His compliments make me feel like a teenager. It's silly that he has this effect on me. I'm sure my cheeks are bright red and I want to look away, but I can't seem to break eye contact. I am lost in the depths of his eyes.

For a moment, I stand in my doorway with his warm arms wrapped around me. I shiver slightly and he pulls me closer. He stares at my lips and begins to lower his lips to meet mine. The moment is perfect until hear Holden calling my name from the back door.

I panic knowing that Holden will come barreling around the corner any minute. I can't let him see Amir on my doorstep. I grab Amir's hand and pull him into my office. It's just steps from the front door and the closest room with a door.

"I'm sorry. I didn't expect you. Take a seat for a few minutes. I need to show someone out. I'll be back soon." I see confusion and then hurt cross his face, but I don't have time to address it.

I walk out of the office closing the door behind me and see Holden headed in my direction. I let out a sigh of relief.

Holden looks around. "Wow. The house looks nice. The carpet looks like new. Did everyone leave?"

"Yes, they wrapped everything up a little while ago. They did a great job." I look up and smile at Holden trying not to seem suspicious.

He narrows his eyes slightly and I can see he's trying to figure something out. "Oh, I thought I heard voices. Everything ok? You seem on edge."

"Yes, I'm fine. It's just been a busy day," I say with a smile. "How's my pool?"

A look of suspicion flashes across his face. He takes a final look around the room, before responding. "Installed the new pump. It seems to be working just fine. It's the top of the line model, so it should last for a long time."

"Thank you so much for all of your help! I don't know what I would do without you." I smile and give him a quick hug.

"I'm sure you would just call another pool company, but I'm glad I that I could help this time." Holden looks uncomfortable and brings his hand to the back of his neck. "Alyssa, I know that things were strained between us after everything that happened with Kyle. I'm glad you called me when you needed help. I love you and the boys and I would do anything for you. If you need anything at all, just call me. Nothing has changed. I will always be here for you."

"I appreciate that and thank you again for everything." I take a few steps toward the door and thankfully Holden follows. I give him a quick hug and he kisses my cheek. I add a smile and tell him, "I don't want to take any more time out of your weekend. Please let me know what I owe you and I'll write you a check."

"Alyssa, I can't take money from you. It's on the house. I'm just happy you and the boys will be enjoying the pool. I'll get going, but give me a call if you need anything." He says as he walks through the door giving me a small wave on the way out.

I sigh in relief that he left quickly. I remember that Amir is waiting in my office. I wonder how much of that conversation Amir heard. Turning to walk toward my office, the door suddenly opens and Amir approaches me with a scowl on his face. The relaxed, happy man that arrived unexpectedly on my doorstep is gone. Whatever he heard, it didn't make him happy.

His eyes narrow at me. "Who was that? Is that your boyfriend? Is that why you will sleep with me, but you won't date me? You have someone else and you are just playing me?" His voice is fierce and tone is sharp.

I take a few steps forward looking into his eyes and place my hand on his cheek. "No Amir, of course not. It's not what you think at all."

He takes my hand from his cheek. "Why didn't you want us to meet? Who is he?"

I hate that he's jumping to conclusions. I start to feel irritated and part of me wants to tell him to leave. This is exactly why I don't date. I don't need the drama.

Then, I look into his eyes and I see more than just anger or jealousy. I see hurt and my heart feels heavy. I sigh, take his hand and lead him toward the couch. "Let's sit down and I'll tell you about Holden. I promise you that it's not what you think."

He hesitantly takes a seat. "Ok."   

I settle into the couch, sitting close to Amir. Instead of leaning into me, he seems to shift away from me. He seems so mad, but he shouldn't be. Where do I start?

"Holden was one of my husband's closest friends. They were fraternity brothers and played baseball together. They were tight in college, but then they lost touch and drifted apart after graduation. When we registered Jace for preschool, we bumped into Holden and his wife. They had just relocated to Napa and have a son that's the same age as Jace. After that, Holden and David coached little league together every year. They rekindled their bromance and became inseparable." I pause, hoping to see some softening of Amir's face. He still looks stoic but seems to be listening.

"After David died, we all grieved for him in different ways. Holden had an especially hard time. They were like brothers. It's been two years, but it seems like just yesterday for Holden. He has a hard time understanding that I need to move forward with my life. He can't imagine seeing me with anyone, but David. When I started dating someone a few months ago, Holden and I got into an argument about it."

