“Well, fabulous—what about me?” She folded her arms and chased her shoe with her toe impatiently.
“We were discussing who’d be better for you. Who could give you more?” Troy leaned in tracing her chin with his fingertips and tried to kiss her. Forrest angrily stepped up fist clenched to punch him but it was Lacie who stumbled back as if burned.
“Thank you gentlemen, but I can decide that. I don’t need or want your emotional or financial charity. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting on shore and then I’D like some time to think about your selfish behavior.” Turning on her heel she headed for her ferry with an angry chuff while the two bulls stood stunned and embarrassed in the shattered glass of Lacie’s anger and hurt.
The meeting was only a mild distraction for Lacie who could only think about those two men she’d let into her life. She enjoyed the excitement and sexual energy of Troy, but tired quickly of his self-absorption. His dreamy eyes, soft satiny voice and seductive promises weren’t enough to offset his bragging. He was careless with people. She’d watched him with other women when he’d gotten upset with her. She’d winced as he sauntered off childishly with some tart, all but sticking his tongue out at her.
But could she endure what could become overbearing concern from Forrest? Was he too safe? Her mind kept racing, slamming puzzle pieces together. When the meeting ended she left almost in a daze. She shoved at the door, hoping to clear her head with sweet Portofino air and there they were. She gulped and felt a warm anvil of dread settle in her chest. She looked at the two men feeling confusion and frustration. Forrest almost smiled. Troy seemed determined and jealous.
“Walk with me gentlemen. Let’s settle this here in Portofino.”
