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I follow her inside, my eyes darting around the room as I enter.

The waiter from downstairs steps out of the kitchen carrying two glasses of wine. "Everything's clear, ma'am. No one will disturb you this evening. He nods curtly and disappears through the door, closing it softly behind himself.

"I think you're moving a little fast,Boss."

She waves a hand dismissively. "It's not what you're thinking, Josie." She gestures to the table where the wine waits, and she sits, motioning for me to do the same. "Before I tell you who I am," she says quietly, "I need to tell you a story."

I sit down, my curiosity piqued.

When I bring the glass of wine to my nose, I'm pleasantly surprised.

She said the finest, and this is definitely that. I'm more of a whisky girl myself, but I know how to appreciate the finer things in life—and this definitely fits that category. I murmur a sound of approval.

I know she's got clout. But this? This is impressive, even for her.

"I'm listening."

"You were right on the money earlier, when you profiled me. What do you do?" she asks bluntly.

I shake my head. "You're going to tell me a story."

"Josie." The way she purrs my name—I'm not sure if it's a warning growl or something else.

"I get in people's heads. And under their skin." I raise both eyebrows in challenge.

She almost rolls her eyes. "I hope they pay you well. You do excellent work." She takes a deep breath and presses on.

"You were right, about me picking an out-of-the-way place where we could go unnoticed. I hold a position of authority, and quite a few people could recognize me."

"And you're not out yet?" I ask, feigning curiosity.

She shakes her head. "It's not that. I don't publicly make a point of it, but it's not something I've ever hidden."

"You've just been too busy with your career to foster any real relationships." It doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure that out.

"I never felt the need to have a serious partner. I'm happy with my work, I have a handful of people close to me that I trust. I don't need anyone to complete me."

The Ice Queen voice is back, bordering on defensive.

"Do you have any friends?" I ask softly. I understand people who keep their circle small, but it sounds like she doesn't even have anyone she can call a friend.

She holds my gaze for a long minute. "I have people in my life that serve any purpose I need." She groans. "Almost."

I bite my lip, thinking. "You're not looking for sex," I muse. "You acted surprised when that even came out of your mouth earlier. And for a woman of your means, I imagine you could pay for anything you need in that department."

She snickers. "I don't need to pay for sex when I want it."

Still.

"So what prompted setting up a profile onHersand trying to find a date? And what test did I pass to gain entrance to your fancy private apartment?"

"Stop mocking me." She frowns.

"Tell me your story, then. Your name, too," I prompt her.

She brings her wine to her nose, inhaling slowly and savoring its aroma.

"I had a male employee come on to me last week. He's been skirting around it, trying to ask me out multiple times over the past few months. It's a power grab."