If you can’t stand the heat…

Sherry Stratton has kept her heart on ice for years. Between her pediatric practice and her seven-year-old daughter, the accomplished physician believes she has no time for romance. But every time she’s around Lucas Van Buren, her temperature starts rising. So why does she keep resisting the sexy chef?

stay out of the bedroom!

From the moment they meet at his brother’s wedding, Lucas has eyes only for Sherry. The polished restaurateur has tried everything he can think of to become more than a friend. Now, after months of effort, Lucas and Sherry are finally heating up between the sheets, and the lovemaking is oh-so-sweet. Lucas thinks they’re solid, but when someone from Sherry’s past suddenly resurfaces, their delicious relationship is put to the test.…

Lucas had been wanting to kiss Sherri for months.

Tonight, he finally gave in to his natural desire. He leaned his head close to hers. He took his time, savoring the first touch of her soft, inviting mouth. The light pressure was followed by his tongue tenderly outlining the curve of her lips, teasing them open to receive him. She responded by parting her lips, opening wide enough to take his tongue against her own, permitting him to give her the pleasure she’d previously denied herself. Their mouths mated like lovers who’d been away from each other for too long.

His hands cupped her face. She stroked his shoulders, sliding up to his neck. Holding him gently but firmly, she allowed the kiss to deepen while their tongues did an extended, sensual dance, stroking and tasting until it seemed as though they had done this many, many times. It could have gone on for minutes or hours—Lucas didn’t know and he didn’t care. All he knew at that moment was that he didn’t want this kiss to end.

MELANIE SCHUSTER

started reading when she was four. Currently, it is still a passion, and whenever she has a spare moment she is reading. Fascinated with books and the art of story-telling, she wanted to be a writer from the time she was very young. She fell in love with romances when she began reading the books her mother brought home. As she grew older, she would go to any store that sold paperbacks and load up on her own.

Melanie loves romances because they are always hopeful. Despite the harsh realities of life, romance always brings to mind the wonderful, exciting adventure of falling in love with a soul mate. She believes in love and romance with all her heart, and she finds fulfillment in writing stories about compelling couples who find true, lasting love in the face of obstacles. She hopes all her readers find their true love. If they’ve already been lucky enough to find love, she hopes that they never forget what it felt like to fall in love.

Way to Her Heart

Melanie Schuster

www.millsandboon.co.uk

MILLS & BOON

Before you start reading, why not sign up?

Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!

SIGN ME UP!

Or simply visit

signup.millsandboon.co.uk

Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.

Dear Reader,

Thanks for coming on another trip to Columbia, South Carolina, for more love and excitement. This time it was Dr. Sherri Stratton’s turn to find her love, with Lucas VanBuren, thanks to her very sweet and precocious daughter Sydney.

Those of you who live in the south know all about the Spoleto Festival that Lucas and Sherri visit. If you’ve never been, you should go—it’s amazing!

The farmer’s market in the Honey Horn area of Hilton Head is also a real place. I do love a farmer’s market. Or any upscale market where you can buy exotic goods as well as local produce. I do love to cook, so writing about the VanBuren chefs is a lot of fun for me, and I hope all my foodie readers are enjoying it, too.

Until next time, keep reading and stay blessed!

Melanie

I Chronicles 4:10

melanieschuster@sbcglobal.net

To Virgie Tiyen Wilson,

for all the things she does. You’re my calm in the storm, my idea person, my reader and my friend.

To my dear aunts, Pauline Ragland,

an exceptional example of what a real woman is

all about, and Theresa Cole, who taught me many things by example, especially how to be a wonderful aunt!

Thanks for all the special memories.

Thanks to all my readers who have also become

my friends. I couldn’t do this without your

enthusiastic support and encouragement.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Prologue

It was the best wedding she’d ever been to in her entire life. Since Sydney Stratton was just six going on seven years old, she hadn’t been to very many, but this one was absolutely wonderful. Her mommy’s best friend, Auntie Alexis, had married Jared VanBuren and Sydney was a flower girl, a responsibility she took seriously. She and Courtney, the other flower girl, got to wear beautiful dresses and carry pretty baskets full of rose petals that they sprinkled on the white runner. They had their hair done in Alexis’s spa, and they even got to wear nail polish to match the red lace appliqués on their dresses and the red wreaths of rosebuds in their hair. After the wedding they had the honor of walking Alexis’s little dogs at the reception, and it was a lot of fun.

Marriage was a pretty awesome thing from what Sydney could see. Her mommy’s other best friend, Auntie Emily, was the first of them to get married. She had married a really nice man named Todd. He was a doctor and he was tall and handsome and Auntie Emily smiled all the time now. She and Todd had two babies, twin boys, which Sydney thought was just wonderful. Auntie Alexis’s new husband was handsome, too, and he was a chef, an important chef who’d been on TV. He gave Alexis the nicest things, especially Sookie and Honeybee, two cute little Welsh Corgi puppies.

He also had a lot of family, including twin brothers named Lucas and Damon. They were both very nice, but Lucas was especially nice because he knew how much Sydney liked to try different foods. He always had something special for her to taste at the new restaurant he and Jared owned. He liked to laugh and he could do magic tricks. He could dance really well, too. He had danced with her mother all night at the reception. He always made pretty eyes at her mother, Sherri. He looked at her a lot and he was always smiling when he did. He also made her laugh a lot, which was very good. Sydney’s mother was a busy doctor and she needed someone around to help her relax and have fun, even though Sydney did those things pretty well, too.

