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“I was,” she replied. “Then I realized I possess remarkable self-control because I waited nearly three hours before calling you.”

“I’m genuinely impressed.”

“It. Was. Agonizing.”

I tucked one leg beneath me in the chair. “I stayed with him last night.”

There was silence.

“Stayed with him,” Charlotte repeated.

“Yes.”

“As in, stayed with him?”

I laughed. “Yes, exactly.”

“Well.”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“Phenomenal.”

She laughed. “Excellent. I’m so happy for you.”

I smiled into my tea.

“Now,” she said, “tell me everything you’re actually willing to tell me.”

And I told her. Eventually, we moved on to what came next.

“We spent most of the day together at Harbor House.”

“Really?” Her voice brightened. “I’ve volunteered there before. The museum organizes service days a few times a year.”

“It’s a wonderful place,” I said.

“It is. I always leave happier than when I arrived. Did you enjoy it?”

“Very much.” I looked out toward the gardens. “Seeing him there was different. No board meetings. No architects. No security briefings. Just Alexander.”

I traced my finger absently around the rim of my mug.

“Something strange happened, though.” I told her about the woman who had approached me at Otello, my suspicion that it might be the same woman who had spoken to Margaret, and that Alexander was going to follow up with Marcus.

“And then, when he walked me to my suite, he told me he wasn’t leaving until he heard the lock.”

Charlotte laughed softly. “I think you’re beginning to see what Alexander is like when he cares about someone.”

“He is protective.”

“Among other things. But Emilia, keep an eye out for that woman. The Otello event was invitation only.”

“Was it?”

“Trustees, residents, Foundation guests, and invited patrons. She had to belong to one of those groups or be a guest.”