I couldn’t wait to see you.’ She smiled back at him. ‘I know what you mean…and good morning, Larry.’ Taking hold of her hand, he brought her into the front hall of the apartment swiftly, drew her into his arms and closed the door with his foot, all of these movements executed with a smooth and agile fluidity. He held her close, kissing her on the cheek, taking in the perfume of her—lilies of the valley, he decided—and the fresh lemony tang of her newly washed hair. She was wearing it loose today and it fell around her face like a sleek black veil. A crooked smile lurked around his mouth. ‘You are beautiful, M, simply perfect.’ His eyes narrowed slightly, held a mischievous glint as he finished. ‘And, just imagine, you’re not even half an Audrey today. You’re just M, and that’s good enough for me.’ ‘I’m glad you like me.’ ‘You bet I do.’ Taking hold of her arm he led her into the living room, walking her through to the library. ‘This is my favourite room,’ he explained, and immediately took her over to the bay window.
