He laughed, and she remembered why she had fallen in love with him; he looked so handsome when his eyes were full of mirth.
“Take off your clothes,” he demanded, turning to lock the door. “Let the children sleep.” She began to unbutton her shirt. When he turned around, he noticed her pretty lingerie and frowned in bewilderment, his eyes tracing her body. “I’ve been sleepwalking for the last few months. That’s what the City has done to me. I’m a man who loves beautiful women, and yet I sleep beside one every night without realizing how fortunate I am!” He slipped his hands around her waist and she stood tall so he could feel how firm it was. “You look like the girl I met all those years ago, but with the maturity of a woman.” She felt her spirits rise with satisfaction. He traced his fingertips across her stomach. “You’ve worked hard.”
“I’m glad you can see the difference.”
“Ma chérie, it’s not the outside that’s important but the inside. However, seeing as you’ve managed to get your figure back, permit me to appreciate it!”
He kissed her, raking his fingers through her hair—her perfect new hair. For a moment she feared he might ruin it and tossed it out of his reach. But what was she doing having lunch with Jack Meyer when she had finally managed to win her husband’s approval? Her stomach churned with regret. It was too late to cancel. She’d enjoy a nice lunch, then scale down the e-mails. Jack had inspired her to get back in shape. Now she had her husband’s attention, she no longer needed him.
9
Reach for the stars with your dreams and desires.
In Search of the Perfect Happiness
The following morning Angelica walked the children to school, bumping into Candace on the street on the way back. Effortlessly glamorous in a Ralph Lauren tweed jacket under a cashmere cape and tight blue jeans tucked into leather boots, Candace struggled to restrain her silver Great Dane as he tried to sniff the bottom of a passing Jack Russell. “He’s obsessed with small dogs!” she wailed as Angelica approached her. “Enough, Ralph!” She took off her sunglasses and ruthlessly scrutinized her friend. “You’re not going to wear that to lunch, are you?”
Angelica was scruffy in baggy jeans and trainers. “No.”
“I’m pleased to hear it.”
“I’m having second thoughts. What am I doing, Candace?”
“You tell me.”
“Olivier came home last night and was so sweet. It suddenly dawned on me that it’s his attention I’m craving—not some sexy stranger’s.”
“We all know that.”
“So what do I do? Cancel?”
“No, it’s too late.”
“I feel awful. I’ve encouraged him. I’m a prick tease!”
“Yes, you are. But you still can’t cancel.”
“I’m such an idiot.”
“Look, go have fun. Now that you know where your priorities lie, there’s no danger of your getting into trouble.”
“What if I get caught?”
“You won’t. Olivier’s hardly likely to walk into Daphne’s in the middle of the day, is he?”
“I hope not—unless he’s fired! I haven’t told him I’m going.”
“D’you fancy coffee?”
“Why don’t you come home with me and help me select something to wear.”
“Okay, let’s go choose something cool and understated. But not trainers, please.” Candace gave the lead a tug. “And you, Ralph, can sit in Angelica’s garden and not chase squirrels.”
At home, Sunny made them coffee and brought it up to Angelica’s bedroom on a tray, while Ralph bounded about the small garden defying the instruction about squirrels. Candace took off her cape and began to go through Angelica’s closet.
Angelica put on her favorite Dolly Parton CD and slipped out of her jeans and sweater.
“Wow, you really have slimmed down, Angelica. And I like your underwear, too. Where’s it from?”
“Calvin Klein.”
“Nice. What does Olivier think?”
She flashed her friend a bashful smile. “Let’s just say he’s rediscovered it.”
“Well, that makes two of you.” She pulled out a Vanessa Bruno floral blouse with an extended collar for tying in a bow. “This is cool. Just don’t tie the bow, let it hang.” Angelica put it on. “I think you should wear jeans. You don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard. This is just a friendly lunch: you’re not interviewing for an affair. Wear these Rupert Sanderson shoes—they’re fabulous and they’ll give you height.”