Free Sunrise on Cedar Key by Terri Dulong Page B

always felt that age is simply a number. I think Aunt Maude is a good example of that.”
    â€œIndeed she is,” he said, looking out toward the water. “We have a beautiful sunset tonight.”
    I followed his glance to the west. “We’re fortunate to have them most nights on the island.”
    â€œI like this island,” he said. “I’m glad I discovered it and will be staying here.” He turned to face me. “And thank you for having dinner with me this evening.”
    â€œI enjoyed it very much.” I glanced at my watch and saw it was a little after nine. Where had two hours gone? I couldn’t believe how the time had flown by.
    â€œDo you need to leave?” Lucas asked.
    â€œI really should get home to let Annie out. I told her to be a good girl while I was gone.”
    Lucas stood up and laughed. “I’m driving up to Brunswick on Saturday to bring Duncan to his new home here. Mrs. Beckett has kept him for me while I get settled in, but it’ll be great to have my companion with me again.”
    â€œThat’s right. I remember you mentioning that you had a Scottish terrier when we first met.”
    â€œYes, Duncan is my little companion and a good boy.”
    We walked out to the parking lot together.
    â€œMay I give you a ride home?” he asked.
    â€œI have my car, but thank you.”
    We stood there staring at each other for a brief moment. Lucas seemed reluctant to leave, and suddenly he leaned over, kissing both of my cheeks twice, and said, “Well, I will follow you in my car, just to be sure you arrive safely.”
    I smiled. “That would be nice,” I said.
    Driving up Second Street, I glanced in my rearview mirror and felt a warm feeling go through me. After so many years of not having a man in my life, it felt reassuring to know that the one following behind was doing so because he was concerned for me. Yes, that was a good feeling.
    When I pulled up in front of the house, I got out, hollered thank you, and waved.
    Lucas called back, “See you Thursday morning at nine.”
    Falling asleep that night, I replayed the entire evening again in my head. All of it was wonderful, but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that I had shared something about Beau with him. Except for Aunt Maude and Suellen, I had never done that with one other person.

9
    F riday morning, based on the events of the past week, I felt compelled to do a tarot reading. Annie and I had taken our walk, and I was enjoying my second cup of coffee. Before shuffling the cards, I decided to burn some sage and cedar in the kitchen.
    Sitting down at the table, I reached for the deck and allowed my mind to wander.
    The revelation from Lucas about the death of his wife dominated my thoughts. I recalled the phone conversation with Suellen.
    â€œSo the poor man is probably still grieving over his loss, do you think? Maybe that’s why he’s not actively pursuing a relationship with you?”
    â€œThat’s what I’m thinking,” I’d told her.
    â€œWow, imagine loving so deeply that even eight years later he can’t bring himself to think about loving another woman.”
    I had felt a stab of jealousy go through me. “Well, I’m not saying that’s the way it is,” I’d told Suellen. “I’m just thinking it might possibly account for the reason Lucas is keeping what we share on a strictly platonic level. I mean, dinner with him the other night was great, and our shopping spree yesterday was fun, and although I do think we have chemistry together, it’s just a friendship.”
    I let out a deep sigh as I continued shuffling the cards.
    Was that the reason? Was Lucas holding back with any romantic overtures because of the wife he’d lost? Could be, and yet I got the distinct feeling he was attracted to me, and there was no doubt that I was attracted to him. And how about our shopping