that touched her curves gave the answer even before he
spoke。 〃You're beautiful； Chloe。 Beautiful women have options。 You've
never married？〃
〃No。〃
〃You must date often。〃
〃I have friends。〃
〃Male friends？〃
〃Some。〃
〃Serious male friends？〃
When she shrugged； he looked at the ceiling。 〃What I'm trying to find
out is whether you're going with someone； living with someone； or
engaged to someone。〃
For an instant； Chloe imagined he was a frustrated suitor。 She smiled at
the thought。 〃No； Ross。 I date here and there； but there's no one
special。 I live alone。〃
When he expelled a breath； she suspected it was for effect。 〃Thank you；〃
he added facetiously； then sobered。 〃Do you go home much？〃
Chloe flinched。 〃No。〃 That was another topic better left alone。 〃What
about you？ What was that 'rigid discipline' you suffered through？〃
〃My father was heart…and…soul Army。 A career man。 Our house was run like
a barracks。 It was almost a treat when I was sent to military school。〃
〃Oh； my。 It's no wonder you freaked out。〃
Ross laughed。 〃Freaked out？ That's one from the old days。〃
Chloe smiled。 〃Sorry。 It just slipped out。 I can't remember the last
time I said that。〃
〃Maybe way back in the time of you and me？〃 He stared at her； then gazed
pensively at the table。 When he raised a hand and rubbed the muscles at
the bac