Marissa lifted one eyebrow. “Even a corner piece has two perfect fits.”

“There are puzzles with pieces that have any number of perfect fits and only people who see the big picture ever figure out the right one.” Ocky added drily, “Let’s not kill ourselves with the analogy.”

“I’m all hung up on the perfect fit. I know that ninety-nines are rare and we’ve never seen a hundred score.”

“To my mind, hunny-bunny, it’s up to the people involved to take a ninety-five or a ninety-eight and make it a hundred.”

Unwillingly, Marissa laughed. “Ocky, I swear you could sell sand to Arabians.”

“You work your magic, I’ll work mine.”

Ocky chatted for a few more minutes then rushed off to a meeting. Sniffing the air for the long-loved scent of Ocky’s perfume, Marissa closed her eyes for a moment.

Dear Ocky,

I’m over the crush, but I surely do like you.

Love, Marissa

P.S. Please don’t ever change your cologne.

Marissa stirred her iced tea and glanced at her watch. It wasn’t quite seven . . . then she knew she should look up because the light changed and she heard surf and yes Linda was right there in the restaurant doorway.

Their gazes locked. Linda smiled as she shook a few raindrops off her hair. The loosely knit tan sweater shot with gold heightened the sparkle in her eyes and for the first time Marissa knew what Ocky meant by legs that went from here to Argentina. Those thoughts no sooner crossed her mind than the limitless smile seemed to pull her right out of her skin and into the warmth of an amber Tahitian sunrise, watching Linda sleep. No moment in her life had been as precious and she wanted more.

Marissa was aware of everything, including each throb of the pulse in her throat and the whisper of air through her nose as she tried to conquer her erratic breathing. Like that last morning in Tahiti, taking in the beautiful wonder that was Linda, this moment was all there was and she didn’t want it, or any of the ones that followed, to end.

“I walked over and got a little wet.” Linda brushed her hair with one hand.

“Rain will do that.” Well, that was inane, Marissa thought.

“Hi,” Linda said softly as she slid into the booth across from Marissa.

“Hi.” Marissa had never felt more shy.

“You look wonderful. I meant to tell you Sunday. You look so very good.”

“Do you like it better?” The question slipped out before Marissa could stop herself. But she did want to know the answer.

“Not better. I find it equally attractive.” Marissa knew her skepticism showed because Linda quickly added, “I think you feel you’re more attractive and that aura of you liking who you are more than ever I find very attractive.”

“You . . . are still a sweet talker and a flirt, Linda.”

“Why thank you. Nice to know that still works.” She winked.