Free Passion in the Heart by Diane Thorne

card.”
    “Yeah, but…”
    “But what? You dig him, right? He digs you. Go with it and see what happens.”
    Gwen shifted her gaze and shook her head. The signs indicated Phillip cared for her. But love? Their playful words were just that. Did he really want to spend every night with her? The idea seemed too unreal.
    “Do you love him?” Melanie asked. “Could you see yourself happy with him all the time?”
    The answer to the second question came quickly. Gwen would undoubtedly be happy with him. But did she feel love? She cared for him with her heart. She wanted to be with him. She would do anything for him and to please him. He was a good lover and friend, someone she would cherish always. Could she give up her independence and commit to one man, though?
    “What Phillip and I have is special, but…”
    Melanie stood. “It’s special all right and you should do what makes you happy. Think about it.” She headed out of the cubicle. “See you at lunch.”
    Gwen inhaled a deep breath. Maybe it was time to have a talk with Phillip about their future. The sooner the better since he might have to leave Friday. At least she would learn where he stood in their relationship.
    She dug her cell phone from her purse and called his number.
    “Hello, lovely lady,” he answered.
    “Hello, my handsome man.”
    “How’s work?”
    “It’s going well. I received flowers a few minutes ago.”
    “Who would do such a thing? Let me guess. They are red roses.”
    She chuckled softly. “Yes. And thank you. They’re beautiful.”
    “Though not as beautiful as the woman.”
    “You’re sweet.”
    “Am I, now?”
    “Mm hm. And I’ll be sure to lick and devour you later.”
    “Woman, you make me happy. I’ll plan to receive your delightful treatment tonight, that is, if I don’t have to jump on a plane and go to Toronto.”
    Her heart skipped a beat. “Is the problem bad?”
    “I’m not sure yet. I’ve made a couple of calls and I’m waiting to hear back. Did you like the card?”
    The change of subject did little to ease her concern. She wasn’t ready for him to go. She swallowed hard and pushed the thought aside.
    “Yes. Of course I liked it.”
    “And what is your answer?”
    “I’m yours. All yours.” Screw independence if she could have him. He was worth it.
    “Good. I need you. My cock needs you.”
    She giggled. “I’m afraid our needs will have to wait a little while longer.”
    “Unacceptable. I want… Hold on.” There was a brief pause. “I’ve got a call I need to take.”
    “No problem. I’ll see you after work.”
    “All right. Bye, love.”
    “Bye.”
    The call ended and she recalled his last words. He’d used the word love instead of referencing her as his woman. What had he been going to say before another call had interrupted him?
    Gwen’s anxiety grew to a new level. Perhaps he truly loved her. The relationship she’d initially wanted suddenly morphed into something greater—a commitment. Although they’d spent little time together in the grand scheme of things, they knew each other well enough. They were adults and successful at their jobs. She trusted him and he seemed to trust her. Any decision would not come on a whim, unless it was in the bedroom. If he seriously wanted her every night, she’d give him his every desire.
    She swiveled in her chair and tapped a key on her keyboard. The screen illuminated. Filled with elation, she resumed her work. She hoped the time would pass quickly so she could return to the man who loved her.

Chapter Eight
     
     
     
    Gwen sped along the interstate on her way home. A breeze blew into the car and tossed strands of her hair. The sun peeked from the clouds and cast rays of light toward the ground. The soft rock tune on the radio was one she knew well, so she sang along and tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. By all accounts, life seemed good. She was going home to a man waiting to hug and kiss her, among other things. Yes, life was