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Joey spent and breathless.
    Mostly though, he would be lost in the wonderment of it all. When they would lie in each other’s arms for that oh too brief a time afterwards, Joey would feel as though his whole world was complete. God, how he loved him.
    Joey sat down on the edge of his bed again and thought desperately of a way to keep this man’s love. He had to know if he was being betrayed. He had to know. Next time, he would follow him when he left. There was no other choice. Let the fates lead him where they might, but he had to know.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    Emily leaned back on the chaise lounge in Peter’s studio and tried to relax. Peter had done his best to make her feel at ease, but she still felt slightly ridiculous and out of place sitting there. Of all the things she’d ever thought of having done, this was probably the most surprising to her. She just wasn’t the raving beauty her cousin Gloria was. Who on earth was going to think that her portrait, hanging in a prominent part of any room, would be worth looking at?
    Only Jerry, of course, and after all, it was only him she wanted to please above all others. Her father had sneered; her mother had said nothing as usual. She hadn’t even bothered to tell Anthony about it, thinking he could have cared less. Her attention was drawn back to Peter as he smiled at her from his easel.
    “Just tilt your head a little more to the left, Emily, please. Look down then up at me quickly… That’s good, that’s the expression I want.” For some considerable time he worked in silence, his hand moving rapidly and skillfully over the canvas.
    “There…” He threw down the charcoal stick and smiled at Emily. “That’s enough for today. I can see you’re getting restless. Would you like some tea?”
    “Oh, please don’t bother, Peter.”
    “It’s no bother. I’d like a cup myself.” He crossed the room to where she sat and gallantly offered her his hand. Responding to his playful show of chivalry, she placed her hand delicately on his.
    “Come, m’lady,” he said, bowing before her, “your tea awaits.”
    They went downstairs to the kitchen and Peter plugged in the electric kettle.
    “You have such a lovely house, Peter. So warm and lived in. Not like that great museum I live in.”
    Peter had not yet been to Emily’s house, but he’d heard from Gloria that it was enormous and very much a show place rather than a home.
    “Where are you and Jerry going to live once you’re married?”
    “We’re still looking. I’d like to move here to Laguna and Jerry loves this part of the coast too.”
    “It’d be great to have you as neighbors.”
    She was silent as she watched Peter busy himself preparing the tea.
    “You seem sad Emily. Is something wrong?”
    She looked back at him and gave a guilty start, answering too quickly. “No, no—I’m fine really.”
    She looked away from his steady gaze. “You had a wonderful childhood didn’t you? I envy you that.”
    Peter poured the now boiling water into the teapot. “Yes, I was a very privileged kid. My mom and dad were the best parents, loving and understanding. My mother still is of course. I lost my dad some years ago. My only regret, I think, is that I didn’t have any brothers or sisters to grow up with.”
    Emily’s smile was rueful. “That’s not all it’s cracked up to be, believe me. I have one of each and recently they haven’t been much support.” Her face colored slightly and Peter guessed she felt she’d spoken out of turn.
    “I’m sorry,” he said. “Well, if it’s any consolation, I’d love to have had you as a sister.” He grinned at her as he handed her a cup of tea and pushed the cream and sugar in front of her.
    “That would’ve been terrific.”
    “I get the feeling that your dad isn’t crazy about you getting married to Jerry.”
    “To Jerry…or any man. He’s jealous, always has been.”
    “But why?”
    “Because he feels he will lose control of me, just like he lost