brilliance; my experience; or my expertise in the field!〃
〃Depends on what field youre referring to;〃 he drawled。 〃In the field
of passion…〃
〃That wasnt the one I was talking about; and you know it。 Why do you
twist my words; Ross? Do you like upsetting me?〃
He was suddenly sober。 〃No。 Im trying to good you into facing your
feelings。 I love you; Chloe。 I want to have you near me; so I
manipulated your cooperation。 You may not be ready to admit that you
need me as much as I need you; but I have no pride。 I need you; and Im
not giving you up。 Not yet; at any rate。〃
Chloe listened sadly。 He sounded honest and sincere。 Maybe he did need
her。 But what about her needs? 〃Youre rushing me; Ross。 I dont know
whether Im ing or going。 Please; give me time?〃
〃You have till Wednesday。 Ive made arrangements for you to take the
nine…fifty train from Providence。〃
〃The train? Id rather drive。 Its more convenient。〃
〃I dont want you driving into the city。 Leave your car in Providence。
Your ticket will be held there for you and Ill be at the station
waiting。〃
〃Ross…〃
〃Its settled。〃
Her lips turned down。 〃Thats what I like about you。 Youre so
democratic。〃 He said a gentle 〃I love you; too;〃 before hanging up。
Ross was indeed waiting at the station when her train pulled in。 She had
barely stepped onto the platform when he was beside her。 He took her bag
and her arm in one smooth move。 〃Have a good trip?〃 he asked; glancing
down as he guided her along。
〃It was fine。〃 And she had to admit that there was something fine about
being met like this; something that went beyond mere convenience。 New
York was New York; always a little intimidating。 Rosss protectiveness
felt good; though she wasnt about to tell him that。 〃Where are we
going?〃 she asked when he hustled her to a cab; then gave the driver the
same Park Avenue address to which she had sent her check。
〃I thought youd like to see Hansens corporate headquarters。 The team
working on the Rye Beach plex wont be meeting until tomorrow; but
you might feel more fortable seeing the layout before you get bogged
down in work。 I have things to take care of while were there。〃