Magda shoved the last folder in
the drawer and made a series of phone calls to check for pending problems on
the units she supervised. All was calm. She flipped the calendar to Monday,
slung her bag over her shoulder and left the hospital. As she strode to her
convertible she uncoiled the chignon at her nape and combed her fingers through
the strands. Freedom.
On
the way home she stopped at the supermarket, picked up her birth control
packet, bought strawberries, raw sugar and sour cream and rented a movie. She
planned to spend the evening with a kick action flick and dreams of the coming
vacation.
The
warm breeze carried a hint of rising humidity. As she sped toward the condo the
wind whipped her hair. Her laughter rose above the classic rock throbbing from
the speaker.
Years
ago she’d been dumb but her divorce attorney had been shrewd. The car and the
luxury condo were courtesy of her ex. Still the settlement she’d received
hadn’t made her believe she was a woman for the long haul. Did it matter? Short
term presented many challenging adventures.
As
she drove into the complex the guard leaned from the booth. “Ms. Malone, new
tenant alert.”
“Where?”
“The
other unit in your building.”
“Thanks.”
Magda waved. He’d said tenant. Did that mean single? Male or female? Dare she
hope for a male, attractive, interesting and available?
She
pulled into the garage beneath her unit and noted the empty boxes at the curb. After
grabbing her packages she headed to the foyer. Maybe she would drop by to
welcome the newcomer.
When
she saw the man on the stairs leading from the apartment level she sucked in a
breath. Neighbor or mover? Single or married? Excitement rushed in with
hurricane force. Wouldn’t take much to learn his status.
Denim
cutoffs provided a view of tanned muscular legs. Her gaze traveled to appraise
flat abs, a muscular chest and broad shoulders. A slow smile changed his
features from merely handsome to rugged and fascinating. The streak of white in
his jet hair looked as if a lighting bolt had seared a path.
Brilliant
blue eyes captured her gaze. Steam flowed through her veins. No attached man
sent out those signals unless he was primed for a fling. In that case she would
pass. Only the unattached male need apply for her attention. She didn’t do
married or engaged. His hand bore no wedding band but these days the absence
meant zilch. Her plans for the evening began to morph. She started up the
stairs. He backed up several steps.
“Hello,
neighbor.”
His
deep voice zapped like a jolt from cardiac conversion paddles. Her imagination
soared like a geyser. How would his sensuous mouth taste? She imagined those
strong hands and fingers stroking her breasts. “Welcome to Rivertown.” She
reached the landing and paused at her door.
He
reached for her free hand. “Damon.”
“Magda.”
She liked the laugh lines around his eyes. Must be about my age. Perfect.
His
thumb rubbed circles on the back of her hand. More than perfect. Life had taken
a turn in the right direction. Her nipples contracted. She glanced down. The
bulge beneath his fly seemed to swell. Attraction – mutual – instant. She felt
an itch she wanted to scratch. “So nice to meet a new neighbor. Is your wife
inside?”
He
grinned and inched closer. “No wife. No recent women in my life.”
“I
see.” Her tongue played along her lower lip. Interest darkened his eyes. This
man was as hot as molten lava and she wanted to burn. “Have you met any of the
other neighbors?”
“Just
arrived this afternoon. You’re the first.”
“Do
you have plans for this evening?”
He
stepped closer. She held her ground. “If
I did they’re forgotten. Any suggestions?”
She
met his gaze. “How about dinner. My place at seven. After wards … we’ll see
what develops.” She inhaled the scent of the man. Masculine. A hint of spice. A
touch of desire. A potent drug laced with aromas that teased her hormones.
“I’d
like that. I’ll bring the wine. Do you like champagne?”
“What’s
not to like?” She smiled. “Hope you have a healthy appetite.”
He
touched her lips with a finger. “That’s one thing I have in good supply.”
She
flicked her tongue along his skin. He tasted like a sin she planned to commit. “See
you at seven.” She opened the door of her unit, stepped inside and bled a kiss.
“Until later.”
“Oh
yeah.”
He
growled the words. She nearly asked him for a taste of instant gratification. Except,
anticipation made the juices flow and brought the appetite to a peak.
She
leaned against the cool metal surface of the door. Her thoughts raced. She
could make more than a meal of this man. Could she parlay dinner to extend for
the entire weekend?
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