Page 46

Emmie gazed at the fish sizzling on the platter and let out a sigh of satisfaction. This looked and smelled delicious. She pushed aside her appetizer and took a hot bite.

Tanner watched her. “Good, huh?”

“Very tasty,” she said. “How’s your curry?”

Chewing, Tanner gave her a thumbs-up sign.

For the rest of the meal, Emmie and Tanner spoke little and simply enjoyed the food. As a date night, it might be considered dull. But spending time with a friend was a pleasant, comfortable experience.

After they’d finished their meal and Tanner had paid, he suggested going to a bar for an after-dinner drink.

“If you don’t mind, I’d rather go home,” said Emmie. “ If you’d like a cup of coffee or a drink there, I’d be willing to serve it, but it’s been a busy week at the office, and I’m tired.” She waited to see if Tanner would be offended by her wish to go home.

“Not a problem,” said Tanner. “I’ve got to get up early in the morning to take Derek to a special lacrosse practice.” He smiled. “I like that we can be friends.”

Emmie grinned. “Me, too.”

###

At Emmie’s house, Tanner got out of the car to walk her to the front door.

Standing, gazing at one another, Emmie wondered if he’d try to kiss her.

“Thank you for understanding my wanting to be just a friend,” said Tanner. “I suspect many women would be offended. I’m relieved you’re not.”

“I think a relationship like ours should be celebrated,” Emmie said. “It’s comfortable for both of us.”

His brown eyes settled on her. “You’re a very special person.” He moved closer and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you for an enjoyable evening. I’ll call you.”

He waited for her to unlock the door, and when she stepped inside, he gave her a little wave and walked to his car.

She watched him drive away, delighted by how the evening had gone. She definitely wasn’t ready for a serious date.

Emmie had just hung up her coat when her cell phone rang. She knew from the ringtone who it was. “Hi, Kate. Yes, Tanner dropped me off and left. But it’s something we decided together. He wants to be just friends, and I have happily agreed. We had a delicious dinner at Lotus Blossom, and he’s going to call me. I think those are all the details.”

Kate laughed. “That pretty much sums it up. So, no real dates?”

“We both want to enjoy one another’s company. Nothing more. I can’t tell you how relieved I am.”

“I guess that’s an easy beginning,” said Kate. “Sleep tight.”

Emmie ended the call, grateful for her friendship with Kate. Now, it seemed she’d have another friend in her life. That suited her just fine.

###

A couple of weeks later, when Tanner asked her to go out again, Emmie asked for a rain check. “I need to see Lauren and the baby. But please ask me again.”

“Will do,” said Tanner. “In fact, why don’t I do that now? Dinner the following weekend?”

Delighted, Emmie said yes, and their call ended.

Pleased by Tanner’s easy-going response, Emmie became excited about her weekend visit to Lauren. They’d talked by phone, of course, and she’d seen new photos of Clark, but it wasn’t enough. She wanted to hold the baby in her arms. Feel the weight of him. Smell the lotion Lauren used on him.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

When Emmie arrived at Lauren’s condo, she did her best to hide her dismay. Lauren was in old sweatpants and a T-shirt with spit-up all over the front. Her hair looked unwashed. Answering the door, Lauren’s eyes filled with tears.

“Hi, Mom. I’m relieved you’re here. Rick is working overtime, and we let the nurse go. I really didn’t need her anymore. Clark has been fussy, which is why I look this way.”