My Neighbor’s Alluring Figure

Lonnie pounded the sand, his feet pounding out a rhythmic cadence as he ran along the beach. The sun beat down on him, its warmth seeping into his skin, and the humid air clung to him like a damp shroud. He was in his fourth mile, and his legs were starting to feel the strain, but he pressed on, his eyes fixed on some point in the distance.

The beach was crowded, a sea of sun-kissed bodies stretched out before him, but Lonnie’s gaze was drawn to a single figure standing at the edge of the water. She was a blonde, her hair a golden halo around her face, and her body was a work of art. Lonnie’s eyes lingered on her, drinking in the sight of her toned legs, her flat stomach, and her pert breasts, barely contained by her skimpy bikini.

He slowed to a stop, his heart pounding in his chest, and his eyes locked onto hers. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the only sound the crash of the waves against the shore. Then Lonnie’s face broke into a smile, and he took a step forward, his eyes never leaving hers.

“Claire?” he said, his voice hesitant, unsure if she’d recognize him.

“Yes?” she replied, her voice equally hesitant, but with a hint of curiosity.

Lonnie took another step forward, his eyes never leaving hers, and then another, until he was standing right in front of her. She looked up at him, a question in her eyes, and Lonnie’s heart skipped a beat as he realized they were both half-naked.

“It’s me, Lonnie,” he said, his voice filled with excitement, and Claire’s face broke into a smile, and she reached out to touch his arm.

“Oh, Lonnie! Hi!” she exclaimed, her voice warm and friendly, and Lonnie felt a rush of pleasure at her touch.

“God, you look amazing,” he said, his eyes drinking in the sight of her.

“Thank you,” she replied, her cheeks flushing pink, and Lonnie couldn’t help but laugh at her embarrassment.

“I’m serious,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers. “I zeroed in on you from fifty yards away.”

“Oh, please…” she said, her voice playful, and Lonnie chuckled, feeling a connection with her that he couldn’t quite explain.

“I’m serious,” he repeated. “Do you come to the beach often? I run this beach every weekend and I haven’t seen you before.”

“Maybe you haven’t looked in the right places,” she said, her voice teasing, and Lonnie grinned, feeling a spark of attraction.

“I run up and down this beach every Saturday and Sunday,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers. “I live just five blocks from the pier.”

“I don’t usually come here to the town beach,” Claire said, her voice thoughtful. “I don’t like the crowds. I’m here today with my Mom.”

Lonnie’s eyes flicked to the older woman sitting in a beach chair nearby, and he felt a pang of disappointment. He had been hoping to spend more time with Claire, to get to know her better.

“She’s staying with us for the weekend,” Claire said, her voice matter-of-fact, and Lonnie nodded, feeling a little deflated.

Lonnie and Claire chatted for a few more minutes, their conversation flowing easily, but Lonnie couldn’t shake the feeling that their time was limited. He said his goodbyes and ran off down the beach, feeling a pang of disappointment, but also a sense of excitement for what might come next.

Lonnie worked for a marketing firm, cold-calling local businesses to pitch his services. He had met Claire two years ago, at a small religious bookstore she owned with the church. She had been a vision in green, her skirt and smock a stark contrast to her pretty face and sparkling blue eyes.

Lonnie had been immediately drawn to her, and as they talked, he realized that they had a connection that went beyond business. They had started to meet regularly, to discuss marketing strategies and share stories about their lives.

Lonnie had always been curious about Claire, about her background and her interests. He had learned that she was married to the head coach of the local high school football team, and that she had left a job as a marketing director at a large outlet mall to run the bookstore.

They had started to flirt with each other, just a little, but Lonnie couldn’t help but feel a spark of attraction whenever she was around. He had asked her if she was really married, or if she just wore the ring to scare off guys, and she had laughed and told him that she was really married.

Lonnie had also learned that Claire was thirty-one, and that she had a dry sense of humor and a shy smile. He had found out by accident, on her birthday, when he had seen a card on her desk.

“Is it your birthday?” he had asked, feeling a pang of excitement.

“Day before yesterday,” she had replied, her voice matter-of-fact, and Lonnie had grinned, feeling a connection with her.

“Really? Well, happy birthday! I wish I’d known. So, twenty-five again, huh?” he had said, trying to make light of the situation.

