“Speak for yourself, Val. I’d have been happy with a double bed and some Johnny Mathis tapes.”

“Are you blaming me for what happened?”

“No,” he sighed. “It was my fault. You both have light hair, and you’re about the same height. It was dark.”

“Dan and I had made arrangements to meet here tonight. I had an official function to attend so I was a bit late. Unfortunately, Miss Somerville, he mistook you for me.”

Slowly, Phoebe began to comprehend what had happened, but she could only stare at the woman in bewilderment. “Are you telling me that you wanted him to treat you like that?”

Valerie refused to meet her eyes. “I’m afraid I have to go. I’m sorry you received such a fright. I only hope you understand how delicate this matter is. As an elected official, it would be extremely awkward for me if anyone were to find out.”

“For chrissake, Val—”

She spun on him. “Shut up, Dan. This could put an end to my career. I want her assurance that she won’t tell anyone.”

“Who would I tell?” Phoebe said helplessly. “No one would believe me anyway.”

“I’m sorry.” Valerie gave her an awkward nod and quickly left the gazebo.

Phoebe didn’t want to be alone with him. She was immediately conscious of his oppressive physical size, the muscles straining the too-tight sleeves of his knit shirt. Holding the front of her dress together, she began to move toward the vine-draped opening in the gazebo’s latticework.

“Please sit down,” he said quietly. “I promise I won’t come near you, but we have to talk.”

“It’s all a game to the two of you, isn’t it?” she whispered. “That’s how you get your kicks.”

“Yes.”

“It wasn’t a game to me.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“How could you do something like that?”

“It’s what she likes.”

“But why?”

“She’s a strong woman. Powerful. Sometimes she gets tired of always being in control.”

“She’s sick, and so are you!”

“Don’t judge, Phoebe. She’s not sick, and until tonight, what went on between the two of us had nothing to do with anyone else.”

She started to shake again. “You were going to— What if you hadn’t stopped?”

“I’d have stopped. The minute I felt your—” He cleared his throat. “Valerie’s a little more flat-chested than you.”

Her knees weren’t going to hold her any longer, and she collapsed into the nearest chair. He came toward her cautiously, as if he were afraid she would start to scream again.

“What were you doing here?”

She took a shaky breath. “Paul showed up at the party not long after you left. I— I brought you the videotape you wanted.” She made a helpless gesture as she realized she’d dropped it.

“But I told Ronald not to send it over tonight.”