She blinked, her eyes lighting with delight behind the lenses of her glasses. “As a matter of fact, I happen to have one in my briefcase, which you can have. Would you like me to sign it for you?”

“That’d be great.”

“Just give me a minute.”

“That was very sweet,” Laura murmured when Melissa dashed off for her briefcase.

“I like to read, and I might learn something.” He shifted, slid a hand down her arm until it linked with his. “How about dinner tonight, maybe a drive, maybe some wild, unbridled sex?”

“As usual, an interesting offer.” It was humiliating to have to clear her throat, but she had no choice. “I’m working here tonight.”

“Now that’s insane.” Amused, Melissa strolled back and handed Michael her book. “You’re a stronger woman than I, Laura, choosing work over hot, unbridled sex.”

Michael grinned. “I’m going to like your book.”

“I hope you will.”

“Count on it. Excuse me a minute.”

He tugged Laura into his arms, lowered his head and kissed her until every ounce of blood in her head drained to her feet and tingled. He let her go and nipped lightly at her chin.

“You’re still holding the rain check, sugar. Nice to meet you, Melissa.”

“Yeah.” Staring after him, Melissa rubbed a hand over her heart. “I believe in quality, descriptive, and well-crafted writing,” she began. “And all I can think of to say now is, Wow.” she blew out a breath. “Wow.”

“Yeah.” Laura made an effort to find the top of her head. It had to be spinning somewhere close by. “I, um . . .”

“It’s okay. Take a minute.”

“I’m going to book on those checks for you right away.”

Melissa tucked her tongue in her cheek. “Appreciate it.”

“Excuse me.”

As Laura struggled not to stagger to the door, Melissa indulged in a long sigh. “God, I love this business.”

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

It was after ten when Laura turned up the drive to Templeton House. She had the good, solid tired of accomplishing a job well. The kind of tired, she realized as she let herself in the house, that didn’t yearn for sleep.

Still, she reminded herself, she had another full day coming up starting in just over nine hours. What she needed was a nice hot bath and bed.

After checking in on her daughters and finding them both deeply asleep, she drew that bath, filled it lavishly with fragrant salts and bubbles, and sank in with a long sigh.

She stretched out, gazed up through the tiny skylight over the tub, and dreamed over the stars. Her life was clicking back into gear, she thought. She had her daughter back. There were bound to be some bumps along the way, and she would negotiate them. But everything had been so blissfully normal that morning on the drive to school.