ight
survive after all。
But something hung heavy in a half…hidden corner of her mind。 It had New
Orleans written all over it。 After New York； there would be Rhode
Island； then Alabama。 Should she do New Orleans after that？ Would it
solve anything？ Would it change her feelings for Ross？
No doubt； she did love him。 Walking down a long corridor with him now；
she felt like a princess。 He ruled the place； but he was gentle and
caring。 He loved her。 Was she worthy of that？
They were silent during the cab ride to Ross's brownstone。 〃You'll be
staying here；〃 he told her calmly； breaking what was almost a truce。
〃Ohhhh； no；〃 she balked； but followed him out of the cab。 〃I'll go to a
hotel。 The city is frill of them。 You can go inside and make a call to
book the room that should have been booked on Monday。〃
Ross led her up the front stairs to the tall oak door； turned the key in
the lock； and let them in。 Once inside the gracious hall； he took her
coat。 〃There are three floors here。 I sleep on the second。 You can have
the third all to yourself。 I'm not suggesting that you sleep with me；
only that you stay here。 It'll be more convenient。〃
Chloe recalled what he had said on the phone about needing her near him。
Separate bedrooms？ On separate floors？
Remembering Rye Beach and feeling suddenly lighter； she said； 〃Okay。
I'll take the penth