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      The next evening, after changing clothes twice, and shoes three times, I settled on a basic black wrap dress and strappy black sandals. More party attire than business but I was willing to risk it if he was. I pulled into Marco’s driveway and surveyed the property as I pushed the button to slide the sunroof closed. I’d never been inside this house although I was familiar with the neighborhood. I’d done my research though and pulled the tax records. Five bedrooms, five baths, five million dollars. It was hidden in a neighborhood full of twists and turns that take full advantage of the waterside property. I knew he had bought the property after giving up a condo in town. Apparently too many parties at the condo were upsetting the neighbors.

      He greeted me at the door with a kiss on each cheek. He smelled even better than yesterday. He had an apron on that said Kiss the Cook. I laughed.

      “You like? My niece gave it to me for a Christmas present. She didn’t want me to ruin my nice clothes when I was at home. It does come in handy occasionally.”

      “Is it like the cobbler’s children sometimes, that you don’t cook at home since you do so much at the restaurant?” I was used to making my own fare because Alex would usually settle for a bowl of cereal when he was home. The food honeymoon had lasted about as long as the real one.

      “I always cook at home, even if it’s just a simple pasta. It is my life. I live it. Now come eat. We need to fatten you up.” I liked the fattening up part. I could go along with that. He took my hand and pulled me into the foyer.

      “I heard you’re not planning on sleeping with me.” He still held my hand. His hand was warm, but a chill went up my arm.

      “No,” I replied, smiling. “Sleeping is not what I had in mind.” He laughed and pulled me closer, taking my chin in his other hand, rubbing the tender skin underneath. His fingers were rough, covered with calluses and burns, old and new, but they gently teased my neck, trailing down to my collarbone. I met him eye to eye and tried not to giggle. It would have been seductive if it hadn’t tickled so much. He burst out laughing, hugging me to him and kissing the top of my head.

      He stepped back to hold me at arms length. “You, my dear, are going to be the death of me. Come on, let me show you the house and then we’ll eat. Would you like a drink?”

      I declined until all the paperwork was done. It was the usual tour of gorgeous waterfront home with five bedrooms, five baths, gourmet kitchen, finished basement with in-law suite possibilities, the works. I thought we would get flirty in the bedroom, but Marco was all business until we were standing out at the poolside railing looking over the Severn River.

      “I would never get tired of this view,” I said. From the back of the house was an Annapolis dreamscape view of the Severn River, the Naval Academy with its familiar green, copper-domed chapel, the Naval Academy Bridge upriver, then further up the Route 50 bridge. “I bet you have a great view of the Blue Angels during Commissioning Week.”