Lara shook her head. “He likes control.”

“Then we’ll give it to him. But that doesn’t mean we can’t shape the way we want him to use it.” She put her cup down on the coffee table.

“I want to talk to him. I’m certain that you’re right about everything you’ve said about him, but I need to make my own judgments. So why don’t you go and take that shower and wash your hair while I give Tanner a cup of tea and we size each other up. I’m sure he’s curious about me, too.”

“You’re trying to get rid of me.”

“Absolutely.” She smiled. “Don’t be so wary. He’s only another man, and you know I’ll have no problem.”

“Yes.” She slowly got to her feet. “If that’s what you want. But be careful, he’s…different.” She picked up the suitcase and started back toward the bedroom. “He might surprise you.”

“I doubt that. It’s more likely that I’ll surprise him,” Maria said. “But either way, we’ll both know where we stand.” She paused. “And he’ll understand that you’re not alone in this. And so will you, Lara.”

“I’ve never thought I was alone. You were always there for me.”

“Was I? It didn’t seem that way to me.” She grimaced. “But this is a new day. We both have another chance.” She made a shooing gesture. “Now jump in that shower. I don’t want you to get in my way.”

* * *

Tanner smiled at Maria when he came into the office fifteen minutes later. “Dinner is on the way.” His gaze wandered around the room. “Lara?”

“She decided she couldn’t do without that shower you mentioned. She should be out soon.” Maria went to the bar. “But I’ve made another pot of tea and I thought we could have a cup and get to know each other. I wanted to thank you for taking such good care of Lara.”

“She was my responsibility.” He took the cup she handed him. “I couldn’t do anything else.” He took a sip. “Very good. But of course you’re a tea drinker. You’re English, aren’t you?”

“Kaskov told you?”

“He merely mentioned it in passing. He was centered on Lara.” He went to a leather easy chair and sat down. “I didn’t know anything about you until I called him back after I left you today and asked him for more details.”

She stiffened. “Kaskov and I hardly knew each other. He rarely said more than a few words to me when he came to the house to listen to Lara. She plays the piano, you know.”

“Yes, I know very well. Kaskov made sure I did.” He tilted his head. “But Kaskov is a great fan of research. He knew much more about you than you would have thought.” His glance went to the bedroom. “Lara will feel much better after she has that shower. Did I give the two of you enough time to catch up?”

“It didn’t take long. We’re so close we almost speak shorthand.” She followed him and sat down in the chair across from him. “She means everything to me.”