Staying Single. Millie Criswell

broken off her engagement, left her groom at the altar, and here she was affected by yet another man!

      Not good, Francie. Definitely not good.

      “Is there a problem? You look a little flushed.”

      She pasted on an innocent smile. “Why, no. I just think it’s rather warm in here, don’t you?”

      “Not at all. I think it’s perfect, as a matter of fact. Great food, a charming companion. What more can a man ask for?”

      Think about work, Francie, she told herself. “What made you decide to become a photographer?”

      “It was something I’d dabbled with in high school. Once I knew I was pretty good at it, there was no holding me back. I snapped photos of everything, almost drove my parents nuts.”

      Noting Mark was finished with his lunch, she asked, “How was your meal?”

      “I enjoyed it very much. This restaurant was an excellent choice.”

      “Would you care for dessert? The pastry chef is very good here.”

      “No thanks. I need to stop by my new apartment, make sure the furnishings have been delivered as promised.”

      “You rented an apartment? Does that mean you’re planning to stay on awhile? I thought Associated Press photographers were on the road a lot.”

      “We are. But I requested assignments closer to home. I’m a bit travel weary and like the idea of putting down roots for a while. With my seniority, it wasn’t a problem.”

      “So, where’s your new apartment?”

      “It’s called The Stones at Rittenhouse Square. Do you know of it?”

      Francie’s mouth fell open, and her eyes widened. “But…but that’s where I live.”

      Mark smiled, his right brow shooting up. “Really? What a nice coincidence. I guess that means we’ll be seeing a lot of each other, then. I hope so, anyway.”

      Warning bells clanged in her ears and red flags waved wildly in front of her eyes, but as she gazed into Mark Fielding’s big blue eyes, so filled with promise and passion, Francie ignored them completely.