An Unforgettable Lady(37)

"Eddie never graduated from high school. When he turned fifty, he decided it was time to get educated. We've been through medieval history, French, and how to bake bread in the last year."

"That's wonderful."

"Yeah, except he made me eat his homework. He failed light and fluffy. Makes an excellent brick, though."

Grace glanced up at him and her quick laugh caught in her throat. His voice had been so casual, she'd assumed he was merely strolling through the plaza as she was. He wasn't. His eyes, calculating and impassive, were scanning the pedestrians around them, noting the revolving doors they were walking to, measuring the street behind them. His stride was even but she knew he could spring into action in the space of a breath.



As they stepped into the lobby, she thought about her attraction to him.

Was he right? Was her fascination with him because he was from a different world? She didn't think so. No matter what planet he was from, it was the electricity between them that tempted her. He could be another fancy-dressed, dandy blue blood like her husband or a garage mechanic. When she was in his arms, she wasn't thinking about his tax returns.

As soon as they were inside the Hall Building, people started coming up to her, greeting her, talking. It took them ten minutes to get into the elevators and she kept the conversation going with more staff while heading up the building. She asked about wives, husbands, children, family members, all by name.

When they emerged on the top floor and started down the hallway to her office, he said, "You know everyone here."

“My father inspired loyalty. A lot of the employees have been here for decades." Grace stuck her head into a conference room and waved at people in a meeting. They waved back.

"They're responding to you."

She glanced at him in surprise as they came up to Kat's desk. The young woman slowly put down her pen, eyes widening.

"Good morning, Kat," Grace said.

"Good morning."

The girl had yet to look Grace's way.

Grace smothered a smile and introduced them. "He's going to be with me for the next couple of weeks, doing some consulting work. Any calls yet?"

Kat cleared her throat and shuffled some papers. She looked up at Smith again and finally glanced over to her boss. "Ah—yes. Yes, I left them on your desk. Oh, and his lordship, the count, called. He said that he tried to reach you at home but had been unable to get through. He'd like you to call him and said you knew where he was."

"We'll be in my office for the morning."

"The count said it was urgent."

"Then I hope he's holding his breath," she muttered softly.

"What?"

"Nothing, Kat. Thanks."

When the doors were shut and they were alone, Grace put her purse down on the desk and planted herself in her father's chair.

She cleared her throat awkwardly. "So, ah ... what will you do all day? I don't want you to be bored."

"I'm not a guest, remember?" Smith settled himself at the conference table. "I’m working. Just like you are. I'll need a set of plans for this building and your schedule for the next month."

Grace opened her mouth to speak but the intercom buzzed.

"Lou Lamont is here to see you."

"Does he look like he's going to want more Earl Grey?" Grace asked.

Kat laughed softly and whispered. "No. He doesn't seem to be in the mood to stay long."

"Make a note, will you? He's getting a tea cozy for Christmas from us. Also, can you print out my schedule for the next four weeks and get security to bring up a set of floor plans?"

"Floor plans? For the executive suite? "

"The whole building."

"Ah, okay."

Grace was just getting to her feet when Lamont burst into the room.

One look at Smith and he pulled up short.

"Who are you?" The man's tone was imperious.

Smith rose from his chair slowly and Lamont tilted his head up with surprise.

In a calm voice, Grace introduced them and fed Lamont the OD line.

“No offense," he said to Smith, in a voice meant to be subtly offensive, "but you look like a bouncer."

Smith's smile didn't reach his eyes as he sat back down without responding. He looked utterly unconcerned with the man and Lamont bristled.

He looked over at Grace. "What do we need an OD consultant for?"