the last time she’d impulsively taken a day off to play. She pushed her sunglasses onto her nose against the noontime glare to watch Evan and Matt imitate the elephants. She had been studying the zoo map, wanting to see the gorillas, snow leopard and lemurs before they finished their tour.
She laughed out loud. She’d actually mapped out an agenda for her own amusement. How long had it been since she’d done that?
Evan looked over. “What’s so funny, Red?”
She shook her head. “Oh, nothing. You two are more amusing than the wildlife.”
He grinned. “Really?”
Why was it that he could make everything she said sound like a come-on? Maybe because a hunk like him had women throwing themselves at him all the time, and he was used to flirting. “Oh, sure. I can’t wait to compare you to the gorilla next. Should be a perfect fit.”
He grinned. “If only they had mules here.”
“Hey, if you are comparing me...”
“Oh, never you, lass. You’re as malleable as marshmallow fluff.”
“Now I’m insulted!”
His laughter was disarming. “Kelly, I’ve never met a more independent or resilient woman than you. Now, how about some lunch before we tackle the rest of the zoo?”
Matt jumped up and down. “I want a hot dog, French fries and a root beer.”
“Done.”
Evan reached for Kelly’s hand, and the gesture was clearly impulsive because he let his hand drop at the surprise she felt fill her face.
Instead he ruffled Matt’s hair. “There’s a concession stand down this path. One hot dog, coming up.”
He fell into step beside her while Matt ran ahead, then tracked back to them. “I hope you are enjoying yourself as much as I am.”
“Actually, I didn’t realize how much I needed to take a day off. I have to admit you had a good idea.”
“I find it comfortable being with you. I like this.” The sweeping gesture of his hands indicated the three of them and their surroundings.
“Well, I don’t want you or Matt getting the wrong impression.”
He frowned. “Don’t tell me you are going to launch...”
She held up a hand. “Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate your friendship. More than you can imagine.”
“But we can only be friends because you don’t date?”
“Yes.”
“Kelly, you really do not have to reiterate that fact every time we meet. I heard you the first, second, third and the millionth time. I get it. But I like you. I like Matt. I’m hoping we can be friends. And friends spend time with each other. Can you tolerate that?”
They reached the concession stand. Oblivious to their conversation, Matt pointed to the picture of an ice-cream cone plastered on a poster near the ordering window.
“Can I get one, Mom?”
She paused to read the brief menu on the board. “Let’s eat our lunch first and see how we feel afterward.”
Evan nudged her. “Does the same answer apply to my question?”
She laughed. “No, Evan. I can answer you right off. I am happy to be your friend. Thank you for understanding.” She chuckled. “I can tell you that my gal friends will be green with envy.”
“So will the guys in the newsroom.”
“Really?”
He looked dismayed at her surprise. “Kelly, your male patrons think you are a hotter item than, oh, say, your Friday Special.”
She laughed. “Given how much you like that Reuben sandwich, I’m flattered.” When she was with Evan, she laughed often. She liked that.
Matt had ordered his hot dog, Evan seconded the order. She asked for a knish with mustard and a bottled water. Kelly was acutely aware that Evan watched her as she spoke. Goodness, his grin was like a physical touch. She could see how women fell for him and sent a grateful prayer skyward that she had already set the boundaries between them. The last thing she wanted was to be another notch on his bedpost.
They stayed at the zoo until closing time at five-thirty. Traffic back into Manhattan wasn’t too bad for a Sunday. Matt turned on the small television in the limo and promptly fell asleep, sprawled on the cushions along the side lounge. Kelly and Evan sat on either side of the backseat. Despite the arm’s length between them, no matter how much she tried, Kelly could not ignore the pull Evan’s body had on hers. Never mind how good Evan looked in a business suit during the week—now in jeans and a black T-shirt with sleeves pulled across well-formed biceps, his dark hair pushed back and almost too long on his neck, the scent of his skin rising