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I realized how hopeless our relationship was the night we went to see Sleaze Train and you complained about the music from the minute we left the concert until you dropped me off at my front door.“
    „Sleaze Train lived up to its name. I’ve never heard such bad music in my life,“ Ryerson told her.
    „I’m sure you’ll enjoy Ginny’s taste in music. Strictly retrograde. But don’t count on being able to substitute one Middlebrook sister for the other at the altar,“ Debby advised around a bite of toast. „Ginny made a decision years ago never to marry again. Didn’t you, Ginny?“
    Virginia raised her brows at her sister. She was not about to let her outrageous sister drag her into this kind of conversation. „I think Ryerson is right. Deb. Why don’t you just finish your breakfast and take off?“
    Debby widened her eyes in fake shock. „Hey, what is this? A conspiracy to get rid of me? I’ve been through a traumatic experience.“
    „You’re young,“ Ryerson informed her dryly. „I’m sure you’ll bounce back real quick.“
    „Oh, yeah? What about you?“ Debby retorted.
    Ryerson looked across the table and met Virginia’s eyes. „Me? I’m going to need plenty of sympathy, consolation and understanding.“
    „Why do I have this feeling I know exactly where you’re going to look for all that sympathy, consolation and understanding?“ Debby asked rhetorically. „Ginny, you’re not going to let him cry on your shoulder, are you?“
    Virginia hid her smile by taking a large bite of fluffy scrambled eggs. „A man who can cook can get just about anything he wants from a woman,“ she murmured before stopping to think. Her teasing words astounded her more than anyone else at the table.
    Ryerson grinned in anticipation. „I’ll remember that. Have some more scrambled eggs, Ginny.“
    „Thank you. Would you please pass the catsup?“
    „Lord, how romantic,“ Debby muttered. „The two of you are going to make a terrific couple. You’ve got so much in common. People who put catsup on their eggs deserve each other.“
    Debby left reluctantly an hour later. She complained loudly about having to return to her own apartment where she could count on being hounded by her anxious parents, but her eyes were full of speculative interest as she waved farewell to her sister and Ryerson.
    Virginia watched her sister guide the little sports car out of the sodden driveway and then she turned to Ryerson. A slow, satisfied smile edged his mouth.
    „Two of a kind,“ he said softly, sounding pleased. „How do you feel about that, Virginia Elizabeth?“
    She thought about it, aware of a distant, beckoning promise of happiness. She did not trust the lure, but she could not bring herself to resist it. She took refuge in practicality. „It’s a little soon to know, isn’t it?“
    „No, it’s not too soon to know. Not for me. But I’m willing to give you plenty of time.“ He stroked one blunt finger along the edge of her jaw. „We don’t have to rush into anything. We’re two adults who can take our time.“
    She touched his hand, taking pleasure in the strength in it. „Yes,“ she agreed. „We can take our time.“
    She could get her feet wet very slowly, and she would not have to wade too deep. Ryerson was the kind of man who would let her run back to shore if she chose.
    „I told you I’d like to get to know you much better, but in a way I already feel I know you very well.“
    Ryerson’s fingertip moved down the column of her throat to the curve of her shoulder. „You said last night that you would be interested in a friendship with a man.“

    „I would like that,“ she said quietly and meant it. She could see herself becoming very good friends with A. C. Ryerson. And perhaps, just perhaps, the association might blossom into something more than a friendship. She knew she was not cut out for a Grand Passion, but for the first time since her husband had died she found herself considering the