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you find me, Mr. Meyers? How did you know where I worked, my name…anything about me at all?”
    He straightened.  She was tough.  She was bright.  She was a more than worthy adversary.  Taking a breath, he shrugged.  “I have a really great detective I keep on retainer for unforeseen circumstances.”
    “And I am such a scenario?”  She questioned.  “How is it you even came across my ad?  You don’t strike me as the kind of man to even read the personals, let alone respond to them.”
    She was challenging him and he loved it.  “Well, Ms. Matthews, I find myself newly divorced…”
    “And in need of some companionship?”  Hannah asked in disbelief.  “Come on now.”  She shook her head and scowled.
    “My mother is in town, desperate to see me happily married, and when I returned home the other night, she had left the personals on my desk in the study with a plea.”  That much was true at least.  “And I thought that if I could just show her I was willing to try again then she might be content and leave me alone, fly back to Florida.”  That part was a little flimsy.
    Her head cocked to the side as she listened to his explanation.  “Then why respond to my particular ad?  Wouldn’t your mother be suspicious of some woman you move into your home, a woman who comes with children?  Wouldn’t the red flags go up?  Wouldn’t she be screaming ‘gold digger‘?”
    Sighing, Gavin continued, “My mother is desperate for grandchildren.  I think even step ones would appease her for the time.  She has a daughter, but she has turned out to be a bit of a disappointment of late.”  He was uncomfortable how much truth he had revealed to this stranger, a stranger that he planned to use and abuse to his liking.
    They had been walking aimlessly down the street through the entire discussion and suddenly found themselves in front of Fuel Pizza.  He nodded toward the entrance.  “I’m starving.  What if we finish this discussion over a slice?”  She hesitated.  “Come on.”  He placed a hand on her lower back that just wrapped around her side as he directed her through the entrance.  It was disconcerting how natural that felt, touching her.  He could almost imagine how silky smooth her skin was under those layers of clothing.  Gavin frowned.  It would have to remain a mystery, since romance did not figure into his plan at all.  Love and sex were complications he couldn’t afford at this juncture of his life.  He squared his shoulders and followed her through the door.
     
    ***
     
    Pacing excitedly, Hannah waited for Amy to return her call.  It had been nearly three hours.  She knew it was just now nearing her friend’s dinnertime.  Amy worked long hours, the typical driven single career woman.  When Hannah had commented once her friend never dated, Amy had merely remarked it shouldn’t be surprising after all she’s seen.
    At last her phone sounded and Hannah dove on it.  “I need a contract drawn up,” she said excitedly.  “Actually, it’s more a terms of service.”  She laughed at her joke.
    “That really isn’t my field,” her best friend admitted, then paused.  “Have you found him?  Is that why you need a contract?”
    Squealing happily, Hannah replied, “I think so.  And I’m being very smart about it.  We’re going to make everything very legal, lay out all the expectations and requirements on both sides.  I want something…ironclad.”
    “Of course you do,” Amy said rolling her eyes.  “Well, I suppose I could recommend someone.  Let me think on it and I’ll get back to you.  Of course anyone I select will be very discreet.  Nature of the business, you know.”
    Hannah tried to be serious, but she was so overwhelmed with relief she wanted to scream and shout and jump around.  When she thought about how close she had come to complete and utter ruin, she sighed.  Now they would have a roof over their heads.  A very nice roof, she