Regret Not a Moment Read Online Free Page A

to a spacious stall. At first, John could not see within, then he spotted the most magnificent horse he had ever seen. The creature was entirely black, a shining, ebony vision.
    “This is my baby,” said Devon, caressing the horse’s nose as it nuzzled her fondly.
    “What a superb creature!” said John, in awe. “A Thoroughbred?”
    Devon nodded. “A stallion. Sirocco is his name. Perhaps you’d like to come over tomorrow for a ride? We can even have a picnic if the weather is nice. You can take Sirocco,” she said, giving him a sidelong glance. “I think you’ll agree then that life in the country can be exciting after all.”
    “I’m not sure I should take you up on that offer, but I can’t resist,” said John, smiling. He was actually an excellent rider, and had even played polo at university.
    Devon showed him several more horses before leading him to a large greenhouse beyond the stables. Stepping inside, John was overwhelmed by the perfumes that filled the air. Exotic flowers grew from hanging pots, as well as from flat trays and large planters on the floor. John observed species he had never before seen, even in the most exclusive florists in New York.
    “What are all these?” he asked in wonder.
    “Orchids mostly. Some gardenias that I bring inside for the winter. I love their scent. I grow jasmine too, for the same reason.”
    “You mean all this is yours?”
    “It is. I experiment with plant breeding. Some of these species are found only in one place in the world.” Devon walked over to a planter suspended from the ceiling. Over its side tumbled a mass of large red flowers, about four inches in diameter, that had petals like swallows wings. Devon plucked one and handed it to John. On closer observation, he saw that each flowers innermost petals were a delicate waxy white with pink around the edges. “For example, this orchid grows only on the Caribbean island of Tobago. Nowhere else. Can you imagine that?” Devon asked dreamily.
    “It’s beautiful,” said John. “How did you find it?”
    “I went and got it,” said Devon in a matter-of-fact tone. John looked at her in surprise. But without further elaboration, Devon turned and led him back to the house.

CHAPTER 4
    LORETTA Morgan stretched dreamily, then settled back against the blue satin cushions of the chaise longue in a provocative pose. “This way?” she asked the man standing in front of her.
    “No. Move a little forward, Loretta. Let’s see more of you,” he answered curtly.
    The young woman leaned forward, emphasizing her cleavage. “Better?”
    “Perfect… okay… now!” Loretta gave a languid smile and looked up at the man seductively. As soon as she heard the camera click, the look of allure disappeared from her face and she stood up. Paying no mind to the photographer, she stood impatiently as her maid removed one sequined gown from her voluptuous body and replaced it with another. The photographer, busy with his camera, didn’t even notice. To him, one famous actress was very much like another. They were all difficult. They were all prima donnas.
    As if to confirm this, Loretta, now fully clothed, preened before the mirrors that covered three walls of her dressing area.
    “Okay, Loretta, let’s see a little leg.”
    Loretta went through the paces professionally and mechanically. Her mind was elsewhere. She was thinking of John Alexander. It had been three days since she had last been with him and she missed him, truly missed him.
    She wondered at her chances of marrying John. At times, she had felt that he might propose. Then, suddenly, he would grow distant. Once she had mentioned the possibility to him, but he had treated it as a joke, saying, “Why ruin a perfectly good love affair, Loretta?”
    That was easy for a man to say. But Loretta’s public was beginning to wonder why their twenty-eight-year-old idol (thirty-four if the truth were known) had never married. Marrying a man like John Alexander, handsome