Free When I’m With You (Indigo) by Laconnie Taylor Jones

dear?”
    Caitlyn pointed to herself, her eyes taking on the shape of half dollars. “Who? Me?”
    “Why of course, dear. You’re the most logical person since you’re the one who’s established a relationship with him.”
    “But Fran—”
    “Is there a problem, dear?” A frown marred Fran’s forehead.
    Caitlyn shook her head. “No. There’s no problem at all.”
    Fran clapped her hands together in delight. “Well, ladies and gentlemen, I believe we have a win-win situation for everyone involved.” Again, she patted Caitlyn’s hands that had now balled into tiny fists. “Wouldn’t you agree, Caitlyn?”
    Caitlyn muttered under her breath. “Oh, it’s a win-win all right.”

Chapter 5
    Caitlyn sat quietly behind the wheel of her old BMW, staring out the windshield at her surroundings. She popped two Tums in her mouth, hoping they would settle her stomach.
    It was just past seven o’clock in the evening, the day after the board meeting. Exiting the car, she walked around, braced herself against the hood and stared down on the city below. Even though she’d slipped on her shades, the rays from the setting sun danced off the waters of San Francisco Bay where ships slowly docked at the Port of Oakland. In the distance, the Bay Bridge hovered over the Pacific Ocean.
    She’d debated all day whether to go to Marcel’s home. After their heated exchange when he had come to her office and asked her what she wanted most for the center, she wasn’t sure if he’d even agree to see her. It’d taken her most of the day to calm her nerves and get this far. Deciding not to put off what she knew she needed to do, she squared her shoulders, walked to the front door and pushed in the small pearl button of the doorbell.
    “Hi.” Her voice was shaky.
    “Hi, yourself.” Marcel answered just as nervously. He was casually dressed in faded jeans and tennis shoes. His tank top showed off powerful shoulders and a broad chest covered with thick, curly black hair.
    She chewed on her bottom lip. “I-I don’t mean to intrude, and I’m sorry I didn’t call to let you know—”
    “You’re always welcome here.” He reached for her hand and pulled her inside.
    The Mediterranean-style estate had a fabulous grand foyer and featured a Travertine dual staircase. A fifty-inch crystal chandelier hung from a circular sky dome over a gorgeous water fountain, providing an enormous amount of light in the spacious entryway.
    “Marcel…”
    “Caitlyn…”
    They both attempted to speak at the same time. Marcel gestured for her to go first.
    “I came for two reasons.” She felt that she would collapse from her buckling knees and bouncing stomach and looked toward the living room for a place to sit. From where she stood, the living room was breathtaking. The hand-carved wood-and-marble fireplace accented the open space and multiple windows offered an unimpeded view of the Oakland Hills.
    “Do you mind if I sit down?”
    “Not at all.” Marcel touched the small of her back and ushered her inside.
    Caitlyn took a seat on one end of a long snow-white couch and placed her hand right at the top of her midsection, hoping it would calm the roller coaster in her stomach. She glanced around the room. “Your home is beautiful.”
    “Thanks.” On the other end of the couch, Marcel bent forward and hooked his fingers together. “Has your car given you any more trouble?”
    It took two attempts, but she eventually answered in a hoarse voice. “No. It’s running fine.”
    “That’s good.” He rubbed sweaty palms up and down the sides of his thighs.
    Caitlyn cleared her throat. “Well, you certainly made quite an impression on Fran.”
    “How?”
    “She wants you to serve on our board of directors.”
    “I think that could be arranged.” He relaxed a bit and sat back with a muscled arm stretched across the back of the couch. His potent gaze was as gentle as a caress.
    “Thank you for the offer to establish the co-op