“No, I changed my mind,” Decker said. “I have a hard time staying in someone else’s house. I’m better off spending Shabbos at home, davening by myself. I’m just not a group person, Rina.”

She nodded. “How’s Cindy’s vacation coming?”

Decker grinned. “She’s having a wonderful time. Jan’s having problems with it. I think she’s going to have a hard time letting go, and is going to dump on anyone who’ll let her. I pity Allen.”

“Is she giving you a hard time?”

“Nah. Not too bad considering that in four months my child-support payments will stop and Jan’ll lose her last little leash on my life. Now, when my daughter needs me for money, I can send it to her directly.”

“Is that an improvement?”

“I’m going to find out.” He kissed her hand. “You’re stalling.”

“Oh, nothing’s wrong with me, Peter,” Rina said. “It seemed like a big deal over there. Now, it seems…silly. I just had to get out of New York.”

“Are you planning on going back there?”

“That all depends.”

“On what?”

“On if I have a home here.” She faced him. “Do I?”

“As far as I’m concerned, you do.”

“Then I guess I’m moving back.”

Decker grinned.

“Great,” he said.

Rina stepped out of the car and inhaled deeply. “Soil!” she said. “Land. Look at your citrus grove! The trees grow out of the ground instead of pots. It’s so beautiful.”

“Never thought of it quite like that,” Decker said.

“Everything looks so green,” Rina said.

“Actually, everything has been fried by the heat,” Decker said. “Come on inside, I’ll get you something to drink. I’ve even stocked my refrigerator for you.”

“Peter, take me for a ride.”

“We just got out of the car.”

She threw her arms around his neck. “On horseback.”

“Horseback? You?”

“Yes, me. You’ve always wanted to take me riding. Now, I’m giving you a chance.”

“Right now?”

“Yes. Right now.”

“You’re not too tired?” he asked.

She shook her head no.

“It must be ninety-five degrees out here,” Decker said.

“It’ll cool off soon.”

“I’m thirsty,” Decker said. “Can I get a beer first?”

“Okay.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Rina brought his mouth onto hers. She felt his hot breath, smelled his sweat, rubbed her fingers into his damp hair. He pulled her closer, undid the top button of her dress, and slipped his hand down the front. Her skin was warm and moist.

“Sure you want to go riding now?” he said.

She didn’t answer, kissed him again. Sweet, long kisses.

“It stays light out for a long time,” Decker said. He unsnapped the next button, she unknotted his tie. She kissed him again.

“Why don’t we go inside?” Decker suggested.

Rina didn’t move. She stroked his chin, traced his jawline with her fingertip.