CHAPTER 3
By Christmas, the Saturday and Sunday morning walks had morphed into something completely different. Unlike the weekday strolls, which time restricted to exercise only, the weekend ones had stretched to include, not only coffee, but brunch, with Mel and Jim taking turns cooking for each other, eating together, and sharing conversation of an increasingly personal nature.
Mel was falling hard for her new friend, but hesitated to voice her feelings, fearing he wouldn't reciprocate. The almost-kiss had proven to be an aberration, never repeated, but every now and again, Mel could swear she saw heat rise in Jim's eyes when he looked at her, only to be quickly repressed.
The Saturday after Christmas, having concluded a cold and snowy stroll, the two sat in Mel's kitchen, sipping cof