Amir leans a bit closer to me and puts his arm around my shoulder. "What was the argument about?"

"Holden still thinks of me as David's wife and he doesn't think I should date. He thinks it's too soon and it's not respectful of David's memory and not good for my kids."

"It's been a while. Does he think that you are going to be by yourself forever?"

"Maybe. It's been tough. Holden and I avoided each other for a couple of months, but it was hard. Our kids were on the same baseball team. Holden was the coach and I was the team mom. The guy I was dating also had a kid on the team. Every game was uncomfortable." I decide to leave out the part where Holden nearly decked Kyle for trying to kiss me in front of the kids at one of the games. It makes Holden sound like a hot head. The truth is that Holden can be intense and acts like a caveman. Luckily, he's just a family friend and not my husband. His wife, Karly has her hands full.

I look into Amir's eyes and see that his expression has softened. I know that I need to tell him about one of the reasons I have given up dating. I take a breath and continue, "As it turns out, Holden was right that I was making a mistake with Kyle. He was a nice guy, but he was looking to move right into a serious relationship. I thought of him as a good friend that might eventually turn into more, but he pushed to have things move quickly. I wasn't ready for that and I don't think the kids were either." 

 I pause for a moment and then continue. "So, I broke things off. It made baseball games more uncomfortable, but Holden was happy about the way things turned out and didn't try to hide it. It irritated me since my social life is none of his business. Eventually, Holden's wife helped us to clear the air before the season ended. It took a while, but we just got back to a good place. I know the idea of me dating still upsets him. So, I didn't think it was a good idea to introduce you. I'm sorry if I made it seem like there was something between me and Holden. There isn't. I promise."

Amir's face seems to relax and he pulls my body toward him for a hug. "I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions. Let me make it up to you and take you out to lunch."

"I wish I could, but I'm still waiting for my dishwasher to be delivered. If you want to keep me company, I can make lunch for us while we wait."

He gently kisses the top of my head. "I would love that."

I feel incredibly relieved as I lead Amir to my kitchen. I realize how much it bothered me to have Amir angry with me. I'm not sure why it matters. I know this evening will be the end of the road for us romantically.

I can't help fantasizing about a different world where Amir and I would be free to explore our connection. Things would be different, if I hadn't sworn off dating to focus on my kids or if we didn't work together. Unfortunately, we live in the real world and a relationship with Amir isn't a possibility.

I stand in the kitchen assessing the limited lunch ingredients that I have on hand. Amir puts his arm around my waist and pulls me into him. He gently kisses to top of my head. "You seem deep in thought."

I shrug, unwilling to ruin the time we have left. "I was just trying to figure out what to make for lunch. I'm leaving for a trip on Tuesday, so I haven't been grocery shopping. Do you like risotto?"

"Love it. Are you sure that's not too much work?"

"Not at all. It's one of my favorites. I make it all the time." I start gathering ingredients for the dish. I motion toward one of the bar stools. "Come sit at the counter while I cook. I'll pour you a glass of wine."

"I get a front row seat to watch you create the magic." He smiles and I can't help, but blush.

The next hour flies by. The conversation is easy and relaxed and we seem to have a lot in common. We listen to the same types of music, love the same movies and have been to a lot of the same vacation spots. Spending time with Amir feels effortless. He sets the table and refills our wine glasses, as I serve the risotto.

As I sit down across the table from Amir, my cell phone starts ringing. I see Staci is trying to reach me again. "I'm sorry. Can I answer that? She's been trying to get a hold of me all day. I'll tell her that I have to call her back tomorrow." Amir nods and I answer the phone.

"Hey, Staci. I'm sorry that I haven't called you back, but I've been really busy. Can I call you back tomorrow?"

"No can do. You need to catch me up on the gala before your date. We have about forty-five minutes before the team meeting. No excuses. Spill it."

"Actually, I have company. So, I really need to call you tomorrow." I say, hoping that she will get the hint.

"He's at your house, isn't he?" She pauses, waiting for my response. "You can't just ignore me. Well, Kristi and I are headed to your house. I have Jace's favorite sweatshirt and I know he'll want it in Nashville. I guess that I will be able to meet the mystery man when I get there."

"Wait. Staci, Jace doesn't need his sweatshirt. It's 90 degrees in Nashville today." I hear laughter in the background, then she hangs up on me. A minute later, the front door opens and I hear Staci and Kristi walk in the front door, trampling through the house as they attempt to find us.