“She had laughed. “Yeah, I wish.”

They had ended up guessing their ages, and Lonnie had said that he thought Claire was twenty-eight, but she had told him that she was thirty-one. He had said that he would be twenty-six in two months, and she had laughed and squeezed his knee.

The only times that their meetings had become a little tense were when Claire had brought up religion, and tried to get Lonnie to come to church. He had always felt a little embarrassed, and their whole vibe would disintegrate into awkwardness. But one time, when she had brought it up again, he had told her that he was a good guy, and that God would come after him himself if he wanted him.

Claire had smiled and thought he was cute, and she had never mentioned it again.

Claire had been nestled in her spot for about an hour when she first spotted Lonnie. He was about a mile away, and she thought good timing, it was about time for another application of tanning oil and she could get Lonnie to apply her second coat. She’d been thinking for days about how it might feel to have his hands roaming around on her body. She shivered at that thought, and watched his smooth stride as he drew near. She spread the extra beach towel on the sand next to her own.

Lonnie didn’t see Claire until he was barely a hundred yards away. It was a superb spot, just like she had said. A smile broke out on his face and he picked up the pace. He slowed and walked the last twenty yards. She looked great lying there, then she sat up. She was leaning on her hands, smiling. Her blonde hair was tied back. She had on a different two-piece, even more revealing than the one he’d seen last time, black, with yellow suns and green moons on it, and the bottom was not much more than a thong.

“Hi,” he said right off, from five feet away.

“Hello, Lonnie.

“It looks like your secret is out.”

“It’s our secret now.”

“The rest are on their way.”

Lonnie laughed. “Just kidding. I wouldn’t want anyone to crash our party. And I hope I’m not crashing your party.”

“No, you’re not. I wouldn’t have told you if I didn’t want you to come. I was hoping you would. Here, sit down.”

He sat on the towel beside her. “I knew I would.”

“Are you thirsty? Here.”

She handed him her insulated cup full of cold water. He took a few sips and handed it back to her.

“You are right about this place,” he said. “Perfect spot. The sand is soft as powder. It’s beautiful.”

“Yep. And we have it all to ourselves.”

Lonnie liked the way she said ‘ourselves’. Claire asked him if he had any trouble getting off work, and he told her no, his time was flexible, and as long as his work got done and his numbers were good there was no problem.

“Hey, will you do me a favor?” Claire asked.

“Sure,” he replied.

“Will you rub lotion on my back?”

“Sure, where do I sign?”

“You’re so cute,” she said, and handed him a tube.

He watched her pivot her body around and lay face-down on the towel. Then she surprised him and unhooked her bra in the back. Lonnie thought that was a good sign. She rested the side of her head on the towel. He uncapped the tube and squeezed some onto his hand. Smelled like coconuts. Then he squirted a healthy string on her upper back. He admired her body, smoothly tanned from top to bottom. Her ass was 100% tanned and 99.5% exposed, with only the tapered V of her thong covering the tops of her cheeks, and a thick cord running through her crack.

“Damn, Claire, you have a great tan. No tan lines anywhere.”

“That’s what I like.”

“So do I. You tan in the nude?”

“Sure, if I can. I have a private backyard. And this place is good for that.”

“Don’t let me stop you.”

“Okay.”

Lonnie treasured the feel of her flesh as his oily fingers and palms glided over her back and shoulders. He thought he heard subtle sighs from Claire as he did so. He heard more sighs, just smidgens away from low moans, when he covered her lower back. He slathered her good, like cream cheese onto a warm bagel.

He was down to her ass. Now what? Should he go right to the legs? Or just dig into her fine ass? He played it safe.

“Want me to do your butt?” he asked.

“Yes. If you want to.”

Does a wild bear shit in the woods? Lonnie was ready to have some fun. He rubbed lotion all over that sublime ass, and used every square millimeter of his hands to be sure he didn’t miss a spot. High, low, around the sides. He squeezed her here and there, inducing more quiet moans. He even spread her cheeks to let the oil ooze in, and slid a finger along her crack to be sure she had even coverage. He was proud of his work. Even Claire’s asshole would have a tan!

Then Claire said, “You want to do my front?”

“I’d love to do your front!”

