Love by Chance (A Contemporary Romance) (7 page)

Caroline hesitated a moment, doubting her own actions.

“Great, I live just up the beach.”

Matt put Jake down and the little dog started running off down the beach. “I guess we’re running to your house,” he said before chasing after him.

“I guess we are,” Caroline said with a chuckle, and took off after them. It didn’t take long to reach her house. “It’s the white one!” she shouted.

Matt caught up to Jake and scooped him up in his arms. “Come on you little rascal. Enough running for one night.”

He waited for Caroline to catch up, and they walked up the stairs to her expansive deck. She closed the gate at the stop of the stairs. “He won’t try to get off the deck, will he?”

“No, he’ll stay with Cooper now. They’ve had a good run.”

Cooper lay down at Matt’s command. He put Jake down and the little dog curled up next to Cooper. “Stay,” he said.

“Do they need some water?”

“Yeah, that would be great,” he said, following her into the kitchen.

Caroline ambled over to the counter and got a bowl and two wine glasses out of the cabinet.

“Here, you give the dogs water and I’ll pour us some wine. Is white okay?” she asked.

“White is fine. Be right back.” Matt filled the bowl at the sink and took it outside to the dogs. “Here you go, guys. Quiet time now.” He gave each dog a pat on the head before heading back inside.

“It’s now or never,” Caroline mumbled to herself while pouring the wine.
I’ve got to jump back into the dating game sometime. Might as well be tonight.

Caroline handed Matt the glass of wine.

“Thank you. I’m glad you asked me back to your house. It saved me the trouble of trying to accidently run into you another day,” he said with a coy smile.

Caroline’s eyes narrowed. “Really? You wanted to run into me again?”

“Yeah, anyone who likes my dogs are okay by me,” he said, reaching for her hand.

His touch sent a warm shiver running through her and she absently tucked her hair behind her ear, one of her nervous habits.
 
“Um…would you like to go sit on the couch?” “I could put some music on.”

“Sure.”

Caroline walked into the spacious living room and turned on the Bose radio. Soft strains of romantic music filled the air. She turned around to find Matt standing right behind her.
 

“Dance with me,” he whispered into her ear.

“Oh my,” she said breathlessly.

“Is that a bad oh my or a good one?” he asked.

He took the wine glass from her hand and put both glasses down on the end table.
 
Without missing a beat, he pulled her into his arms and started to slowly sway to the rhythm of the music. His hot breath caressed her neck.

She could feel the heat rising from his body and enveloping her in his warmth. She pressed closer to him and let herself become lost in the moment.

“You’re beautiful,” he said.

“Thank you, but…” Caroline started.

Matt put his finger on her lips. “No buts tonight. Just enjoy. ” He lifted her chin until their lips were close. His kiss was feather light.

Caroline was tempted to break apart, but Elena’s words echoed in her mind.
Just breathe. Let it happen, be spontaneous.

Matt held her close, their bodies touching as they swayed to the music. Song after song played. Caroline enjoyed being in Matt’s strong embrace. She didn’t want the dance to end.

For the first time in a long time, she felt a fire in her belly. She hadn’t felt it in so long that she almost didn’t recognize the spark of desire. She leaned in closer and felt Matt’s rock hard abs. The heat was rising. The longer they danced, the more she wanted him, but how could she? She didn’t make it a habit of sleeping with men she’d met mere moments ago.

“Matt…”

He looked at her and ran his finger along her jaw line. “Yes.”

“I’m not sure exactly what we’re doing, but...”

Matt bent down and kissed her again. “We’re dancing and kissing, that’s what we are doing. Shall I kiss you again so you understand this time?”

Caroline chuckled. Matt was not only sexy, but witty, and with a great sense of humor.
 
Every fiber of her being wanted him to make love to her, but she couldn’t let herself say the words. Not yet, anyway.

; she let herself relax and enjoy dancing with this handsome and sexy man.
 

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered.

“I’ve never done this before,” Caroline said breathlessly.

“What? Danced?

She smiled. “No. Invite a perfect stranger into my home and kissed him is what I meant.”

“Can I say that you do it very well then?” Matt said with a twinkle in his eye.

That made her laugh out loud, and she leaned over and kissed him again. “Thank you. You made me realize a few things tonight.”

Matt stepped back, breaking their embrace. “I did?”

“Yes, but all I’ll say right now is that I am a terrible host,” Caroline said with a wink. “Your wine is warm.”

“Does that mean I’ll have to come back another time for a fresh glass?”

“You better come back, or I’m going to steal little Jake and force you to return,” she said.

Matt pulled Caroline into his arms and kissed her again. “No force is necessary. Just name the time and I’ll be here.”

Caroline wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m so happy that Jake jumped on me tonight. Remind me to get that little dog a treat.”

“Jake is going to get a whole bag of treats for finding you,” he said, hugging her tightly. “But I really have to get them back home.”

“Of course.”

