A Will and a Way

she didn’t believe life went on outsideof the island of Manhattan. “New Year’s if I can manage it. Okay, babe. Yeah, yeah, ciao .”
    More than a little relieved, Michael hung up. Darla was a lot of fun, but he wasn’t used to being clung to by a woman, especially one he’d only dated casually. The truth was, she was just as attracted to the influence he had with certain casting agents as she was interested in him. He didn’t hold it against her. She had ambition and talent, a combination that could work in the tough-edged business of entertaining if a dash of luck was added. After the holidays he’d make a few calls and see what he could do.
    From the doorway, Pandora watched as Michael ran a hand along the back of his neck. Darla, she repeated silently. She imagined the women his taste leaned toward had names like Darla, or Robin and Candy. Sleek, smooth, sophisticated and preferably empty-headed.
    “Popularity’s such a strain, isn’t it, darling?”
    Michael turned in his chair to give her a long, narrowed look. “Eavesdropping’s so rude, isn’t it, darling?”
    She shrugged but didn’t come in. “If you’d wanted privacy, you should’ve closed your door.”
    “Around here you have to nail it shut for privacy.”
    One brow raised, head slightly inclined, Pandora looked as aloof as royalty. “Your phone conversations have absolutely no interest for me. I only came up as a favor to Charles. You’ve a package downstairs.”
    “Thanks.” He didn’t bother to hide amusement at her tone. If he knew Pandora, and he did, she’d listened to every word. “I thought these were your sacred working hours.”
    “Some of us schedule our work well enough that we can take some time off during the holidays. No, no, let’s not bicker,” she decided abruptly before he could retaliate. “It is nearly Christmas after all, and we’ve had three weeks of peace from our familial practical jokers. Truce,” Pandora offered with a smile Michael wasn’t sure he should trust. “Or a moratorium if you prefer.”
    “Why?”
    “Let’s just say I’m a sucker for holly and ivy. Besides, I’m relieved we didn’t have to buy a big drooling dog or a supply of buckshot.”
    “For now.” Not completely satisfied, Michael tipped back in his chair. “Fitzhugh’s notion of notifying the local police of trespassers and spreading the rumor of an official investigation might be working temporarily. Or maybe our friends and family are just taking a holiday break themselves. Either way I’m not ready to relax.”
    “You’d rather break someone’s nose than solve things peaceably,” Pandora began, then waved a hand. “Never mind. I, for one, am going to enjoy the holidays and not give any of our dear family a thought.” She paused a moment, toying with her braided chain of gold and amethyst. “I suppose Darla was disappointed.”
    Michael watched the way the stones caught the thin winter light and made sparks from it. “She’ll pull through.”
    Pandora twisted the chain one way, twisted it back, then let it go. It was the sort of nervous gesture Michael hadn’t expected from her. “Michael, you know you don’t have to stay. I really will be fine if you want to run into New York for the holiday.”
    “Rule number six,” he reminded her. “We stick together,and you’ve turned down a half-dozen invitations for the holidays yourself.”
    “My choice.” She reached for the chain again, then dropped her hands. “I don’t want you to feel obligated—”
    “My choice,” he interrupted. “Or have you suddenly decided I’m chivalrous and unselfish?”
    “Certainly not,” she tossed back, but smiled. “I prefer thinking you’re just too lazy to make the trip.”
    He shook his head, but his lips curved in response. “I’m sure you would.”
    She hesitated in the doorway until he lifted a brow in question. “Michael, would you become totally obnoxious if I told you I’m glad you’re staying?”
    He studied her as she stood, looking slim and neat in the doorway, her hair a riotous contrast to the trim sweater and stovepipe pants. “I might.”
    “Then I won’t tell you.” Without another word, she slipped out of the doorway and disappeared.
    Contrary woman, Michael thought. He was close to being crazy about her. And crazy was the perfect word. She baited him or, he admitted, he baited her at every possible opportunity. He could imagine no two people less inclined to peaceful coexistence,