apartment seem meager.” “Meager. What about the condo one?” He laughed. “Definitely not a cook’s delight.” “How did you manage to have this installed?” “The house was under construction when I bought it. I called on some friends for the appliances. While I’m waiting for the potatoes to cook let me show you the rest of this floor.” She lifted Jamie from the play table and followed Tony into the empty dining room. “You’ve a bit of shopping to do.” “I know.” His smile warmed her. He showed her his office and an identical room next door with a bathroom between. “There’s a rec room in the basement. TV’s there… You might want to see the place later.” What had he been about to say? Later. When? She fastened Jamie into the highchair. Tony tested the potatoes. “Almost done.” He filled a pan with water. “To heat the peas.” He pointed to a divided dish with four compartments. “You can fill the well with hot water and keep the food warm.” “What can I do to help you?” “Set the table.” He pointed to a cabinet. “Dishes there and silverware in the drawer below.” He removed the turkey from the oven and set it on the counter. After scooping stuffing from the bird into a bowl he pressed a button on the far side of the center island. “Warming station.” Lauren finished setting the table. She filled the divided dish with hot water. Peas went into one compartment. Tony handed her a slice of turkey. After dicing the meat she added this to the dish with some of the gravy. Mashed white and sweet potatoes filled the other compartments. Jamie banged the highchair tray. “Tee. Eat.” “Soon.” She carried the plate to the table and tested the temperature of the various foods before feeding him several bites. Tony filled two plates. Lauren alternated bites for Jamie with ones for herself. Tony filled their glasses with white wine. Lauren sipped and sighed. Smooth. Delicious. She wondered what a bottle cost. Before long Jamie refused another bite. He made a face when she tried to feed him the cranberry sauce. Lauren sat back and ate resisting the desire to moan with pleasure. “This is great. I wish I could cook.” “I could give you lessons.” “I might accept but finding time might be difficult for now. My studies and your long commute.” “I’m cutting back on my hours and ceding control of every case that comes into the office.” “Can you?” “That was my father’s way. I’m going to try.” Lauren finished the last bite on her plate. Was becoming Jamie’s guardian responsible for the change? “I’m stuffed.” “Guess you don’t want dessert.” “Give me an hour.” She laughed. “You’ve got it.” He winked. “Why don’t you take Jamie to the living room while I finish here?” She looked at the bowls and plates on the table and the amount of food remaining. “You’ll be eating leftovers for weeks.” “I have some interesting recipes for using the leftovers that I want to try. I plan to send food home with you.” “I’d like that.” She rose and lifted Jamie. Not willing to waste a drop she carried the partly filled wine glass with her. In the living room she put her nephew in the play table. A short time later Tony came for her empty glass. He pressed a button. Music poured from hidden speakers. A second button lit the gas fireplace. “Be back soon.” Lauren sank on the couch. For a time she watched Jamie explore the toys built into the table. Her eyes closed and she tried to sort her jumbled thoughts. Tony had changed and so had she. What did this mean? She swallowed a lump in her throat. Knowledge flooded her thoughts. She had fallen in love with him. What was she going to do? Though he cared for Jamie she figured his tryst with domesticity was temporary. Before long he would return to his playboy life. The clatter of a plate on the coffee table made her jerk. Tony held a carafe and two mugs. A plate with two