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“Listen, my Gram can be a bit scheming and meddling at times. If she’s up to something I’d appreciate a little warning, to be prepared.”
“Hmmm.”
“Hmmm? What does that mean?”
“She did mention she’s been shopping for a Christmas present for you.” Anne was glad Gram had provided an excuse for their lunch meeting. When she asked Anne’s opinion about a men’s cologne sample she pulled from her purse, she claimed her nose couldn’t judge scents as well as it used to. “But I’m sworn to secrecy—you’ll never worm it out of me.”
“Why do I think you’re leaving something out?”
“I have no idea.”
“Perhaps you’d rather discuss the pictures I saw in the social column.”
“Pictures? What pictures?” Anne rifled through her desk drawer to avoid Gherring’s piercing gaze.
“I think you know what I’m talking about.”
She was caught. What could she say? She’d throw herself on his mercy.
“I’m so sorry Mr. Gherring. I never meant to cause all this trouble. The media wouldn’t have cared that I was with Henri if they hadn’t seen you and I together at the musical. I shouldn’t have gone to the musical. Or the gala, for that matter. I don’t belong with those people, anyway.
Gherring’s harsh expression softened. “I was the one who should’ve stayed home, not you.”
Her chest hurt. Of course he was embarrassed to be seen with her. He didn’t want anyone to think they were together. She knew that already, didn’t she? This just confirmed what she knew.
His face darkened. “The only thing that really upsets me is your continued association with Henri.”
“I thought you and Henri had made up.”
“I listened and agreed to give him a second chance. But there’s something about his personality that drives me up the wall.”
At least Gherring wasn’t truly angry with her. She tried to lighten his mood with a teasing tone. “Maybe he bugs you ‘because he doesn’t bow down to you like the rest of the world?”
“Exactly. Always my goal in life.” Gherring’s words dripped sarcasm. “And obviously, his bad habits are rubbing off on my PA. That sassy tongue is going to get you in trouble.”
“The problem is I’m not as afraid of you as I used to be. I think you’re all bark and no bite.”
“I do have a bite. My business associates will attest to that.”
“I think you act aggressive to hide how sweet you really are.”
“I’m not sweet.” His hands tightened into fists.
“Don’t get me wrong… I still believe you’re extremely dangerous. But I’ve seen how sweet you are with your Gram. You can’t fool me anymore.” At his stormy look, she broke out in laughter. “Gram told me you didn’t take teasing well. I guess she was right.”
“Just don’t go around saying I’m sweet. That’s bad for my reputation. Bad for business.”
“I’ll take that secret to my grave.” She mimed zipping her lips.
His mouth curled up at the corners and he looked to the ceiling. “When did I lose control of this conversation?”
“More like when did you ever have control of it?”
“And that’s the problem. I should be able to control my own PA, right?”
“Sorry if I mislead you. Was that in the job description?”
“I’ll make sure it’s in there next time.” His tone was menacing, but the sparkle of humor in his eyes gave him away.