Sydney was having a good time at the reception, playing with Courtney and making sure that Sookie and Honeybee behaved themselves. Lucas came over to their table with his twin brother, Damon, and he did another trick for them before he asked Damon to watch the little dogs while he danced with Sydney. He took her out on the dance floor and they danced with great gusto until the music changed. When it slowed down, he had her stand on his feet while they danced to the slow music. It was so much fun that she couldn’t stop smiling. This was definitely the most fun she’d ever had and she didn’t want it to end. After the music stopped, Lucas picked her up and swung her around in his strong arms before giving her a big kiss on the cheek.

“Let’s see what your mom is up to, shall we?”

As they walked through the crowd to the table where her mommy was laughing and talking with the other bridesmaids, Sydney got a brilliant idea. She was a smart little girl and she was always thinking, but she’d never had an idea that was this wonderful. She decided that her mommy was going to get married next—to Lucas. Then they could have a wonderful time forever. All she had to do was make a really good plan and everything would work out perfectly.

Chapter 1

Sherri Stratton yawned as she stretched lazily on the comfortable chaise lounge. “This is the best Mother’s Day I’ve had since the day Sydney was born,” she said with a happy little sigh.

She was relaxing on the deck of the new home of the VanBurens, the in-laws of her BFF, Alexis Sharp VanBuren. Alexis was next to her on another chaise and she agreed wholeheartedly. “I’m not a mom yet, but it’s not for lacking of trying. I still can’t believe that the VanBuren men thought up this weekend of pampering all by themselves, but if this is the treatment I can look forward to as a mommy, I can’t wait to have a baby of my own.”

“There’s no rush, is there? You and Jared have only been married since February and you’re already trying for a little one?” Sherri adjusted the sunny yellow tank top that matched the bright floral shorts and reached for the iced tea that was on a small table between the two chaises.

Alexis took a sip of tea before answering. “I’m not racing to the maternity ward or anything, but we both want children. And, honey, the process of baby making is so much fun that it’s a win-win situation for me,” she said with a sexy laugh.

Sherri almost choked on her sweet tea as she sat up and lifted her oversize sunglasses to stare at her friend. “Alexis! You act like we’re alone out here. Too much information, girl.”

Her new mother-in-law, Vanessa Lomax VanBuren, was also on the deck with Vanessa’s mother, Delilah Peters, and Alexis’s mother, Aretha Sharp. All the women laughed at Sherri’s embarrassment.

“Remember, I’m married to Jared’s father so I know what she’s talking about. How do you think I ended up with all those children?” Vanessa’s smile was identical to the one on Alexis’s face. Vanessa’s mother, Delilah, chimed in.

“There’s nothing wrong with appreciating the romantic aspects of marriage. It’s been a long time since Vanessa’s father passed away, but I have a lifetime of wonderful memories to recall,” she said.

Sherri’s face was still pink when Aretha had her say. “Sherri, darlin’, you’re a doctor. A pediatrician, at that. You know how babies get here, and you’re blushing like a schoolgirl. You know what I think?”

Alexis rolled her eyes as she took another sip of tea. “I’m sure you’re going to tell us, Mama. It’s not like you can keep anything to yourself.”

Aretha ignored her daughter’s little barb and kept on rolling. “I think that it’s way past time for you to get married. Or at least take a lover. You haven’t dated anyone since Sydney was born, and she’s about to turn seven. You’re beautiful, smart, accomplished and it’s a crying shame that you’re keeping all that wonderfulness to yourself. What in the world are you waiting for?”

A healthy spray of tea from her mouth was Sherri’s reaction to Aretha’s remark. She was closer to Aretha than to her own mother and she was used to the older woman speaking her mind on any and every topic, but she was surprised by her frankness in front of the other ladies. They didn’t seem to think anything was amiss. Delilah was more than happy to join in the conversation.

“You don’t have a young man? Honey, that doesn’t make any sense at all. Do you prefer women, dear? I’m not judging—I’m just curious,” she admitted.

“Mother! That’s rather personal, don’t you think?” Vanessa shook her head as she chided her outspoken mother.

Aretha and Alexis were trying hard not to laugh while Sherri blotted the tea off her face and chest. She was totally accustomed to being around older women who spoke their minds, so she wasn’t insulted, but she did feel the need to explain herself.

“Well, Ms. Delilah, it’s not that I prefer the company of women or anything like that. It’s just that being a single mother is something I take very seriously. I made a decision not to date until Sydney is out of high school. I don’t think it’s a good idea to have a bunch of random men parading in and out of her life.”

Delilah raised a delicately arched eyebrow. “Well, honey, nobody wants you to be a hoochie. There’s no need for a whole parade. If you get the right soloist, you’ll have all the music you need,” she said with a wicked grin.

Sherri had to laugh. Ms. Delilah had a point, even if it didn’t really apply to Sherri’s situation.

