The Foreigner's Caress. Kim Shaw

structured existence, because as headstrong as Madison had always been, she still appreciated the value of having her big sister’s wisdom to call on from time to time.

      “Just because you’re all lovey-dovey with that husband of yours doesn’t mean that you should try to paint the rest of the world with that same brush,” Madison replied.

      “Methinks the lady doth protest too much,” Kennedy said, donning a poor imitation of a British accent.

      “Very funny, Kennedy. Where are you anyway?”

      “Right now I am at the folks’ house. I just came back from Dad’s office. We had lunch and then I looked over some papers for him. He’s thinking about buying in to this retirement community idea that one of his club members is developing.”

      “Oh, and where’s Malik?”

      “Malik is at home in D.C. He’s driving down to meet me on Friday. We’re going to spend the weekend here. You know Saturday is Aunt Marva’s fiftieth birthday party. I heard you’re not planning to come.”

      “No, I don’t feel like traveling all the way down there. Besides, I’ve got a ton of things to do. Make sure you give her my regards.”

      “Uh-huh…you’ve got a ton of things to do all right. I bet you they all revolve around that man,” Kennedy teased.

      “Not even,” Madison said, not sounding very convincing to even her own ears.

      “Oh, Maddie, what’s the big deal? What would be so wrong with admitting that you’ve fallen in love with this guy? Mom told me that he’s gorgeous and very nice.”

      “Your mother has a big mouth. She’s only seen him one time…she barely exchanged two words with him. How would she know? Anyway, that’s not even the point.”