"That's all right," she said. "It's just something I've learned to put up with."

"It makes me feel bad to see you dressed like that. I've never seen a woman more beautiful. You should be going out."

Caroline blushed. Once upon a time she had gotten used to men calling her beautiful. But this time it went to her head. John Richardson was an attractive man and he was so cultured in his speaking. And the way he looked at her made her feel shiverish.

"I'm sure you go put with many beautiful women," Caroline said. "I heard you weren't married."

"I guess I never met, one as beautiful as you," John said.

John moved his chair closer. She could smell his masculine perfume. She suddenly realized that John was about to put the make on her. It had been a long time, and it flattered her. She remembered all the ways to put a man off and still be friends, but somehow she couldn't find the words. She had never been tongue-tied in her life until now.

She felt his knee against her leg. She moved away. He followed. He sipped at his beer and she could feel him brazenly looking her over. She suddenly felt like she was completely naked sitting there with him.

"I guess I should call Rick," she said. "I should call him and tell him I'm not angry."

"Don't call him yet," John said softly.

She felt his arm going around her. She sat frozen as he pulled her against him. She felt his hand in her hair. His fingers turned her head toward him. He kissed her mouth hard, so hard that she gasped for breath when he released her.

"I've wanted to do that for a long time," he said.

It was crazy, but she felt herself melting against him as he kissed her again. She kept thinking that she wanted to push him away, but she couldn't find the strength.