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breathing, labored from exertion. She could feel the touch of his fingers as he ran his hands through her curls. She swore she could hear him murmuring in her ear, telling her how soft she felt beneath him, how much he wanted to stroke her skin, explore her body, cup her curves, and make her his.
    His gaze caught hers through the front window. His stare was penetrating as though the wall that separated them was made of cellophane. Heat rushed through her. How was she going to keep her wits about her and sit through a meal when she already felt this vulnerable to his presence? Caroline licked her dry lips and then swallowed hard, pushing the erotic thoughts from her mind.
    Giving herself a quick mental pep talk, Caroline reminded herself of the goal. I can do this. She sucked in a deep breath and expelled it through a smile. She forced back her doubts and thought about how wonderful it would be to hold her child in her arms. If all went well, her plan would be on the fast track, and she’d have little time to think about regrets. Her hand on the doorknob, she straightened her dress, and swung the heavy door open as Malcolm reached the other side.
    ****
    His nose noticed her sweet scent even as his eyes registered her dress. Her perfume was soft and sensuous but with a fruity punch that made his thoughts temporarily scatter. The dress highlighted her slim shoulders, and as she turned to close and lock the door behind her, he noted her bare back. Lightly tanned and smooth, the expanse of exposed skin begged to be touched. She turned back to him, her smile 1000 watts bright, showing off small gleaming teeth.
    He was overwhelmed and fighting for control.
    “Malcolm.”
    His name on her lips seemed to warm him from inside.
    “Caroline, I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.” He offered her his hand.
    She looked at his hand. Taking it, she turned it slightly to the side and used it to leverage herself closer to him. Her lips touched his cheek softly, and he felt his warmed insides begin to melt.
    “Not at all,” she said. “You know us ladies. We try to keep our preparations to a minimum, but as they say: the best laid plans….” She smiled as her voice trailed off.
    Malcolm smiled in return. “You look lovely. So rest assured, your plans paid off in the end.”
    Caroline giggled lightly. “Well, thank you so much. I’d hate to disappoint.”
    Malcolm couldn’t imagine she’d disappointed many people. “Shall we?” He gestured to the car. Geoffrey was standing at the rear, holding the car door open.
    Malcolm offered his arm to Caroline, and they walked side by side to the waiting driver.
    Caroline sank into the butter soft, cream-colored leather, and Malcolm settled beside her.
    “I hope you don’t mind, but I do need to make a stop along the way. I’d hope to be able to take care of this before, but…”
    “Please, don’t worry about it. The City is beautiful this time of the evening. Let’s enjoy the drive. Where are we headed?”
    Nice, thought Malcolm, she’s flexible. Post one point under winner.
    “The Empire State Building, actually.”
    “No kidding? I’ve never been there.” Caroline laughed. “People say when you live at the beach, you never go to the beach. I guess as a native to the City, you never do the tourist attractions.”
    “You’re kidding. It’s an amazing building. Did you know it was built at the beginning of the Great Depression and wasn’t profitable for more than twenty years?” Malcolm’s eyes lit up as he asked the question.
    His excitement about the old building was catching.
    “That’s interesting. Why’d they even build it then? I guess they must have conceived of the project prior to the crash.”
    Malcolm was encouraged by Caroline’s question, even if she had answered it herself.
    “You got it. For years it was called the ‘Empty State Building’.”
    Caroline laughed and waved her hand as if to suggest he must be kidding.
    ****
    The car pulled to a stop.