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lobby. Kirsten paid no attention to the replicas of Northwest Indian carvings that lined the walls, and made straight for the wide glass doors that opened onto the darkened parking lot.
    "You were right this afternoon when you said Silco gave us a wolf to do a wolf's job!" she snapped, not looking at Ben. "But I hope you don't intend to sink to Liz Wilford's level and try to make friends with him. He'll still gobble you up if the mood takes him!"
    "Ah, come on, Kirsten." Ben settled her wrap over her shoulders as they came to a halt in front of his car. She had completely forgotten it in her hasty departure, not being accustomed to leaving scenes in high dudgeon. Which meant she'd led too sheltered a life, Kirsten reflected.
    "Aren't you taking this a little too seriously?" Ben continued, opening the door. "All the man did was dance with you a few times…" He broke off as she glared at him. Kirsten was very, very certain she wanted only easy-going, good-natured men like Ben in her life and not the overwhelming, giant-sized ones, but there were times, she told herself, when it would be pleasant if the Ben types were a little more protective! Well, you can't have everything, she reminded herself firmly, and she didn't need a man's protection from another man! She could take care of herself.
    "Let's go home, Ben," she said quietly. "It's been a long evening!"
    "Kirsten, it's too early! There are other places in town. What do you say we try the lounge at the Washington Room? They've got a new disco band, Jess told me this afternoon…"
    One look at the pleading expression in those brown eyes and Kirsten gave in. She didn't have the heart to spoil Ben's evening even if she was more than ready to call it a night.
    "All right," she smiled, trying to lighten her mood for his sake. "Let's go."
    It was nearly one o'clock in the morning when Ben finally deposited her at the front door of her apartment. He hung around hopefully for a nightcap invitation, but this time Kirsten was firm. It had been a long week and she was tired. All she craved now was her bed.
    "Maybe I'll see you over the weekend?" he suggested half-heartedly as he leaned forward to give Kirsten a peck on the cheek. He had aimed for her mouth but at the last moment she evaded him. As she usually did.
    "We'll see, Ben," Kirsten temporized. "I really should catch up on my housework…" Talk about a lame excuse, Kirsten thought mockingly!
    "Yeah, well, maybe I'll give the new secretary a call," he commented slyly, as if waiting to see how she'd take the hint of competition. Like a small boy, Kirsten thought with a flash of humor.
    "Joyce Osborne? I think that would be very nice. She hasn't had a chance to meet anyone yet," she told him cheerfully. No man, not even a nice one like Ben, was going to think Kirsten Mallory responded to threats like that! Ben sighed, apparently abandoning the effort. "All you're looking for is a friend, isn't it, Kirsten?" He smiled in a woebegone fashion, but the brown eyes didn't reflect any real hurt and Kirsten's mouth curved gently. "Yes, Ben. Just a friend."
    "I was beginning to realize that." He took a deep breath and stuck out his hand. "Well, I'll say good night, friend !" His grin was genuine if a trifle forced.
    Kirsten shook it gratefully and then waved good-bye with a sense of relief before opening her apartment door. The soft hum of the aquarium pump was the only sound in the darkened room and the fluorescent light above the tank provided the sole light source. Kirsten groped for a moment and found the hall switch.
    For an instant the disaster didn't register. She had told Ben she needed to catch up with her housekeeping but this was ridiculous! Chaos reigned. From where she stood Kirsten could see turned-out drawers, upended chairs, torn cushions, and a broken lamp. She couldn't believe it! Kirsten simply stood there, staring for what seemed an eternity before she was startled out of her trance by the sound of a swift, hard knock