MadLoving by N.J. Walters Page A

Nevar’s place,
grabbed a quick shower and changed in record time.
    Rabb studied her and she touched her hair wondering if she
looked okay. She wanted to look good. Over the past months, she’d shared many
meals with Nevar’s family and each one was an event. These people certainly
knew how to make a simple dinner seem special. Irene always used china and
silverware—she seemed to own several sets of both—there was always fresh
flowers and music and, most especially, there was always a wonderful treat for
dessert.
    She loved his family as much as she did her own.
    “You look great.” Rabb stood back and motioned for her to go
ahead of him.
    “Thanks.” She’d bought the form-fitting green dress on a
whim last weekend. The neckline was high and conservative, the sleeves long,
but the back plunged all the way to her butt, leaving her back all but bare.
Nevar hadn’t seen it yet.
    When she reached the door of Nevar’s parents she knocked
once and then entered. Irene bustled out from the kitchen wearing a red dress
with green and blue swirls running through it. The woman did love color.
“Allison. Come in, come in.”
    Rabb reached out and deftly removed the tray from her hands
before Allison found herself enveloped in a big floral hug. Irene’s perfume
this month was a light floral blend. The older woman had confided to her that
she liked to change her fragrance every month just to keep things interesting.
She adored Nevar’s mother.
    “There she is.” Frank Hatter strode toward her with his arms
wide open. If Nevar took after his mother in coloring, then Rabb took after his
father. Frank was tall and wide, his hair a thick brown.
    “Hi, Frank.” She pulled away from Irene and hugged Nevar’s
father.
    “Hey, let me get a hug.” Nevar tugged her out of his
father’s arms and into his. She closed her eyes and simply allowed a sense of
well-being and belonging to fill her. His hand touched her bare back and he
pulled away. “Let me see.” He made a twirling motion with his hand and she dutifully
turned in a circle, showing off her new dress.
    “Wow.” Nevar’s eyes darkened and she could see the barely
repressed passion and she silently thanked Barb for encouraging her to buy the
dress.
    “I love it.” Irene fingered the fabric while Frank gave a
low whistle of appreciation. Rabb winked at her. Allison felt her face flush
with all the attention on her.
    “Well, come on. Dinner is on the table.” Irene led the way
into the dining room. “Rabb, put that tray in the kitchen for me, will you?”
Rabb detoured into the kitchen and then joined them all around the table.
    The table was set with floral-patterned china and red
napkins. Steam rose from several large dishes that sat in the middle of the
table. The yummy smell of tomato, basil and cheese filled the air. They were
having Irene’s famous lasagna. Allison’s stomach rumbled.
    Beside her, Nevar laughed and went to work filling her
plate. “Did you miss lunch again?”
    “Yes. I went shopping with Barb.”
    “Buy anything interesting?”
    “That’s for me to know and you to find out,” she answered
tartly. No need to tell him she’d bought the most wonderful, slinky
cream-colored nightgown. She planned on wearing it Christmas Eve as an early
present for both of them.
    Christmas was only a few days away and she was spending the
entire holiday with Nevar, opting not to go home this year. She was looking
forward to it. They planned to get a small tree tomorrow and decorate it.
    Everyone ate and chatted and laughed. Allison relaxed
totally and watched them all interact, loving being a part of their family. A
little voice in the back of her head told her she wasn’t a member of the
family, not really. She ignored it. Things were wonderful between her and
Nevar, no way was she letting any doubts sour their relationship.
    “Another holiday party downstairs tonight?” Allison was
surprised by how many corporate groups hired Hatter’s to hold