seemed to be everywhere she turned。 He used
her office to make his calls； lounging back in her chair； legs long and
straight； crossed lazily at the ankles； propped on the corner of her
desk。
His presence filled the room so that it took a conscious effort on
Chloe's part to quietly creep in and steal her own work。 He followed her
every move with interest； though he was at the same time maddeningly
capable of carrying on his end of what was obviously a business
discussion。
After retreating to the back porch to bask in the rays of the westward
sun； she put her best effort into organizing the papers on her lap。 But
her best effort was sadly lacking。 Her mind wandered。 Then Ross appeared
in the flesh to ask about a bucket； a sponge； and some old towels。 He
was right on schedule； his self…satisfied air announced。 He vanished；
then reappeared and deposited the car…wash gear on the sandy grass
beside the very same porch on which she sat。
Would he do it here？ she wondered。 The smooth hum of his car's engine as
he pulled the vehicle close by the side of the house was her answer。
He wanted an audience； the rat。
She should have gotten up and left； but she sat right there in the large
wood…slatted porch chair； watching while he put his best effort into
washing； drying； and polishing his sporty brown BMW As he stretched to
soap the roof；