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“Hi.” She shook his hand. “I had a very relaxing nap, thank you.”
He opened the passenger door for her. Hardly suppressing a grin, he cast an approving gaze at her tanned legs when her serious business dress hiked to mid-thigh as she settled in the sports car’s low seat.
In a good mood, Rick regained his place at the wheel, grateful to his mother for her bright idea of inviting Madison to dinner and determined to enjoy the meal.
“There’s a lot of traffic at rush hour, so I’ll use a few short cuts.”
Ten minutes later, he went through the gate of the secluded neighborhood, then proceeded along a gravel driveway.
Her eyebrows arched, and her hazel eyes widened in surprise as she admired the palm trees and bougainvillea bushes lining both sides. “What a beautiful laneway. I had the impression you live farther away.”
“One can easily get lost around these back-roads and dead-end streets.” He stopped in front of the house, opened the doorof the car for her, and led her up the four marble steps leading to the massive French doors.
“Wow, this door is something else.” She stopped short, admiring the mahogany door incrusted with beveled glass and metal decorations.
“An antique one but quite solid. I’ll have to modernize it and add electronic door locks.”
“Did you just buy this mansion?” Interest gleamed in her eyes.
“Yes, two months ago when I decided to relocate from Dubai.” After ringing the bell to notify his mother they’d arrived, he showed Madison into the foyer and then to the living room.
Her gaze darted around the room, and her jaw sagged, a light frown gathering on her forehead. “Quite impressive.”
He had the feeling she meant it in a negative way. “My mother finds the furnishings too imposing and oppressive.”
She winced in a bashful way. “I’m not used to seeing such luxuriously decorated houses. It’s like a museum.”
“Hi, Madison. You’ve put it more politely than I did.” Laughing, Arlene glided across the marble floor, both arms open to welcome her guest. She hugged Madison and then embraced him.
“Not sure what you’ve cooked, Mom,” he spun and sniffed, “but it smells delicious, garlic and spices that have gone straight to my stomach.”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Lambert. You just arrived yesterday and have gone to so much trouble today.”
“No problem, dear. It was fun going shopping and discovering the supermarkets in the area. You’ve done so much to help me.”
“Not at all. First, here is your locket.” Madison dug into her purse and handed Arlene the zip lock bag.
His mother immediately opened the bag and poured thechain and locket into her palm. “I can’t thank you enough for finding and keeping these for me.” She held the chain and turned. “Can you fasten it, please?”
With feminine expertise, the young woman clasped the chain around his mother’s neck. “Done. It looks so nice on you.”
“Thank you, dear.” Arlene kissed Madison’s cheek and sighed, fingering her locket. “Now, I can relax. Finding the locket was a good omen. I believe life will be good for us in Florida.”
Shaking her head, Madison swiped the air with her hand. “Don’t be superstitious, Mrs. Lambert. Youwillenjoy your new life here. Fort Lauderdale is a wonderful place, with so much to offer.” Her voice vibrated with excitement.
Here was a person who loved her city. Staring at her, Rick quirked his eyebrows. Was she aware of the captivating picture she made, boasting about the place where she lived?
“You should start by taking a water taxi tour, then walk along Las Olas boulevard, go shopping in the Galleria, and—”
“All right, I’ll spend the next two months playing tourist, and then I hope I won’t get bored.”
“You’ll never be bored in Fort Lauderdale. It’s my paradise on earth. You’ll walk on the beach, or swim in the ocean, or ... Count on me, Mrs. Lambert, I’ll be glad to show you around.”
Such eagerness radiated from her smile. Mesmerized, Rick grinned, his eyes roaming over her perfect features and lovely figure.
His mother chuckled. “Deal. I’ll count on you. And please call me Arlene. Now, follow me to the dining area. We’ll have an easy-going, casual dinner.”
***
