which her aunt was able to change her persona so dramatically disturbed Courtney in a way she didn’t understand. She was glad when Jamie’s protesting wail alerted her and she quickly excused herself.
She left Neil and Devanna chatting pleasantly, and when she returned with the baby a few minutes later, she was surprised to find that Devanna had already heated his bottle.
“Here, let me have him,” Devanna ordered. “He likes to have Auntie feed him, don’t you, sweetheart?” She took the baby out of Courtney’s arms and sat down on the couch to give him his bottle.
“Your aunt tells me you haven’t been away from the houseboat at all, Courtney. I was wondering if you’d like to have lunch with me at the marina?” Neil asked, giving her one of his people-management smiles.
“Oh, I’m afraid I couldn’t,” Courtney responded quickly. “The baby—”
“Is obviously in good hands,” he finished for her. “You really should take some time for yourself.”
“I agree,” Devanna said firmly. “She’s been much too gloomy to be good company.”
I haven’t been the only one, Courtney wanted to snap back, but restrained herself.
“The baby will be fine. Won’t you, darling?” Smiling down at Jamie, Devanna cooed, “Such a sweet, sweet, sweety pie. Auntie loves you.”
Courtney’s feelings were mixed. Should she leave the baby? Her aunt had taken enough care of him to reassure her that he’d be in good hands. It was true she’d slipped into a funk since her arrival. Getting away for a few hours might put some life back into her. Just thinking about being with other people tempted her to accept the invitation. She had no idea why Neil wanted to bother himself like this, but could she refuse?
“It’s settled then,” Neil said hopefully.
She nodded. “Give me a few minutes to change.”
When she returned, Neil smiled appreciatively at her nicely fitted denim slacks and yellow knit top that brought out the golden highlights in her hair. Her skin was lightly burnished from her time in the sun, and an excited sparkle in her eyes matched the lightness of her step.
She kissed the baby, gave her aunt some instructions about baby food and then turned to him. “I guess I’m ready.”
“Would you like to take a spin around the lake before we head for the marina?” he asked her as they settled themselves in his speedboat.
“If you have the time. I don’t want to interfere with your work.”
“Pleasure before business anytime,” he assured her, grinning.
His relaxed good humor was infectious. As the boat skimmed over the water, Courtney became a part of the scene she’d been watching from the deck of the houseboat. She lifted her face boldly to the wind and let her hair fly free. She laughed with Neil when the spray from a nearby boat bathed both of them.
She couldn’t believe she was actually going to lunch with such a charming, attractive man. He’d made it clear that he wasn’t interested in any serious commitments, and that was fine with her. She’d never felt such freedom to enjoy the moment and put aside any thoughts about the future.
Neil was delighted with her childlike pleasure. She was different from the women he was used to dating. Most of them were concerned about how they looked while they role-played the femme fatale. He was pleased that once Courtney seemed secure enough to lower her guard, there was no pretense about her. He wondered about her background, and was determined to know a lot more about her before their lunch date was over.
As they headed for the far end of the lake, Hidden Cove disappeared behind them and the brown houseboat was lost from view.
AS SHE SAT IN FRONT OF Buzz’s photo, her eyes sparkled with happiness. Laughing joyfully, she held up the baby for him to see.
“Look, darling. Just like we always planned. Our very own baby boy. Remember how you promised me a child of my own some day?” She snuggled against Jamie’s soft cheek. “And here he is. The moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he was ours.”
Her expression sobered as she cocked her head and listened. “Yes, I know, Buzz. But don’t worry. I’ll make another hit, and then I’ll have money to travel. I’ve been checking out some of the banks.”
She listened again, frowning. “It’s okay, Buzz. Relax, honey. I have plans to take care of the woman soon.”
Cuddling the baby in her arms, she began to hum a lullaby.
NEIL DOCKED THE BOAT at the marina in a recreational area that stretched several blocks along the lake. The beautifully landscaped area was inviting with clean, sandy beaches, winding paths, park benches and nearby colorful shops. With Courtney walking beside him, Neil was surprised how her presence made him view everything with a fresh eye.
She commented on flower beds, fountains and lush green lawns, and when she saw mothers pushing baby carriages and strollers, she exclaimed excitedly, “I’ll have to bring Jamie here.”
“Maybe you and my sister Maribeth could arrange a play date. She has two little ones.”
Courtney gave a vague nod of her head. She thought it wasn’t likely that his sister would follow through on the idea.
“You’d like her,” he added with a smile. “She’s my youngest sister. There’s only a couple years difference between us, and I guess I’m closer to her than the others. I can always tell when she’s feeling down, and needs a pick-me-up.” He grinned at Courtney. “She has eyes that give her feelings away—just like you do.”
“I’m that easy to read?”
“Not entirely,” he assured her.
“Well, thank you for rescuing me.”
“My pleasure. What kind of food do you like?”
“Any kind I don’t have to cook,” she readily replied. “A hot dog would be just fine.”
“Oh, I think I can do better than that.” He boldly slipped his arm through hers.
They walked several blocks to a small café in a Victorian house, complete with an old-fashioned cupola and gingerbread trim. A plump hostess dressed in old-fashioned costume greeted Neil with a welcoming smile and gave Courtney a quick assessing glance as if interested in seeing whom he was squiring for lunch.
“A nice table outside?” she asked Neil as if the question were rhetorical. Courtney suspected the hostess was asking if he wanted his usual table.
“What would you like?” he asked, deferring to Courtney. “Inside or out?”
“Outside sounds nice,” she readily replied. She’d had enough of being cooped up in a houseboat, eating meals at a counter.
A canopy of trees shaded the wide veranda, and the hostess led them to a table near a fountain spilling water into a small pond circled by feathery green ferns. The faint perfume of roses touched Courtney’s nostrils and she drew in the heavenly scent. The fragrance was a sharp contrast to the musty,
