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the improvements she’d made, including the outer facelift and the addition of a small elevator.
    The nearby Pratt Institute gave Fort Greene a reputation of an artistic and cultural center, though the neighborhood’s public school rankings were below average. There was a thriving business district a few blocks over—her shop was located smack in the middle of it.
    “They’re all waiting for you, mon amour .” Dustin had entered so silently she started. He had changed into Dockers khaki and a bulky sweater that hid his muscles. His shoulder-length hair was pulled back so tight his face appeared sharp, all angles and edges. Handsome? Bridget thought beautiful was a better word.
    “Lost in thought,” she told him, turning.
    Dustin rubbed against her, angling his chin down so he could stare into her face. “Penny for those thoughts, Brie dear. But I would give you a dollar.”
    She kissed him. He must have showered; he smelled of musk. The kiss was long, and he was the one to finally break it off.
    “Otter did not know about you and me, did he?” Dustin thrust out his bottom lip in an adorable pout. “You keep things from him.”
    “He thinks you’re too young for me.”
    He laughed softly. “He’s probably right.”
    “I’m thirty-three. Only thirty-three . He called me old.”
    “I like older women, Brie. And I like your son. But he is so different than you, mon amour .”
    Bridget raised an eyebrow.
    “Your skin.” He touched her chin with an index finger. “So pale, you are. Like cream. And he is—”
    It was Bridget’s turn to laugh. “Otter enjoyed three weeks in Miami with Tavio for his Christmas break. I doubt he spent one minute more than necessary indoors.”
    “And his hair is like ink and short like a cap. Yours is red like fire.”
    A frown spread. “Otter has my ex-husband’s looks,” she sadly admitted. “I see Tavio so clearly in his face.”
    “But he has your eyes.” Dustin kissed her again and tugged her toward the bed. “Let us take our dessert now, eh?I will make you forget all about your ex-husband Tavio.”
    She almost gave in, as she could never get enough of Dustin. It wasn’t close to love, but she recognized that she held certain affections for him—and definitely a physical attraction. Bridget wasn’t looking for anything beyond that.
    “I will make you forget again and again.” His teeth clicked lightly against hers.
    Bridget normally had the stamina to keep up with Dustin in bed … though after her struggle with the thieves, she knew she wouldn’t last long tonight.
    “Business, remember?” Bridget said reluctantly. “I’ve an appointment near the docks. I can’t miss this one.”
    “I remember.” Dustin sucked on her lower lip and shared her breath. “Business and then pleasure, my Brie.” He backed away and went into the closet, returning with a pair of calf-high leather boots. Kneeling in front of her, he helped her put them on. “Then after this business, the pleasure will be mine.”
    Bridget felt a warmth creep up to her face.
    “Your son, he is coming with us to the warehouse?”
    Bridget nodded and took a last look out the window. “For his birthday.”
    “Sweet, odd name, Otter.” Dustin paused. “I really do like him.”
    Bridget smiled. “I’m sure he likes you, too.”
    He shrugged. “He likes my cooking. I will take that as a good start.”
    O O O
    Dustin served the cake on “Happy Birthday” paper plates. It was not lost on Bridget that Otter’s piece was twice as big as her own.
    “Incredible.” Otter made short work of it and asked for seconds. “What is it?”
    Dustin smiled. “White chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce, iced with vanilla whipped cream. I just learned it in my dessert class.”
    “I’m taking the leftovers with me when I go home tomorrow night.”
    Home . Bridget winced. She had no right to think that Otter would consider this place home, especially as infrequent as the visits had been. She just