“Who wouldn’t like him? He’s an amazing man.”

Melanie smiled. “I think so too.”

Then curiosity overcame practicalities, perhaps even politesse. “May I ask you a question, and if you feel I’m out of line, just tell me.” Kate ran her finger down the condensation on her glass. “Dominic’s house… that is—in the house… there’s no evidence of his wife anywhere.”

“That’s because Julia preferred their apartment on Russian Hill. She called that house Dominic’s surfing museum. Nothing much has changed there since he bought it. He likes it that way. Don’t get me wrong, Julia was very good for him. The best friend he ever had. Maybe the only real friend he ever had. They went everywhere together, to the most dangerous and amazing places. I think she offered him constant distraction beyond the machinations of the business world. Nick isn’t good alone. He surrounds himself with people and constant activity. He always has. With the exception of his reading. You probably saw his books. Did he show you the room over the garage that he calls his library?”

“No, I’d like to see it. I saw the books in his room.”

“I don’t think Julia shared that interest. She was a complete extrovert; she belonged to any number of charities, sat on the boards of several. But, most important, Julia was completely loyal and in Dominic’s cutthroat world, that kind of loyalty is rare.” Melanie paused for a moment. “Julia’s death left a huge black hole in Dominic’s life.”

“I’ve heard.” And now she knew why. Julia was a paragon of womanhood.

“Although you seem to have changed the recent course of Dominic’s life.” Melanie smiled. “I don’t wish to offend you, so I’m trying to delicately skirt the subject of your and Dominic’s relationship.”

Kate lifted her brows faintly. “I’m not sure we have a relationship.”

“I disagree,” Melanie softly countered. “And that’s why I’m pressing you when I’ve barely met you. But you see, Nicky has never brought anyone other than Julia over to our house. A woman, I mean. And he gave us all orders to be especially nice to you.” Melanie smiled. “He just doesn’t do things like that.” She laughed. “So I’m really wondering if you cast some spell over him.”

“If anyone’s cast a spell over anyone, it’s the other way around. I’m trying to keep my feet on the ground in a world I’ve never known. Dominic’s wealth is overwhelming. He deals with it casually, tells me to do the same, but I can’t. It’s intimidating, he’s intimidating at times. He doesn’t take no for an answer.” Another shrug. “But I’m deeply unhappy without him. He tells me he feels the same way, although honestly, I can’t imagine someone like Dominic sustaining a ‘relationship’ for long.” Kate made a sweeping gesture with her free hand. “There. All my cards are on the table.”

“I like your honesty.” Melanie leaned over and patted Kate’s knee. “And I’m relieved. Most women are attracted to Dominic’s wealth.”

“He’s aware of that, actually cynical about it. I’m not sure he understands that money or not, he’d have women chasing him.”

“Apparently his cynicism outweighs logic.” Well aware of her brother’s history with women, Melanie deliberately changed the subject. “Will you be traveling with Dominic?” she asked. “He never stays anywhere for long.”

“No. We’re on this vacation of his and then I have to go back to work.”

“He said you won’t work for him.”

Kate took a small breath, debated how much to say, and chose discretion. “I wouldn’t be comfortable working for him.”

“Because?”

I’m jealous of every women he talks to—a real deterrent to harmony in the workplace. “It’s just a personal preference.”

“I’m sorry,” Melanie quickly said, taking note of the embarrassment pinking Kate’s cheeks. “I’ve really pried haven’t I? But he’s my baby brother.”

“It’s not a problem. I understand.”

“Well, I’m pleased you like him,” Melanie said. “And I’m pleased he brought you to visit and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you both get what you want.”

“May I ask one more question? Dominic said your mother would be here tonight.”

“Ask anything you like. As for Mother”—she paused—“I try to include her in family occasions as a courtesy.”

“I don’t know if you heard, but I met your mother in Hong Kong. At the time I wasn’t aware of the therapists and—er—resentments. Now that I know some of what went on, I’m surprised Dominic was so—”

“Tolerant of her?” Melanie interposed. “That’s because there’s nothing Mother can do or say that touches him anymore. I’m not sure there ever really was. It was always just a struggle for supremacy and Nick won that war.” Melanie grimaced faintly. “Although in the way of a preemptive apology, please don’t take anything Mother says to heart tonight.”

Kate smiled. “I won’t.”

“And if Mother does offend you, I’m sure Dominic will step in.”

“Oh dear.”

“No, no, you’re not to blame. It’s just that Mother takes pleasure in annoying Nick. He has no problem defending himself. He’s really quite surefooted after all these years.”