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“Love you back,” said Emmie, relieved the conversation was over.

After the call ended, Emmie sat quietly. She wasn’t being selfish, was she?

CHAPTER TWELVE

Tired from all the shopping, Emmie decided to have a lazy evening in her suite. She climbed into her comfy pajamas and got out the room service menu. There was a movie she wanted to see.

She’d just finished the most delicious hamburger and fries she’s ever eaten when her cell beeped. She checked text messages. Ted.

Hi, what are you doing? I’m busy with the kids. Do you want to meet me at the beach tomorrow morning? Seven o’clock?

Warmth rolled through her. It felt remarkable to have caught his attention. She wrote back: I would love it. See you then. Have fun.

She sat back on the couch, aware she was smiling. He made her feel alive and very special.

###

The next morning, Emmie was up early. She took a shower, dressed, and headed out to the beach.

As soon as she stepped onto the sand, she saw Ted and hurried toward him.

He saw her coming, waved, and jogged forward.

They were both smiling when they met and stood facing one another. “You look great, ready to begin the day,” Ted asked her. “Is that how you are every morning?”

She chuckled and shook her head. “I’m looking forward to seeing you. That’s all.”

His startling blue eyes met hers. Something intangible but electric passed between them.

A smile softened his features, bringing a buzz of desire to her.

“May I?’ he asked softly, cupping her face in his hands.

She closed her eyes as his lips met hers. Sensations she hadn’t felt for the last few years roared through her. She automatically wrapped her arms around him.

When they parted, he simply stared at her. “Wow. That was …”

“Incredible?” she said, and they both laughed even as they stepped away from one another, realizing where they were.

“I’m thankful we have this time together,” said Ted. “I want to know you better, see if there’s a chance that anything could happen between us.”

“You know we live in different places, right?” said Emmie.

“Yeah, that’s a problem, but I’m a problem solver. Maybe something can be worked out.” He took hold of her hand. “C’mon, let’s take that walk.”

They’d hadn’t gone far when Emmie heard a voice behind them call out, “Dad! Dad!”

Emmie stopped and turned around. Cinda was running toward them.

Ted stepped forward to meet her. “What’s up?”

Cinda stopped, breathing heavily. “It’s the Jeep dealership. There’s been a terrible accident. You’ve been called home.”

“What happened?” Ted asked, immediately alert.

“A drunk driver drove into a number of cars on the lot, killing himself and setting off a fire that damaged even more cars. The police called our manager, and now he’s calling you.” She handed him his phone. “You left this behind. He’s waiting to hear from you.”

Emmie and Cinda stood aside while Ted phoned his manager.