Staci is practically vibrating with excitement when she gets to the kitchen. Dressed to the nines in a form fitted black wrap dress and strappy heels, her appearance is a stark contrast to my own denim shorts and tank top. She flips her long, straight platinum blonde hair over her shoulder and gives Amir a big smile. With an evil glint in her eye, she holds out her hand to Amir and introduces herself while moving her big blue eyes up and down his body taking it all in. Staci immediately begins her own personal game of twenty questions with Amir.

Meanwhile, Kristi rounds the corner throwing a grey sweatshirt over the back of an empty chair. She's Staci's best friend and her opposite in every way. While Staci is average height and curvy with an outgoing vivacious personality. Kristi is tall and slim with long black tresses, olive skin, and big brown eyes. She can be as reserved as Staci is bubbly, but she warms up quickly.

Staci briefly stops the onslaught of questions to introduce Amir to Kristi before continuing the inquisition. Amir's eyes follow Kristi as she walks over to the table taking several large bites of the risotto off my plate and sipping from my glass of wine. I try taking my folk back from her and she swats my hand away mumbling, "The nerve. You made risotto and you didn't invite me over? I live right across the street and you know it's my favorite."

Shaking my head and laughing while I tell her, "There's more in the pot on the stove. Leave my plate alone and make a serving for yourself."

She finally returns my folk and clicks across my kitchen in her heels toward her target. I glance at Amir who is taking in the scene with a smile. Kristi's slim body is poured into a pair of skinny jeans and lace camisole covered by a sheer, black blouse. Ironically, the thinnest woman in the room has served herself the largest serving and is tucking into it like she hasn't eaten in years.

I return Amir's smile and wink. "I thought you girls were going to dinner after the team meeting. Aren't you going to spoil your appetite?"

Kristi shoots me a dirty look and continues tucking into her plate. "I deserve a little snack. I ran three miles this morning. I had to run all by myself since my running partner didn't come home last night."

"Ok. I'm sorry I missed our Saturday morning run. I promise to make it up to you tomorrow. Now, where's this sweatshirt that you guys so urgently needed to return?"

Staci picks up the grey sweatshirt off the kitchen chair and throws it at me before turning her attention back to Amir. I unfold the huge sweatshirt and give her a dirty look. "This is a men's size XL. It's Tanner's sweatshirt. He wears it all the time. You don't recognize your son's sweatshirt?"

Staci flashes me a smile. "Oh, my mistake. I thought for sure it was Jace's sweatshirt. I was just trying to be helpful." I knew the whole thing was a setup. She's been dying to meet him since I told her about everything that happened at Geoff's funeral.

I let out a huff of exasperation. Amir seems to be stifling a laugh. "Since you guys are here, can I offer you a glass of wine?"

Staci waves me off. "No, no we have to head over to the team meeting. Drinks after the team meeting, but not before. I don't need all those other moms gossiping about me. While I am here, can I borrow your long silver necklace and matching earrings. I forgot to put on jewelry before I left."

I narrow my eyes at her. "Sure, I'll go get them. I'll be right back. Be good while I'm gone."

I run upstairs, navigating the freshly cleaned carpets as quickly as possible. I don't trust those two alone with Amir. Staci is constantly trying to fix me up. She doesn't think I should be alone and would do anything to solve that problem. Kristi is her co-conspirator and is always willing to help Staci with her matchmaking.

I grab the jewelry off my dresser and make my way downstairs. As I turn the corner, I hear Staci inviting Amir to her house for Sunday dinner. I knew they were up to something.

I look at Amir and he has a big smile on his face. "Your friends invited me to dinner tomorrow night. I told them that we wouldn't miss it. It sounds like we can spend the whole day together since it doesn't start until five."

Staci jumps in. "Ohhh...You should take Amir wine tasting. It's important to be hospitable to guests from outside the area. It's so much nicer to tour the area with someone who lives locally. It's such a romantic area. There's so much to see."

"You are so helpful. First, bringing me your son's sweatshirt. Then, inviting Amir to come to Sunday dinner and recommending that we spend the whole day wine tasting. I don't know what I would do without you." I say with a sarcastic edge to my voice.

Staci matches my tone and responds, "I have no idea. Good thing we'll never find out. Well, Kristi and I must get going. Our work here is done."