ouse。〃 She had taken the penthouse in Rye Beach； too。
They shared that past； and a grin of remembrance now。
〃e；〃 he said warmly。 〃I'll show you around。〃
From first to second to third floor they went； examining furniture；
artwork； and memorabilia from his travels。 No room in the house would
have won a designer's award； yet every room had a warmth that reached
out to Chloe and made her feel at home。
Ross； too； made her feel at home。 He put no pressure on her； so she put
none on herself They ate at a nearby restaurant； then returned for a
quiet evening of reading。 When Chloe excused herself shortly after
eleven； he bid her good night with a noticeable lack of lechery。
〃You'll find an extra blanket in the closet。 If you want more towels
check the cupboard in the bathroom。〃 He looked up from his papers； but
didn't rise。
〃I'll be fine。〃 She smiled。 〃Good night。〃
〃Good night。 Sleep well。〃
One glance back as she left the room told her that he had returned to
his papers。 She took the stairs slowly； one flight to the next。 This was
a side of Ross she had never seen。 In the past their relationship had
been shaped by physical attraction。 Now Ross seemed either immune； or
holding his interest in check。
Whichever； she was grateful。 Living with him； working with him could
have been a nightmare。 As it was； she was aware of the fact that he