The boys abruptly stopped their arguing and turned to Lucio. Hey, uh, can I start tonight? Jason asked.

For a second, Lucio had no idea what the kid was talking about, but then it dawned on him that he was referring to his duties as photographer's assistant. Yes, Lucio did look forward to introducing Jason to the world of photography and getting to know him better. But tonight? No. It would not fit in with what Lucio had planned for the boy's mother.

Doofus, Josh said to Jason, shaking his head. Tonight is more of a date than a photo shoot! Didn't you see how Mom's getting all dressed for He stopped himself.

I'm the doofus? Jason asked, looking to the ceiling as if asking God to give him strength.

Lucio buried his face in HeatherLynn's soft fur, hiding his smile. So that was the big secret. Genevieve was getting dressed up to come over to his place. He'd mentioned they'd be having a bite to eat before he took pictures, but he didn't expect her to go to any trouble. She'd have to change into her costume eventually, after all.

Next time, yes? Lucio nodded to Jason. Did you read the book I suggested?

Yeah, he said. I have a million questions about lenses and exposure and shutter speed, though.

I hope I have a fraction of the answers, Lucio said.

Here's a question for you, Joshua said. Are you and my mom, you know, together?

Lucio leaned back in surprise.

We know that has nothing to do with photography, Jason said sheepishly. But it's something we were wondering.

Lucio nodded, impressed and touched by the protective streak coming out in Genevieve's sons. It is my hope that we are, he said. I would like very much to be your mother's man. I offered to ask her father's permission to court her, but she told me he had passed away.

The boys nodded sadly. When we were in fourth grade, Josh said.

So I offered to ask her mother.

Josh and Jason looked to each other and promptly cracked up.

What is so funny?

Well, it's weird enough that you'd want to ask permission to date a grown lady, but it's even weirder that you'd want to ask Grams. She's, uh Josh paused to find the right words.

A man-eater, Jason said. She's had five husbands.

I see.

Josh nodded in Lucio's direction as if he were sharing a private joke with him. Mom's not exactly interested in her advice when it comes to men. After all, Grams absolutely loved Dad. She still does.

Ah, Lucio said, biting down on the inside of his cheek.

But you can ask us for permission! Josh suggested brightly. Yeah! Ask us!

Jason stared at his brother in horror. What are you, brain-damaged? Lucio doesn't have to ask uswe're fifteen and he's probably, like, fifty or something!

Actually, I'm quite close to your mother's age, and asking your permission is a very good idea. Lucio put HeatherLynn on the floor. You are the men of the house, yes? I would like to know your opinion.

Uh, okay, Josh said.

How do you feel about me dating your mother?

After exchanging a quick glance with his brother, Jason shrugged. Fine, I guess. You're really cool. So, you know, as long as you're good to her and everything, I don't see any problem.

I am happy to hear it.

Joshua tipped his head and studied Lucio. So what are your plans for Mom?

Lucio didn't bother trying to suppress his smileit would have been a losing battle. I only have the best intentions, he said. I plan to stay here in San Francisco and spend as much time with her as possible. I think your mother is a very special woman and I want to know everything about her.

Jason squinted. Seriously? Everything?

Yes.

Like how many layers of antiwrinkle crap she puts on her face before bed? he asked.

Uh

Or how soy milk gives her hives? Josh asked.

That is all quite interesting, but

Or how she goes totally psycho if we're at a restaurant and the waiter comes over and squats by the table? Jason said, giggling.

She really, really hates that, Josh said. She made us leave an Outback Steakhouse once because the waiter got to the table and squatted to take our drink orders. And my mouth was watering for their onion rings!

So if you make her dinner or something, don't squat by the table, whatever you do, Jason added helpfully.

Lucio was thoroughly puzzled. Squatting waiters? He'd never heard of such a thing! I appreciate all this help, but I was thinking more along the lines of your mother's favorite flower, or her favorite music, or who the lucky man was who got to give your mother her very first kiss.

The boys stared at each other, their brows furrowed.

Hydrangeas, Josh said.

Nirvana, Jason said.

But you're on your own with the kissing thing, Josh added.

Thank you for your help, gentlemen. Lucio chuckled softly to himself as he checked his watch. Do you know how much longer your mother might be?

Hold on. I'll check. Jason twisted his body around and leaned over the back of the sofa. MOM?

Lucio heard Genevieve's voice upstairs. Yes?

Lucio's waiting!

Okay! Be right down!

Jason flopped back around on the couch, smiling at Lucio. She'll be right down, he said, as if Lucio had not heard the exchangeas if anyone in the Bay Area had not heard it.

Thank you.

Wait till you see her. You're going to love it, Josh added conspiratorially.

I know I will.

But you're going to be sweet to her, right? Jason asked. The worry Lucio saw in his face was touching.

You won't make her cry or anything, right? Josh added.

You have my word, Lucio said. I

The moment Genevieve appeared at the foot of the stairs, Lucio jumped from his chair, forgetting what he was about to say. If anyone had pressed him at that moment, he would not have been able to remember his own name.

Whoa, Josh whispered.

See? Jason said, pointing toward his mother. Didn't I tell you?

I was the one who told him! Josh said, punching his brother's arm.

Lucio stared.

Genevieve had poured herself into a vintage cocktail dress and was now a cross between a Bond girl and a living, breathing Vargas pinup. Her auburn hair had been flipped up at the ends and teased a few inches at the top. She'd applied black mascara and thick eyeliner in a provocative upward sweep at the edge of her upper lids. Her lips glistened in a shade of light pink. She'd added a small, dark beauty mark just above and to the side of her mouth.

And her skin! Lucio ran a hand nervously through his hair as he noted how her skin gleamed against the pale olive silk of the dress, her bosom full and succulent as it rose above the low, square neckline.

Lucio's gaze continued on to appreciate how her firm upper arms looked restrained by the tiny cap sleeves. The sight of that made him flare his nostrils. And he stared at how her waist was nipped by the darted silk, how her hips, belly, and thighs were accentuated by the tight, shiny fabric. Lucio did not think it would be possible to shove a single sheet of paper between Genevieve's body and that dress.

Which did not matter, of course, because the only thing that would be shoved in that dress tonight would be his hands.

Me dejas sin palabras, Lucio breathed. Truly, you leave me speechless.

Genevieve gave him a knowing little smile, then she pivoted on a pair of pointy-toed black pumps, providing the view from the back. It was all Lucio could do to keep his composure in front of the boys. He stood stock-still, his breath ragged, his instincts telling him to get down on his hands and knees and crawl to her like a well-trained dog.

The Host! He had begun to sweat! That dress was cut all the way down to her lower spine. The entire back was open. He had to get her out of this housenowbefore he went back on his promise to the boys and began to behave in a decidedly un sweet fashion toward their mother.