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But she didn't want to go there with Beth "Anyway, I don't need him This is the twenty-first century I have options Except, of course, he very considerately pointed out to et just a sperm donor, but an involved father"

"He's got a point there"

"Thanks a lot"

"I'ot three kids, and believe me, there are days when I'd like to clone myself"

"Hmm"

A buzz sounded, indicating there was an inco call on her cell phone She renized the number as Griffin's Over the years, they'd been in perfunctory phone contact about Tremont REH board business, so she wasn't surprised he had her number

Speaking into the phone again, she said to Beth, "You won't believe this, but it's Griffin on the other line Can I talk to you later?"

"Of course! Letto know if he drops any other shocks on you Oliver is so boring!"

When she'd ended the call with Beth, and switched over to the other call, she said unnecessarily, "Hello?"

"It's Griffin"

"I suppose you're calling to recant youra bored tone, even though she was experiencing the exhilaration of a sky dive "Well, no need to bother—"

"Actually," he interrupted dryly, "I' to hire you for a party"

She sighed "I feel coet my services for free So, I'e your bets?"

He laughed "Okay, you're on to me My diabolic plan is to force you, one way or another, to provide me with a free party whenever I want"

"I've got news for you," she shot back "It would hardly be a party"

He chuckled "I think I could handle you"

A wave of heat sizzled through her

"I really a of throwing a cocktail party for some business associates a week from Friday"

"Oh"

"Are you available?"

"I need to check my calendar" She already knew she was free

"I was planning to go with the caterer I usually use, nothing fancy, but after seeing you in action last night, I wanted to hire Occasions by Designs"

"I don't come cheap"

"Do you really want my answer to that?"

"You are persistent"

"My middle name And how can you resist the opportunity to prove to ood you are?" he said, his voice low and smooth as silk

Daet to her

Aloud, she said crisply, "We'll have to discuss what you want, and I'll have to send you my standard contract"

"Excellent"