Page 40 of Deadly Misfortunes

“My office is upstairs. I take all the redheaded women I chance to meet up there.”

“Not blondes?”

“I’ve never been interested in a blonde. And if you’re referring to Stephanie, she’s more of a hanger-on than anything. I’ve known her since I turned seven. Her family and mine have been friends for years.”

“Yeah, well, it doesn’t mean she’s not interested in you and when you’re alone together in this big house⁠—”

He smiled at her as they reached the bottom step. After pulling her close, he ran his hands through her hair. “Sounds like you’re a tad jealous.”

“You wish.”

“Yeah, you’re jealous.” He wound one of her curls around his finger. “Well, you have nothing to be worried about.” He took her hand and led her up the stairs.

“Just the computer, Gregory.”

“Certainly.”

When they walked into his office, he turned on the light. Then he switched the computer on. “Do you want something to drink?”

“Water, please.”

“Just water?”

She sat down on his high-backed leather office chair and nodded. “Yes, I need to keep a clear head.”

He raised a brow. “Whatever for?”

“For my search.”

“How about some hot cocoa?”

“All right. That would be fine.”

She turned her attention to the computer screen. Gregory went into the next room and said, “Maria, could you bring two cups of hot cocoa to my room? Loaded with whipped cream and a glass of water for Sascha. Sure thing, thank you.”

Then he gave Sascha the password for his computer.

Sascha shook her head. She’d never figured he would have gotten someone else to do his work for him. “Why did you have Maria do that? Poor thing was probably grateful she finally had some free time. She might have even gone to sleep.”

“She’s a late riser. She goes to bed really late.”

A yawn escaped Sascha’s lips. “She shouldn’t have been made to get our cocoa.”

“What? You think I know where the cocoa mix is?”

She stared at him, and he smiled in return. “All right. Yes, I do. Just like Rose does.” He grabbed the phone off the desk and punched in numbers. “Maria, cancel that order. Yes, I’m serious. My newfound friend is making me have a conscience.” He laughed. “Goodnight.”

He turned to see Sascha tilt her chin up. “Maria said I ought to marry you. You would be good for me and good for her too,” he said.

Sascha smiled. “Next, you’ll tell me I bribed Maria.”

“Hmm, I hadn’t considered that.” He peered at the monitor’s screen. “So what are we looking for?”

He pulled a chair next to Sascha’s.

“I thought we were going to have some hot cocoa with tons of whipped cream. You mean that we’re not now?”

He laughed. “Vixen.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I’ll be right back after I make the cocoa.”