Along one wall he kept a small refrigerator stocked with drinksone of his perks as head attorney. Keeping one eye on Ariana, he went to it and retrieved a bottle of water. Uncapping the container, he held the drink to her lips. Her eyes fluttered open.
Thanks. Her voice was a whisper. She took the water and sipped.
Are you eating properly?
She hedged. Today was a bad day.
Placing a hand on each chair arm, he bent low and peered into her eyes. What did you eat?
She sat up straighter. Im fine now.
I dont think so. Youre still pale. Are you getting prenatal care? Taking vitamins? Sleeping enough?
Her slender shoulders stiffened. She shrank back from him and in a soft voice said, Am I on trial here?
I beg your pardon. He relented, leaning back slightly, though remaining close enough to notice the lines of fatigue around her eyes and mouth. What if she fainted and slithered out of the chair? He glanced at his watch. Time to go home anyway. Ill escort you to your car whenever youre ready to leave.
She shook her head slightly. I rode the T.
Of course she had. What was he thinking? Most everyone in Boston used public transportation, even him, though lately hed taken to driving his car because of the erratic work hours. Fortunately, another of his perks was an underground parking space.
He had a car and she didnt. And she was unwell.
One glance at this Rolex and Grant made a quick decision, his usual kind. That settles it.
Settles what?
Im driving you home.
Grant, youre very thoughtful. Ariana recapped the water and placed the bottle on his desk. But Im fine nowreallyand perfectly capable of seeing myself home.
This has nothing to do with kindness and everything to do with common sense. Youre exhausted, hungry, and you nearly fainted. You have no business on public transportation. What if you pass out? As a gentlemen I would be remiss not to see you safely home. He offered his hands, palms up. Lets go.
She drew back, stubborn chin lifting. I need a lawyer, not a keeper.
He waited, offer still open. Couldnt she understand that he knew best? Youd risk your babies out of stubbornness?
Ariana fisted both small hands on her thighs. She was getting her Irish up, an attitude he found intriguing. That was a dirty trick.
He allowed a tiny smile and shrugged. Im an attorney. What did you expect?
Arianas full mouth pursed as she thought over the offer. WellI am a little weak in the knees. And the T will be standing room only.
Air-conditioned car. No jostling bodies. He loved negotiations.
Finally she poked a finger at hima small, stub-nailed finger. Not that I normally need anyone to take care of me, but okay, you winthis time.
Suppressing a laugh, Grant helped her out of the chair. Didnt she understand? He always won.
Chapter Two
With a contented smile she headed for Carmellas office. As vice president of Global Sales, Emily had plenty to do, but if Carmella wanted to see her, something important concerning their secret project must have developed.
Have you read this? Carmella asked as soon as Emily entered her office. Displaying the cover of a romance novel, she then pressed the book to her bosom. This story is so romantic. Just like Matt and Sarah.
Everything did work out for the best with those two, didnt it? Regardless of Emilys discomfort with the whole idea of matchmaking, once the brainy accountant noticed
his sweet, innocent secretary there was no stopping the inevitable.
Ah, if only the others were so easy. Carmella lay aside the book and tilted her head, salt and pepper hair catching the gleam of light. So, is Grant Lawson to be the next lucky bachelor?
Grant? Oh, you mean with Ariana? Emily shook her head. The idea never crossed my mind. When I heard Ariana crying in the bathroom and discovered the reason why, my heart broke for her.
So, this is not part of our plan to see another of your fathers bachelor employees joined in happy matrimony?
Emily sighed. Ever since Carmella had come to her with the distressing news that her father wanted her to marry yet another of the firms bachelors, shed been forced into the uncomfortable roll of matchmaker. If she didnt find wives for Wintersofts eligible men, her father would publicly embarrass himself and everyone else by prodding the bachelors in her direction. Hed done that once already, and the resulting marriage and divorce had left Emily willing to do most anything, right down to prying into other peoples affairs, to avoid suffering that humiliation again. She knew her father well and once he got an idea in his head, he was like a dog on a bone. Anything she might say to try to change his mind was wasted breath, so she had no choice but to resort to playing the reluctant matchmaker.
No, Carmella, Im not setting Ariana and Grant up with each other. Ariana really needs Grants help.
And you really need Grant to find a wife.
Other than me.
Exactly.
Carmella patted her hand. Your father loves you very much, Emily. He only wants your happiness.
And ten or twelve grandchildren.
Carmella laughed. Would one or two be so bad?