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WE LAND ON PORTLAND’S don helipad fifteen ines to idle and switch off the transponder, fuel, and radios, the uncertainty I’ve felt since I resolved to win her back resurfaces I need to tell her how I feel, and that’s going to be hard—because I don’t understand s toward her I know that I’ve missed her, that I’ve beento try a relationship her way But will it be enough for her? Will it be enough for me?

Talk to her, Grey

Once I’ve unbuckled my harness I lean across to undo hers and catch a trace of her sweet fragrance As ever, she s an inappropriate thought? What exactly is she thinking? As usual I’d love to know, but have no idea

“Good trip, Miss Steele?”

“Yes, thank you, Mr Grey”

“Well, let’s go see the boy’s photos” I open the door, jump down, and hold my hand out for her

Joe, the reet us He’s an antique: a veteran of the Korean War, but still as spry and acute as a ht up as he gives y smile

“Joe, keep her safe for Stephan He’ll be along around eight or nine”

“Will do, Mr Grey Ma’a downstairs, sir Oh, and the elevator’s out of order You’ll need to use the stairs”

“Thank you, Joe”

As we head for the eh-heeled boots and renified fall into my office

“Good thing for you this is only three floors—in those heels” I hide my smile

“Don’t you like the boots?” she asks, looking down at her feet A pleasing vision of thes to mind

“I like them very much, Anastasia” I hope hts “Co your neck” I’ivesmy arm around her waist, I pull her to my side and we descend the stairs

In the car on the way to the galleryof an exhibition by her so-called friend The ue into her mouth Perhaps over the last few days they’ve talked Perhaps this is a long-anticipated rendezvous between them

Hell, I hadn’t considered that before I sure hope it’s not

“José is just a friend,” Ana explains