“Not at the moment, thank you. I’ll let you know if I need anything for the Epiphany party.”

“I’m sure you and Ada have it well in hand.” He turned and started toward the door, but stopped abruptly. He faced her once more. “Are you still happy here, Evie?”

“Of course. Why would you ask?”

“I was thinking about Ada and how happy she was as our bookkeeper and how she’s happier still now that she’s wed to Max.”

Evie scowled at him. “You aren’t suggesting I should marry, are you?”

“Not at all. I just wondered if you might be…missing something from your life. I don’t think you’ve taken a lover since we parted.”

“How would you know?” Her voice rose more than she liked. She took a breath to calm herself in the face of his intrusion. “You must realize that for those of us who know you well, we have begun to call you the Meddlesome Matchmaker. Some even add ‘of Extreme Officiousness’ at the end.”

Lucien snorted. “Right up until they fall in love and are ultimately grateful for my help.”

“I am not one of those people, Lucien,” she said firmly. “I do not want, nor do I require your ‘help.’ I believe I was very clear with you nearly three years ago when I ended our arrangement that I prefer my independence.”

“You did. That doesn’t mean you can’t allow yourself some indulgence. No one deserves it more.” He hesitated before adding, “And frankly, I have a hard time imagining how a woman as sensual as you could—”

She slapped her hand on her desk. “Stop. You aren’t allowed to discuss that with me. That is the past. I believe our business is concluded for the moment.” She summoned a thoroughly false and rather agitated smile.

“My apologies. It’s just that I care for you so much. Of all the people I’ve helped, you’re the one whose happiness matters the most to me.”

That softened her. He’d never said that to her before. “Thank you. But while I appreciate that sentiment, you do not have permission to bother me about such things.”

“I understand. Just know that I will always care for you—as a dear friend.”

“I know.” She waved him off. “Now leave me to work.”

He dipped his chin and spun about, striding from her office.