"I don't mean to disturb," he began. I thought he looked stunningly handsome in a black velvet sports jacket, a black shirt, and a red tie. Daddy had a sports jacket like his, I thought.
"No, no. It's fine. I'm ready," I said, stepping back.
He nodded and entered. For a moment, he simply stood there looking at me with a soft smile on his face. "You're a really beautiful young woman, Lorelei," he said. "A natural beauty. Most of the women I'm introduced to these days look like they would come apart in a hot shower."
"Thank you, Mr. Dolan."
He laughed.
"What?"
"I love how you don't blush and yet you don't come off being conceited or arrogant. It's so matter-of-fact with you, your beauty."
It wasn't in my nature to blush. How could I explain that? Daddy had filled me with too much confidence, but, like a skilled sculptor, he had managed to keep us all from appearing smug or vain.
"Nevertheless, I appreciate the compliment, Mr. Dolan."
