When they’d finished the meal, Zachary looked at his watch. “I’m sorry to leave so soon, but I have an appointment.”

Janine took a last sip of her coffee. “I should be leaving, too.” She reached for her purse and coat, then slid out of the booth, waiting for her grandfather to join her.

“If neither of you objects, I’m going to linger over my coffee,” Anton said, nodding toward his steaming cup.

“Of course.” Janine leaned over to kiss him goodbye.

Zachary walked out to the street with her. Before he left, he shook her hand. “It’s been a pleasure, Ms. Hartman.”

“You’re sure?” she teased, unable to stop herself.

“Yes.” His eyes held hers and he smiled. She walked away feeling oddly excited about their meeting. Zach wasn’t an easy person to know, but she suspected he was everything her grandfather claimed and more.

* * *

GRAMPS’S MOOD remained cheerful when he got home later that evening. Janine was in the library sipping herbal tea with her feet tucked under her as she watched the local news.

Sitting in the wingback leather chair next to her, Gramps crossed his legs and chose one of his Havana cigars. Janine shook her head affectionately as he lit it; she loved her grandfather dearly and wished he’d stop smoking, though she no longer bothered to express that wish. He was the kind of man who did exactly as he chose, got exactly what he wanted. He was obviously pleased with the way their luncheon had gone, and she wondered briefly if Zach had said anything about her afterward. Somehow she doubted it.

“Well,” he said after a moment, “What do you think of Zachary Thomas?” He blew a steady stream of smoke at the ceiling while he awaited her answer.

All afternoon, Janine had prepared herself for his question. Several complicated answers had presented themselves, clever replies that would sidestep her true feelings, but she used none of them now. Her grandfather expected the truth, and it was her duty to give it to him.

“I’m not sure. He’s a very…reserved man, isn’t he?”

Anton chuckled. “Yes, he is, but I’ve never known you to walk away from a challenge. The boy’s a little rough around the edges, but on the inside, he’s pure gold.”

Janine hadn’t thought of Zach in those terms—a challenge. Frankly, she doubted there’d be much reason for her to have any future contact with him. Gramps and Zach would be working closely together, but she had almost nothing to do with the business.

“I’ve earned his trust, but it took time,” Gramps was saying now.

“I’m glad you’ve decided to retire,” she said absently, half listening to the weather report.

“Zachary will change,” her grandfather added.

He had her full attention now. “Gramps,” she said patiently, holding in a laugh. “Why should he? He’s achieved considerable financial success. Everything’s looking good for him. What possible reason could there be for him to change?”

Anton stood and poured himself a liberal dose of brandy, swirling it slowly in the bottom of the snifter. “You’re going to change him,” he said after a thoughtful moment.