Page 68 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“Me, too, “ she said. “I like Cristina. Do you?”

“Oh, yes. I remember her from our childhood. She and Pete were both interested in other things than I was. I didn’t hang around with them too often.”

“I’m not sure Sarita is going to be successful in getting Cristina and Pete together,” Lori said. “Cristina didn’t seem at all interested.”

Griff laughed. “I noticed. It’s killing Pete.”

They continued their walk.

At her cabin, he waited while she unlocked the door and invited him in.

“Let’s listen to some music and relax,” said Lori. “I don’t know about you, but I’m tired after a busy day like ours. Not that I didn’t love it.”

“I liked what you and Rosie discussed this morning. You’d be an asset to our business, you know.” He wanted to encourage her to think about moving to California to continue to grow their relationship.

Lori offered him a cold beer which he accepted. “I liked having something different to do. It was stimulating.”

Griff studied her, wanting to excite her in a different way.

Lori’s cheeks grew pink. “It’s chilly enough outside to light the fireplace in the living room, don’t you think?”

“I’ll take care of it,” said Griff, kneeling in front of the fireplace. He added tinder wood and newspaper beneath the logs resting on a grate and lit them.

When it caught and the fire began to burn, Griff stood and eased himself down on the couch facing Lori. “I want to make this time with you count. You know how much I care…”

Lori gave him a steady look that gave her answer. “I do. I really do.”

He leaned forward to kiss her.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

LORI

When Griff’s lips met hers, Lori felt the tension in her body release and then begin to build again. God! It felt fantastic to be in his arms, kissing him like this. She’d missed intimacy with her husband and liked being close to Griff. Lori forgot all her worries back home and told herself to simply enjoy the moment. This surge of desire for a man she was growing to love felt right.

“Ah, Lori, you make me feel alive,” Griff murmured, drawing her closer and letting her know he wanted more than kisses.

She responded with a soft moan of pleasure, and when their kisses became lovemaking, it was as if she’d been waiting for him her whole life.

Later, when she and Griff lay together sated, Lori allowed herself to relish what was happening between them. Nick had told her over and over again to find someone new, someone special in her life after he was gone. She’d been horrified at the idea then, but now she was grateful for his generous words.

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The next morning, Lori awoke in her bed and turned off the alarm, giving herself a moment to relive the time with Griff before hurrying to get ready for another day. She wanted to be on time to meet with Kayla. First, she’d have to face the family at breakfast. Sarita was going all out for Cristina with a family meal this morning.

As she left the cabin, Lori wrapped her sweater tighter around her, surprised by the cooler temperature. But then, it was only April. Back home, snow wasn’t uncommon in the hills at this time of year.

Lori couldn’t help feeling a little nervous about seeing Griff this morning. Last night’s lovemaking was very special, freeing her in a way that was new for her. She wanted to be with him again and hoped he felt the same way.

She walked into the house and, hearing voices in the kitchen, went there. Sarita was standing at the stove cooking scrambled eggs, Carlos was buttering toast, and Cristina was sitting at the kitchen table sipping a cup of coffee.

“ ’Morning, everyone,” Lori said, accepting a cup of coffee from Carlos. “Where are the guys?”

“Outside,” said Sarita, giving her a curious look. “They’ll be in shortly. They’re just reviewing the day ahead. Have a seat. Eggs, bacon, and toast are on their way.”

Griff and Pete came into the room.

Lori relaxed when she saw the way Griff was looking at her, his smile telling her what he couldn’t say aloud.