“Nothing bad, I hope.”
“Not the best night, but it could have been worse.” Stone motioned to one of his guest chairs. “Have a seat.”
Ash glanced at his watch. “Um…I’m supposed to meet Miss Hirschy and the real estate broker soon.” He paused, then said, “I can call and see if we can move it back, if you’d like.”
“When do you have to leave?”
“In five minutes, to make it on time.”
“That should be more than enough.”
“Okay.” Ash sat at the edge of the seat, ready to jump up as soon as he was allowed.
“I’ll cut right to the chase,” Stone said. “Is there something going on between you and Sara?”
Ash looked aghast. “No, sir. Of course not. Being romantically involved with a client would be unethical.”
“You are correct, and I’m glad you know that. Would you care to guess as to why I might ask about the possibility?”
Ash shook his head.
“Try again.”
Ash sat rigidly for a moment before his shoulders slumped. “Am I that obvious?”
“The fact that we’re sitting here talking about this should be answer enough.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Barrington. I really like her. But I swear I haven’t done anything about it. I don’t think she even knows.”
“Oh, she knows.”
“She does?” Ash asked, sounding surprised and a little hopeful.
“Dear boy, she is as smitten with you as you are with her. Have you not seen the way she looks at you?”
Ash grinned. “Really?”
“Yes, but the point of this discussion is not to confirm your schoolboy crush.”
“Right.” Ash took a deep breath and suppressed his smile. “Don’t worry, sir. I promise I will not cross the line. Miss Hirschy is our client, and my sole goal is to provide her with good service.”
Stone raised an eyebrow.
Ash’s cheeks reddened. “Legal service, I mean. Nothing more. I swear.”
“I appreciate your dedication. I’ve been thinking, however, that it might be better if we remove you from anything having to do with Sara.”
Ash looked shocked by the suggestion. “Is…is that really necessary?”
“I think you’re missing the point,” Stone said. “By doing so, I’m setting you free to pursue a personal relationship with her. Is that not what you’re interested in?”
“Well, yes, but…. Why would she want to go out with me? She’s an heiress, and I’m just a normal guy.”
“That’s a question you’ll have to ask her. But my sense is you’ll like her response.”
Ash thought about it, then nodded. “Okay. Take me off her account.” He started to smile, then stopped himself. “Wait! Can we do thataftertoday? I promised Sara I’d go on the home search with her.”
“I think we can make that work.”
