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about you though. Who is this new mystery man that you’ve been going on dates with?” Michelle changed the subject. She chose not to discuss Jason’s infidelity; she was highly upset about it but didn’t want to go into that level of detail at work. Besides, talking some of the issues over with Raegan helped her feel better; and now she would much rather hear about the joy that Raegan was currently experiencing instead of wallowing in her woes.
    Raegan smiled remembering her e-mail response to Rico. From the short time that I have known you, I do see that you possess the characteristics of the man I desire. And she meant that. She was becoming quite fond of him.
    “We can talk about it over lunch later,” Raegan said as she gave Michelle one more hug. She could tell that the worry Michelle had when they left the office was now gone or at least had eased.

CHAPTER 8
    ∞
    “I haven’t told you today but you are simply amazing,” Rico spoke softly and sweetly to Raegan. He was sitting in his office with the door closed. The walls were thin so he did his best to speak in a tone that would allow his phone conversations to remain private.
    “And you’re the sweetest thing I’ve ever known,” she responded. The lyrics to Lauryn Hill’s song came to mind as the words flowed from her lips. A smile spread across her face when she realized it was Rico on the line. He seemed to always call her at work, she realized. The thought hadn’t occurred to her until now but it did seem weird that he often called her during work hours; he usually communicated through text message at other times. However, she brushed off the funny feeling.
    “Am I really?” Rico asked with a bit of excitement in his voice.
    “You are.”
    “I seriously hope that’s what you’re thinking about me. Are we still on for dinner at your place tonight?” Rico asked with anticipation. It had been about two weeks since their lunch date. They hadn’t been able to connect since. Raegan had been busy with work and Rico always seemed to have something to take care of at home when she was free.
    “Yes, of course,” Raegan confirmed. Raegan loved to cook and was excited about showing off her cooking skills. “Dinner will be ready around 8:00 p.m. and you don't need to bring anything unless you want dessert. I will not be making any.”
    “Okay. I will bring cheesecake. Which do you prefer, chocolate or turtle?”
    “Turtle.”
    “I will check this spot near my house to see what time they close.” Rico began performing an internet search for the office hours of the location. He noticed that the location closed at 7 p.m. so he wrote the address to program into his GPS later. “I’m going to have to enroll in some cooking classes. I can’t have you cooking for me all the time; I’m a real man. All you need to do is come home and let me take care of you.”
    “Is that right?” Raegan had never heard such a thing. She was starting to think that he’d probably say just about anything to impress her. With wrinkled eyebrows, she said, “Sure, Rico…I believe you.”
    “I’m serious.” He then began his campaign speech. “You will never have to cut your grass, pump your gas, wash the dishes, clean the carpet, change a tire; this list is pretty long, I just want you to know that I am a hard worker.”
    “Okay Rico. I have to go. Give me a call when you are on your way over. Okay?” Raegan pulled the phone away from her ear and shook her head.
    “Will do.”
    After she replaced the receiver, she began to think how impossible he could be although sometimes cute. He could be flattering as well. She still wasn’t quite sure what to make of him. Tonight would be another good opportunity for them to sit down to talk.
    That evening Raegan began to prepare one of her favorite dishes, lemon peppered tilapia, rice pilaf and asparagus. It was a special recipe that she’d perfected about a year ago. She was craving the dish a few years back, after