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Finally, he lifted his head, his breath coming fast. "I really want to get you alone, Ria. Any chance that could happen any time soon?"
She hesitated for a long moment, then said, "Saturday is the prom. Megan will be gone all night."
Desire flashed through his eyes. "I like the sound of that. But Saturday is too far away."
"Only four days."
"Feels like a lifetime."
She had to admit it felt that way to her, too. On the other hand, she should probably use the time in between to come up with a reason not to see him again. Nothing was resolved. There was still a big secret hanging between them.
"I'll see you Saturday," he said. "Don't come up with a way to ditch me."
"I might have to try. I feel like we're too close."
"Really? Because I feel like we're not close enough." He gave her a kiss. Then left her with tingling lips and an aching heart.
Chapter Fourteen
The rest of the week passed both slowly and also too quickly, Ria thought, as Saturday dawned. But she had no time during the day to worry about her date with Drew. She was too busy getting Megan and Lindsay manicures, hairstyles and makeovers. By the time four o'clock came, Ria was more than ready to send the two incredibly primped girls on their way.
A knock came at her door at half past four. It was her neighbor, Amelia, and her daughter, Beth, wanting to see Megan in her prom dress. While Beth went into the bedroom to join the girls, Ria gave Amelia a tired smile. "Getting beautiful is exhausting."
Amelia laughed. "I'm sure it is. Big night for Megan."
"I just hope it won't be a let-down. She's built it up so much in her mind, that anything short of fantastic might be a disappointment."
"She'll have a great time. She's really come out of her shell the past few months. I remember how quiet she was when you first moved in. Now she's very outgoing."
"And never shuts up," Ria said. "But she's happy, and that makes me happy."
"Is Megan's improved mood the only thing making you happy?" Amelia asked with a gleam in her eyes. "I saw a very good-looking man leaving your apartment last night."
"That was Drew."
"And Drew is…"
"I'm not sure. We're figuring that out."
"I hope you're having fun doing the figuring."
"We're going out tonight," Ria admitted.
Amelia gave an approving nod. "Good. It's about time you thought about yourself for a change. Not that I don't admire what you're doing for Megan, because I do. I just know it's difficult to be a single mom. And you have to take care of yourself, too. Megan will be happier if you're happier. So suck it up, let down your hair, and have some fun."
"Well, if I have to," Ria said with a smile.
"I know, it's going to be a real hardship," Amelia returned. "If you don't want him, send him my way."
"I want him," she said, surprising both herself and Amelia with her candor. "I just wish I didn't."
"Why?"
She could have fallen back on her usual answer—that her life was too complicated for a relationship—but for the first time in a long time the truth slipped through her lips. "I'm afraid he could break my heart."
Amelia gave her a sympathetic look. "Love is always a risk. That’s why they call it falling in love. You never know where you're going to land. But if you pick the right guy, he'll catch you, and together the ride will be amazing."
* * *
Ria was still thinking about Amelia's words when she opened the door for Drew a half hour later. Amelia and Beth had left, and Megan and Lindsay were breathlessly awaiting the arrival of their dates.
But when she saw Drew, the furthest thing from her mind was the upcoming prom. He wore tan slacks and a dark brown knit shirt, and he must have recently stepped out of a shower, because his brown hair was damp, and his cheeks were cleanly shaven. He looked good enough to kiss, and her heart speeded up at the thought of the evening ahead. They were finally going to have some time alone together, and she was both terrified and exhilarated by the thought.
But first she had to get Megan and her friend off.
As Drew stepped into the room, he waved his hand in the air and coughed at the thick smell of perfume.