* * *

The sounds of laughter floated into the kitchen, where Lucas VanBuren was making more iced tea for the ladies while Sydney, his self-appointed sous chef, was seated at the work island arranging his freshly baked tea cakes in a flat wicker basket lined with a big cloth napkin. She looked completely absorbed in her task, but her mind was focused on something else. She looked just like her mother; she was tall for her age, slender and fair-skinned with a light dusting of freckles across her nose. Her hair was the same reddish-brown as her mother’s, but unlike Sherri’s, it wasn’t in a short, fashionable bob. Sydney wore her hair parted in the middle with two long braids that were currently covered with a bandanna so she could look like Lucas, her idol. Her round glasses didn’t disguise her big, bright eyes; they just made her look even cuter.

As she carefully placed the last tea cake in the basket, she dusted the light coating of sugar off her fingertips and looked intently at Lucas. He was so tall and so handsome that it was easy to overlook the things she really liked about him. He was funny and nice and kind and he was the best cook in the world, even better than his brother Jared, in Sydney’s opinion. She’d had several months to observe him, and she was more convinced than ever that he’d be the perfect husband for her mother. Now was the perfect time to launch her plan.

“Uncle Lucas, do you like my mommy?” she asked innocently.

He smiled down at her as he stirred simple syrup into the tea. “Of course I do, sweetie. I like you, too.”

Sydney smiled back, flashing her deep dimples. “I like you, too. A whole lot,” she confided. “But do you really, really like my mommy?”

Lucas finished stirring the tea and added slices of lemons and pineapple to the pitcher. He sat on the stool next to Sydney and crossed his arms as he met her intelligent gaze.

“Yes, I really, really like your mommy. She’s very pretty and smart and she has a lovely personality. Why are you so curious about this all of a sudden?”

Sydney crossed her legs and linked her hands around one knee. “Because I think you should marry her.”

A year ago, even six months ago, Lucas would have had a different reaction to her words. He was far too busy dating a wide variety of women to even think about settling down with one. Many ladies had tried and failed to slip a matrimonial noose around his neck, and he had evaded them all with ease. But that had all changed when his brother married Alexis and Lucas met Dr. Sherri Stratton. The first time he saw her smile, he was captured. Her smooth skin, those dimples, and the intelligence and humor that sparkled in her eyes all got to him in an instant. When he finally got around to observing the rest of her, he was even more impressed. Sherri was brainy and accomplished, in addition to being a real beauty.

In his younger years the brains and accomplishments wouldn’t have meant as much as the fact that she was a certified dime piece, but now they did. However, one of the things that made Sherri superlative in Lucas’s eyes was sitting next to him with her eyes locked on his. Anyone who could raise a child as sweet and engaging as Sydney had to be an amazing person.

“So are you going to do it, Uncle Lucas?”

He had to focus quickly in order to give her an intelligent response. “Why do you think I should marry your mom, sweetie?”

“Because she should have a really nice husband like Uncle Todd and Uncle Jared. She should have someone to be sweet to her. My auntie Emily is really happy now that she has Uncle Todd, and Auntie Alexis is really happy with Uncle Jared, and I want my mommy to be happy, too.”

Lucas was bemused by her astute analysis of the situation. “Why do you think I’d make her happy?”

Sydney pushed her glasses up and started counting off reasons on her fingers. “Because you’re very nice. You talk to everybody and you treat everybody like they’re important. You make her laugh. You’re very handsome, but that’s just a bonus. You have a nice family and they like me. And you’re very nice to me.”

“You’ve given this a lot of thought, Sydney. Are you sure I’m the right guy? You realize that if I was to marry your mom I’d be your stepfather,” he said carefully. “Did you think about that?”

“Of course I did. I think you’d be good at it. Do you think I’d be a good little girl to have around?”

“You’d be the best in the world, sweetie. But what would your own daddy think about someone else in your life?” he asked gently.

“I don’t think he thinks about me at all,” she replied with a shrug. “I’ve never met him. He and my mommy weren’t married and he went away when he found out about me.”

Lucas felt his throat tighten at the idea of a man walking away from a woman like Sherri and ignoring an adorable child like Sydney. He’d often wondered if Sherri was divorced or widowed—because there clearly was no husband in the current picture—but he’d never asked Alexis about her marital status. Alexis was his sister-in-law, but he figured she wouldn’t appreciate being interrogated about her best friend. He didn’t have a chance to dwell on the information he’d just received because Sydney wanted an answer. Right now.

“So are you going to do it, Uncle Lucas?”

She was totally serious—Lucas could see that. He wasn’t about to promise her something he couldn’t deliver, but he was totally on board with the idea. He’d asked Sherri out a few times, and so far she’d turned him down.

“It’s not just up to me, darlin’. What makes you think your mommy likes me? I might not be her type. What kind of guys does she usually date?” Wow, that was kind of sleazy. It was just wrong of him to use this situation to pump a six-year-old for information about her mother. But Sydney didn’t see it like that at all.

“She doesn’t go out, Uncle Lucas. Not with guys. She takes care of me and she takes care of her patients and we go to church and we visit with people and we have picnics and things, but she doesn’t have boyfriends.”

“Well, maybe she doesn’t want one. Have you thought about that? Maybe she’s happy with her life the way it is.”

Sydney nodded her head. “She says that all the time when Aunt Emily and Aunt Alexis try to get her to go on a date. She says she’s happy and she’s not going out with anybody until I’m in high school. That’s a long time, Uncle Lucas! I don’t think she should wait that long, do you?”

The word no came out of his mouth before he could stop it. No, he surely didn’t think that Sherri should deny herself the pleasure of having a mate for years to come. “I can see that this means a lot to you, and you’re really sweet to think about your mommy’s happiness, but I can’t just walk up to her and ask her to marry me,” he said.

