She was distracted as the evening waned； unaware of looks of concern
sent her way。 When Lee said； 〃I'm takin' off now； Chloe；〃 she was
startled。 Her head came up。 Unsure； she straightened。
〃I'm sorry；〃 she apologized softly。 〃I'm afraid I haven't been much
help。 We haven't even gone over those things we should have。〃
〃No problem。〃 He smiled。 〃We'll do it tomorrow。〃 Taking his cue from the
disquieted look in her eyes； he turned to Ross。 〃Are you staying here
tonight？〃
〃Yes。〃
〃No。〃
They spoke at the same time。 Chloe hurried on。 〃No； Ross。 You can't stay
here。〃 She was determined。 〃There's one bedroom and one bed； and I need
it。〃
〃Why don't you stay with me； friend？〃 Lee offered…and for the second
time that evening； Chloe could have disowned him。 She wanted Ross to
leave。 Out of sight was out of mind。 Lee's offer only plicated
things。
Naturally； Ross accepted the invitation。 〃No imposition？〃
〃No imposition。 The sofa in the living room opens into a bed。 The back
door will be open。 Chloe will point you in the right direction。〃 Before
she could protest； Lee reached the door。 〃Good night； folks。〃 He
grinned； letting himself out with a flourish。
With a steadying breath； Chloe settled deeper into her high…backed
chair； tucked her feet under her； forced her fingers to relax against
the broad wicker arms； and looked across the room at Ross。
He spoke softly。 〃You really do look like a princess in that chair。
Those peacock markings could as easily be a crown of gold as a swirl of
wicker。 Are you fortable？〃 His eyes were gleaming； mocking。
〃No；〃 she answered honestly。 〃You know I'm not。〃