One of the Boys by Merline Lovelace Page B

also shaded Jake’s eyes and cast the high angles of his cheeks into sharp relief. Maura gulped at the picture of pure masculinity he made.
    She insisted on paying for the hat, informing himthat she’d decided to take his conservative wardrobe in hand, and this was the first step.
    Jake linked his arm through hers and they headed for the central pavilion for the introduction of honored guests. The senior commanders from the base were onstage, as well as the local politicians and, of course, the Mullet Festival Princess and her court. Since this was an election year, the dignitaries’ comments tended to take on a distinctly campaigning flavor.
    After the speeches, the guests dispersed to mingle with the crowd. Some time later a surprisingly talented vocal group from the local community college summer program gave a medley of “golden oldies.” Jake swept her into his arms, and as they swayed to the music, Maura marveled at her contentment.
    A few short months ago, she would never have pictured herself dancing to the dreamy strains of “Deep Purple” on a swept dirt dance floor while afternoon sunlight filtered through tall, spindly pines. Closing her eyes, she let her head drift down to a warm, muscled shoulder. She felt cocooned in a web of happiness, part of, yet apart from, the cheerful, sweaty crowd that jostled around them. Tightening her arm around Jake’s neck, Maura fit her body into his.
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    They spent the rest of the afternoon at the festival. Lisa checked in, then disappeared once morewith Tony. The shy glow in his daughter’s eyes had overcome Jake’s reservations about her companion.
    A tired, contented trio headed home after a late supper of more hush puppies and, of course, mullet. Maura had a napkin-wrapped chunk of leftovers in her purse for Bea, and the scent of fried fish filled the Jeep as they wound their way out of the traffic.
    Jake headed for his bayside house to drop Lisa off first. Maura was entertaining fantasies about a late-night repeat of their spectacular performance in the cool waters of the bay when they pulled up behind a rental car parked in Jake’s circular driveway.
    â€œWho’s that?” Lisa asked.
    â€œI don’t know,” her father replied, then blinked in surprise as a slender, petite brunette opened the front door.
    â€œHello, Jake. I hope you don’t mind. I let myself in.”
    â€œMom!” Lisa jumped out of the Jeep and threw her arms around the smiling woman. “What are you doing here?”
    â€œI was at a regional auction in Mobile, so I thought I would drive over and see how you’re doing. I miss you, sweetheart.”
    Maura held back while Jake and Lisa greeted their unexpected visitor. Suddenly she could feel every drop of dried perspiration and every particle of dust she’d acquired during the long, hot day. Beside this exquisitely groomed woman in her white linen pantsuit and gold jewelry, she felt clumsy and definitely worse for wear. Nor did it help when the newcomer’s slightly mocking gaze slid from Maura’s fish-bedecked visor to Jake’s straw hat.
    â€œGoing native, darling?” she asked with a bland smile.
    â€œYes, as a matter of fact. And enjoying it. Anne, I’d like you to meet an associate of mine, Dr. Maura Phillips.”
    Anne McAllister’s penciled brows arched delicately at the title. Obviously Maura didn’t quite fit her image of a physician, or any other kind of doctor. Resisting the urge to wipe her sweaty palm on her skirt, Maura held out her hand. She also managed not to squeeze Anne’s limp fingers, although she detested weak-wristed, two-fingered handshakes.
    In fact, Maura thought as she ran her eyes over the brunette’s slim figure and stark, high-cheeked beauty, there wasn’t a whole lot about this woman she liked at all. Recognizing pure, unadulterated jealousy for what it was, Maura gave herself a mental