“No, you can’t. That’s why you have to start slow. You have to take baby steps first, Uncle Lucas.”

She sounded so wise and worldly that Lucas had to smother a laugh. “Sydney, you’re pretty sure of yourself. This is a big enterprise you’re talking about. I like your mom a lot, but it’s going to take more than that for the two of us to start dating. I think this is something that you need to leave up to your mom. It has to be her decision, and you and I have to respect her wishes.”

“Uncle Lucas, don’t be a chicken baby. No pain, no gain, no gain, no glory.”

“Where in the world did you get that from?”

Sydney looked thoughtful as she told him she’d heard it on the Food Network. “I was watching Iron Chef America and Alton Brown said it. It made sense to me.”

This time Lucas laughed out loud. “Sydney, are you sure you’re only six? That’s some mighty grown-up thinking for a little girl.”

“I’ll be seven in a little while. And I’m precocious—my teacher said so. So, what are you going to do first? We have to have a plan. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. That’s on Mommy’s quote-of-the-day calendar,” she informed him.

“The first thing we need to do is take these refreshments to the ladies. Next I need to go to the store for some more provisions. Do you want to come with me?”

Her face lit up and she agreed. “That’s a good idea. We can make our plans on the way.”

He scooped her up off the high stool and placed her on the floor. Lucas covered the basket of tea cakes with another cloth napkin and handed it to Sydney along with a stack of smaller napkins. After filling a clear ice bucket, he grabbed the pitcher of tea and they went out on the deck to replenish the drinks. They were greeted with joy when the plump, golden pastries were revealed. Sydney took her job as server quite seriously, making sure that each woman had a fresh napkin and a fragrant, vanilla-scented cake. Lucas refilled each glass with fresh ice and sweet tea, making sure that everyone was comfortable as he did so. He was complimentary and attentive to all the ladies, but he had a private remark for Sherri. He refilled her glass and handed it to her with a smile.

“Sherri, as you know, we’re making a special Mother’s Day dinner today and I need to go to the market for a few things. Would it be okay if Sydney went with me? We won’t be gone very long.”

Sherri slipped her sunglasses off and gave him the brilliant smile that never failed to warm his heart. “Sure, if you promise not to let her talk you into buying crazy things. Everything she sees on the Food Network she wants to try, so watch out or you’ll end up with a basket full of durian fruit and oxtails, or something equally odd.”

Lucas gave her a smile of pleasure. Not many people could reference the famously smelly tropical fruit like that. It was just one more thing he liked about her—the fact that she knew about food. He was about to answer her when his grandmother spoke up.

Delilah looked at her grandson and then at Sherri. “Now this is what I was talking about. Sherri, you and Lucas make a lovely couple. He’s a perfect choice for you,” she said warmly.

Sherri’s eyes grew wide but before she could get really embarrassed, Jared and his father returned from walking the dogs on the beach. There were four pups; two belonged to the elder VanBurens and two belonged to Alexis and Jared. Lucas took advantage of the happy commotion created by the dogs to suggest that Sherri should make her escape.

“Hey, if you want to hide out, come with us to the market. My gran means no harm but she has no problem getting into other people’s business,” he said with a rueful grin.

“You know what? That sounds like a great idea,” Sherri agreed, and in minutes they’d made their getaway.

Chapter 2

Sherri was surprised at how much she enjoyed her excursion with Lucas. Sydney was supposed to go with them, but she opted to stay and play with the dogs. She doted on the energetic little Corgis and Sherri had no doubt that there was going to be a puppy or two in their very near future. So that left her all alone with Lucas. It wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable at all because she was used to him. Ever since her bestie Alexis had married Jared VanBuren, the members of his family had become fairly familiar to Sherri.

She and Lucas had been partners in the wedding and he’d been a lot of fun. He was a good dancer and a great conversationalist. Since he’d moved to Columbia to take over as executive chef at Seven-Seventeen, the restaurant owned by the VanBuren brothers, she saw him fairly often. Lucas was a swell guy, no doubt about it. He was also quite good-looking. He was a perfect combination of his African-American mother and Caucasian father, with thick, wavy, golden-brown hair, green eyes and tawny skin. He was nice and tall, too; all the VanBuren men were inches over six feet.

“Is there something in my teeth? Do I have a hanger or something?” He flipped down the visor to peer in the mirror and stare in his nostrils with mock anxiety.

“No, you don’t. I’d tell you if you did, promise,” Sherri said with a laugh.

“You’re staring at me. I thought I looked weird or something.”

“Not at all. I was just thinking about how good-looking you are. Your whole family, I mean. You VanBurens are a handsome crew,” she said.

“Thanks, but I can’t take credit for that. I merely reap the benefits of a beautiful mixture of races and genes. My mom and dad are the ones who have the good looks. They were just kind enough to share them with us. Just like you shared yours with Sydney. She looks just like you,” he said. He had a deep, rich voice and she enjoyed listening to him talk.

“Our baby pictures are identical,” she confessed.

“Okay, here’s the place,” Lucas said as he turned into the parking lot of the giant farmers’ market located on a part of Hilton Head island known as Honey Horn.

