seconds； she mused； as she returned to her
office and settled in at the desk。 Ross was forcing her hand； totally
determined。 What was it he had said about love being wanting and wanting
until one would do nearly anything？
She did have options。 She could stand firm and refuse to have anything
to do with Ross； send someone to New York in her place for the Rye Beach
negotiations； systematically shuttle retainer work to another member of
the firm。
Another option was more dangerous。 She could go to New York and do his
work； remaining neutral。 Did she have a chance in hell of doing that？
Lee's words returned with frightening clarity。 Did she love Ross enough
to fight herself…and her past…for him？ Could she go back to New Orleans
and face the ghosts； finally put them to rest？
She hit emotional overload with that last thought。 Too much had happened
too fast。 She couldn't think about it anymore。 There was work to be
done…if she was to be enroute to New York by Wednesday。
With a long steadying breath； she sorted through the papers before her。
There were people to call； meetings to set up； reports to plan out
before she left； and the rush was for the best。 Her mind would be
filled。 Worrying was useless。 Only time would give her the answers she
needed。
Unfortunately； Ross wasn't as patient； but he received a different Chloe
on the phon