by Tamie Dearen
“Oh I love you!” She snatched it from his hand. Only after she’d taken a sip of the still-steaming liquid did she realize what she’d said. Perhaps he hadn’t noticed. She glanced at Gherring. Nope, he’d noticed.
He looked downright smug. “I always heard the stomach was a way to a man’s heart, not a woman’s.”
She ignored his subtle teasing. “I’ve heard money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy coffee, and that’s close enough.”
“As much coffee as I’ve consumed in my fifty years, I should be downright ecstatic.”
“Me, too.” She took a sip, savoring the taste as she swallowed the hot liquid. “Right now, I think any form of happiness is out of reach. I’ll settle for not-a-zombie.”
“Hope you can stay awake tonight when your daughters get here. What are you three going to do?”
“No real plans tonight. We were aiming for a play Saturday night because I can go get discount tickets in the afternoon. Maybe we’ll just walk around and take in the sites. I was thinking about going to that bar at the top of the Marriott in Times Square after dark. The view was amazing from there.”
“When did you discover that view?”
Anne realized she’d been there with Henri on the night of the gala. Not wanting to bring up a sore subject, she evaded the question.
“It’s a popular place. I’ll be you’ve been up there, haven’t you?”
“That’s where we had the gala.” His was face inscrutable.
“Oh that’s right… I… I must have gone there when we were planning the gala.”
“At night?”
“Yes, I think I went with Katie.”
“So you and Katie went at night? Alone? To a bar?”
“Oh no, maybe Gary was there… I don’t remember.”
“We could ask Gary tomorrow. He’d surely remember.”
Anne knew her face was crimson. “Okay fine! I went up there with Henri the night of the gala.”
“You could have just said that.”
“But I know you don’t like him, and I didn’t want to make you mad.”
He frowned. “I don’t get mad.”
“Call it what you want. You always start yelling at me.”
“I’ve never yelled at you. I don’t yell.”
“Well… you used a yelling tone of voice.” They rode the rest of the way in silence as she swore to herself she would never lie again.
Gherring and Anne worked together in the conference room. The earlier tension was soon forgotten as they immersed themselves in the job at hand. She found she could concentrate around Gherring easily, unless he got too close or brushed up against her. At the slightest contact, she felt her heart rate accelerating.
But her physical reaction wasn’t an indication that she was attracted to her boss. The real cause was her people-pleaser personality. She had a strong desire to make everyone happy, and Gherring was particularly difficult to please.
She was relieved that she wasn’t falling for her boss. That would be so awkward. Not to mention she’d be setting herself up for devastation.
Thankfully, she wasn’t attracted to him at all. Well, maybe a little bit. But she only admired him like a work of art. It didn’t mean anything.
She watched as he leaned over to pick up a paper that had floated to the floor. Hard, tight compact muscles. He turned toward her and flashed a distracted smile, his rugged face, blue eyes, and dimples a winning combination. Of course she was physically attracted to him. Any woman with eyes would be physically attracted. That didn’t mean she had feelings for him. She couldn’t have feelings for him because that would simply lead to heartache. After fifteen years she wouldn’t let herself fall for a guy she could never have. She was much better off with Henri. That relationship was practically impossible and therefore, incredibly safe. At least until she went to Paris….
She’d decided to FaceTime with Henri during her lunch break, so it wouldn’t be an issue with Gherring. But as lunchtime approached, Gherring asked, “Should we order in from Papa’s?”
She took a big breath. “I’m going to try something new and to tell you the truth, I’m Facetiming with Henri during lunch. There, I said it. So please don’t be mad and don’t yell at me.” She cringed, waiting for him to vent his anger.
He ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m not mad. I’m… I’m… worried. I don’t want you to get hurt. That’s all.”
“To tell you the truth, I think you should be more worried about Henri. He seems—I don’t know—kind of vulnerable. I’m really taking it slow, you know. After fifteen years, I have pretty tight reins on my heart. I’m not sure I can ever actually fall in love again. I know what true love feels like, I’ve experienced it before. I’m not sure that kind of thing could ever happen twice in my life.”
He was quiet for a few seconds that seemed like an hour. “I sincerely hope that isn’t true, Anne. I hope you’re able to find love again someday. But not with Henri. I still don’t trust him—let’s just say I question his motives. And I’m definitely not worried about him getting hurt.”
The conversation was cut short when her cell phone pealed out the Maserati song. “Oh that’s Charlie!” She fumbled for her phone in her sweater pocket.
“Hey Mom, we’re on the plane, getting ready to take off. Oops, the stewardess is giving me a dirty look. Gotta go. See you soon.”
Anne’s heart swelled with anticipation. She couldn’t believe how much she missed her daughters. It’s not like she was used to seeing them all the time when she still lived in Texas. It was just the knowledge they were so far away from her now.
“They’re on the plane.” She couldn’t stop grinning.
“That’s an interesting ringtone. Is it for everyone or just for Charlie?”
“That one’s just for Charlie. It suits her personality. The Maserati going one eighty-five, and losing your driver's license—”
“She’s done that?”
