He reached out and rubbed her chin with his thumb.

Kate stilled at his touch, feeling the roughness of his thumb all the way to her toes.

“You had a little something right there,” he said.

She remembered the globby grape jelly on toast she’d scarfed down on the way out the door and ran her finger over the spot, rubbing away the feeling his touch had left behind.

He scanned the area around them. Was he remembering Dahlia and wishing for an audience? The airport was quiet as a sepulchre tonight. Where’s the media when you need them?

Kate wanted to run her fingers along the rough surface of his stubbly jaw. What would he think of that? Would he kiss her then, if she took the first step?

Lucas caught her staring. She was loath to leave him for a night. How had she gotten so accustomed to his company? She remembered how he’d irritated her when he was just her superintendent. How had he found a way through the cracks in her heart? How had she come to expect his presence, depend on it?

He cleared his throat and pocketed his hands. “Well. Have a safe trip.”

Kate blinked and looked away, hiking the weighty bag on her shoulder. “Thanks.”

When he walked away, Kate realized her feelings for Lucas were rising dangerously high, like floodwaters on the banks of an unprotected shore.

Three cups of coffee and Kate was finally awake. She sat opposite the interviewer, Lisa Evans. A mike had been placed inconspicuously on the collar of her red Donna Karan blazer. The makeup people had done a good job, but the foundation was heavy and felt like it was melting under the hot lights.

The producer gave last-minute instructions, but Kate had heard most of it before. She settled back in the chair and waited while they opened the show with news on the other side of the studio. A copy of Mr. Right was propped on the glass cube between them.

Lisa, in a robin’s-egg blue suit, reviewed her notes, making no conversation. That was typical. Interviewers liked to save it for the show.

When it was time for their segment, they were cued, and Lisa straightened, smiling toward the camera.

“This morning we have syndicated dating-advice columnist and noted author Dr. Kate. Welcome.”

Kate smiled. “Thank you for having me.”

“I have to say I read your recent release, Finding Mr. Right-for-You and was riveted.” Lisa’s eyebrows inched up into her blond bangs.

“Thanks, Lisa. There’s a lot of interest lately in compatibility in dating and marriage.”

“Which begs the question,” Lisa said. “There are numerous websites and books on the subject. What makes yours different?”