“I think that a player is simply a man who hasn’t found the right woman.” She turned and stepped into the elevator without looking back.
Tuesday morning found Anne at her desk by seven fifteen. Gherring arrived at nine thirty with fifteen international account executives, fresh from a breakfast meeting. Anne scanned the crew as they filed into the conference room, but Henri wasn’t among the crowd. Gherring stopped by Anne’s desk
“How was your evening, Ms. Best?”
“It was fine, sir. And yours?”
Though she kept her tone even, Gherring winced. “You’re still angry with me?”
“Did you do something I should be angry about?” She blinked her eyes in innocence.
“No, I didn’t do anything you should be angry about. All I did was prevent Henri from hurting you. You’re too naïve to realize, but I did the right thing.”
“I’ll admit I’m naive. I haven’t been on a date since… I don’t know… prehistoric times, probably. But how can you ask me to stay out of your personal life if you’re going to meddle in mine?”
Not that she was actually planning to stay out of his personal life. She had every intention of finding a mate for him. But he didn’t know that.
“Henri would only use you. Like he’s done before.”
“I’m sure you’re right—he probably just wanted to use me. Why else would he talk to someone like me?” Her throat got a huge lump that made it hard to swallow.
“For what it’s worth,” Gherring said quietly, “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. But, I did the right thing.”
Anne still refused to make eye contact. “Did you need help with anything else? Perhaps you’ve forgotten how to log in to your computer or make a phone call,” she suggested with a hint of sarcasm.
“Actually, I do need your help today.” He hesitated. “We have an important client from Germany, and he brought his wife on the trip. We have a lunch meeting planned, and I thought you might come along so his wife would feel more comfortable. It would really be a great help, and it might help us land a big account.”
Anne didn’t look up from her computer. “Of course, Mr. Gherring. I’ll be glad to help in any way.” Gherring was still standing at her desk. “Is there anything else, sir?”
From the corner of her eye she saw his hand come up and push through his hair. “No, Ms. Best. That’s all for now. Thank you.” He disappeared into the conference room.
All night, she’d nursed her fury at his interference, but already her anger was slipping away. And a tiny voice in the back of her head whispered it was kind of sweet that he wanted to protect her.
Don’t be stupid, Anne. You don’t want protection from a caveman.
Anne had never been in a limousine before. She tried to act nonchalant, but she couldn’t hide her excitement and curiosity. There was even a bar inside. The others were obviously accustomed to the fancy ride. The four men, including the client, Alexander Klein, were already intently discussing business. Johanna Klein was an attractive blonde in her fifties with an engaging smile. She chatted comfortably with Anne, apparently fascinated by her life in Texas.
“I can’t believe how well you both speak English. I’ve always wished I was fluent in another language,” Anne confessed to Johanna. “How many languages can you speak?”
“I can speak German, English and French fluently. I can speak enough Italian and Spanish to communicate. We start language training at an early age in Germany, and I have traveled extensively.” Johanna glanced at her husband. “Alexander is a wonderful and unusual man—he has always invited me on all his travels. Most businessmen would think having
their wives along was a bother.”
“I’m so jealous. I haven’t really been anywhere. I’ve never even been out of the country, except one time across the border to Mexico for an hour. Even New York City is a big adventure for me, although I haven’t really done anything but work since I’ve been here. But I’ve got my passport. I got one fifteen years ago, just in case I ever got a chance to go somewhere. I even had it renewed.” She peered wistfully out the window. “You never know. Maybe someday…”
Johanna glanced at Gherring who was casually eavesdropping. “So Mr. Gherring, however did you find your assistant? She is delightful!” She turned to her husband. “Alexander, can’t you get an extra ticket to the musical tonight? Anne needs to experience New York.”
“Yes, of course you can bring her along. I acquired two extra tickets in case we needed them. And Mr. Gherring could come also. I’m sure we will still have business to discuss.”
“Oh no—I couldn’t impose.” Anne stole a terrified look at Gherring. She knew he wouldn’t want to be seen in public with her. He was only seen in the company of beautiful young women. He’d be mortified to be seen with his PA, especially an unsophisticated forty-five-year-old woman from Texas.
“I’m sure Mr. Gherring and Mr. Alexander know an account executive who’d be much more helpful.” She glanced at Gherring again, but his expression gave nothing away.
“Nonsense,” Johanna smiled. “I would love to have some female company. It’s settled.”
“Gherring, will you be joining us?” asked Alexander.
Anne jumped in to help him save face. “Actually, Mr. Gherring, don’t you have an engagement tonight? I can check the calendar when we get back to the office.”