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He
closed the door.
    I set the pizzas on the stove and sighed. “You didn’t have
to do that you know. I invited you, it was my treat.”
    “I know, but I’m not the type of man who allows a woman to
pay for a meal,” he said simply.
    I had to resist the urge to squeal like a teenage girl who
was just asked out by the hottest, most popular boy in school. “Thanks. Seems
like that’s all I’ve been saying to you today.”
    He smiled. “Good thing that’s my favorite word then, huh?”
    I laughed. It was so easy to be with him, to talk with him,
to laugh. It was a welcomed change from being with Phillip, who was always so
serious and intense. I took three plates from the cupboard and handed him one.
I loaded a second one with three slices of pepperoni. “I promised Jamie he could
eat in his room tonight.”
    “I take it he doesn’t like it around here too much.”
    “That’s a colossal understatement. I keep hoping he’ll
eventually come around.”
    “I’m sure he will. Kids are resilient.”
    “Do you have any?” I asked.
    “No, but I have several nieces.”
    I smiled. There was nothing sexier than a man who adored
children. “Okay, help yourself. I’ll be right back.” I left him in the kitchen
and headed upstairs, the smile never leaving my face. I had a feeling tonight
was going to be a very good night.

Chapter Five
    I stumbled downstairs at 5:45 a.m., barely awake.
After pizza last night, Hudson had hung around, and we’d spent the night
talking. He hadn’t left until a little after midnight, and I was so excited, I
hadn’t been able to fall asleep. I was certainly going to pay for it today. I
yawned and rubbed my eyes. Richard and Hudson would be arriving in fifteen
minutes, and they were expecting a breakfast I’d promised them. What I really
wanted to do was go back to bed for a few hours.
    “Morning,” Jamie said as he walked into the kitchen. He was
dressed for school in his usual jeans and T-shirt. His Converse sneakers were
firmly laced up his feet, and his backpack was slung over one shoulder.
    “Morning.” I smiled. “Hungry? I’m making bacon and eggs.”
    “Nope.” He grabbed a donut from the half empty box and took
a large bite.
    I shook my head, wishing he’d learn to eat better. Of
course, greasy bacon and fried eggs weren’t all that healthy, but it was better
than a chocolate topped, cream filled donut. “Are you coming straight home
today?”
    He shrugged, grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl and shoved
it into his backpack. “Maybe. Dean mentioned something about going to the pool
hall after school.”
    “Yeah?” Hope swelled in my chest. Dean was Monica’s son – my
parents’ maid – and he and Jamie had really hit it off the first time they’d
met. I knew they stayed in touch via phone and internet, but until just now,
Jamie hadn’t expressed any interest in hanging out with Dean. “Well, you’re
welcome to go as long as you call to check in.”
    He stopped with the donut half way to his mouth. “I am?”
    I laughed and playfully swatted at him with the dish towel.
“Yes. In fact, I think it would do you some good to get out of this house and
socialize. Dean’s a good kid.”
    “You’re only saying that because you know his mom.”
    I rolled my eyes and reached for my purse. “Here.” I handed
him a twenty dollar bill. “Make sure you get yourself something to eat. I’m not
sure what the plans are for dinner yet.” Part of me hoped it would be a repeat
of last night, but chances were good I’d have to cash in the raincheck I took
with my parents last night.
    “Thanks, Mom.” He kissed me on the cheek. “I’ll call after
school.” Then he was out the door and down the driveway.
    I watched him for a moment, lingering long enough to see him
safely board the bus. It was a habit I’d never been able to break, watching him
get on the bus. When we’d lived in the city, he had to walk a block to the bus
stop, so I was deprived of watching him,