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“I don’t know, Reese. But I’m hoping we can figure it out together.”
A car honked, which yanked her back to the parking lot they were standing in. “We should go in to see Tilly. She’s one of my favorite people, and I know she’ll love this book.”
* * *
BETWEEN THE LUST running through his veins and the desire on Reese’s face, Trent was sure they’d both spontaneously combust. But he could see how important her friend was to her, so he forced himself to put his hand on the small of her back and lead her through the parking lot.
“Hi, Kathleen,” she said to the woman behind the reception desk. “Is it all right if I stop in and see Tilly? I brought her a book.”
“Sure, Reese. Hello, Trent.” Kathleen ran her eyes between the two of them, and her lips curved into a smile.
“Great to see you again, Kathleen. How’s Tom?” Trent had played baseball with Kathleen’s son when they were in high school.
“He’s doing just fine. I wish he’d visit more often, but you know how that goes. Everyone’s so busy these days. I heard that you and Quinn and Derek all moved back to run the resort. Is that right?”
“Yes, and it’s good to be back. Please tell Tom I said hello.”
Trent instinctively reached for Reese’s hand as they headed down a wide hallway. “How often do you teach here now?”
“Once a week, at least,” she said as they came to the game room. “Don’t hold my hand in here. It’s hard for me to concentrate when you do.”
“You do realize that makes it even more tempting.”
She glared at him, but there was a hint of humor in her eyes. As he followed her into the game room, he fantasized about how fun it would be to watch her squirm with desire. But Trent knew he was getting ahead of himself. Just because she was still reeling from their almost kiss, just as he was, that did not give him permission to act like she was his, no matter how much he wished that she were.
“Reese!” A bald man waved from a table, where he was playing cards with two women and another man, who was sitting in a wheelchair.
A television played loudly on the left side of the room, across from a couch, where there were another two women sitting beside each other.
“Hi, Morris,” Reese said as she walked toward him. “Hi, Norma,” she said to a gray-haired woman who was watching them with inquisitive eyes. “Are you playing bridge?”
“Nope. Strip poker. Want to join us?” Morris winked at Trent.
Reese laughed. “Not tonight, but thanks for the invite.”
Trent noticed that two women sitting at the next table were watching them with interest, too.
“Reese, don’t you want to introduce us to your gentleman friend?” Norma asked.
“Of course.” Reese held Trent’s gaze for a beat too long, and he knew she was trying to figure out how to introduce him. “This is Trent Rockwell.” Not her ex-husband and not her almost-date for the night, either. Just his name. “Trent, this is Morris and Norma Rickenbacker.”
Trent held out a hand to shake Morris’s. “Nice to meet you both.” He took Norma’s hand between both of his and held it for a moment. “Does your granddaughter Katie own the florist shop in town?”
“Yes, she does,” Norma said. “You were in school together, weren’t you?”
After he said that he had been, the two women from across the room called out, “Reese?”
“Hi, ladies. How are you tonight?”
“We’re fine, but aren’t you going to introduce us, too? I’m Martha,” one of the women said to him.
“Hi, Martha.” Trent went to greet her as Reese asked where Tilly was.
“And I’m Carin,” the darker-haired woman said. “Are you two on a date?”
Before answering, Trent turned to see if Reese wanted to chime in, but she was crouched between Norma and Morris, talking with the couple.
“I sure hope so,” he finally answered. He answered several more questions about himself and then Martha interrupted.
“Reese is really sweet.”
“Yes, she is,” Trent agreed.
“And pretty, don’t you think?” Carin added.
“Gorgeous.” Clearly, these women were intent on a little matchmaking, which he was all for.
“Don’t forget smart.” Morris tapped his finger on his forehead. “Our Reese is a very bright woman.”
Trent turned to agree just as Reese rose to her feet and looked toward the entrance to the room.
“Tilly!” Reese went to greet a tall black woman who was pushing a walker into the room.
Tilly’s eyes lit up when she saw Reese. Reese embraced her, and Tilly closed her eyes while returning the hug. It was obvious how much both of them treasured their friendship.
“I didn’t expect to see you tonight, Reese,” Tilly said, eyeing Trent with questions in her eyes.
“I promised to bring you this book.” Reese walked with her over to an armchair by the television, and Tilly lowered herself into the chair.
