"Amen, sister," Kate said. "The majority of men I met before Ben required nonstop ego stroking, and seemed to crave almost slavish devotion-not that they necessarily planned to return that slavish devotion, and not that I'd wanted them to, anyway-but they wanted it just the same."

"Yup. And the minute they realize my job is my top priority and I'm not willing to rearrange my entire schedule, or change my hair or fashion preferences or political beliefs or whatever to suit their every need, interest fizzles-on both sides. I don't want or need a man to take care of me, and I sure don't want a man who thinks he should be in charge all the time. I don't want the mess my mom found herself in to ever happen to me, which is why it's so scary that I almost fell into that trap with Aaron. I've worked too long and hard to make certain I can take care of myself-financially and emotionally."

"Oh, I agree," Kate said, popping a water chestnut into her mouth. "But-trust me on this-it's very nice to have someone else take care of you physically for a change."

Jilly shook her head at Kate's devilish grin. "You're killing me, you know that? Good grief, you practically have little bluebirds of happiness encircling your head like a wreath. If I didn't love you so much and weren't so happy for you, I'd have to bring you outside and slap the crap out of you for being so content and in love and sexually satisfied."

Kate laughed. "Well, maybe you'll meet the man of your dreams at Chateau Fontaine this weekend."

"Not likely. This is going to be strictly business."

"Just keep an open mind-in case Mr. Right happens to knock on your door." She raised her porcelain cup and fixed Jilly with a no-nonsense stare. "Promise?"