"Yes," she said proudly. "It absorbs any odors, helps keep wrinkles out and if there's any kind of luggage malfunction, like a hairspray or perfume spill-tissue paper is one more layer of absorbent. But really, I do it for odors and wrinkles."

"Amazing."

"I'm guessing you don't go to this much trouble," she said.

"No. A couple of clean drawers and a shaving kit-that pretty much does it for me."

"Such a guy."

There were three suitcases open on the bed. She was wearing her fourth pair of boots for the weekend-these were black with thick heels-and her fourth soft, sexy sweater. Since she was wearing boots, he assumed the fancy red boots that sat on top of the largest suitcase were traveling back to Davis. He picked one up. "Tell me about these boots," he said.

"Tell you what?" she asked.

"Well, they look like they might be special. Are they special?"

She broke into a wide smile. "You could say so. They're Jimmy Choo."

"Jimmy Who?"

"Choo. A very high-end designer."

"Okay, now tell me-do you have them because you need them, like them, love them, what?"

"What an odd question," she said, taking the boot out of his hand. "Bob used to ask questions like that, but he still liked looking at me in those boots. They're very special and they make me feel special. Isn't that really enough?"

"I guess," he said, "if you can afford it. I bet they're expensive. They look expensive." In fact, he thought, she looked expensive all over.

"I can afford it, Tom," she said, laughing.

"Well," he started, pushing over a suitcase to sit on the bed, "here's a question, since I have absolutely no idea what it takes to make a beautiful woman like you feel special-how expensive?"

"You don't really want to know," she answered, folding away a scarf that he'd never seen.

"I do. I do want to know."

She shook her head. "It's really not something you'll ever have to worry about. I never buy anything extravagant that I can't completely afford."

"Humor me," he said. "I'm curious."

She leveled her gaze on him. "Are you sure? Because I won't tolerate you judging me. I can already tell you're not interested in things like designer boots and coats and that's fine with me. But I won't have you judging me for trying to look beautiful and being willing to spend my own money to do so."

He put his hand to his heart. "Absolutely not. I like you beautiful."

She smiled very nicely. "Okay. They're a lot. Over a thousand."

He could be cool. After all, he'd been shot at-he wasn't going to cave to a woman who spent a ridiculous amount of money on clothes. "Seriously? How much over?"

She took a breath. "I got a deal. Thirteen-hundred-seventy-five."

He swallowed and let her have a small smile. "Quite the deal," he said.

"I know," she said. "It required some serious searching! I might've found some on eBay but I won't have used! If I'm going to spend the money, they have to be new."

"Absolutely," he said. But inside he was thinking, insane. Except they were kind of fun to look at. He could think of ways they would be more fun... . "The pharmaceutical sales business must be good."

"Oh, very. However, I did come into some money last year..." She dropped her gaze briefly and Tom nearly winced-Bob's death. "I could've paid bills, but I thought I deserved a few special things..."

"Of course," he said. "I'm sorry, I-"

"That's so wonderful of you to understand. Most men don't get it, what beautiful things mean to a woman."

He ran the knuckle of his index finger along her soft cheek. "Well, Darla, I get it. I really do."

A few minutes later, he carried the luggage out to the Cadillac. He held the driver's door for her and rather than getting in, she stood just inside the door, put her arms around his neck, gave him a full body press and openmouthed kiss. She put a little tongue into it and moaned slightly with what he could only perceive as longing.

Like Pavlov's dog, his arms went around her, pulled her in tight and bent to the task of doing that kiss justice. One hand slowly slid up her back until he was caressing the back of her neck, his thumb and forefinger moving in slow circles while he deepened the kiss. He thought about the fact that he should get back in the house so he could resuscitate Maxie before she went into full cardiac arrest, because she was certainly watching. But Maxie had had a full life... . He concentrated on the banquet before him and wondered why he hadn't tasted this passion the day before or last night when they were alone, when they could've talked about taking this a bit further.

She pulled back slowly, rubbing a hand along his chest and giving him a very sweet smile, her lids lowered seductively.

He laughed almost uncomfortably. "Where was that kiss last night? I'd have been happy to pull off the road on the way home... ."

"We decided there was no rush," she said. "But if you want to know what I think, I think this friendship has potential."

"I know I'll be checking my emails more often," he said, lifting her chin for another kiss. But he kept it brief. As tempting as it was to linger, she was leaving and he didn't feel like making out in the drive between the house and barn.

"Good. I'm sure I'll see you soon. Please thank Maxie for me. She's so wonderful."

"Would you like to run inside and thank her yourself?" Tom asked.

"I said thank you this morning. And I must really be going. There's an orientation this evening."

"I'll tell her," Tom said. "How about a call later, just to let me know you made it safely."

"Sure." And she leaned in for a quick peck on the lips. "And thank you, Tom. I didn't know it was going to be so wonderful." And with that, she got in her car, executed a wide U-turn and drove away.

"Me, either," he said to himself, scrubbing off his cap and running a hand through his short hair.

And then he followed on foot so he could close the gate behind her.

It had come as no surprise to Nora that Jed wanted to come back again as soon as she would allow another visit, and that he wanted to bring Susan. He stood at the door on another Sunday afternoon with another box of gifts. "This is getting almost predictable."

"Oh, wait," the woman beside him said with a smile. "Hi, I'm Susan and I'm so happy to meet you. Thanks for letting me be included. Watching Jed discover his family has been..." She sighed, closed her eyes briefly and said, "It's a joy. It's been his dream for so many years. He's enjoyed my daughters and grandchildren, but this is a whole new thing. He's in ecstasy!"