Page 13 of Last Chance Plans

“Thank you. In the evening, dinner at Lambert residence, followed by a swim and a drink in the pool.”

Just like in her fantasy. “Great.”

Fifteen minutes later, he stopped in front of her high-rise.

“Thank you. Good night.” She didn’t invite him up to her condo.

“See you tomorrow.”

In the apartment, she walked to her balcony and stared out at the dark ocean, a sight that usually restored her serenity. Had she dreamed the romantic episode on his patio?

The blazing fire lingering in her chest reminded her that it had been all real. Too real and scary. A romance with Rick Lambert wouldn’t be a casual fling. At least not on her part.

***

Rick arrived home around five-thirty to find his mother busying herself in the kitchen.

“Did you have a good day?” he asked after hugging her.

“Excellent. Madison took me to the Galleria Mall where I bought a few things. We lunched in Las Olas by the Sea and then strolled along the Fort Lauderdale boardwalk. The weather was gorgeous.”

“Great.”

Madison had kept her promise to introduce his mother to her new home. He surveyed the area. “Where’s your guide? Didshe leave?”

“No, she’s outside, setting the table for dinner on the patio. Dinner is simple today. Just lasagna and salad.”

“I’m sure it’ll be delicious.”

Eager to see Madison, he sauntered to the glass doors, stepped outside, and caught his favorite flight attendant contemplating the Intracoastal.

“Hi, my mother said you had a great day.”

“Hi.” She spun toward him and smiled. “Yes, a busy one. How about you?”

He chuckled. “A usual day, busy and productive. Are you enjoying the place?”

She nodded. “One can never tire of the boats gliding along the canal.”

“Yes, it’s a delightful view.”

Standing near a column, in a printed brown and orange dress, her hair ruffled by the light breeze, Madison presented an attractive picture, as if he needed more fuel for his fantasies. His gaze subtly roamed over her.

“Thank you for taking Mom around. I’m relieved she’s so excited about Fort Lauderdale now.”

“We had a great time. Your mother is easy to please.”

“Hey, guys, the lasagna is ready.” Arlene set the pan in the center of the table.

“I’ll get the salad.” Madison disappeared into the kitchen.

“She’s such a lovely woman.” Arlene stabbed him with a knowing glance. A glance he understood on the spot.

If his mother approved of a woman, she usually classified her asgood marriage material, which set off warning bells in Rick’s mind.

He’d married Rosie after being careless. Mark had been a beautiful mistake, and Rick had welcomed his wife’s idea of a second child. Her cancer and subsequent death had left behind adevastated family. He wouldn’t take that risk again.

Flings were part of his life. His boys didn’t mind Daddy’snicefriends and often played with the young women parading into their lives for a few days or a few weeks, but they would never accept a woman replacing their mother. Besides, Rick liked his lifestyle and fiercely protected his freedom. From now on, he would avoid flirting with their guest. Too bad, especially when he was attracted to her, and she’d responded to his kiss.

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