Simply Sexy

EMMA MONTGOMERY STOOD by the window in the newspaper offices and tapped her manicured nails impatiently. Snowflakes told her Christmas was around the corner and she adored the holiday, the cheer, the parties. She had no patience for imbeciles, a thought which reminded her to look back at the road. Still no sign of her driver. The man came and went on his own schedule. She wished she still had her license but those days were gone. Thank goodness she had other skills that hadn't dwindled with age. Matchmaking was her specialty and obviously Corinne, the present publisher of theAshford Times,had recognized her talent. Emma was now the columnist for theAshford Times"s "Meet and Greet" column. And she couldn't forget that this job had also saved her elegant behind from a nursing home. Her son, the Judge, had had it with her parties and antics, and if she didn't get busy with something, he'd threatened to put her in an old-age home. She shivered, blaming the cold seeping in from the window. But the Judge's bellowing had done her a favor. She loved this job and the people here appreciated her talent and humor. "Oh, Rina!" Emma called out to the only employee left in the office, the new girl named Rina Lowell. Pretty name. Pretty woman. No makeup, but if Emma had that gorgeous skin, she wouldn't bother with blush, either. Rina glanced up from her desk where she was typing away. "Yes, Emma?" "You know that expression, all work and no play makes Rina an old fuddy-duddy?" "I don't think you quite nailed it." Rina laughed, a light sound that would be musical to a man's ears. "Are you saying it's time I went home for the night?" "Goodness, no!" Emma waved her hand in the air. "I'm saying we should hit the town and celebrate the new lives this paper has given us." Emma had been working for a few months and Rina had just recently started. The young woman obviously wanted to make a good impression, arriving early and leaving late. But even the most dedicated worker had to have some fun. "What did you have in mind?" Rina asked. From the corner of her eye, Emma saw her car approach with her good-for-nothing driver, hired by her son, at the wheel. She might as well make use of his time and let him earn his money. "I thought we could go to O'Dooley's and have a beer." Rina burst out laughing. "I'm sorry. I just can't picture you, an eighty-year-old woman, drinking beer." "Phooey. You shouldn't make fun of an old lady. Would you prefer I have a shot of tequila?" "I'll do one with you," Rina offered, her eyes twinkling with the challenge. "You're on." Emma stuck out her hand for a shake. "At least I don't have to worry about drinking and driving. And if you come with me, neither do you. Leave your car here. I'll drop you off at your home tonight and pick you up on the way to work tomorrow." Rina pretended to give the idea some thought, but Emma caught the smile on her lips and knew the young woman had already decided. Finally she nodded. "Okay. I'm up for partying." She slid her chair back so she had room, and pushed herself in a circle, hanging her head back and spinning the chair around before letting loose a loud whoop. "What was that for?" Emma asked. "I just wanted to act as free as I feel." Rina giggled girlishly. "I'm justsohappy to have this job and so excited to start life over in Ashford." Emma took in the young woman's pink flushed cheeks and wide smile. With her carefree attitude, she was the perfect candidate for Emma's matchmaking skills. She rubbed her palms, warming them together. "So we're off to O'Dooley's." "Do you think we'll meet any men at this joint?" Rina asked as she pulled her purse out of the drawer in her desk. "Because with my new 'Hot Stuff' column, I could use some good interaction." Rina might claim her interest was in work, but Emma didn't miss the sparkle in Rina's gaze at the mention oPhillips, Carly is the author of 'Simply Sexy ', published 2007 under ISBN 9780373772841 and ISBN 037377284X.