It was almost 3 pm when the bell rang. Melora had spent the better part of the morning, at least what was left of it once she’d been dropped home, doing her best not to think about Chance and what would happen when they saw each other.          Melora was new in this game, she didn’t really understand how to react to all that was happening. Chance told her that she could trust him, that he already did something like this... But was he really worthy of her trust? Was he really going to be careful not to hurt her again?          He will have to explain to her how exactly one transitioned from lover to friend. And Melora also needed to understand what it would take for her mind to stop playing out scenarios where she ended up back in his arms, kissing him passionately since all he wanted was friendship from her part

          Beneath the September sky, Chance cut through the side streets, heading for Belt Parkway Promenade. Melora sat snuggled beside him in the sleek silver convertible, face tipped to catch the warm sunshine washing the city in an amber glow.          The cold snap of a few days before coupled with the strong winds had blown half the fall leaves from their trees in one quick drop. The result was a glorious quilt of shades, from bronze to gold. Fall was her favorite season. Al the colors were giving her life. It was beautiful.          Chance grinned beside her.“As I can see from the happiness on your face, fall is still your favorite time of year.”“Always and forever. The fall at the villa was always breathtaking… Such a show! Though it isn’t quite the same living in the city as it w

          The temperature had dropped with the afternoon sun, so Chance decided to pull the car’s roof up and to turn the heat on, while Melora sat bundled in the front seat. Still, she was chilled and he’d wrapped her into a spare blanket he kept in the trunk. She’d looked fragile all tucked in. Like something to shelter. To take into his arms and hold. ‘Damn it!’ he said to himself, ‘these thoughts were nuts.’          Closing the trunk, he rounded to the driver’s side door and levered into his seat. Melora smiled over at him, then nodded back at the darkening sky.“Beautiful, isn’t it?”          Melora’s brown curls were wild because of the breeze. Her cheeks were alive with the pink flush of effort.“Yes… Absolutely

          Wrapped in Chance’s dinner jacket, Melora was standing before the vast expanse of glass staring out at the light bright cityscape surrounding the penthouse apartment. She was waiting to hear Chance say something, acknowledge what has been said at the party.          They’d left the event together, fingers twined, allowing a photographer the opportunity to snap a picture as they walked towards the car, knowing a counterpart would be staked out at Chance’s apartment building as well. He behaved like they were together since forever.          Melora’s heart had been racing, her stomach was upside down. Melora was looking in the night, trying to calm down while waiting for Chance to make his move, to tell her what was really going on between them.        &nb

He couldn’t just kiss her. Not Chance. No! He had to make a point as he did it. Eyes locked with Melora’s, forcing her to watch as he whittled the distance between them, covered her mouth with his, and sank into his task with slow, deliberate pressure.          She couldn’t close her eyes or look away. But even as panic licked amongst the flames engulfing her, she held strong. Stoically taking what Chance gave her, Melora told herself to enjoy it, that it would be the last. If she could maintain her control here, then she’d have had her cake and eaten it, too. She’s going to have one night with Chance and a lifetime of friendship to follow.          Melora watched him, watching her. Gentle suction pulled at her restraint. The back-and-forth rub of firm masculine lips wore on her soft lips. God, he was so good… Patient and skilled and, if memo