Midnight Kisses by Wayne Jordan Page B

perfect little number in her closet—a dress she had purchased on a whim a few months ago. Despite the cost, she couldn’t resist the earthy tone of the Ellen Tracy design.
    Now, looking at herself in the mirror, she realized she had made the right choice. The dress fit her perfectly, accentuating her slenderness. Its color complemented her mahogany hair, which she’d left loose, instead of secured in the serviceable bun she usually wore to work. Renée knew she looked her best. She’d often wished she had the height and body of a model, but the face looking back at her was attractive.
    She turned away from the mirror, glancing at the clock on the bureau—another twenty minutes before Daniel arrived. Renée felt her hands tremble. She lookedback at the mirror. She hoped Daniel didn’t get the wrong impression. She looked ready for seduction, but that was not the first thing on her mind. She just wanted to look good.
    The sound of the doorbell echoed in the distance and she grabbed her bag and coat and hurried to the door. There, she paused, breathing deeply, finding control. She opened it…and almost lost it.
    Daniel was beautiful.
    He oozed sinful sex and she wondered again how on earth he could have been a minister.
    He reached behind his back and handed her a small, short-stemmed, pink rose, soft and pale.
    She took it from him, her body tingling when his hand brushed hers.
    â€œThank you. I love roses,” she said. She placed it in her hair.
    â€œIs it okay?” she asked.
    â€œYou look lovely.”
    She smiled and thanked him again.
    â€œYou ready to go?” he asked.
    â€œWhenever you are, I’m ready.” She wanted to ask where they were going, but decided that she preferred to be surprised.
    â€œDo you like soul food?” he asked, while she locked the front door.
    â€œI love it,” she responded.
    â€œGood,” he said with delight. “Have you ever been to Edna’s?” At her nod, he continued. “I try to eat there as often as I can. There is nothing like Edna’s biscuits.”
    She smiled. “I know what you mean. Or the peach cobbler. I can almost taste it.”
    â€œI’m glad you like my choice.”
    They reached his car and he moved to open the door for her. She pulled her coat closer. It was a typical autumn night, a cool wind blowing through her hair. She shivered. She could do with some heat.
    When she slipped inside the car, the warmth of the heater was welcome, but when his leg touched hers, the resulting heat, which coursed through her body, was overwhelming. Renée tried to focus ahead, trying to ignore to feel of his leg on hers.
    For a while they drove in silence.
    â€œYou seem to enjoy your work,” he said firmly.
    â€œYes, sometimes, but the bureaucracy often makes it difficult. Even this case with Jamie is frustrating me. I have a few days to find accommodations for her. There is some state funding for cases like hers. Fortunately, the headaches she’s been having are less frequent. The medication seems to be working.”
    â€œI’m going to see her tomorrow,” he said. “She’s talking to me but she still hasn’t said too much about herself. And if the funds are a problem, I can cover the hospital bill.”
    â€œWell, that may not be necessary yet, but it’s extremely kind of you to offer. You seem to be good at this kind of work. Talking to people.”
    â€œCame with past territory. I did spend the first fifteen years of my life after college as a minister. Counseling comes second nature.”
    â€œWhy did you stop being a minister?” she asked.When his body stiffened noticeably, she realized she had touched a nerve.
    â€œI didn’t have much use for God in my life anymore. I wanted to do something else,” he said without emotion.
    â€œI’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”
    â€œYou’re not prying. It’s just