Sherri was duly impressed with the huge, immaculately kept facility. She was so busy looking at the market that she almost missed the fact that Lucas had opened her car door. She put her hand into his absently until she felt the warmth of his strong fingers. A sensation like a mild electric shock raced right up her arm, spreading warmth as it went. Wow. What was that? Profoundly glad that Lucas had glanced at something in the distance, Sherri gracefully exited the car. She was pretty sure she had a goofy expression on her face and she was relieved he hadn’t seen it. Luckily, he didn’t seem to have noticed her momentary schoolgirl foolishness. As they entered the market, Sherri inhaled the fresh smells of the gorgeous produce displayed in tempting piles.

“Sydney would love this. She might have forsaken her beloved doggies to see all of this.”

They stopped by a stand that sold locally made baskets. Lucas bought two large ones and a T-shirt with the market logo for Sydney. “Now she won’t feel like she missed out. We’ll have to bring her here the next time we’re on the island.”

“That’s so thoughtful of you,” Sherri said warmly. “She’s a big fan of yours. She thinks you’re the funniest man she ever met and she says that you cook better than Jared, and that’s high praise because she knows her food.”

“You have an amazing kid, Sherri. Smart, well-behaved, cute as a button and a budding gourmet. You’re a great mom.”

Sherri stopped looking at the heirloom tomatoes in unusual colors and gave him a big smile. “Thank you for saying that. My life is all about Sydney and my job. I had just started my internship when I found out I was pregnant. It wasn’t easy, but it sure was worth it. She’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“I hope her father feels the same way about her.”

Only someone who knew her really well would have been able to read the look on her face, fleeting though it was. She was about to give him an answer when her cell phone rang. Grateful for the distraction, she hastily answered it. It was Alexis, being her usual nosy self.

“I was just checking on you,” she said cheerfully. “You two got out of here so fast I didn’t realize you were gone. Having fun?”

“Yes, I am. Is my daughter behaving?”

“She’s always a perfect little lady, you know that. I’m going to let you change the subject because you get that weird look on your face when you don’t want to talk about something and I don’t want Lucas to think you’re nuts. So you’re safe for now.”

“You’re too kind,” Sherri mumbled.

Alexis ignored her snarky reply and went on. “My darling husband wants his brother to bring home more lemons and shallots and some fresh basil along with whatever else he went to get. And he says he’s making the fire now so it’ll be hot when you two get back.”

“I’ll let him know. We should be back soon.”

“Good because while they’re grilling dinner, I’m gonna be grilling you!”

Sherri ended the call while Alexis was still giggling madly. As she put the phone back in the pocket of her shorts, Lucas returned to her side. She relayed Jared’s requests and he nodded absently. Taking her hand, he began to lead her to the aisle where the shallots and other aromatics were. He looked down at her with a warm look of concern.

“Is everything okay? You had kind of an odd look when you were on the phone,” he said.

“It’s a bad habit,” she admitted. “I make the strangest faces without realizing it. I don’t do it at work—just when Alexis is picking on me.”

“You two are as close as sisters and if you’re anything like my family, y’all probably pick on each other constantly. Besides, it’s cute as hell when you do it.”

He squeezed her hand and gave her another of his crooked smiles. The same warm thrill ran through her as before, making her forget about the teasing she’d endured earlier and the interrogation she was sure to face once Alexis got her alone. For once, she was in the moment, just enjoying Lucas’s company.

* * *

As far as Lucas was concerned the weekend was a total success. He got to take the baby steps that Sydney had advised simply by taking Sherri to the farmers’ market. They had some time alone and he got to look at her long, shapely legs as much as he wanted. Everything about her appealed to him, from her thick, coarse hair with its stylish cut, to her sweet, natural face with the sprinkling of tiny freckles across her nose. She was graceful and sexy without making a big deal of it. He was used to artificially pretty women who made a big deal of their beauty like it was a new kind of currency. The message they sent out was “I’m irresistible because I have long hair and big boobs, so have sex with me!” Lucas was no snob and he had a very high sex drive besides, so their willingness to engage in frisky sex was very convenient for much of his dating life, but not anymore. Now it was annoying to Lucas. It was easy enough to get what he wanted from the bouncy-boobie-bunny kind of woman, but he no longer desired that kind of relationship. It was like eating in five-star restaurants after a lifetime of fast food; now that he knew better, he did better.

Sherri was a different kind of woman altogether. She was a challenge. Besides being fresh, pretty and accomplished, she was a mother with a very smart and charming child. There was no margin for error here. He had to come correct or not come at all. When kids were involved, all other bets were off. He couldn’t just hop aboard Sherri for some fun-filled sex and go on his merry way—not that he wanted to. He had a strong desire for her—that much was true. But he wanted way more than sex. Sex was a wonderful thing and he looked forward to having lots of it with Sherri, but that was just the beginning of what he wanted to share with her.

He had sat across from her at the dinner table just to watch her eat. Everyone raved about the food and ate with great appetites, but the way Sherri consumed her meal was extremely enticing. He and Jared had made a real feast, starting with goat cheese crostini and a platter of marinated vegetables fresh from the market. The way she looked eating the spears of asparagus and cucumber was stimulating to say the least. The entrée consisted of grilled lobster and jumbo shrimp, with tender breasts of chicken and petite filet mignons. This was accompanied by dainty grilled pattypan squash, colorful fingerling potatoes and long, crisp haricots verts with cremini mushrooms. When he wasn’t watching the sensual way Sherri enjoyed the meal, he was keeping an eye on Sydney. She had excellent table manners and an equally good appetite. She ate everything on her plate and came back for more of her favorites, the pickled golden beets and the squash.

