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him under the soft light. His hair, a dark, rich ebony, fell at an angle across his forehead and brushed the back collar of his shirt. Struck by the urge to smooth it with her fingertips, she shifted her gaze to his face.
    At the look in his eyes, her pulse quickened. It had been a long time since any man had looked at her with such desire. And even longer, she admitted, since she had felt any response.
    Shaken, Amanda pulled her hand free as the waiter served their salads.
    â€œSince you like kids so much, I’m surprised you don’t have any of your own.”
    Amanda’s chest tightened. She had wanted children, had been thrilled to gain a stepdaughter when she’d married Adam. She had even hoped to fill their home with more children. But that had been before she’d discovered Adam’s secret, before she’d suffered the humiliation of his deception. “Things don’t always work out the way we plan,” she said, trying to sound nonchalant.
    â€œNo, they don’t.” An odd expression crossed his face, then quickly disappeared. “Do you see much of your ex-husband’s daughter since the divorce?”
    â€œKimberly and I—” Amanda paused, her fork in midair. “How did you know I had a stepdaughter?”
    â€œSister Mary Grace mentioned it.”
    Surprised, Amanda set down her fork. She narrowed her eyes. “Why on earth would she do that?”
    Michael shrugged. “I was asking her about you and I guess it sort of came up in the conversation.”
    â€œI see,” Amanda said, growing irritated. Dear friend or not, she wished she could get her hands around Gracie’s neck.
    â€œDon’t be upset with Sister. I was the one asking the questions.”
    â€œDid it ever occur to you to ask me?”
    â€œI did,” he said, a slight edge in his voice. “But if you’ll recall, you weren’t exactly forthcoming.”
    â€œSo you decided to ask Sister Mary Grace?”
    â€œYes,” he replied evenly. “I told you, I believe in going after what I want.”
    And he wanted her, Amanda finished silently. “What else did the dear Sister tell you?” she asked, too annoyed by the thought of him learning the details of her personal life to keep the sarcasm from her voice.
    â€œThat you’ve been divorced about eighteen months, are disgusted with men in general, and that if my interest in you is genuine, I should be prepared for a tough battle.” Michael flashed her a disarming grin. “She also said it was going to take a lot more than a handsome face and sexy smile to break through that Boston reserve of yours.”
    Amanda wanted to crawl under the table. “I can’t believe she said that. She’s a nun for heaven’s sake.”
    â€œYeah. Surprised me, too. I think she was trying to scare me off.” Michael chuckled and shot her a considering look. “But as you can see, I don’t frighten easily.”
    â€œObviously,” Amanda said, feeling exposed and vulnerable, and hating it.
    â€œAll I wanted was to get to know you better,” he said gently. “I never meant to upset you.”
    â€œI’m not upset, just embarrassed.” His sincerity touched her.
    â€œThere’s no need to be.” He gave her a disarming smile. “What do you say we call a truce and enjoy dinner? I promise Antonio’s manicotti is the best in the city.”
    Amanda nodded her acquiesence.
    Three hours later she was glad she had agreed to the truce. She couldn’t remember the last time she had laughed so much in one evening—or had so much fun. And playing putt-putt, no less.
    Smiling, Amanda leaned her head back against the seat of the car and listened to the soft melody playing on the radio as they headed for her home.
    â€œPenny for your thoughts,” Michael offered.
    She shifted her gaze to him. “Only a penny?” she teased, feeling lighthearted.