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“That would be great,” he said. “I’m busy catching up on things. Amazing what can happen in such a short time.”
“I’ll be here waiting,” she said. “I’m going out now but will be back before you get home. I brought my computer to show you what I’ve done with the website for Family First.”
“We have a meeting with Jed tomorrow morning, right?”
“Yes. No sneak peeking. You’ll see it when he does,” said Charlotte.
Shane laughed. “That good, huh?”
“I hope so. I’d like to get that up and going for you. Then we can do the pamphlets and other PR materials.” Charlotte once again realized she was more excited about this project and the one for the Inn than she’d ever been for the company she’d worked at for years.
After ending the call with Shane, Charlotte decided to walk over to the stores and do a little browsing. She thought it might be time to change up her sleepwear from shorts and a tank top to something more worthy of her new relationship with Shane.
She munched on a granola bar as she entered the outdoor area of shops and restaurants. After living in New York, where she knew the best places to shop for bargains and specialty items, she found it fun to discover new places.
A store called “The New You” sold a line of lingerie that went from tasteful and subdued to wild and sexy at the back of the store. Amused by the designations, Charlotte headed to the back. If she was going to do this, she wanted to do it right.
Thirty minutes later, she left carrying a silver paper bag adorned with lacy pink ribbon. Pink satin bottoms and a pink short lacy top with spaghetti straps lay inside. Charlie was excited about the evening ahead. Time alone together was what she and Shane needed.
When Charlotte returned to the condo with fresh lettuce, a cooked chicken, fruit, and other groceries, she began making a cold chicken salad. She’d looked up an easy recipe for one, adding grapes, fresh pineapple, and slivered almonds to it. That, sliced Florida tomatoes with fresh basil leaves in a simple oil and vinegar dressing, and French bread would complete the meal. She’d even bought some fresh summer flowers in a jar and was using that for a centerpiece.
She’d just set the table when Shane arrived home.
He looked at her and the table, and a broad grin spread across his handsome face. He approached and swept her up in his arms. “M-m-m, is this what I can look forward to one day? Coming home to this?”
She grinned at him. “You haven’t seen everything yet.”
“More to come?” he said, wiggling his eyebrows.
She laughed. “Later. For now, let’s enjoy a nice glass of wine before dinner. How was your day?”
“Busy, as you know, but interesting. Elijah had been accepted into an Advanced Program and will be working on college courses as well as high school ones which will be a big help when applying to colleges and universities.”
“What about working the Family First program when he’s gone?”
“That’s something we have to decide, depending on where he ends up. Of course, there’s the option of online classes, too.”
“I’m pleased you’re doing this, Shane,” said Charlotte. “Coming from your background where finances weren’t a worry, it must make you happy to help Elijah and his family.”
“Elijah’s mother is a terrific woman and mother. I’m happy to assist.” He held up the blazer he’d carried in. “Hold on. I’ll change my clothes and join you.”
When Shane returned, he was wearing shorts, a T-shirt, and flip-flops.
“That’s more like it,” said Charlotte, placing a plate of cheese and crackers on the coffee table in the living room. “It’s hot. I thought we’d stay inside.”
“Okay,” said Shane. “Want me to open the bottle of wine?”
“Thanks. It’s in the refrigerator. A pinot grigio.”
Charlotte took a seat on the sofa and studied the room. It was attractive but lacked the warmth of a woman’s touch. What would happen if she ended up moving in here? Would Shane allow her to make changes?
Shane carried their wine over to her, handed her a glass, took a seat on the couch next to her, and lifted his wine in a toast.
“Thank you, Charlotte, for being here, making things nice. I love you.”
Her heart filled with joy. She gazed at him through eyes blurred with happy tears. She lifted her glass. “I love you too.”
After they’d each had a sip of wine, Shane leaned over and kissed her on the lips. “Is this the kind of treatment I can expect in the future?”
