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“Sorry, Steve. Something just came up. I can’t come tomorrow. I’ll take a rain check though.”
“Why? What happened? You don’t sound too happy.”
“My son called. He’s going on a business trip to London and will be stopping by to see me on his way.”
“Well, that’s great. When is he arriving?” The news didn’t seem to fluster Steve.
“Tomorrow night, probably around nine-thirty.”
“All right, no need to cancel our dinner. We can make it earlier since tomorrow is Saturday, and we aren’t on call. Let me check my schedule.” He seemed determined to keep their date. While he browsed through his calendar, his breathing rippled across the line and filled her with warmth. “I’ll pick you up at three and drive you home at nine or earlier if you want. How long is he staying with you?”
“Less than a day. He’s flying from here directly to London on Sunday evening at six p.m.”
“I’m sure you’ll be happy to see him.”
“I’m delighted to see him, but I didn’t know how to handle our dinner.”
“We’ve solved the problem.” How like Steve not to let annoying things rattle him and calmly rearrange his plans. “Lillian, I would like to meet your son. Can I take you out for lunch on Sunday?”
“He’s already asked me to cook his favorite lasagna.”
“Ah, lasagna...”
“Would you like to come for lunch?” she blurted.
“I would love to—unless you prefer to stay alone with him.”
“We’ll have plenty of time tomorrow night and Sunday morning.”
“Then it’s all settled. I’ll pick you up at three tomorrow. Sweet dreams, Lillian.”
“Thank you, Steve. See you tomorrow.” She felt giddy, her pulse thundering in her ears. He’d solved everything so easily. Instead of losing a dinner with Steve, she’d gained an additional lunch.
She poured herself a glass of Bailey’s and carried it to her bedroom to set on her night table. After changing into her nightgown, she settled in bed and raised her drink in a toast. “To us, Steve. You’re the best. For Me.”
***
After she’d received an effusive welcome by Max, Wendy, and Mitzi, Steve had freed Lillian from his affectionate pets’ hold and settled her in the large family room in front of the big screen TV. Not caring about wrinkling or dirtying her printed, long, yellow dress, she’d called the animals to her side. Max laid at her feet, lapping her bare toes and sandals, and the two cats nestled on her lap and beside her.
“These guys recognize a generous soul. They certainly love you.” He tossed an envious glance at his dog and cats. In less than two minutes, Max had showered Lillian’s face, arms, and legs with a good dose of wet licks, while Steve still debated how far he could go without being rebuked.
“The love is mutual,” Lillian replied, raking her fingers through the dog’s fur, a caress he approved with a soft groan before closing his eyes.
“If I could lie on your lap, and you did that to me, I would certainly purr, too.” He wiggled his eyebrows and chuckled at the redness spreading over her cheeks.
“Steve, enough. Show me the pictures.”
“Right away, after I bring you a drink.”
“Just a bottle of water.”
He brought her a bottle, switched on the TV, and clicked on his photo album, projecting a superb picture of his forty-eight footer.
“Wow, gorgeous. You called herMy Dream?” She read the name painted on the side.
“An appropriate name suited to my plans. Now, I’ll give you a tour of the decks. The lower one is where you embark and disembark to the dock or into a small rowboat to go ashore. The upper one has a table and chairs, perfect for an after-dinner drink. Three steps below the main deck, you can find the galley, a kitchenette equipped with storage cabinets, stove, oven, microwave, and fridge.” He paused to study her expression and smiled at the delight reflected on her face. “You can bake scrumptious desserts to your heart’s content in my state-of-the art kitchen. From there, you enter the living room with comfortable sofas, a bar, and a TV, and a longer dining table.”
“This is so luxurious and comfortable. I love it, Steve.”
