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*****
Allison left early soshe could swing by and pick up something to wear for work tomorrow.She knew he wouldn’t want her staying the night, but he wasgoing to have to kick her out if he wanted her to leave.
She was staying.Rummaging through her closet, she picked out a pair of black dresspants with a thin strip of gray and a turtle neck sweater. Addingunderwear and toiletries, she packed them in the overnight case..Rosalyn had called and thanked her effusively.
“Honey, the manlooks great on camera and that story deserves a follow up. I’dlike to get the father’s take on everything.”
“Good luck withthat.”
“You might beable to do your thing and work your miracles. Girl, the lines havebeen blowing up since the interview. I’m sure our ratings arethrough the roof.”
“I’mcertain Mr. Hamilton wouldn’t appreciate being used forratings.”
“You’reright of course, darling, but that story from a man who is considereda captain of industry are leading people to believe that if he canbeat the odds and make something of his life, then they can too. Thatfather of his ought to be ashamed of himself.”
Allison had burst outlaughing at the absurdly ineffective reprimand. “I’m surehe is.”
“Anyway,darling, thank you for convincing him that coming on the show andrevealing his truth was a good idea.”
Now, she was on herway to his place and her body was trembling in anticipation. She’dstood there watching the interview and felt her heart breaking as hespoke. He’d been through so much and she wanted to wrap herarms around him. What was she planning on doing? He was NashHamilton. He certainly wouldn’t welcome any pity.
Only it wouldn’tbe pity. What she felt for him was so wrenching that she wanted tofind the Dad and skin him for what he’d put his son through.She was in love with him, and God help her, she knew he was going tofight what he felt for her.
He’d told herhe was going to be with her one last time and that was it. Allisonwasn’t going to allow him to push her away. No chance in hell.
*****
He buzzed her up assoon as she pressed the intercom. He was waiting for her inside thedoorway. His eyes took in the overnight case and, without commenting,stepped back to allow her to move past him. In silence, he took herjacket and hung it up inside the foyer.
The ceiling was highand soaring with recessed lights at strategic places. He didn’toffer to take her case, so she left it where it was.
“Drink?”
“Yes. Thanks.”She watched in wide-eyed amazement as he led them through a widehallway into an elegant and sumptuous living room. Art decorated thewalls, some of which she recognized. She was drawn to a painting overthe mantle, a man in the shadows of (surprise!) a cabin and a womanin the background watching him.
“Verypoignant.” She remarked, wondering if he was still seeing theartist. That was something else she was going to make it clear thatshe wasn’t into sharing. “She has some serious talent.”
He handed her thescotch without asking her preference.
“Yes.” Hestood there staring at the painting before looking at her. “Youdon’t like it?” he gestured to the glass in her hand.
“I drink itevery now and again. You should have asked.”
He inclined his headin agreement. “Would you like something else?”
“No. This isfine.” She took a deep breath. “What are we doing?”
“Having a drinkbefore going upstairs.”
“And then?”
His eyebrows liftedas he sipped his drink. “I saw from your file you’re inyour thirties. I’m sure this won’t be the first timeyou’re alone with a man. What we’re going to be doingnext should come as no surprise.”
“I know whatwe’ll be doing in that bedroom.” She muttered. “Ijust want to know what’s next.”
“We go on withour separate lives.”
“Is it thatsimple for you?”
