Jenna turned to find the host staring at her. “You lied,” he said. Then his pumpkin face broke into a grin. “Easy, doc! Don’t look so shocked. I mean you lied about being a virgin. If you’re new to this game, I’m Meryl freakin’ Streep.”

“I thought I messed up there at the end.”

“Are you kidding? You had them crying along with you out there. You’re a natural.”

Outside the booth, what seemed like the whole audience waited to descend on Jenna and Barry. Several had bought Jenna’s book on the spot—her agent had sent a dozen, just in case. The first to ask her to sign his copy was the man in golf clothes. The second was the college student.

As Jenna signed books and accepted compliments, she scanned the studio, still hoping. Still no Brad. But there, in a corner near the door, was a dark man, small of stature, lounging against the doorway. His posture was relaxed, casual but something about him was oddly familiar, something that made Jenna tense.

As if in response to her scrutiny, the man straightened up, brushed his sleeve, and walked out. Had she imagined the way he looked at her, the intensity of his gaze?

You’re losing it, she told herself. The quarrel with Brad has thrown you off balance. If you go on like this, you'll be needing treatment yourself.

When at last the crowd thinned, Barry approached Jenna.

“Can I buy you dinner, doc? There’s a terrific place on Commercial Street—” “I wish I could,’’ Jenna cut in, trying to sound regretful, though the last thing she wanted now was to deal with more of Barry’s questions. “But I’m so tired … and I have a very early day tomorrow.”

“Another time,” he said, not seeming too disappointed.

They exchanged professional small talk—an invitation to return, promises to keep in touch—then Jenna was free. But to do what?

Up until a year ago, she would have hurried home or to her office to lose herself in work. Then Brad came into her life—and she had someone to share her triumphs, her defeats, someone to touch and hold and yearn for.

Stop it, she told herself, you’re thinking as if he were gone. And he isn’t. He can’t be. To be alone now, after a taste of warmth and intimacy … that would be unbearable.

Once outside, she looked up and down the street but saw nothing suspicious, nothing out of the way. Just a bright sunny day and people going about their business. A cab pulling up almost directly in front of her.

With a heartfelt sigh, she stepped inside.

O