the inheritance is so huge?” Garrett asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe a female attorney might get farther.”

“I don’t think it’ll matter. Man or woman, just get someone who is very clever and competent.”

“We’ll try. Don’t come home yet. Stay a few days longer and see if Sophia relents and has a change of heart.”

“Will, I’m coming home. Sophia doesn’t want to talk to me or see me again.”

“How could she be this bitter when he provided for them and her mother was in love with him?”

“She hated seeing her mother hurt by him, especially when he wouldn’t marry her. As a child she felt shut out and ignored by him.”

“That wasn’t so different from how he dealt with us. We had nannies, boarding schools. It wasn’t until we were adults that he began to show real interest in us.”

“She doesn’t know that and won’t care. Since she’s never met any of you, you’re not real to her and she is lashing out at him. She’s financially independent and she’s content with what she has.”

“The one person on earth who doesn’t want more money and she has to turn out to be our sister.”

“Sorry, Will. I failed all of you, but I tried,” Garrett said. “Will, other than this facet to her personality, she’s great. She truly is. You would like her.”

“Too bad she’s not one of those people who wants to be reunited with her long-lost relatives.”

“Work with your lawyer. Beyond that, I can’t think of any way to reach her.”

“Thanks, Garrett. I know you tried. I still say you might hang around in case she has a change of heart. Miracles happen and you had a chance to say some good things about us.”

“Will, I couldn’t say anything about you, much less sing your praises.”

“You surely did a little tonight.”

“I didn’t have much of an opportunity. I’ll wait a few days but it’s hopeless as far as I can tell.”

“Okay, I’ll let the others know,” he said, and paused. “Damn, thanks seems inadequate if the two of you had something going and then this killed the relationship.”

“Don’t worry about me.”

“Hang in there, Garrett. And keep in touch.”

“Sure. Sorry, Will. I’m damned sorry,” Garrett repeated.

He told Will goodbye, then raking his fingers through his hair, he swore. As bitter as Sophia had been and as stubborn, he couldn’t imagine her changing.

He looked at his phone and pulled up the picture he had taken of her. His anger transformed to pain as he stood mesmerized by the picture of the moment that remained magical in his memory. She looked breathtaking, happy, sexy. He remembered reaching out to pull her into his arms and kiss her, and he longed to feel her against him now. Even though he was angry with her stubborn refusal to open her mind a little, he was torn with guilt about making love to her when he had been deceiving her. There were reasons he deserved her anger. He wanted to hold her right now.

He hurt for the loss. While he hadn’t known her long, it had seemed as if she had become a permanent part of his life.

He shook his head and swore again. The familiarity and closeness had been pure delusion. For her to become so furious with him, he must have meant nothing to her.

He couldn’t stop glancing at the picture even though he knew the futility of longing to see her. Wasn’t going to happen. He ran his thumb over her smiling image. Tonight would she think over what he had said? Or was she almost as angry with him as she was with Argus? Garrett missed her far more than he would have dreamed possible.

There was no going back, no setting aside the Delaneys and having something with Sophia. He might as well start trying to move on with his life.

Sophia painted until six, knowing she was merely going through the motions until she had to get dressed for some appointments. Her anger was overshadowed by pain over the break with Garrett and the deceit he had practiced. She couldn’t believe it— Argus Delaney was still causing her pain even after his death. Garrett’s arguments nagged at her, but she didn’t want to think about them or consider them in the least. He had completely betrayed her trust—in more ways than one.

She didn’t believe for a second that the Delaneys wanted to meet her and would still want to after the deadline had passed. They had to be just like their father and after more money. She was certain greed ruled their lives.

When she went to her closet, she barely glanced at her red suit that she had worn with Garrett. Pulling out a black suit that matched her mood, she stepped out of her robe and began to dress. She tried to put last night out of her mind as she got ready to go to the gallery.

She called Edgar and they agreed to meet for lunch. Friday was the anniversary of the opening of his first gallery and he was celebrating with an open house. He had planned to send invitations to clients with a listing of the artists who would be present, including her. Now she wished she could cancel so she could go to Santa Fe and try to forget Garrett, the Delaneys and everything that had happened since Garrett had come into her life. She wouldn’t do that to Edgar, but it was a tempting thought.

At her gallery, she tried to get things done as quickly as possible so she’d be ready to leave Houston as soon as she could. Also, she found that the gallery held memories of being with Garrett.

She had to rush to meet Edgar on time. Standing beside their table, he smiled as she approached.

“Oh, my,” he said as soon as she was close. He held her chair for her. “Something is wrong. I take it this is not just a fun lunch.”

“You’re too astute, Edgar,” she said lightly. She sat and picked up a menu although she ate there often with Edgar and knew what she liked. She just needed a moment behind her menu before she told Edgar the whole story. It wasn’t going to be easy. Their waiter came and they both ordered. As soon as they were alone, she met Edgar’s curious gaze.

“I’ll give you a clue. When you’re upset, you always fasten your hair up in a tight knot,” he said.

Startled, she glanced at him. “I don’t,” she replied and he shrugged. She could tell he didn’t want to argue, but he was probably right. “I didn’t even realize.”

“We don’t notice ourselves sometimes. So tell me—what’s the problem?”