After the sumptuous meal, everyone had decided to wait a while before having dessert. The men cleaned up the kitchen and the women walked off their meal on the beach while the dogs got a nice run. With all the inquiring minds away from the house, Jared decided it was a great time to get in his younger brother’s business.

“You were all but drooling on Sherri, bro. What’s going on there?”

Lucas didn’t take offense; he just shrugged. “Nothing’s going on yet. I’ve asked her out a couple of times and she’s been busy, but I think that’s about to change. I’m ninety percent sure that the next time I ask, she’ll say yes.”

Jared raised an eyebrow and said, “That’s all well and good, but don’t be fooling around. In case you haven’t noticed, she’s not your typical empty-headed glamazon. And she has a child, a very smart and lovable child, so you can’t be treating her place like it’s got a revolving door on it.”

“Don’t hold back, Jared. Tell me how you really feel,” Lucas said dryly. “I’m not an idiot. I know exactly what kind of lady Sherri is and I have nothing but respect for her. And love for her daughter, if you must know. Sydney’s an amazing kid. I’d never do anything to hurt her.”

Jared opened his mouth for a comment, but his father spoke first. “Glad to hear you say that, son. Dr. Sherri Stratton seems like a lovely woman and she’s certainly raised an exceptional child. Go slowly and carefully on this, Lucas. They’d make great additions to the family, so take your time and do this right.”

He gave his son a mock punch in the arm as he went to the mudroom to fetch a handful of small bags. “I’m going down to meet the ladies and scoop the poop. Be back in a few,” he said as he headed to the deck. Lucas watched him leave with a bemused look on his face.

“Don’t look so surprised, Luc. Dad and I could both see that Sherri knocked you flat out the day you met her. It’s a family trait. When we meet the right woman, we just know. When I met Alexis, I knew she was the one woman in the world for me. It’s just how it works for us. I knew at the wedding that it wouldn’t be long before you’d be going down the same path. I told Alexis that Sherri needed to put on her running shoes because you were gonna chase her down until you got her.”

Lucas gave a loud shout of laughter. “Thanks a lot. So I’m so ugly that I’m gonna have to ambush her, is that it?”

“No, that’s not what I’m saying at all,” Jared replied. “I mean, yeah, you’re ugly as homemade sin, but that’s not why you’ve got your work cut out for you. Sherri had a really rough time when she got pregnant with Sydney. Sydney’s father cut and ran as soon as he found out and he hasn’t been back since. Her family wasn’t any help at all. They pretty much turned their backs on her, so she was all alone trying to raise her child and finish school. If it hadn’t been for Emily and Alexis and their mothers, I don’t know how she would have done it,” Jared said solemnly. “She hasn’t had anything to do with the male species since then and if you’re gonna be the first man she trusts enough to try again with, you better have your shit together. Alexis loves her like a sister and so do I, not to mention Miss Sydney. If anything happens to hurt the two of them, the consequences will be dire. And I’ll be one of the first ones in line to extract retribution, so don’t get it twisted, Lucas. This is not play time.”

Lucas was running a damp mop over the hardwood floors in the kitchen and dining room while Jared was delivering his summation of the situation. He narrowed his eyes at his older brother and pulled his earlobe, a sure indication of his annoyance.

“What have I ever done to make you think that I’m some kind of pond scum–sucking lowlife who’s going to subject Sherri and Sydney to emotional turmoil? Your track record was no better than mine before you met Alexis. I date a lot, sure, and I haven’t gotten serious with anyone, but it’s not because I’m a sociopath. And if memory serves, you hold the family record for the most women in a month, so you really don’t have any grounds for lecturing me.

“I like Sherri a lot and I love Sydney and I do take this situation seriously, which is why I’ve been taking my time. I’m not trying to mess up their lives,” he said heatedly. “I’m trying to make them both happy so I’d appreciate it if you step off. Give me some credit for having some common sense, you damned asshat,” he muttered under his breath as he stowed the mop in the mudroom.

To add to his growing irritation, Jared was laughing when Lucas returned to the kitchen. “Now what? What’s so freakin’ funny?”

“I’m proud of you, Luc. You reacted the way I wanted you to, which let me know that you’ve got your head on straight. I think that you and Sherri are a good idea, a really good idea. But I’m not the one you have to convince. Your intentions are all in the right place, but Sherri’s gonna take a lot of tender loving care if you want to make her your lady.”

Just then the doors in the dining room opened and in raced the dogs, followed by Sydney and everyone else. Further conversation was impossible, so the only alternative was dessert. But while he was serving the strawberry shortcakes with homemade vanilla-bean ice cream, Lucas couldn’t keep his eyes off Sherri. He’d fallen hard and fast for her. Lucas was a true VanBuren through and through because he knew at that moment he would do whatever it took to find the way to her heart.

Chapter 3

After the Mother’s Day weekend, Sherri had a new perspective on a few things. For one thing, she was beginning to think that date wasn’t a four-letter word after all, especially if the date was with Lucas VanBuren. He had many, many fine characteristics, but the most important of those attributes was the fact that he and Sydney already had a great friendship. Lucas genuinely cared for her little girl. She could see it every time he was around her. And they were around each other often, especially since the Hilton Head holiday.

