THE SECOND MARGO heard Maddy close the latch, she moved her hand to Lamont’s lapel and pulled him closer. She tilted her head and closed her eyes. Then she kissed him. Lightly at first, then slow and deep. He pressed against her, one hand cradling her head, his fingers laced through her fine blond hair. He could feel the warm breath from her nostrils on his cheek. She broke the kiss off slowly and opened her eyes. Deep blue against her ivory skin.
“I missed you,” she whispered.
“Missed you, too,” he replied.
Lamont pulled Margo close, one arm around her narrow waist. He leaned in to kiss her softly on the neck, moving up to a spot just below her ear.
Margo trembled.
“If you do that again,” she said. “I’m going to need to lie down.” He did it again. She intertwined her fingers with his and pulled him toward the abandoned office that was now their bedroom.
As they passed through the doorway, Lamont swept Margo up in his arms. Then he knelt gently and laid her down on the big pile of blankets in the corner.
Margo pulled Lamont’s jacket off. “How long does it take to walk the dog?” she asked softly.
“Maybe he’ll find a rat to chase,” said Lamont. His hands went under the hem of her dress. She lifted her hips as he tugged it up. When it reached her waist, she leaned forward and pulled it over her head. It didn’t take long from there. Just a few more snaps and clasps and straps, back and forth. His pants. Her slip. His briefs. Her bra. Margo pulled a loose blanket over her naked torso. Lamont gently slid it back off.
“My God,” he said. “You are so beautiful.”
“You are too,” she said, lifting her lips to his. “Have I told you how much I love you?”
“Actually,” said Lamont, “it’s been a while.”
“I can’t believe how long it’s been,” she said. He kissed her shoulder and ran his palm down her body, following the curves. She was everything he remembered. Soft. Smooth. Warm. Perfect.
Margo pulled him close and pressed her lips against his ear.
“Lamont Cranston,” she whispered, “don’t you dare disappear on me.”