Courtship of the Recluse

"You'd put on some weight if you'd slow down a little. You do more work than the other two girls put together. Sure, you're thin, but you've got everything situated right. If he isn't blind or dead, I'm sure he's noticed. As for your mouth, people are always commenting on your beautiful smile and how those blue eyes of yours are so full of life. Are you trying to tell me he hasn't even noticed all that?"

"Don't forget the mess of red hair and freckles. I suppose he missed those. Oh, and you know what they say: Men don't make passes at girls who wear glasses."

"Auburn hair - and you barely have enough freckles for anyone to notice. Don't get on that kick about how ugly you are. I've noticed the guys eyeing you - glasses and all. Now tell me. What else does the hermit want for his $100 a week?"

"Oh for crying out loud, Mary. Don't you think he's a little old for me? Anyway, he's about as romantic as a doorstop. All he wants is a housekeeper."

"Old? Oh yeah. I forgot. He's almost thirty - like me." She sighed. "So you're not the least bit interested in him?"

"Not romantically. If I were, I wouldn't take the job. Do you think I'm crazy?"

"No, just naive."

"Why? Because I'm still looking for a guy who doesn't make me feel like a tease when I won't sleep with him - or because you think I'll never find a man like that?"

"Because I think you just did. I don't know if the years have changed his philosophy, but he used to feel the same way you do. No hanky-panky until after marriage."

"Good for him, but what does that have to do with me working for him? I'd think that would make you even more comfortable with the idea. Or do you think I'm going to lead him astray? Honestly, Mary. It sounds like you've got a case on him. You can have him. All I want is the job."

The line was silent for a few moments. Finally Mary let loose with a heavy sigh. "We're all only human. We can all be tempted. It's fine to have high ideals about not going too far, but the reality of it is, it can happen before you realize what is happening."

"Oh, come on. When you start removing your clothes, naive or not, you've got to realize you're doing something wrong. All it takes is the resolve to stop - provided you actually want to stop."

"Bingo. Maybe you won't want to."

"With Mr. Cade?" Cynthia rolled her eyes in exasperation. "You have nothing to worry about. Even if he were a gorgeous stud, I wouldn't become romantically involved with my boss. You know how I feel about that sort of thing."