He had joined their church and he always managed to sit with Sherri and Sydney. Because they routinely sat with Jared and Alexis, it was like being part of a big family, which was rather pleasant. After church they usually had dinner together as a group, especially when the elder VanBurens were in town. Lucas had finally convinced her to go out with him, and they’d had several dates, although their outings always included Sydney. They had gone to the movies, to an amusement park and on a couple of picnics with Alexis’s little dogs, Sookie and Honeybee. Sydney had a ball every time, and Sherri found herself getting more and more comfortable with Lucas. And now they were going on their first couple-only date, a momentous and, for Sherri, completely unforeseen occasion.

Alexis was beyond pleased with the situation and she continued to express her joy the whole time she was doing Sherri’s hair the day of the big event. They were in Alexis’s private styling area at Sanctuary One, the flagship location of the posh spas Alexis had owned for several years. After giving her friend’s thick hair a touch-up and a trim, she had blown her dry and was styling it with the aid of a ceramic flat iron.

“I can’t believe you’ve finally come to your senses. It’s about time you started acting like a real woman. Hooking up with a real man like Lucas is just what you need,” she gloated.

“Alexis, give it a rest! You’re repeating yourself, for one thing. That’s the third time you’ve said that real woman–real man thing. And nobody said anything about hooking up in the slutty way. We’re going to the recital and because Sydney’s going to a sleepover after, Lucas and I are going out. It’s not the beginning of the world or the end of it, so just chill, can’t you?”

“Don’t play with me,” Alexis said sternly. “I have some real hot curling irons within striking distance of your stubborn head, so now isn’t the time for messing around.”

Sherri felt her cheeks getting warm—not because of the aforementioned hot irons, but because Alexis had hit on the real truth of the matter. As much as she tried to deny it, there was more to this date than hanging out with a good friend. Every time she was around Lucas she experienced all kinds of sensations, and not just the warm, fuzzy, family-friend kind. This was the other part of the new perspective she’d gained from spending friendly time with Lucas. Her sex drive wasn’t totally dormant after all. She’d been telling herself that she simply had no desire for a man, but the way she reacted to Lucas’s touch was telling her the truth. There was something about Lucas that constantly reminded her that she was a woman—a fully functioning woman with the same desires as any other healthy female. The sensation was both exhilarating and intimidating, and although she was reluctant to talk about it to Alexis, she wasn’t going to run away from it. But she did plan to downplay the big event to Alexis. She knew her friend would tease her relentlessly to the point of making her nervous, which she didn’t want, not at all. All she wanted was a nice, relaxing evening with a friend. Surely that wasn’t too much to ask for, right?

“So where are you going? What are you going to wear?” Alexis was eager for every detail as she finished styling Sherri’s chic bob.

“I’m not sure. He said it was a surprise. We’re going after Sydney’s dance recital so whatever I wear to that is what I’ll have on. And that’s that,” she said airily.

Alexis looked mildly frustrated. “This isn’t fair. You stayed all up in my business when I was dating Jared and you won’t even toss me a crumb about Lucas, my own brother-in-law. How selfish can you be?”

Sherri grinned unrepentantly. “Pretty darned selfish, I freely admit it. Yes, I did get all up in your Kool-Aid when you were dating Jared, and I got all in Emily’s business with Todd, but that was different.”

“How was that different? Lean back so I can take a weed whacker to those shrubs over your eyes,” Alexis ordered.

“It was different because I was being the voice of reason for you two. Y’all were in love and you needed an objective viewpoint from a concerned and loving friend. It’s not like that with me and Lucas. We’re just two friends enjoying each other’s company. Ouch!”

“Don’t be a baby—you’ve had your eyebrows waxed before,” Alexis scolded.

“It never hurt like that,” Sherri protested. “You did that on purpose to get information out of me, but I keep telling you—there is none. We’ll probably go get something to eat after the recital and that’ll be the end of it.”

Alexis opened her mouth to let her friend in on the fact that Lucas was after something much more than a casual friendship, but she prudently changed her mind. When Sherri figured it out for herself they’d have plenty to talk about. Then she’d get to be the voice of reason for her intelligent but unaware friend. She smiled at her reflection in the mirror as she finished Sherri’s brows.

* * *

The dance recital had been a smashing success, mostly because of the adorable little dancers in their clever costumes but partly because Lucas had contributed the refreshments. He’d arranged for a vast array of canapés and desserts to be delivered from Seven-Seventeen, the fine dining restaurant owned by the brothers VanBuren, and he had also provided staff to set up, serve and clean up afterward. He’d made quite an impression on the dance moms—and not just for his generosity. Several of the women in attendance had given him the once-over, devouring him with their eyes.

Sherri had overheard one of the older dancers ask Sydney if he was her mom’s boyfriend and Sydney had answered “yes,” which was both endearing and alarming to Sherri. She was going to have to have a little chat with her daughter soon, that much was obvious. But for now, she was just going to enjoy the evening.

It was off to a great start. When Lucas came to pick her up at her condo promptly at nine, he was not only looking and smelling good, but he’d also brought her a big green plant. He’d insisted on picking her up at her condo rather than having her follow him to the site of their outing.

“When I take a lady out, I pick her up and bring her home. I know it’s old school, but that’s how I roll. You don’t mind, do you?”

