Sunday turned out to be almost springlike, which wasn't surprising consideringthat spring would be there in another few weeks. Jodie decided to go jogging. Shehadn't been out much these past several weeks. She drove to one of the nearbyparks, parked, stretched and started out in a slow jog.

She recognized some of the other joggers because they'd been coming there foryears. The sunshine and blue sky must have encouraged them to get out, just as ithad her.

Afterward, she stopped into a deli and bought a large sandwich and headed home.

She decided to shower before eating. She'd barely gotten wet when she heard thedoorbell. Since Lynette always called first, she didn't have a clue who could bethere.

Jodie hurriedly stepped out of the shower and grabbed a bath towel, then hurriedto the door.

"Who is it?"

"Dean."

"Dean?" She panicked. "Hold on a sec." She rushed into the bedroom and found arobe to put on and hurried back to open the door. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. Iwas in the shower when I heard the bell. Please. Come in."

He walked in and said, "I hope you don't mind my stopping by without callingfirst."

"I'll forgive you this once," she replied with a smile, "especially since I justgot home and you wouldn't have reached me anyway. Would you like some coffee whileI get dressed?"

He shook his head. "Had too much already, but thanks."

She waved at the grouping of sofa and chairs and said, "Have a seat. I'll be rightback."

Jodie hurried into her bedroom and closed the door. What was he doing there? Andwhy was she letting his presence rattle her so? She didn't have any answers. Shedug out an old pair of jeans and a faded sweatshirt, stuck her feet in houseslippers and went back to the living room.

He stood as soon as he saw her. "You look comfortably casual," he said with alopsided grin.

"I am." She stood there for a moment, waiting, and when he didn't say anything,she said, "Let's sit down. I'm sure you have a reason for coming by."

He settled back on the sofa while she sat on the edge of one of her chairs.

"I've been thinking."

That sounded a little ominous. "About what?"

"Us."

She frowned. "There isn't an us."

"Actually there is, whether we do anything about it or not. We became friends

while we were in Maui. I'd like to give the relationship a chance and see where ittakes us."

Oh, dear. His reason for being there was worse than she'd thought.

After a moment she replied, "I don't think so."

"Why not?"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, let me count the ways. One, I work for you, which we'vealready discussed. Nothing has changed in that regard. Two, I'm not into flings.Besides, you're still involved with Rachel and I don't want to get in the middle ofthat."

He looked uncomfortable. "We've agreed that the relationship isn't working foreither of us. I won't be seeing her anymore."

"I can't imagine her breaking up with you unless she found out you're seeingsomeone else, and I don't believe that's the case. I always know when you're seeingsomeone. You send them flowers, you get them tickets..." Her voice trailed off andshe stared at him in dismay. "You sentme flowers."

"So I did."

She stared at him, feeling confused. "Well...but...you didn't mean them in that way,"

she said.

"I meant them exactly that way," he murmured.

"Oh, my gosh."

"You didn't guess?"

"Are you kidding? Of course I didn't think that's what they meant." She couldn't

believe she was having this conversation with Dean.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "The thing is, Jodie, I'd liketo start seeing you socially. I discovered that I enjoy your company. When I'm withyou, I see everything through your eyes and I like the new perspective." He kepthis gaze focused on her. "Teach me how to relax and enjoy life a little more, like we did in Hawaii."

"You're asking me to tutor you?" she asked, frowning slightly.

"If you want to call it that."

"For how long?"

"I don't understand the question."

"Well, let me put it this way. How long do you generally date one person before

moving on?""What kind of question is that? I have no idea."

"Well, I do. It averages about two to two and a half months. How long do youexpect to see me?"

He threw up his hands. "This isn't the conversation I thought I'd be having."

She crossed her arms. "Really? Did you think I'd rush into your arms when youdecided you want to spend time with me away from the office?"

"If I did, that idea got blown out of the water."

"Dean?"

"What?"

"What's this all about?"

He leaned back on the sofa, rested his head against the back and sighed.

"I miss you more than I could have dreamed I would. We were good together. We hadfun together. Or I did, at least. What's wrong with extending that?"

"We could try it, I suppose," she said thoughtfully.

"Your enthusiasm is underwhelming."

"I could be your transition person until you find someone else."

He closed his eyes. "Transition person," he repeated without inflection.

"Maybe we could do that. Still nothing serious."

He straightened. "So you'll do it?"

"Within reason. I'm busy with school, as you know, but maybe once a week or so wecould spend some time together." She brightened. "We could meet for coffee after myclasses. Have dinner on weekends. Is that what you want?"

"Never mind what I want. I'll take what I can get."