Part 117 (2/2)

all eaten soup and hot sandwiches in the kitchen.

He was well mannered, witty, intelligent, and mouthwateringly

attractive. And gay. So was Johnno, Emma reminded herself and tried a

smile.

”Good morning.”

Luke turned. He looked different this morning with his hair styled, his

face shaven. He wore gray pleated slacks and a trim blue s.h.i.+rt set off

with a thin tie of a darker shade. He looked alert and hiply

professional. The upwardly mobile young executive, she thought, and

such a complete contrast to Johnno.

”Hi. Didn't think you'd surface till this afternoon. Coffee?”

”Thanks. I couldn't sleep. Marianne and I are going apartment hunting

this afternoon. And I guess I'm worried about how my father reacted

when Johnno called him.”

”Johnno's very persuasive.” He slid the coffee in front of her. ”Why

don't I put you out of your misery? Toast?”

”No.” She pressed a hand to her stomach. ”Do you know what happened?”

”They argued, a lot.” Luke checked his watch, then sat beside her.

”Johnno called him a few names I'm not sure he'd like me to repeat to

you.”

She dropped her head into her cupped hands. ”Terrific.”

”He also vowed, and I think a blood oath was mentioned, to keep an eye

on you.”

”Bless him.”

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