her. He'd recognised her instantly at the company Christmas party a year ago, despite not having seen her since she was seventeen. Their association had been too long, too closeall her childhood and adolescent yearsfor him to forget her face. And, of course, there were other things that were unforgettable, however much one might want to bloc them out. !ut she mustn't thin about that now. "he had to come up with some bright small chat to get her through the ne#t few minutes. "he too a deep breath to steady herself and turned to him with what she hoped was a surprised smile$