“No, but she probably would if she ever got to drive one. I don’t think she’s ever even seen a Maserati, but she got her fair share of speeding tickets in the little Honda Civic she drove.”
“What’s Emily’s ringtone?”
“Hers is piano music from Pride and Prejudice. That’s her favorite book and she loves the movie. She’s my ballet dancer and artist. Not one speeding ticket her whole life. She doesn’t even like to drive. She wants someone else to drive her everywhere so she can read on the way. She’d love New York. No one has to drive at all.”
Gherring chuckled. “And your names? Anne, Emily, Charlotte? Was that a conscious decision or an accident your names match the Bronte sisters?”
“It was on purpose. But I can’t believe you noticed that. Nobody ever does.”
“What can I say? I’m very observant.”
“Not me—I’m kind of absentminded. I get lost all the time and forget where I parked my car in the parking lot. It’s like I don’t have room in my brain for those pesky details.”
“You mean pesky details like what time it is or where your bed is?”
“You’re sooooo funny.”
He glanced at his watch. “It’s almost noon—time for you to call your French lover boy.”
“He’s not my lover boy.”
“Sorry if my choice of words offends you.” She didn’t hear the slightest bit of sincerity in his voice.
“You’re using that yelling tone I was talking about.” Anne scooped up her laptop and headed toward the door.
“I didn’t—”
“Yes, you did.” She let the door slam behind her. For once, she got the last word.
“Henri.”
“Hello angel.” His exotically handsome face beamed at her.
“I’m so excited. My girls are in the air right now on their way to New York.”
“I am happy for you and jealous that I cannot be there to meet them.”
“How are your niece and nephew, and your sister?”
He smiled proudly.
“Anna-Laure is riding on her pony. She holds the reins herself. My nephew is taking violin lessons. He is very talented. And my sister has broken up with the no-good boyfriend. I am so glad she will not marry him and take my kids away. They are like my own.”
Anne smiled. “I bet you’re a good dad to them.”
“But we should not talk about them. I want to know about you. What will you do with your daughters in New York?”
“Everything. We are going out to eat, going to a play, going to the Empire State Building. We’re even going climbing at the gym.”
“Just you and your daughters?”
“Yes, mostly just us. But I have a couple of young boys lined up to go climbing with us.” Anne refrained from mentioning Steven Gherring. She figured Henri wouldn’t be thrilled at he was going. And Steven Gherring’s presence at the climbing gym wasn’t really significant, was it?
“Maybe I am jealous of these boys. Are they handsome? Maybe I don’t want you to watch these boys climbing. You may forget about me.” He winked at her.
“They might be good looking, but they’re way too young for me.”
“I do not like that I cannot keep an eye on my competition.”
“Believe me, those boys are no competition for you.”
“And what about Steven Gherring?”
“What about him?”
“Is he my competition? You are with him every day, and I know he does not like me.”
“Mr. Gherring’s my boss. He isn’t interested in me. He’s seen how goofy I can be. You know, Henri, when you get to know me better, you might not be so interested either.” Why did she say that? She sounded so needy, begging for compliments.
“I know enough. When you come to Paris you will see. You need someone who knows how precious you are. I will show you—I am that man.”
Anne felt a little thrill. It was nice to have someone put you on a pedestal, even if you knew you didn’t belong there. But was she being foolish, investing in an impossible relationship? It was almost as impossible as a relationship with Steven Gherring, but for different reasons.
“Henri, what happens after Paris? I can’t date you over the computer screen.”
“Non, I agree. You are nice to look at, but the kissing is not so good on FaceTime. But everything will be good. It is not to worry.”
“I can’t help it, I’m a worrier. What if it doesn’t work, and you regret spending all that money to bring me to Paris—”
“The money is nothing to me.” He sighed. “I have something to tell you. I was waiting, but…”
“What? Is it bad? What is it?”
“It is good. I think… I hope it is good. After you come to Paris, one week after, I am coming to New York. Is that good?”
“Really? For how long?”
“I am coming just for the weekend, but I am used to traveling. I come to New York often already. I can come more often. And you can come back to Paris and bring your daughters.” He paused. “That is good? Right?” His green eyes peered earnestly from the computer screen, waiting for her reply.
“That’d be great. It’s the weekend of the Gherring Inc. Christmas party for all the employees. We could go together.”
“There is the beautiful smile I love to see, mon ange. Now, tell me everything you are going to do in New York…”
As Anne carried her things back to the conference room, she realized Steven Gherring was going to the benefit with Sharon Landry that night. She decided to take advantage of the opportunity to help him see her good qualities. He seemed to mostly ignore Margo Milan at the big gala. Her plan would never work if he didn’t pay any attention to Sharon.
Standing outside the conference room door, she prepared a speech for Gherring, trying to ignore the little voice in her head that suggested she didn’t want him to like Sharon. “La, la, la, la. I’m not listening to you.”
“Who aren’t you listening to?”
She jumped at Gherring’s voice behind her, letting out a squeak. “How do you always manage to sneak up on me?”