When he looked down at her with his long-lashed eyes sparkling and his ridiculously sexy smile, she couldn’t think of a single reason to protest the arrangement. She’d driven home from the dance studio in minutes and even changed clothes, taking off the coffee-colored slacks and matching blouse she’d worn. Now she was wearing a hot orange tank dress made of a supple rayon knit fabric that showed off her slender figure and her legs. Because he was much taller than she was, she could wear her bronze strappy sandals with the four-inch heels and not worry about towering over him; she still barely reached his shoulder.

Sherri never wore a lot of makeup, but she’d added a little blush and lipstick, along with another coat of mascara and a bit of smoky eye shadow. A pair of big gold hoop earrings and an armful of Indian bangle bracelets in gold with bright pops of color completed her ensemble. When she saw the smile on Lucas’s face, she was glad she’d made the effort. He’d changed clothes, too, she noticed. He was now wearing a pair of dark slacks and a really nice shirt that brought out his green eyes nicely. It was her turn to smile as she held out her hands for the plant.

“Lucas, this is a beautiful ficus,” she said. “It’s so sweet of you.”

He ignored her outstretched hands and took the big plant over to the window, placing it gently on the floor. “It’s heavier than it looks,” he said. “And you look gorgeous, by the way.”

“Thank you. I was just thinking the same about you,” she answered with a smile.

The smiles continued as the evening progressed. First they went to a restaurant called Sweet Tea and 3 Sides. It was a barbecue joint that had some of the best food in town. As soon as they walked in the door people were calling her name, waving at her and, in a few cases, coming up to give her a hug. After they were seated, Lucas began laughing softly.

“What’s so funny?” Sherri asked.

“I was laughing at myself because I wasn’t sure you’d like this place, but ever since we came in the door it’s like being with a celebrity. Do you know everybody in Columbia?”

Sherri grinned as she shook her head. “I don’t know everybody in Columbia, but I do treat a lot of children so a lot of people know me as Dr. Sherri. I have my regular practice and I work at the free clinic, too. And more to the point, I love barbecue. I love to eat it, but I don’t like to grill, so I’m here at least twice a month,” she told him.

Just then their server arrived with menus and big glasses of sweet tea. After greeting Lucas, the young woman asked if he wanted to look at the menu or if he’d be having what Dr. Sherri was having. Sherri laughed sheepishly. “Okay, so maybe I’m in here more than twice a month. Like almost every weekend,” she admitted. “But the food is so good, I can’t resist.”

After placing their orders, Lucas reached across the table to take her hand. “You don’t have to explain. I’m a fiend for good barbecue and, luckily, I like to grill so I’ll make some for you whenever you want. And I agree that the food here is excellent. I’ve eaten here several times.”

They chatted companionably over dinner and shared a big portion of blackberry cobbler for dessert. She looked so animated and pretty that Lucas asked what she was thinking about.

“I was thinking that this is the best date ever,” she told him before licking the last of the cobbler off her spoon. “If I’d known how much fun this was I would have started dating a while ago.”

“I’m glad you didn’t,” Lucas countered. “I’m glad I’m the one you allowed to have the pleasure of your company. And I hope you aren’t tired because I have something else planned for us.”

She didn’t have to wait long to find out what he had in mind. After taking care of their check and leaving a generous tip for their server, Lucas started driving them to a club. He turned to Sherri as he drove and said, “I hope you like music.” She assured him that she did. “Good, because the place we’re going to has some of the best blues I’ve ever heard.”

The name of the club was Night Flight. The music was great; a singer who sounded just like the late Katie Webster was performing. Between sets a DJ played a mix of blues standards and jazz and when Lucas asked if she wanted to dance, Sherri gladly accepted. She used to love to dance, but she didn’t get to do it very often except in her Zumba class or when she and Sydney were playing with the Wii. Dancing with Lucas was a totally different experience. Feeling his big arms wrapped around her as they moved to the music was really, really nice. She loved the way he smelled and the warmth of his body. She relaxed into his strong, muscular arms and everything dropped away from her consciousness, everything except the way her body felt pressed against his.

When the song ended she felt slightly disoriented for a moment. She didn’t want to let go of the feeling of being surrounded by Lucas, but once the music stopped she had no choice in the matter. Back at their table she sipped her ginger ale and looked at Lucas, really looked at him, examining every bit of his face. He gave her a slow smile and leaned over so that she could hear him over the music and loud talking. With his lips touching her earlobe, he said, “You’re looking at me awfully hard. Do I scare you or something?”

A sensation she hadn’t felt since the night Sydney was conceived washed over her like the spray of a warm, gentle shower. She held perfectly still so he wouldn’t see her trembling. “That would be ‘or something,’” she murmured. This time her lips brushed against his ear because it was the only way he’d be able to hear her soft voice.

An odd expression raced across his face, replaced almost immediately by a big grin. “Let’s get out of here so we can talk about it. Is that okay with you?”

She nodded and he rose to hold her chair. As they left Night Flight, her hand slid into his like they’d been holding hands for years. They drove to her condo in relative silence, although the idea was that they were supposed to be talking. In a short time they arrived in her gated complex, and he once again opened her door for her and took her hand as they walked to the house. If he’d been expecting her to give him a demure and chaste thank-you and good-night in the doorway, Lucas was mistaken. Sherri calmly opened the door and invited him in, saying she’d make iced coffee. And just like that, the two of them were alone in the house, together.

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.