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they liked Abigail Connors from the first. Perhaps it was because she was their good friends’ daughter, but he had a feeling his parents would have taken to Abigail even if she weren’t. “Thank you for going to see them.”
    “I’m glad I did—and that I get to see them again. Are you sure you don’t mind picking me up and taking me to church—”
    “Of course not. I’ll be happy to. I’d be—”
    “Oh yes,” Abigail interrupted. “I’d almost forgotten you are being paid—”
    “Miss Connors, I’d be happy to take you to church even if your father hadn’t hired my agency to protect you while you are here.” Marcus had a feeling that he knew what she was thinking and wanted to assure her. “I will be more than glad to take you to church and back to my parents’ home for Sunday dinner.”
    She was silent for a moment, and then she said, “Thank you. I will be ready.”
    “Good.” Marcus hoped that she’d seen she was more than just a client to him. “Since there is that family connection, do you think we might be able to call each other by our first names?” He grinned at her, hoping for a smile.
    “I suppose we could. It would certainly be easier if we are to see much of each other while I am here.”
    “Oh, we’re going to see each other, Abigail—aside from the fact that my firm is in charge of protecting you, you are also a friend of the family.”
    “Then we can go by first names. Marcus it will be.”
    He liked the way she said his name.
    “Well then, Abigail, would you care to have dinner at your hotel with me tonight?”
    “Marcus, you don’t have to watch me every waking hour.”
    “I know that. The invitation wasn’t part of the job. We both have to eat, and I often eat at the Arlington. The food is excellent.” They arrived at the hotel just then, and the topic was dropped for the time being. Marcus, however, had every intention of getting back to it.
    He helped Abigail down from the buggy and walked her inside the hotel. But before he saw her to her room, he took hold of her arm and steered her toward Morgan, who’d come into the hotel just ahead of them. Marcus had let him know earlier that he could take a few hours off. Now he was sitting in a chair that had a good view of the staircase, reading—or pretending to read—a paper.
    “Morgan, I thought Miss Connors should meet the men I have assigned to her. Miss Connors, this is Alan Morgan. He is on day duty this weekend.”
    “How do you do, Miss Connors? Be assured that if you need anything, I’ll be right here.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Morgan. I’m glad to know who you are and that I can call on you if needed.”
    “Anytime, ma’am.” The agent bowed at the waist.
    “Your relief will be here shortly, Morgan, and I’ll be talking to you later.”
    “Yes, sir,” Morgan said. He went back to his paper as Marcus led Abigail away.
    He accompanied her up to her room and took the key from her. After unlocking the door and giving a look inside, he handed the key back to her. “You know, you never answered me. Will you have supper with me? We both have to eat, and while those little sandwiches my mother served are delicious, they didn’t do much to fill me up.” He looked down at her with a grin.
    “I’d like to change first. Can you wait for me to do that?”
    She looked up into his eyes, and Marcus felt something he’d never experienced before. He wasn’t even sure what it was. He only knew he badly wanted her to say yes, and he’d wait for however long it took.
    “I can. Will an hour be enough time?” He’d wait longer if needed.
    “Yes, I can be ready by then.”
    “I’ll be back up to get you”—Marcus looked at his watch—“at seven o’clock.”
    “I’ll be ready.”
    He nodded and turned to leave, grinning as he did so. He didn’t have much time either, if he was going to change and get back by seven.
    ❧
    Abigail was extremely proud that she’d managed to get ready with five minutes to