“Perhaps because you’re oblivious to your surroundings.” Gherring opened the conference room door and led the way inside. “I’m convinced it isn’t safe for you to walk the streets of New York alone.”
“I do tend to be a bit oblivious.” Admitting her absent-minded personality helped her remember how unsuitable she would be for Gherring. Precisely why he needed a sophisticated woman like Sharon. “It’s because I have too many things swirling in my mind. Like the fact that you’re going to that benefit dinner tonight.”
“I guess so. I’d forgotten, but it’s on my calendar.”
Anne deposited her things on their work table and turned to face Gherring. “And you’re going with Sharon Landry, right?”
“Who?”
“Sharon Landry—you’re escorting her to the benefit. Remember? I put her file on your desk.”
“You probably did. But I didn’t look at it.”
He shrugged off his suit coat and hung it on the back of a chair. She refused to notice the way his muscles rippled under his dress shirt. She couldn’t be distracted.
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t care who she is.” His arms folded over his chest. “She’s using me for publicity, and I’m using her to keep my life uncomplicated. And I trust my PA to pick someone who won’t embarrass me.”
“But maybe this girl is different.” She barely kept the frustration out of her tone.
A deep crease formed between his eyebrows. “What do you mean, different?”
“She’s really smart and informed. She’s a television news reporter, and she’s beautiful.”
“That doesn’t change anything.”
Her hands went to her hips. “But how are you ever going to find someone if you won’t even look?”
“Find someone?” The furrow deepened and he loomed over her. “Gram! You’ve been talking to Gram, haven’t you? She wants me to get married, and now she’s using my own PA against me.”
“I… uhmm…” Anne cowered at his fury. And Gram was going to be upset that she’d blown their cover.
“That little schemer!”
“She didn’t… Not really…”
“You!” He pinned her with a glare. “You will cease and desist. I don’t want a wife. I don’t need a wife. You said it yourself. After fifty years alone, no one would be able to live with me.”
At these words, her temper flared in defense. “I never said that about you. It’s probably true for me, after being a widow for fifteen years. But not you!”
She punctuated her words with a poke to his chest, forcing him backwards.
“You have everything you need to attract someone really great. You’re smart and rich and famous and handsome. You’re sweet and generous, and you have a great body. There’re probably a million women who want you. Any girl would be lucky to have you. And yet you won’t even try.”
He backed into a chair and sat down. Anne turned away from him and crossed her arms, suddenly finding it hard to catch her breath.
“You yelled at me.”
“I did not!” she said over her shoulder.
“You used a yelling tone of voice.” He let out a little snicker.
Anne swirled around, determined to stay angry. “And that won’t work.”
“What won’t work?”
“You can’t make me laugh so I’ll forget I’m mad. It won’t work.”
“It might work.”
“It won’t.”
“So I should give up?”
“Yes.”
“Throw in the towel? Cry uncle? Call it a day? Give up the ghost?”
“Stop distracting me.” She stifled a smile. “I’m mad at you.”
“Are you fightin’ mad? Madder than a wet hen? Do you have a bee in your bonnet? Are you so mad you could spit? Are you mad as a hatter?”
“Yes, I’m mad as a hatter—you’re making me crazy.”
“What exactly are you mad about?”<
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“I’m mad because… because you… I don’t remember anymore. But that doesn’t change anything. I’m still mad.” She put her hands on her hips and gave him her best you’re-in-trouble-with-mom look.
But Gherring grinned. “How can you be mad at me? I’m sweet and generous. And what was that last thing you said? Something about my body?”
He stood up and walked closer to her, invading her personal space. Her heart thudded so hard she could hear it in her ears.
She backed away, giving up the fight to keep a straight face. “Okay, stop right there. Let’s make a deal. I won’t be mad anymore, and you promise never to bring up that last thing I said.”
He smirked. “But maybe we should discuss it first—”
“No please. Let’s forget it. Please?”
“How could I say ‘no’ when you look at me with those big brown eyes? I promise not to bring it up again.”
Anne let out a slow breath, relieved. Why did she say such stupid things around him? He had promised not to tease her about it, but he hadn’t promised to forget.
Too late, she realized he also hadn’t promised to give Sharon any real consideration. But she didn’t dare stir up that hornet’s nest again. She was probably lucky she still had her job.
With a temporary truce in place, they once again joined forces to attack the PowerPoint presentation. Gherring had retrieved all the information he felt was relevant, and Anne was busy setting up the slides and the accompanying notes. “Who’s going to do Jeff’s part of the presentation? You or Jared? Or will you bring someone else from that department?”
“I’ll probably do it. Jared's pretty green. I was really bringing him to give him some experience.”
“I haven’t canceled the other hotel room yet. Should I do that now?”
“No, just keep it for now. I haven’t made up my mind.” He stretched and glanced at his watch. “You should head home. Your girls will be in soon.”
“That’s okay. I can stay until five or even five thirty. I left a key with Rayna, so the girls can let themselves in the apartment. And we don’t really have a time deadline tonight.”
Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved a small brown envelope. “Actually your play starts at seven.”
