Just One Look (Women of Substance) Read Online Free PDF Page B

all.” I paused, giving myself time to choose my words carefully. “But although I’ve enjoyed our relationship, I think it’s gone as far as it can.”
    She placed a hand on my chest. “Before you decide we’re past our expiration date, Andy—”
    I removed her hand from my chest and held it in mine. “You’re a sweet, giving, beautiful woman who deserves far more than I can give you.”
    She shook her head.” Andy—”
    “There’s no reason why you should settle for less than you deserve, Caren.” I kissed her fingers and stepped back.
    She looked at me with tears in her eyes before she went into her apartment and closed the door.
    Damn. I inhaled slowly, feeling like a heel. I took the long way home. Home? Inside my apartment, I undressed and lay across my bed, staring up at the ceiling. I had two successful businesses and enough money to live a very comfortable life. But home? The apartment had all the creature comforts I wanted, but it was not home. Home was a place you shared with a loving family. Not a place where you wallowed in alone.
    If you’re alone, you have no one to blame but yourself. You’ve known countless women who would have gladly married your sorry ass. Annoyed with myself, I rolled off the bed and went into the living room to pour myself a drink. Back in the bedroom, I found sleep elusive. I decided to check my email.
    My mood improved when I saw the message from Narena. Finally. I frowned. Actually, it had only been a little over two weeks since our first meeting, but thoughts of her had never been far from my mind. And now she was ready to go out with me. Yes!
    I immediately composed an email in response.
     
    Narena,
    It would be a crime for you to exercise away even one ounce of your charming substance. Consider yourself asked out again.
    Anderson
     
    When I emerged from the shower half an hour later, I read her response.
     
    When? This century or the next?
     
    Smiling, I glanced at my watch. It was after eleven but that was early for a Friday night. I sat at my laptop to send my reply. I’ll pick you up in forty minutes. Don’t bother trying to offer any excuses why I can’t see you tonight because I’m not accepting any. I’m on my way and expect to get in.
    Anderson.
     
     
    Narena
     
    With no thought of refusing Anderson’s invitation, I leapt out of bed and tore off my nightgown as I rushed into the bathroom for a quick shower. I’d just put the finishing touches on my make-up and brushed my hair until it framed my face like a dark cloud when my phone buzzed.
    I felt a flash of heat rush up to my face. Fanning myself with my hand, I hurried through to the entrance door. “Yes?”
    “It’s Anderson.”
    Hearing his warm, deep baritone sent a jolt of anticipation through me. After taking a quick moment to close my eyes in a vain effort to slow down my racing heartbeat, I pasted a smile on my face and opened the door.
    He wore a dark suit with a white dress shirt with several buttons open at the neck.
    To my surprise, he reached out to take both my hands in his. “Damn. It’s good to see you,” he said.
    I knew he meant it and I couldn’t remember ever being happier to see any man I wasn’t already in an intimate relationship with. “Thank you.”
    He released my hands and touched my hair, his gaze sweeping over me. “You look lovelier than you did the last time I saw you. I’m relieved to see all your…substance still present and accounted for.”
    I smiled, feeling like the most beautiful woman in the world. “You have a way of making a woman perfectly happy with herself.”
    “You’re a woman who’s perfect just as you are. There’s only one thing I would change about you if I could.”
    I tensed. “And what’s that one thing?”
    “I’d cover your beautiful body with my lips and finger prints.”
    Oh hell he knew how to make me hot. I lifted a hand and fanned myself. “Is it me or is it hot up in here all of a sudden?”
    He laughed. “It’s