Nana, I need to go out for a walk, get a coffee or something.”

“Emily, you need to speak to Conor. He says he was at the restaurant. I believe him.”

“I am not sure I can do that Nana. He’s been acting weird since I told him some stuff. I don’t think he wants me around. He is just being nice letting us stay here.”

“That’s nonsense. Conor Dunne is mad about you. You can tell that by watching him. He wants to keep you safe. He likes having you here.”

"For how long? I'm a prisoner. I want to go home and back to work. Whoever is stalking me is winning,” Emily snapped. “Sorry, Nana, that wasn’t fair. You’re in the same boat and you did nothing.”

“Neither did you, Emily. I am proud of the stand you took. Now, what about showing me the latest parts you have been working on. I’m getting quite good at this now.”

Emily did as requested. Her grandmother had shown an unusual talent for the game, especially the sleuthing part.

“Nana, you must miss your friends a lot.”

“I do, darling, but it has been nice getting to know Conor. He is a special young man who is head over heels in love with you.”

“He is not.” At her grandmother’s raised eyes, Emily flushed. “How do you know how he feels?”

“Well, for a start, how many men would share their home with two strangers and expect nothing in return? You’re not sharing his bed.”

“Nana!”

“What? I am too old to mind my words. I’m not trying to embarrass you, darling. But think about it. Why would Conor do all of this if he didn’t care for you?”

“Because he is kind and nice.”

“He is both those things, but he could have paid for a hotel or rented an apartment. Instead, he invited you into his private life.”

“You as well, Nana.”

“I know it’s not me who has caught his eye, although maybe if I were forty years younger. And besides, you love him, too.”

Emily stared open-mouthed at her grandmother. Did she love Conor? She thought him kind, caring, sexy and passionate. He made her feel safe and protected. Most of all he made her laugh. But love?

“I don’t have time for love, Nana. I want the stalker caught so I can get back to work and rebuild what’s left of my career.”

“Your career isn’t going to keep you warm at night.”

“Nana! What did you eat this morning? I can’t talk about stuff like that with you.”

“Why not? I may be old but those urges don’t die. I am not in the ground yet.”

Emily stood up and put her arms around her grandmother. She hadn’t meant to hurt or offend her. “Sorry, Nana, I’m feeling snarky today. Let me make some coffee in Conor’s fancy machine thing—it tastes as good as the stuff you get from a fancy coffee shop.”

“Look around you, Emily. If you and Conor got together you would never want for anything again.”

“Nana, I’m not interested in his money. I don’t care whether he is rich or penniless.”

"You would love him the same.”

"You tricked me. That was mean!” Emily huffed.

"Sorry, darling, but you walked into that one. Now, when are you going to tell Conor how you feel?”

Emily busied herself with the coffee. She wasn’t going to tell Conor. It was the man’s place to make the first move, wasn’t it?

“If you tell me it’s up to the man to tell you he loves you, I will shake you.” Gertie moved closer to Emily. “I can see how he feels by the way he looks at you. He touches you on the hand or the arm at every opportunity and he is so protective. He is waiting for a sign from you, Emily. You don’t have to tell him in words. Show him. Take things slow, but give the poor man a hint. Put him out of his misery.”

Emily looked at her grandmother with amusement. “Conor miserable? I don’t think so. He said he is having more fun at work than he had in ages.”

“Whose fault is that?”

Emily glanced away.

“Emily, darling, your new friend has taken everything you said to him seriously. He is making so many changes to that company, Crystal doesn’t know if she’s coming or going.”

“Crystal? How do you know?” Emily asked. Crystal had come over to the apartment a few times and played cards with her grandmother. They had tried teaching Emily Bridge, but she found the game too complicated. Which was weird, as she was good at math. Crystal told her it was because she had no patience.

“I like Crystal. We speak a lot.”

Emily wasn’t surprised her grandmother got along well with Crystal. Her nana liked everyone and the feeling was usually mutual. She wondered if Crystal had an opinion on her and Conor, but she wasn’t about to ask. Nana had enough theories of her own and she wasn’t going to encourage her to gossip about Conor with his secretary.

“Now, where is Conor? I thought he said he was coming back here for a late lunch today?” Gertie asked.

“I guess he got delayed. What are you cooking?”

“Lasagna and green salad. I like making things, it keeps my mind busy.”

“Nana, your mind is busy enough. But I love your lasagna,” Emily added quickly.