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"You know, Tim, it seems to me you’re still in love with your wife," she commented while he was on his third espresso

His eyes flared and he adamantly shook his head "No way"

"Sorry, but that’s how I see it"

"You’re wrong"

"Could be, but it’s obvious you’re crazy about your kids"

He had no argument with that "They’re fabulous"

"So--what else can I do for you?" she asked when he showed no sign of leaving anytio to dinner withshe’d be in for a repeat of his disagreeave hiht we already went over that"

"Are you sure you ain

"If the lady says no, that’s what sheinto the restaurant He glared at Tim as if he wanted to teach hih, but his dehed in exasperation She was all too aware of the interest Catherine and the others were taking in this little scene Ti his divorce, and he was counting on Shana to boost his confidence

"Thank you verythe tereat deal more, "but the lady can answer for herself"

To her surprise Jazht "Hello, Mr Gilmore, remeot off the stool "I guess it’s tiood idea to aze didn’t waver from Tim’s face

As soon as the other man was out the door, Shana whirled on Adam "That was co to keep her voice down in deference to her staff and customers

Adaot the e?" Shana derinned as if the answer should be obvious

"Hands off," Jazmine supplied "You’re already spoken for"

With her shift over, Ali went to check on Commander Dillon one last time and discovered he was asleep His face was turned toward her and in sluer than she’d first assue to ed to place her hand on his arm, to touch him and feel the warmth of his skin A chill ran down her spine as she remembered he didn’t want her anywhere near hi her last visit

She wished she had someone she could talk to about the way she felt This wasn’t so she could discuss with the other wo her career in jeopardy Any hint of a rolement, and she could be in more trouble than she wanted to consider

Before she left, Ali logged on to her computer

Sent: June 20

From:

[email protected]

To:

[email protected]

Subject: Hello!

Dear Shana,

Just wanted to see how you’re doing this week I think of you and Jazency appendectoht have mentioned hiht not make it, and asked if I’d look after his affairs I told him I would, but thankfully that wasn’t necessary He’s recuperating nicely now I think he’s

Ali hesitated, re the intense look in Frank’s eyes as he confessed he had no family What a lonely life he must lead Divorced and his brother dead It didn’t sound as if his parents were still living, either He’d wanted her to dispose of his earthly goods by giving whatever he had to charity Ali told herself he didn’t have time to ask anyone else; she’d been handy, so he’d reached out to her Still, she sensed that he trusted her They were basically strangers but he felt he could speak to her and that she would follow through hatever he’d requested Had it been necessary, she would have

After a moment’s hesitation, Shana returned to her e-raph

Jaz by on Saturday How did that go? I know you think ree she has no business doing that But the truth is, I don’t think it’s such a bad idea

Adaht have a dozen excuses not to recognize what a find he is, look again This is your big sister talking here I uy Adaent and hardworking and wonderful with kids

I just hope keeping Jazmine for the next six months will convince you that you want children of your own I can tell how close the two of you are getting just froh to make me jealous!

Your e-

Love,

Ali

It didn’t take long for Ali to get a response She wasn’t sure if it was because of the time difference or if she happened to catch her sister at the computer