Page 74 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

With Rhonda’s silent blessing, I said, “And beyond the talking?

Emma hugged herself. “Wow! That’s all I’ll say.”

I laughed and clapped my hands. “Wait until Rhonda hears this. She’ll be as delighted as I am for you.”

Emma held up a hand. “We can’t get too carried away. Rand told me he wants to see me every night he’s here, but that’s as far as it’s gone. I’m staying with Darryl, and that’s how it’s going to be unless Rand and I both decide to do something different. I know younger people hop into and out of bed, but that’s not me. We may have kissed and all, but we haven’t gone to bed.”

“There’s no rush,” I said. “But you either have chemistry or you don’t, and it sounds as if the two of you do.”

“Yes,” said Emma as a satisfied smile crossed her face.

“It’s magic when it happens and everything else is right. I hope this is the case for you.”

“Me, too. I feel absolutely giddy with the possibility,” said Emma.

“Let’s enjoy the walk. It’s a beautiful day.” I gave her an excited hug before we resumed our walk.

Emma kept up with my brisk pace. I let her talk as she told me more about Rand and the harsh childhood he had growing up. “He is by nature a cautious man because of the stringent expectations placed upon him by his father. He told me he’s always wanted a family but was afraid that he might be difficult like his father.”

“That’s very honest of him,” I commented.

“Yes, after I answered his questions honestly, he began to open up to me. He’s been hurt by other women who didn’t care about him as a person but wanted his money and to be seen with him.”

“Whew! That’s degrading,” I said. I’d married Vaughn who had both the looks and the money, but those were not the qualities I measured him by or ever would. The man himself is what I loved. I remembered him first touching my hand, how his fingers wound around it, signaling strength and gentleness at the same time.

Emma stopped, looked at me, and shook her head. “Is this thing between Rand and me crazy? A fairytale?”

“No, I don’t think it is. But because it’s happening this fast, you have to give it the test of time,” I said. “If it’s real, you’ll both know it here.” I tapped my chest over my heart.

We walked farther before I stopped. “How’s Darryl this morning? I told him I thought he was pushing Abbie away. I know he wants to protect her, but …”

“He and I had an argument about it, and this morning he’s going to call her,” Emma said, breaking into my conversation with a thumbs-up signal. “I think you helped him see that this is what he should do.”

“I’m glad,” I said and looked up to find Darryl and Rand jogging toward us.

We waited for them to approach.

“Two lovelies on a lovely day,” said Rand, beaming at us.

“Hi, guys,” said Emma. “How many miles have you done today?”

“I figured it was about six up and back,” said Darryl. “I think Abbie is going to be pleased when she hears.”

“You’re going to ask her to come to Florida?” I asked him.

“Yes. I’ll protect her as much as possible, but it’ll be a test to see if what we have can work. Her clients consist of many high-profile people. She’s used to the idea of publicity because of them.”

“I’m really happy she’ll be here,” I said.

“She knows about the plan I have for my future and has already agreed to help me organize it,” said Darryl.

“It pays to have a smart woman beside you,” said Rand, settling a gaze on Emma. “I’ve been thinking about your suggestion for a charitable opportunity.”

“That makes me happy,” said Emma.

“Well, I guess I’d better head back to the hotel. It’s great to see everyone. Let me know if the hotel can do anything for you,” I said, wanting to give them their time alone.

“See you tomorrow,” said Emma. “Tell Rhonda hello and thank her again for dinner last night.”

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