"I sincerely doubt that." She caught a glimpse of a leggy blonde approaching, her expression territorial. "Friend of yours?"
He looked over and this time his expression turned sheepish. "Say the word and I tell her to take a hike."
"She looks like a woman on a mission and that mission is to gouge my eyes out. I think I'd better go and be anywhere else."
"I will defend you." He called after her.
Turning, she waved at him, her smile flashing.
*****
Toeing off the ankle-length boots, Melanie padded into the tiny kitchen and just sat around the small counter. It was after midnight, but surprisingly, she wasn't tired. And she had enjoyed the outing. Men had come onto her and she had flirted back. Harmless flirting, light banters and even another conversation with the bartender.
Carrie had noticed the glow on her face and considered it a job well done.
"I told you it would be good for you."
"You sure did. It took my mind off my problems for the night."
"We could do it again soon."
"I need a couple of weeks to recover." She waved several napkins with a grin. "I got some numbers. One is even worth following up. Most of the others were married men, looking for diversions."
"Bastards."
"I don't know, honey. One told me his wife didn't get him. Pretty original. Another said his wife was open to him having someone else. Makes it all the more interesting."
"Men." Carrie snorted. "Can't live with them and can't kill them."
She should make herself some tea, she decided. But just could not find the effort to get up and put the kettle on. She had just managed not to call her grandmother to check on her son. The phone call at this late hour would not be appreciated. Pushing herself from the counter, she went to put the kettle on.
Chapter 2
"I apologize for keeping you waiting," his mother remarked as she glided into the room, the silk of her morning robe billowing around her slender frame. Even at the early hours of seven, she was immaculate and lovely. Her sable hair, which was cut in a sleek bob, framed an ageless face with very few wrinkles. She had passed the dense thickness to her only son along with the tawny eyes and determined chin.
"I'm so happy you decided to join me for breakfast." She signaled the housekeeper to begin serving. Turning to her son, she reached across the table to take his hands. "I know the function was anything but enjoyable."
"It was a pain in the you know what," he informed her dryly. He loved her. As a mother, she was the best and as a woman, she was lovely both inside and out. "But I forgive you, again. Judge Greenfield was inquiring after you." His tawny eyes shone with mirth when she pouted.
"Seems to me that he's showing more than just a passing interest. He was very disappointed you were unable to make it." He studied the slight flush on her alabaster skin and raised a thick brow. "It might be my imagination, but I get the feeling you're avoiding the poor man."
"Nonsense." Pulling her hands away, she busied them by pouring coffee from the carafe and avoided his eyes.
"Mother, you're a very poor liar," he chided teasingly.
"He's a bit much." Pursing her lips, she handed him the cup, a slight smile curving her lips.
"And he's romantically interested in you." It might feel strange to see his mother in that light, but he realized that she was still young enough and certainly beautiful enough to warrant the male interest. "Dad would have wanted you to be happy."
"I am happy. My life is full and complete. I'm just waiting for my son to get married and give me some grandbabies."
"You might be waiting a bit." Picking up the cup, he sipped the excellent and very strong South American brew in appreciation. His plans to simply relax at his place, sleep in and take in a game of tennis or two had been put aside when she called to invite him to breakfast. It was not such a bad deal. He got to spend the day with the number one woman in his life and get an excellent meal out of it.
Before she could respond, the housekeeper came out bearing a tray.
"Thanks, Martha. We'll serve ourselves." Gloria gave the woman an absent smile and sent her on her way. "She's been feelingpoorly since recently and refuses to go and see a doctor. I might have to bundle her into the car and take her there myself."
"If that does not work, let me try my own brand of persuasion." His smile flashed white against his tanned skin. "You know how soft she is on me."
