Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Whitney froze, something flashing through her mind, snapping her wide awake.

She let out an angry, sarcastic laugh. "If she's really willing to throw herself into this just for a shot at being Mrs. Nelson's daughter-in-law, then bring it on. I'll play to the end!"

Ludwik chuckled lazily on the other end, teasing, "So, how's it going with Shane?"

"He upset Sandy, and now he's over there trying to explain everything. I bet that'll take all day, if not longer."

Ludwik offered, "If you guys want Sandy to accept Shane-and all the drama that comes with it-shouldn't you send Shane's daughter over to her? There's nothing like your own kid to soften your heart. Trust me, I've seen it work on you, too."

Whitney glared, catching his jab. "You men, honestly-none of you are decent. You have some nerve."

He cut in smoothly, "I was trying to say you're kind! There's no woman in the world with a bigger heart, no one smarter or more graceful than you. You're the best mom ever. If you were a touch more forgiving, you'd make the best Mrs. Lippert, too."

His deep, velvety voice oozed dangerous charm.

practically anything and

spinning from the heat of the moment, but the corners of her lips couldn't help but twitch up. "You and your sweet talk-so greasy. Who would want to be your Mrs. Lippert? My dad's the chairman of the Sheldon Group, my mom's got an estate in the English countryside. You think I'd pick you? I'd rather date a few hot young guys and have some

nothing but a deep,

or later, I'll have you right where I want

ticked off, because he

phone, Whitney could practically feel

grew, and she raised an eyebrow. See?

definitely made him insecure, she thought. Just a little jab and

and dialed Sammy. Her son was

the moment she

bounding out of Nelson Memorial Hospital. Whitney drove

go see

the apartment? How's their talk going? Do you think mommy will forgive

little head. "Tina, you've never even spent a day with your mom, but you're already so protective of her! Guess you really are two peas in a pod. But how do you know