“Yes, Mr. Gherring?”
“Are we going to need a PA?”
What’s Important
For the rest of the flight there was no discussion of work, but she fretted over her out-of-control feelings.
What was I thinking?
With the new position she’d proposed, she’d be spending more time with Gherring than ever before. If it were only a physical attraction, it would be easier to handle her emotions. But he was also kind, thoughtful, and unselfish. The more she got to know him, the more she saw his true strength was so much more than physical.
If only he had a wife, she could put all those thoughts out of her mind. If Gherring were married, she’d lose all that physical and emotional attraction she felt for him right now. Then maybe she could let herself be attracted to someone else. She didn’t believe she’d ever find someone like Tom, someone she could really love and trust, someone she would be willing to marry. But maybe she could find a man she could be a really close friend with. Maybe even Henri. But first she had to eliminate Gherring from her system. He really messed with her perception.
It was seven thirty p.m. in New York by the time they arrived back at the apartment. Gherring hadn’t mentioned anything more about the job. Anne debated whether to ask about it as she dragged her weary body into the lobby.
But Gherring broached the subject as they entered the elevator. “So, I guess we should get together and talk about your new job description before Monday.”
Anne panicked. She’d already decided she shouldn’t spend any more time with Gherring outside of work, but she could hardly refuse. “Should someone else be at the meeting with us, like maybe Katie?”
His brows pinched together. “I don’t think Ms. Carson needs to be involved. After all, she’s leaving in mid-December. Why don’t you just come up for dinner tomorrow night? We can iron out the details.”
“Tomorrow night?”
He slanted a suspicious look toward her. “Unless you have other plans? Maybe you’re planning to talk with Henri at that time?”
“No, I don’t have other plans—”
“Okay then, six o’clock? Seven?”
“Seven is okay.” She heard the words come out of her mouth.
“Or, I guess if you’d rather, you could come up earlier and run while I work out.”
Anne felt all the blood drain from her face. “No, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I mean, that won’t work for me. I’ll see you at seven for dinner.”
“See you tomorrow night, then,?
?? he said as she exited the elevator. She didn’t respond but she noted his self-satisfied expression before the doors closed. What on earth had she gotten herself into?
Henri had left her a message on her phone to call him in the morning. He sounded weary. And Anne discovered her most recent email from Johanna.
Dear Anne,
I must hear what happened on your trip to Switzerland! How did Mr. Gherring behave toward you? Do you think I am right he is interested in you as more than a secretary? And what about Henri? Was he jealous you went to Switzerland with Mr. Gherring? What did Mr. Gherring say about your plans to go to Paris next week to stay with Henri? Are you still going?
My life here is boring, so write back soon! I am trying to talk Alexander into visiting New York in December. We must get together!
Yours truly,
Johanna
Anne quickly jotted a note back.
Dear Johanna,
Switzerland was beautiful! I have a stamped passport now! Mr. Gherring was extremely considerate. And no, I am certain he is not interested in me as more than a secretary. In fact he tried to move me to a job that would have meant we seldom even worked together. I negotiated for something a little different. I am getting a kind of promotion, with expanded duties, as a reward for long hours of work on the presentation. I am a little nervous about living up to his expectations. Henri came to see me in Bern. Mr. Gherring and Henri got along fine, considering the circumstances. I still plan to leave for Paris on Tuesday night. I would love to see you in December. You could perhaps help me clear some confusion from my head with your sage advice.
Thinking of you,