Lately, however, relief had morphed into loneliness and she’d been rethinking her decision. Unfortunately, with work so busy, she didn’t have the time right now to devote to a social life.

“We were on a sabbatical,” Emma agreed. “But after six months of celibacy, I was feeling kinda stressed, not to mention horny. I met a man who lit my fire, and whew!” She waved her hand in front of her face. “Let me tell you, he was hot. As for when and where-last night, at the Ritz-Carlton. And as for how”-her lips curved in a slow smile-“Good lord, how didn’t that man please me?”

A fissure of what could only be described as envy rippled through Madeline. “Okay, I’m officially jealous. But I meant how did you meet him?”

Emma waved her fork around. “Right here. In this very food court. Yesterday. The place was packed-not an empty table in sight. Tons of schoolkids. Must have been some mega class trip downtown. There was an empty chair at my table, he asked if could join me, and… there you have it.”

“If he was so fantastic, why was it just a one-nighter? Why not see him again?”

“He lives in New York and was here just for a few days for a conference. He flew home this morning.” Emma forked up another bite of salad. “Which made it perfect-a night of great sex with no expectations, no messy relationship stuff, no awkward date. I feel sooooo much better. You should try it. This weekend. At the resort.”

“Right. Except you’re forgetting I’ve never been good at the one-night stand situation. The few times I’ve made the attempt, it just didn’t work out.”

“You mean you chickened out.”

“I did not. I was just struck with shyness.”

“Uh-huh. Which is secret code for ‘I chickened out.’ ” Emma helpfully demonstrated her point by flapping her arms and making clucking sounds.