Page 47 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Anna glanced at Wilhelm, who nodded.

“We enjoyed having you with us last night,” Wilhelm said.

Anna’s heart warmed, and she smiled. “I’d like to, but I don’t know if Devin would approve.”

“I will speak to him,” Wilhelm said with a firm nod. “I am sure it will not be a problem.”

“I’d like that.” Anna’s eyes widened, surprised at herself that she’d spoken so boldly.

“I would as well,” Kurt said, kissing her deeply. “Or else I will have to come visit you.”

She said goodbye to Kurt and Wilhelm on the Manor steps, and Ian led her back to her room. Devin was at work.

“Did you have a good time?” he asked, opening her bedroom door for her.

She paused, wondering at his interest, but then realized he was probably asking on behalf of Devin. “I did. I think Kurt was happy.”

Ian nodded, face inscrutable. “Devin will be pleased.”

Anna walked into her room, and Ian closed the door behind her. She sat on the chair near the window and let her thoughts drift back to Kurt and how different he was from every other man she’d known.

Chapter 20

The next morning, Anna was awoken early by Devin knocking on her door. He walked in and sat on the edge of her bed. “Did you have a good time with Kurt?”

She rubbed her eyes and sat up. “Yes, Devin.” She smiled as the memories returned. “I had a really nice time. The ballet was wonderful.”

He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Good. I’m glad.” He pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to her. “So I can keep in touch with you if you go out with them again.”

Anna took the phone he held out to her. “Again?”

Devin smiled. “Wilhelm called me last night and asked if he and Kurt could take you out to dinner on Wednesday. I told him you’d love to.” His brows furrowed. “I hope you don’t mind.”

Anna beamed. “I don’t mind at all.” The idea of seeing Kurt again made her heart leap.

Devin chuckled. “I think you like him.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, Devin, it’s not?—‍”

He smiled and shook his head. “I don’t blame you at all, Baby. He’s much closer in age to you than I am. I can imagine you’d enjoy spending time with someone your own age. I don’t mind. I want you to be happy.”

Anna beamed up at him. “Thank you, Devin. I think I am.”

“Think?” His eyes glinted with amusement.

She bit her lip. “It’s... it’s all so new. I’m not used to... nice.” She gave a small shrug and looked down at her hands.

Devin hugged her. “I know. And I’m so sorry you had to go through everything you did.” He kissed her head. “But things are better now and they will stay that way.” He leaned back and looked into her eyes. “I wish I could stay and make love to you, but I have a meeting this morning.” He smiled again. “Would you like to have lunch with me tomorrow?”

Anna nodded enthusiastically and Devin laughed. “Good. I’ll have Ian drop you off at my office around noon, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Good.” He kissed her cheek and stood. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He paused as he opened the door and glanced back. “I’m waiting to hear back from Martin about ballet classes. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything.” Martin was the ballet master of the San Francisco ballet company and head of the school.

Anna watched him leave and then snuggled back into the covers, grinning. This would be another good week. Lunch with Devin. Dinner with Kurt. More ballet classes in the future. Her heart felt as if it would burst with happiness.

Late the next morning, Maggie helped Anna get ready for her lunch with Devin. She’d brought a blue sheath dress and stockings, with matching lingerie to wear. She also took the time to show Anna how to put on makeup and how to do her hair.

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