Heart's Reward by Donna Hill

thoughts kept drifting back to his afternoon in Sag Harbor. Jessica and Veronica didn’t leave a pebble unturned during the interview. They’d all but taken notes about his life starting in the womb. He chuckled at the memory and wondered who they would find for him. What woman would be his perfect match? Someone like Melanie Harte, a distant voice whispered in his head. She would be ideal. Beautiful, intelligent, sexy, well-traveled and powerful in her own right—a devastating combination. He wondered if Melanie had a man in her life, and if so, what washe like? What did he do for a living? And the million dollar question: How did she feel about him?
    A sudden clap of thunder startled him out of his mind games and none too soon. His imagination was on the verge of taking him someplace he didn’t need to go. Melanie Harte was not an option.
    Claude crossed the room to the window and closed it. He stood in front of the arched panes of glass as the heavens lit up with a burst of brilliant white light, illuminating the sky.
    The ringing phone drew his attention from the spectacle of light. He picked up the phone from the end table and recognized the cell number right away.
    â€œTraci…how are you?”
    Her laughter filled the phone lines. “Don’t you simply hate technology and what it has done to the element of surprise? I’m fine. Better than fine and I’m in town for a few days. I was hoping we could get together if you’re going to be around.”
    â€œWhere are you staying?”
    â€œThe Marriott in midtown. Lucked out and got a suite.”
    He and Traci had met about five, six years earlier when he was at the U.N. conference with the senator. Traci was an attaché and spent most of her time traveling, as well. Never married, career politico withaspirations to run for office. Smart, easy on the eyes and low maintenance.
    Claude glanced at the clock. Almost eight. He listened to the ping of the rain bouncing off the windows. An hour drive into the city and then back. What the hell. He could use some uncomplicated company. “Late dinner?”
    â€œSounds great. I’ll meet you in the bar whenever you get here. The restaurant closes at eleven but…room service is available until two.”
    Her offer was clear. If he decided to stay, it wouldn’t be a problem.
    â€œI’ll see you soon.” He hung up the phone and prepared for the rest of his night.
    Â 
    Claude strode into the lobby of the Marriot shortly after nine-thirty. As usual for midtown Manhattan hotels, the lobby, the bar and the restaurant were pulsing with activity. He slipped out of his black linen jacket and draped it over his arm as he wound his way around the bustling bodies and headed in the direction of the bar.
    He spotted her before she saw him. Her fiery red hair with sunset highlights was like a beacon, falling in a tumble of silken waves to her bare shoulders. She wore black, as he did. Her snuggly fitted dress hugged every inch of her, at least the few inches that were covered by fabric. She was in an animated conversation with a man who seemed intent on discovering what she may have hidden between her very inviting cleavage that rose above the scoop neck top of her dress.
    Claude smiled. Traci was still being her devilish self. He moved into her line of sight and when she spotted him, her emerald-green eyes lit up like fireworks. She put down her glass, patted her conversation companion on the shoulder and walked away, leaving him with his mouth hanging open.
    â€œClaude.” She walked right up to him, slid her arms around his neck and kissed him full on the lips.
    He hooked one arm around her narrow waist and pulled her tight against him for a quick trip down memory lane before breaking the kiss. “I would ask how you’re doing, but I can tell you’re doing just fine.”
    Traci laughed and linked her fingers with Claude’s. “Girl has to have some