“I would really like to go back to Santa Fe. Will it be too big an inconvenience for me to cancel my appearance at your anniversary party? Have you already sent invitations with the names of the artists who will be present?”

“Actually, I have. But if you need to miss, you may be excused.”

“I can wait until after the party and then go.”

“Is there an emergency?” Edgar asked, looking at her closely.

“No, not at all. I just wanted to get away.”

“Taking Garrett Cantrell with you?” Edgar asked and she sucked in her breath.

“No, I’m not,” she snapped and then wished she had not answered so abruptly. “It’s over with him, Edgar. He’s from Dallas and he was sent by the Delaneys.”

“So how did you learn this bit of information?”

“He told me. He was sent to get me to talk to them. I told him how I felt about the Delaneys, particularly my father. I don’t want the inheritance. I don’t want to meet my half brothers. Garrett tricked me and I never want to see him again,” she said.

“Seems as if he didn’t trick you if he told you that they sent him.”

Just as she opened her mouth to answer, their waiter appeared with lunches. She had no appetite for her tossed salad. She sipped water as she watched the waiter place chicken salad in front of Edgar.

“Edgar,” she said as soon as they were alone, her curiosity growing. “You don’t sound offended and you don’t sound surprised.”

Edgar sighed. “Garrett told me, Sophia. I knew why he was here.”

“Why on earth didn’t you warn me?” she asked, aghast at another betrayal from a man she had trusted all her life.

“You know why, Sophia,” Edgar stated, putting down his fork and gazing at her intently. “You and I have been over this and I dropped it because it is your decision, but since it has come up again, I’ll make another plea. I hate to see you hurt yourself. And you will be hurting yourself in a huge, lifelong manner that I think you will come to regret. You may be hurting yourself terribly in losing Garrett. He seemed like a good man, Sophia.”

“Edgar, I’m shocked. You’re my friend. Why did you side with the Delaneys on this? When did you turn against me?”

“Far from ‘turning against you,’ I want what’s in your best interests and I was thankful when Garrett told me why he was here. Sophia, stop being a wounded child about this.”

Edgar’s words stung. He had always been a mentor, her champion, always supportive and helpful until this argument about the Delaneys and even then, until now, he had backed off and kept quiet.

“Edgar, you know how Argus Delaney hurt Mom and me.”

“That has nothing to do with your brothers.”

“They’re grown men and probably just like their father. They’re half brothers, and they’re strangers to me.”

“You know there is a grandchild. A little girl who looks very much like you.”

“Edgar, these people are worth billions. They’re all going to be just fine.”

“You don’t really enjoy money the way some people do. But you do know how to help others with it. You could put it to so much good use. And what did you do—send Garrett packing?”

“Yes, I did. And he deserved it.”

“Sophia, I got the impression that he cares for you deeply. Don’t throw everything away because of his mistake. Someday, you might look back with enormous regrets that you may not be able to live with. You can take this inheritance and help so many others who have never been as fortunate as you.”

“Edgar, I’m shocked that you and Garrett talked and you didn’t tell me. I’m finished here. I don’t want to argue this with you. I’ve had enough arguing with Garrett.” She stood, tossed her napkin into her chair, grabbed up her purse and left. She couldn’t believe Edgar had known why Garrett was here. Another betrayal that cut deeply.

Tears stung her eyes, adding to her anger. She rushed outside the restaurant.

“Sophia—”

She turned as Edgar appeared. Startled he had caught up with her, she stopped. “Leave me alone, Edgar,” she snapped, wiping her eyes.

His blue eyes narrowed. “I daresay those tears are not over me. We’ve known each other too long. You’re crying over Garrett.”

“I am not,” she blurted, knowing as she said the words that Edgar was right.

Edgar bent down slightly to look into her eyes. “I think you’re in love with him.”

“Edgar, you’re not making me feel any better.”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you. You’re making a mistake and you’ll be miserable. Sophia, don’t mess up your life this way. Life can be harsh, cold and lonely. You’re tossing away opportunities and family with both hands. And maybe tossing away love.”

“I have to go and I don’t want to hear this.”

“You may not want to hear it, but you know I’m right,” he said gently. “I told Garrett that I hoped he succeeded not just because you need to accept your legacy, but because it’s time you let someone love you.”

“Goodbye,” she said, turning away.

“Sophia.” Edgar’s commanding tone was so unusual she stopped instantly and turned to face him.

“I’ll be here if you want me. I suspect Garrett would be, too, if you let him.”

She rushed to her car, climbing in and locking the door while tears poured down her cheeks. She couldn’t stop her crying. It took several minutes, but finally when her emotions were more under control, she started the car and drove carefully.

When she got home, she changed and went to her studio, losing herself in paints, brushstrokes, colors. As she worked, she thought of the things both Garrett and Edgar had said to her about the Delaneys. You’re harming yourself as much as you’re hurting them…. You can’t select your parents and you didn’t pick Argus…. Why are you doing this to the brothers?

Garrett’s gray eyes had been dark as he’d spoken. His words had cut, yet she couldn’t deny that there was truth in them. Was she making mistakes she would regret the rest of her life? Should she take the inheritance and then distribute it to worthwhile causes?