“Feel free to call before then if you have any questions.” Sydney’s smile indicated a call would be welcome, questions or not.

With nothing more than a polite nod, Lucas let the door close and wiped his hands on his jeans. He appreciated the business—she was giving him plenty—but the woman had the subtlety of a shark in a fish pool. He had little respect for a woman who ignored a man’s wedding band. Did she even care that he belonged to someone else?

You’re only a name on a wedding certificate, man.

His eyes wandered up the staircase to Kate’s office. Would she mind if he interrupted her work? He hated to admit it, but he’d missed having lunch with her. Missed the way she wiped her lips after every bite. Missed the way she separated the food on her plate so nothing touched.

Mostly, he missed listening to her talk about her work. At first glance, some might think Kate’s career was self-serving. But if they heard her talk about people—heard the excitement in her voice when she helped someone—they’d know differently.

It was quiet upstairs, not even the clacking of her computer keys. Maybe she was taking a break. Lucas took the stairs, glad for the opportunity to shake the cloying cloud of Sydney’s perfume.

When he reached the second floor, her office chair was empty. A colorful screensaver danced on the computer, indicating she hadn’t been typing for some time. Strange—he knew she was there; her car was out front.

He was about to call for her when he saw movement at the back of the building, through her old apartment doorway. He walked the length of the rug—and stopped. Beyond the coffee table, Kate lay flat as a mat on the floor. Her head faced the wall, ear to the floor—or was that the vent? One hand clutched the hair at her nape, pulling her cream-colored suit coat up at the waist. Her pants hugged the curve of her derrière, and the tops of her feet skimmed the floor.

What in the world? Why would she be lying over the—

Realization washed over him, cool and refreshing, and his lips slowly curved into a smile.

Oh yeah. This was going to be good.

Lucas leaned against the door frame, crossing his arms, biding his time. Finally, when she didn’t budge, he cleared his throat.

Kate jumped, turned toward him, letting loose of her hair. The air must have kicked on because a blast blew a strand across her face.

“Looking for something?” He almost felt sorry for her as she scrambled into a sitting position. But the look on her face was too comical, and the feelings her jealousy inspired, too heartening.