Love Me Tonight by Gwynne Forster Read Free Book Online

just come out and said it? Getting to know awoman is so damned difficult. I wish they weren’t so mysterious.”
    Later, he walked into his apartment and called her. She had his office and cell phone numbers, and he wanted her to know how to reach him on his home phone. The number would register on her phone.
    He nearly laughed when she answered on the second ring. “Hi. This is Judson. I’m home without mishap.”
    â€œI’ll thank the Lord when I say my prayers. Good night.”
    â€œYou’re a sweet woman. Good night.”
    Â 
    â€œI’m getting involved with this man,” Heather said to herself the next morning, thinking of her evening with Judson and still uncertain as to the wisdom of it. She enjoyed his company, and he fit well into her comfort zone with no effort. It seemed natural to be with him.
    As she entered the elevator she encountered Scott at the State Department. “How’s it going?” he asked as usual.
    â€œSome good and some bad, Scott. With me, you know nothing ever goes perfectly.”
    â€œNo? What about you and Judson? Have you seen him yet?”
    â€œYes, but… We had dinner together last night.”
    They stepped off the elevator, and he gently grabbed her left arm. “I don’t get it. I’d have sworn that you two were perfect for each other. Don’t you get along?”
    â€œStop worrying about us, Scott. He’s… What do I know? I haven’t had enough experience to judge whether it’s right to feel so comfortable with a man you hardlyknow. I mean, I don’t even bother to put up my guard when I’m with Judson, and that isn’t my style at all.”
    â€œWhy shouldn’t you feel comfortable with him? Besides, the real reason you’re comfortable with him is because you trust him.”
    â€œYes. You may be right. I guess what I’ve needed was a brother.”
    A grin spread over his face. “You’ve got a brother. What am I supposed to be?”
    She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Scott, that’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me in all the time I’ve known you. If you ever need a sister remember that you have one in me. And if the people on this floor wouldn’t get the wrong idea, I’d hug you.”
    He winked at her. “Hug accepted. Save the real ones for Judson.”
    â€œI will,” she said and headed for her office, her steps quick and light. Sitting at her desk, she saw in her in-box a letter, the return address of which told her that this was what she had awaited all of her professional career. With trembling fingers and eyes tightly closed, she pried open the flap of the envelope. And after she forced her eyelids to open, she read that she should make an appointment with her superior for an interview the following morning. Her boss was preparing to appoint an ambassador to Albania.
    She wanted the promotion, and it was due, but she did not want to go all the way to Albania. She told Judson as much when he called her a few minutes before noon.
    â€œAt least they’re not sending you to Calcutta,” he said. “It could be much worse.”
    â€œIt isn’t an appointment. It’s only my first query. They have an opening, and they want to know whether I have the potential to serve as a full ambassador. I definitely do not plan to spend an important chunk of my life in a place that doesn’t have a first-class symphony orchestra,” she complained.
    He couldn’t help laughing. “You’ll have to start small, though. At any rate, I’m glad that you’re being recognized.”
    â€œThanks. So am I. What are you planning for today?” she asked him.
    â€œI have some interviews in connection with that medical malpractice suit. What time do you think you’ll get home tomorrow?”
    â€œSometime late in the afternoon. Maybe around five-thirty or six.”
    â€œCould we