Page 53 of Perfect Three

Lucy woke with it fresh in her mind.Obviously, she’d been thinking about Allison and the two men through the day and it had come to the fore in her sleep.She just hoped that it was merely a dream and not something prophetic.

The final quote came in well within her budget.In fact, it was almost the same as the others who wanted to replace the whole thing with steel and many thousands cheaper than renewing the whole roof with slate.Lucy thought hard about it, then decided to make her final decision after sleeping on it, although she thought she’d be rather stupid not to accept it.

Around three-thirty, Geoffrey called in on his way home from work.He had a jar of Allison’s homemade Lemon Curd for her.She talked to him about the roof, and he said he supported whichever decision she made but agreed with her that the final quote seemed the most honest and best.

They both stood alongside his car, staring up at the roof.

“The slate does look good, Lucy.”

“I know, Geoff.Replacing the entire roof in slate was my sticking point, but this latest contractor seems to think most of it is okay.His quote is around the same as having the full steel roof laid, and it will mean it will still be all slate.”

He gave her a hug and told her he was there if she wanted to discuss it or if she wanted him to look through the quote.She thanked him and watched him drive up and out through the double gate at the entrance to her property.

Turning back, she took one more look at the roof then went inside to dress for the evening out, settling on a dark green three-quarter sleeved dress.It had a boat neckline, and she always felt special in it.It flared out in the skirt and hugged her in all the right places.She twisted her hair up into a bun and clipped it tight.

About twenty past six, she heard a car pull up.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Going to the frontdoor, she was surprised to see it was Jack alone.

“Hello, gorgeous.The boss-man got caught up at work, so I’ve come to spirit you off.I hope you won’t mind if we eat at the restaurant, as I’m not sure what time Seb will be free.There was a major problem with the liquor order, and he’s tearing his hair out trying to sort it out.”

“Sounds fine to me.Just let me get my bag.”

“Hang on before you go.”

Lucy stopped mid-stride, thinking something was wrong, but Jack entered the house and wrapped her in his strong arms.He kissed her, and Lucy felt like singing with joy.His kiss was more demanding than it had been previously.It was also filled with longing.It was strong and forceful, and she melted against him, allowing him to take whatever he wanted.When they separated, she knew her face was bright red.

“Mm, that’s better.I’ve been thinking about your delicious mouth all the way here.”

Lucy wasn’t sure what to say, so she ran into the family room to pick up her bag from where she’d left it.When she returned, Jack looked at her as if he saw her for the first time.

“My God, Lucy, you’re gorgeous.Do you know you take my breath away?”

Now that was something she could very easily get used to—compliments.He held out his hand and she slid hers into it.Not sure how to answer, Lucy decided to say nothing.

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