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spent with Jay, from his unexpected and highly erotic kiss in her office to his subtle goodnight kiss after dinner. How was he able to see past her calm exterior and know that she liked her sex with an edge to it? He’d kissed her like he knew exactly what she wanted.
    She ran her tongue over her lips and caught the scent of orange from her shower gel. Her sex life in the last ten years had been as controlled as her career. She sighed as her nipples hardened. When had she last allowed a man to tell her what to do in bed?
    Tiger’s cross face appeared at the glass door to the shower, his mouth wide open in a silent meow. He liked to be fed on time and would have no compunction in herding her toward the kitchen if she didn’t move fast enough. When had she become a slave to her cat?
    ‘What am I going to eat?’ She glanced down at Tiger who had his face buried in his bowl. ‘It’s OK for you, but there’s no human food here. I cleared everything out for my weekend away.’
    Tiger managed a quick scowl in her direction before he resumed eating. Helen glanced at her purse, which sat on the countertop. She would have to head down to the local convenience store and get a few essentials if she was going to make it through the weekend.
    She grabbed her keys and purse and headed for the door. ‘I’ll be back soon, Tiger, don’t worry.’
    Her hand was on the door when it opened in her face.
    With a stifled screech, she dropped her keys on the carpet. ‘Oh my God, Carol. You scared me half to death!’
    Her best friend grinned at her. She wore a black leather jacket, black pants and an open-necked crimson shirt. Her dark hair hung to her waist and framed an oval face and pink cheeks.
    ‘Hey, you scared me too! I just came by to check on Tiger. Aren’t you supposed to be off somewhere with scowling Simon?’
    Helen bent to pick up her keys. ‘I decided not to go.’
    ‘About time you came to your senses. He was completely wrong for you.’
    ‘You’re telling me that now?’
    Carol dumped her bags on the table. ‘You know the rules, honey. If your friend’s going out with a dork, wait until she works it out for herself. Hell, I was just happy to see you going out with anyone with a pulse.’
    ‘That’s not fair. I go out a lot.’
    ‘First dates, maybe, but when do you ever go beyond that?’
    ‘It’s not my fault I’m choosy.’ Helen beckoned imperiously. ‘Hand it over.’
    With a resigned sigh, Carol gave up her large takeout coffee and Helen gulped at it gratefully. Carol owned a thriving deli and coffee shop in Little Italy. Her coffee beans were organic, hand-roasted and always delicious.
    ‘There’s choosy and then there’s you,’ said Carol. ‘Dr Perfect, looking for Mr Right.’
    Helen handed back the empty cup. ‘You’re right.’
    Carol opened her mouth and then shut it again. ‘What did you say?’
    ‘I said you’re right. I’ve decided I’ve been dating the wrong kind of men and that I need to add a little variety into my life.’
    Carol pretended to stagger and sat down in the nearest chair, her hand clasped to her heart. ‘Are you kidding me?’
    ‘Nope. I realized I was bored with men like Simon. That’s why I cancelled our weekend together.’
    Tiger materialized and wound his way around Carol’s outstretched legs. His pitiful cries filled the room. She bent to pet him.
    ‘Didn’t you feed the poor guy? He sounds as if he’s starving.’
    Helen poked Tiger’s wobbly spare tire with her toe. ‘He’s acting. I fed him five minutes ago.’
    Carol waved her hand in front of her nose. ‘I’ll say you did. He stinks of tuna.’ She pointed at Helen’s keys. ‘Are you going somewhere?’
    ‘I need food. I didn’t buy anything except cat food and I don’t think Tiger will share.’
    Carol got to her feet. ‘Well, how about I come with you and we can discuss your amazing revelation over a plate of waffles and maple syrup?’
    Helen realized her mouth was watering. ‘OK,