there looking at her thoughtfully, saying nothing more. And she understood how much it
meant to him.
“You have a partner,” she said.
His face lit up. “I can’t tell you how pleased I am.” Awkwardly, he held out his hand.
She shook her head, walked past his outstretched arm, hugged him and gave him a kiss on
the cheek.
“Now that we’re partners,” she teased, “I can kiss you.” She felt him suddenly hold
her tighter.
“Cathy,” he said, “I…”
Catherine put her finger to his lips. “Don’t say anything, Bill. Let’s leave it the way it
is.”
“You know I’m in love with you.”
“And I love you,” she said warmly. Semantics, she thought. The difference between
“I love you” and “I’m in love with you” was a bridgeless chasm.
Fraser smiled. “I won’t bother you, I promise. I respect the way you feel about
Larry.”
“Thank you, Bill.” She hesitated. “I don’t know whether this helps any, but if there
ever were anyone else, it would be you.”
“That’s a great help,” he grinned. “It’s going to keep me awake all night.”