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“Not the kind of sparks that mean anything. He may have kissed me, but he’s the world’s richest playboy. He’s kissed plenty of women.”
“I see.”
“And tonight, for instance, I set him up on a date with one of my friends. And he really likes her. Would I do that if I was in love with Steven Gherring?”
“Interesting leap you made. I asked if there were sparks. I did not ask if you were in love with Steven Gherring.” She chuckled at Anne’s gasp. “But I do not know why you would set him up with your friend. Why did you do that?”
“Because… because he needs someone who’ll love him and take care of him. Someone he can start a family with. He deserves the kind of love I had with Tom. I want that for him.”
“I see.” Johanna smiled.
“You see what?” Anne demanded.
“I just see. That is enough.” She patted Anne’s hand. “Do not worry, we will talk again. Alexander and I will be here several days.”
“Hi Anne.” Rayna greeted her when she came in. “Where’ve you been?”
“I went to see the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller. It was amazing.”
“Were you on a date?”
“Hardly,” laughed Anne. “I was just the third wheel—I went with a couple that are visiting from Germany.”
“Sounds fun.”
Anne asked casually, “Did you see Mr. Gherring? I mean, has he come back from his benefit dinner?”
“Sure. He’s been back for an hour.”
“Did he look like he was happy? Like he had a good time? Or was he in a bad mood?”
“I don’t know. He’s so serious all the time. I think he’s always in a bad mood.”
“He’s not like that, really. He’s really fun and witty, if you get to know him.”
“Okay, honey, no offense. He’s kind of my boss, since Gherring Inc. owns this building. So I’m a little afraid of him.”
“I’ll admit he’s a little intimidating.” Anne covered her mouth as a huge yawn escaped. “I’m beat. I’m headed up to bed. Goodnight, Rayna.”
Anne had just opened her apartment door when her cell phone rang. It was Steven, and he never called late at night.
“Hello? Mr. Gherring?”
“Anne, I’m sorry to impose. Are you already asleep?”
“No, I just walked in the door. What did you need?”
“I really need to check something at the office, and I can’t get my laptop to turn on. Would you mind bringing yours upstairs for just a minute?”
“Sure, I’ll be right there.”
; Anne threw her coat and gloves off and grabbed her laptop, heading for the penthouse apartment. She knocked on the door and Steven opened it immediately, blocking the doorway. He was still in his tuxedo pants, but his tie was off and his shirt was unbuttoned, hanging open. His chest was almost more appealing when only partially exposed, like a teasing entreaty. She had an insane urge to put out her hand and feel those firm muscles. She felt that familiar tingle as his fingertips brushed against hers when he took the laptop from her hands. He opened it and made the connection to the office computer, pulling up his daily schedule.
He muttered something about checking his schedule for the next day. “That’s good. I don’t have anything scheduled during lunch.”
“I could’ve told you that. I almost never schedule anything during your lunch. It’s too important for you to eat well.”
