It was the food that thrilled Christina. She had only one glass of champagne, but she couldn’t resist the gourmet delicacies the caterer had prepared. Waiters passed by with trays of barbequed duck and lychee canapés, chorizo and prawn skewers, beef and mozzarella meatballs, polenta and prosciutto chips, thinly sliced sirloin twists on onion toast, and crumbed artichoke hearts with truffle aioli. If she’d had a pocket in her dress, she would have tucked a meatball wrapped in a napkin to take home to Mittens. But she didn’t have a pocket, and she supposed that was a good thing.

After the party, as they drove toward her house, Christina asked Andy if Oscar had told him about her dare.

Andy laughed. “He pretends he’s angry, but truly he’s delighted. No one has had the courage to challenge him for a long time.”

“It’s going to be pretty close quarters in the shed,” Christina said. “I’ve got one stool I sit on behind the counter. I’ll let him use it. I’ll tell him it’s to keep him out of the way, but really I’m worried about him standing for a long time.”

“Nonsense. Oscar Bittlesman could stand all day long if he had to.”

Christina gave Andy a soft look. “I think you might be just a bit unrealistic about your father’s general health.”

Andy shook his head. “Why? He’s only sixty-five. He has a gym in the basement and works out every day. Since he’s lived on the island full-time, his health has actually improved. Cholesterol and blood pressure, down. Sense of humor, up.”

“Let’s hope he has a sense of humor tomorrow,” Christina said.

When they reached her house, Andy kept the car running. He put his arm on the back of her seat. “This is what I’m going to do. I’m going to walk you to the door and say good night. I’m not going to kiss you because it’s night and we’re alone and if I kiss even your cheek, I won’t be able to stop. I know you’ve got a big day tomorrow. I want you to be well rested, and rest is not something I want to do with you.”

Christina smiled. “You’re a gentleman.”

“Gentleman, hell. I’m a saint!” Andy joked.

He walked her to the door, waited until she was safely inside, waved at her, and drove away.

Chapter 16

Christina opened her eyes when her alarm clock chimed six-thirty. Mittens was curled next to her. Her bedroom curtains were closed, but the room seemed unusually bright.

“Mittens. It’s cold in here, babe.”

She sat up, pulled on her fluffy robe, and slid her feet into her slippers. At the window, she pulled her curtains back. She gasped.