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At two o’clock, kids began to arrive. Seth was kept busy answering the door while Sammy greeted each of his friends who came in. Laughter filled the air as the boys all fist- and chest-bumped each other and the girls stood in one corner of the living room and giggled.

When Seth thought all the guests had arrived, he led the kids out the back door, where they all ran for the bouncy house and the swing set that had been in the yard when Seth had bought the place.

Thankfully the weather had cooperated perfectly. A warm front had moved into the area earlier in the week, and today it was warm enough that most of the kids didn’t even have jackets on. The weather at this time of year was definitely unpredictable. You could be sunbathing in the morning and then cuddled up with blankets in the snowy evening.

Seth stood at the back door, supervising the fun and also listening for the doorbell to announce the arrival of the pizza. He was really hoping Suzanna would arrive before his special guest showed up.

When the doorbell rang, he hurried to answer. Suzanna stood on his doorstep. Clad in a short-sleeved pink-and-white polka-dot blouse and black slacks, she held in her hands a pretty blue-wrapped present. Instantly a strong desire surged up inside him.

“You look so beautiful,” he blurted out before even telling her hello.

Her eyes widened slightly, and a smile curved her lips. “Thank you, Seth.”

“I’ve missed seeing you, Suzanna. I’ve missed talking to you.”

“I… I’ve missed you, too,” she replied.

For a long moment they stood in the doorway, their gazes locked together. All he knew was at that moment, with her standing so close to him and her familiar stirring scent surrounding him, more than anything he wanted to take her into his arms and kiss her long and deep. And there was something in the depths of her eyes that let him know she wouldn’t deny him.

However, before he could act on his sizzling desire for her, a car honked from the driveway.

The pizza had arrived.

Chapter 5

The party was in full swing. For a little while Seth and Suzanna sat at a picnic table in the backyard and watched the kids play. They laughed at their antics and small-talked about the mild weather. What they didn’t talk about was that intense moment in the doorway when she had first arrived.

It had been wild and crazy…that breathless minute of pure sexual hunger that had radiated between them. She had wanted him to take her in his arms and absolutely ravish her. There was no question he had been on her mind all week.

She hadn’t realized just how lonely her life had become until she was no longer tutoring Sammy. She definitely missed Sammy’s wit and loving ways, and she definitely missed the conversations she’d shared with Sammy’s daddy. He made her feel so beautiful. He made her feel young and vibrant and completely alive in a way she hadn’t felt for a very long time.

After about a half an hour, Seth called the kids in to eat the pizza. She helped him serve the pie onto dog-decorated paper plates, and the kids scattered all around the kitchen, sitting at the table and on the floor. There was a lot of chitchat as the kids enjoyed the pizza and their togetherness outside the classroom. Not long after the pizza was consumed, he cut and served the chocolate birthday cake.

They all sang “Happy Birthday” to Sammy, who appeared to be having the time of his life. His blue eyes were bright with happiness, and the wide smile never fell from his lips.

Sammy was very popular with his classmates. He was not only friendly, but he was also generous and caring. On the other end of the spectrum was little Holly, who was the only kid from their classroom who hadn’t shown up to the birthday party. Suzanna had to admit, she didn’t miss the little girl one bit, and apparently none of the children missed her, either.

Throughout the day, she was intensely aware of Seth. He was exceedingly patient with all the children and looked incredibly hot in his jeans and a blue polo shirt that exposed his muscled biceps.

She was vaguely surprised Celeste Winthrop and Gina Hightower hadn’t moved in on him. Both women were attractive, hungry divorcées eager in their desire to find their next husband. Neither of the women had children and the handsome new man in town must have garnered their attention. Sooner or later, they’d come for him, and that thought stirred a bit of jealousy inside Suzanna.

Finally, it was time to open the gifts. Sammy oohed and aahed over each item he unwrapped and thanked the gift giver profusely. Suzanna had bought him a set of books that were fun to read and popular with boys his age. They were about a little boy explorer and full of adventure.

The last gift he opened was from Seth. It was a nice wristwatch that Sammy immediately put on. It was almost time for the party to be over when the doorbell rang and Seth went to answer it.

He returned followed by Curtis Nacomber, an older farmer Suzanna knew from around town. Curtis carried a large box with a big, blue bow on top of it. He set it on the floor in front of him.

“Sammy, I nearly forgot. I got you one more present, and Mr. Nacomber was nice enough to deliver it for me,” Seth said. He grinned at Sammy. “Go ahead and open it, son.”

Sammy opened the top flaps and then squealed in delight. He reached in and pulled out a wiggling, happy golden retriever puppy. He held the puppy against his chest and giggled as the dog lavished kisses on him.

“Oh, Daddy, I’m so happy right now,” Sammy exclaimed as the other kids gathered around him to pet the pooch.

Seth turned to Curtis and shook his hand. “Thanks, Curtis, for the delivery service.”

“No problem. I think the little girl is in good hands here,” Curtis replied. “And now I’ll just get back home.”

“Do you want to stay for a piece of cake?” Seth asked.