They linked arms and walked to the door. The dogs sat up waiting for Matt to come outside.

“Your audience awaits,” she said.

He leaned in for a final kiss. “Indeed. I’ll see you around.”

“You can count on it.”

Caroline watched Matt and the dogs run up the beach until they disappeared from sight. Her heart was pounding. She’d done something so out of character, but she had no regrets. Matt had been a perfect gentleman tonight. She’d thought seriously about sleeping with him, but couldn’t bring herself to be that spontaneous. Maybe, someday soon she would.

For now though, Elena would be happy to know she had followed her advice and opened herself up to new possibilities. No more moping around about Richard or his bimbo girlfriend. He was in the past, and tonight she had taken the first step in carving out a whole new future for herself.

The next day when Elena called to check in, Caroline could hardly wait to tell her about her encounter with Matt. “You were right. I’ve been moping around and living in the past.”

“I told you. Want to meet at the club for lunch today?”

“Sure, I’ll see you at noon. Bye.”
 

Caroline left the phone on the counter and headed toward the master bedroom. She had a bounce in her step and couldn’t stop thinking about Matt and his steamy, hot kisses. She planned to sit out on the beach again tonight, but first, she was going to enjoy lunch with her friend.

“What a difference a day makes,” she murmured, as she picked out a white cotton shirt and a flouncy skirt. She slipped her feet into leather sandals before checking her hair in the mirror. She pulled the hair off her face and secured it with a comb, while the rest lay in soft curls over her shoulders. She slipped silver hoop earrings into her ears, scooped up her purse and headed out the door.

Elena was waiting when she got to the club, martini in hand. She was looking gorgeous as usual. Her hair was tied back and she wore a simple v-neck navy dress. Of course, the simplicity of the dress only accented her flawless skin perfectly.

Caroline waved and made her way over to the table. The two women embraced before taking their seats.

The waiter was at their table within moments. “Would you like something to drink, Mrs. Fleming?”

“Thank you, Chris. I’ll have a club soda with a lemon, and please, call me Caroline.”

“Of course, Mrs.…Caroline. I’ll be right back with your drink,” Chris said before scurrying away.

“So, no more Mrs. Fleming, huh?” Elaine said, one eyebrow raised.

“No, I’m taking your advice.”

“Really, which advice are you talking about? I give you lots of advice these days.”

Caroline chuckled. “About moving on. No more moping around.”

“Good. Welcome back to the land of the living. Now, can I introduce you to some eligible men?”

Caroline shook her head. “No need, thank you. I’ve met someone.”

Elena’s eyes widened; she nearly choked on her drink. “You did, when?”

“Last night on the beach.”

“Oh, do tell.”

By the time Caroline finished telling Elena about her encounter with Matt, the waiter was back with her drink. “Thank you, Chris.”

“Would you like to order?” Chris asked.

“Can you give us a few more minutes,” she asked.

“Of course, take your time.”

Caroline waited until the waiter was out of hearing range before she turned back to Elena. “Last night was wonderful. I forgot how good it felt to be in a man’s arms.”

“Did you sleep with him?”

“Elena! No, of course not. I’m trying to be spontaneous, but that’s a little too spontaneous for my taste.”

Elena chuckled and raised her glass. “Here’s to you and being spontaneous.”

Caroline clinked her glass with her friend. “Thanks, one step at a time.”

“When are you going to see him again?”

“I’ll be waiting on the beach tonight. I don’t know exactly where he lives and didn’t get a last name. I’m going to ask tonight.”

“That’s wonderful. I’m happy for you. Finally, no more sad face, which by the way, doesn’t look good on you. Now can we order? I’m starving,” Elena said.

“Sure. I’ve made another decision too?”

“You did? What?”

“I’m going back to the hospital and my volunteer work. I’m not going to let Richard’s presence dictate what I do. Besides, I miss the kids. I bet some have gone home since the last time I was there, but it will be good getting to know some new little faces.”

“Wow, aren’t you just full of good news today.”

Caroline caught Chris’s eye. “Indeed I am. Order whatever you want, lunch is on me.”

Elena winked. “In that case, I’ll have another drink.”

***

Caroline took a deep breath before walking through the hospital’s revolving door. As long as she didn’t go near the sixth floor, she shouldn’t run into her ex-husband. That encounter was the last thing she wanted on her first day back.

There was a crowd of people at the Information Desk. Saying hello to Rita would have to wait another time. She walked to the elevators. Her timing was good and the doors opened. She pressed the 4
^th
floor button and stepped back to let more people in.

While she waited for her floor, she reminded herself that this is where she wanted to be, Richard or no Richard. She couldn’t let her embarrassment over the divorce dictate her actions. Everyone knew about the divorce, but she wasn’t the first woman to be thrown away for a younger model, and she wouldn’t be the last. Besides, the children in the burn unit suffered unimaginable pain, and if she could give them a few moments of distraction with a story or a game, then that’s what she was going to do.