Free Way to Her Heart by Melanie Schuster Page A

supposed to be for your birthday, but I have a feeling that you need them now. Once you cross over into the sexy side you need to have something other than those schoolgirl undies you love so much.”
    Sherri was examining the pretty garments with awe, exclaiming over the sexy cut of the thongs and fingering the soft bras in mocha, peach and black. She stopped long enough to refute Alexis’s last statement.
    “They’re not schoolgirl—they’re practical. An intern who’s also a new mother can’t afford a drawer full of Vicky’s Secret. They’re inexpensive and easy to machine wash, which is all I require in underwear,” Sherri argued.
    “Not anymore. You did a lot more than go to a jazz concert, didn’t you? So now you’re going to need a drawer full of pretty things so you can show off for your man,” Alexis gloated.
    Sherri tried to play coy but she knew it was fruitless. She thanked Alexis for the gift and tried to distract her by offering her toast. “Did you bring me some jam? You know I can’t eat the store-bought kind anymore.”
    “Yes, we brought you some. We made grape jam and apple butter, and Sydney was totally in heaven. She’s an excellent little helper, as you already know. And yes, I’d like some toast but that doesn’t get you off the hook. I need details, woman. You can’t lie to me—I’ve known you too long for that.”
    Sherri got out the bread and butter while Alexis was demanding information. As she placed two slices of the special English muffin bread she favored in the toaster, she finally answered her friend.
    “Everything was wonderful, Lexie. The drive to Charleston, the festival, lunch, the concert—everything was just perfect. And yes, we spent the night together and it was, it was...” She paused while she tried to think of the right words to use. “It was sublime,” she said finally. The toast popped up at the same time as if to underscore her statement, and she had to stifle a giggle. She buttered the toast and put the slices on a plate. Alexis was too busy clapping her hands to take it from her so Sherri opened the jar of apple butter and spread some on a piece. She was about to take a bite when Alexis snagged it from her fingers.
    “I knew it,” Alexis said, gesturing with her prize. “As soon as you opened the door, I knew. You look like a different person, Sherri. You and Lucas make such a great couple,” she gushed. “This is what Emily and I have wanted for you, girl. Tell me everything and don’t leave out a single detail. Well, some really private details you can keep to yourself, but I want the highlights at least.”
    “Slow your roll, chick. Nobody said anything about being a couple, not really. Friends with benefits—isn’t that what they call it these days?”
    Alexis rolled her eyes and helped herself to the second piece of toast. “Can I have some more lemonade? And do you have any cantaloupe? I can’t seem to stop eating it. And don’t be ridiculous—of course you’re a couple. Tell me everything that happened and I’ll prove it to you,” she added as she slid off the tall stool by the work island and went to the refrigerator to find fruit.
    Sherri’s expression turned dreamy-eyed as she described the trip to Charleston and the parts of the night she felt comfortable sharing. “It was...amazing, Lexie. I can’t even explain how amazing it was.” She sighed.
    Alexis came back to the work island with a bowl of cantaloupe chunks she’d scavenged from the fridge. She gave Sherri a quick but heartfelt hug. “You don’t have to explain. I’ve got a VanBuren of my own, remember?”
    “Yes, but you two are a couple, a for-real married couple. It’s hardly the same thing. Lucas is sweet and sexy and just wonderful, but he hasn’t said anything about wanting to be my man or anything like that.” She was about to keep going but the doorbell rang.
    She came back to the kitchen with a big orchid in a beautiful peach color and a slightly