Page 17 of A Powerful Attraction
As soon as the call ended, Talia said, “Well…?”
“I’m going out with him again. Tonight.”
“That much we gathered.”
“He wouldn’t tell me where we’re going or what we’ll be doing, so I have no details. I guess I won’t see the kids after all. I’ll have to skip dinner tonight.”
“That doesn’t seem to bother you much,” Shawna pointed out with a smile.
Sherry couldn’t stop grinning. “It doesn’t bother me at all.”
8
Sherry skipped down the steps of her apartment building and straight into Alex’s arms. He lifted her off the ground like she weighed a mere ounce and planted a wet kiss on her lips. He tasted delicious, like the most decadent dessert, and she wouldn’t have let him go, but he set her down on her feet, and she reluctantly dropped her arms.
“You look amazing,” he said, taking her by the hands and simply staring at her in appreciation from head to toe.
She grinned broadly, because who wouldn’t when a man looked at you like that? She was glad she’d chosen her long-sleeved, floral-print maxi dress. The flowy dress covered her from chest to ankle, but the off-the-shoulders design made her feel sexy.
“Thank you. And so do you.” He wore black on black this evening, and the short sleeves of the polo shirt showed off his muscular forearms covered in fine hairs.
He led her to the Porsche and she slid in. Alex climbed in the driver side and started the car.
“Are you going to tell me what we’re going to do, or is that still top secret?” she asked.
“Still top secret.” He glanced behind him as he reversed, and she admired his handsome profile. How did she get so lucky?
“Not even a hint?” Sherry whined.
“Not even a hint.” He tapped her chin and pulled into traffic.
“Can you at least tell me if I’m dressed appropriately?”
His gaze skipped over her exposed shoulders. “Your dress is very appropriate,” he said in a low voice.
A tingle of pleasure swept down her spine. Satisfied with that answer, Sherry settled in for the ride. They remained silent for a bit as they took off toward downtown.
“How was your visit with your friend at the hospital?” she asked.
“Much of the same.” He switched lanes.
“How often do you go?”
“Several times a week and every Saturday.”
His devotion astounded her. “What’s wrong with him?” she asked.
“Her. Her name’s Heather, and she has Castleman’s disease.” When she frowned, he continued. “It’s a rare disease that almost killed her a couple of years ago. She’s been in and out of the hospital ever since, and about a month ago was admitted again because of another episode.” As he talked, his face grew taut.
“I’m sorry. I hope she recovers soon.”
“I do too.”
Sherry squeezed his hand atop the gearshift, and he smiled gratefully at her.
“She’s a good friend. She and Rashad and I have known each other since college. Seeing her sick like this has been a real blow. I’m used to her being vivacious and outgoing, but now she’s a fraction of herself, and it’s hard. Shewillget better. I know she will.”
“I’ll keep her in my prayers.”
