guests entered behind Leslie.
“I can find it myself,” she assured the hostess.
“Thank you,” the young woman said. “Enjoy your evening.”
Leslie weaved her way through the maze of tables and alcoves toward the back patio. She paused as she reached the door leading outside and stared through the big windows out into the open. She stood for a moment, studying the people seated out there. One table had a couple sitting together, hands entwined. Another table had four women drinking margaritas. Another table was blocked partially by a large potted plant with big palm fronds. On the table lay a single yellow rose.
Leslie’s heart skipped several beats and her hands tightened into fists. That had to be the table where Joe Fox was sitting. Waiting for her. She wished this meeting was already over so she could tell Tag how much she loved him and wanted to be with him.
She drew in a steadying breath and held it. Then she stepped toward the door.
“Leslie,” a familiar voice said behind her. “I’m glad I caught you.”
Leslie turned to face Tag.
She let go of the breath she’d been holding in a rush. “Tag. I didn’t think you were coming.”
“I wanted to catch you before you met Joe Fox.” He captured her hands in his. “There’s something you should know.”
Leslie stared up into his eyes, her heart swelling so large she thought it might burst from her chest. “And there’s something I need to tell you.”
He pressed his lips together in line and nodded. “Ladies, first.”
Leslie stared up at him, her pulse hammering through her veins. “Tag, I can’t go through with this date. I came to tell Joe Fox that I won’t be able to go out with him.”
“Why?” he asked.
“Because…” She licked her lips and threw herself into her confession with all her heart. “Because I already love someone else.”
Tag stood completely still, his hands tightening around hers. “Are you sure?”
She nodded, her eyes filling, a crooked smile twisting her lips. “I’m absolutely sure.”
“Do I know this person?” he asked softly.
She nodded. “Tag Bronson, it’s you. I love you. I didn’t realize just how much until I logged onto BODS and tried to find my perfect match.” She shook her head. “I didn’t realize I already had. I was so blind. But now I see. You’re my perfect match.” She frowned, tears leaking from her eyes. “Oh, Tag, say something. I know you said you would always be my friend, but I want more. I want you as my best friend, my lover and my life mate. Please, talk to me. Please love me.”
His mouth claimed hers, cutting off her flow of words with a kiss that rocked her soul and took her breath away.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him as close as two people in a restaurant could be without being naked.
When he finally raised his head, he stared down into her eyes. “Is it my turn?” he asked.
She laughed, the sound catching in her throat. “That’s right, you wanted to tell me something.”
He cupped her cheeks in his palms. “I wanted you to know that I loved you way back when we first met.”
The tears flowed harder. “And you don’t love me now?”
He shook his head. “Not like I loved you then.” He brushed the moisture from her cheek. “I love you even more. I’m a different man from the Tag who hung out with you and Randy. I know what’s important now. I don’t want to go another day without you in my life.”
She wrapped her arms around him and held him close. “I never thought I could love another as much as I loved Randy.”
“And now?” Tag asked.
“And now, I know I can love someone else as much, but in a different way.”
Tag brushed a strand of her hair back behind her ear. “I will never ask you to stop loving Randy. He was my friend, and I loved him, too.”
“I could never stop loving him. But I want to move on with my life. I know now that I have enough room in my heart to love again.” She grasped his face in both of her hands. “And I love you.”
Tag smiled down at her. “I was so afraid you would only ever see me as your friend.”
She laughed. “I was afraid of the same.”
“I think Randy would have been happy for us,” Tag said. “He only ever wanted you to be happy.”
She nodded. “He told me not to grieve too long, to