Claire turned over, and Lonnie’s eyes widened at the sight of her breasts. They were perfect, perky, and had a lovely brown nipple. He felt his cock start to stir, and he tried to focus on the job at hand.

He squirted some lotion onto his hand and began to rub it onto her breasts. Claire closed her eyes and let out a soft moan as he worked his magic. He was careful not to miss a spot, making sure to get all the way to her nipples.

“Mmm, that feels amazing,” Claire said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lonnie smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction at being able to make her feel so good. He continued to rub lotion onto her body, taking his time to make sure he didn’t miss a spot. As he worked, he couldn’t help but sneak glances at her breasts, marveling at their perfection.

Finally, he finished applying the lotion, and Claire sat up, smiling at him. “Thanks, Lonnie,” she said, her voice husky with desire.

Lonnie smiled back at her, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. He had no idea what the rest of the day would bring, but he was ready for whatever happened next.

Claire’s eyes sparkled as she smiled shyly, her gaze never leaving Lonnie’s face. His eyes roamed over her body, drinking in the sight of her breasts, still adorned with the remnants of lotion.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time,” Lonnie said, his voice low and husky, as he reached for the lotion once more.

Claire’s smile never wavered, her eyes never leaving his face, as he rubbed the lotion into her skin, his fingers dancing across her chest, her shoulders, her breasts.

“I’ve been thinking about it too,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as she let out a soft sigh.

Lonnie’s eyes locked onto hers, the air thick with tension, as he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, gentle kiss.

The kiss deepened, their lips moving in perfect sync, as they lost themselves in the moment, their hearts pounding in unison.

“That was nice,” Claire said, her voice husky, as she pulled back, her eyes sparkling with desire.

“Thank you,” Lonnie replied, his eyes never leaving hers, as he kissed her once more, his lips burning with passion.

As they broke apart, Claire’s hand reached out, her fingers tracing the curve of his jaw, as she smiled up at him, her eyes shining with adoration.

“I’ve never done this before,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as she looked up at Lonnie, her eyes filled with vulnerability.

“Never done what?” Lonnie asked, his voice low and gentle, as he leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear.

He pulled back, his eyes locking onto hers, as he smiled, his heart pounding in his chest.

“Been with another man,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as she looked up at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty.

“That’s okay,” Lonnie said, his voice low and soothing, as he pulled her close, his lips brushing against hers.

“I want to,” she said, her voice husky, as she pulled back, her eyes locking onto his, her heart pounding in her chest.

Lonnie’s eyes never left hers, as he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers, their kiss deepening, their passion igniting.

As they broke apart, Claire’s hand reached out, her fingers tracing the curve of his jaw, as she smiled up at him, her eyes shining with desire.

“Okay, on your stomach,” she said, her voice husky, as she pulled him down, her hands brushing against his skin, as she began to rub the lotion into his back.

Lonnie’s eyes closed, his body relaxing, as he let out a soft sigh, his heart pounding in his chest, as Claire’s hands danced across his skin, her fingers tracing the curve of his back, her touch sending shivers down his spine.

“This is amazing,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, as he let out a soft moan, his body arching beneath her touch.

Claire’s hands never stopped, her fingers tracing the curve of his back, her touch sending shivers down his spine, as she worked her magic, her fingers dancing across his skin, her touch igniting a fire within him.

As she finished, Lonnie’s eyes locked onto hers, his heart pounding in his chest, as he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers, their kiss deepening, their passion igniting.

As they broke apart, Claire’s hand reached out, her fingers tracing the curve of his jaw, as she smiled up at him, her eyes shining with desire.

“Now it’s my turn,” she said, her voice husky, as she pulled him back, her hands brushing against his skin, as she began to rub the lotion into his chest.

Lonnie’s eyes closed, his body relaxing, as he let out a soft sigh, his heart pounding in his chest, as Claire’s hands danced across his skin, her fingers tracing the curve of his chest, her touch sending shivers down his spine.

“I like that you’re shaved,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as she smiled up at him, her eyes shining with desire.

Lonnie’s eyes locked onto hers, his heart pounding in his chest, as he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers, their kiss deepening, their passion igniting.

As they broke apart, Claire’s hand reached out, her fingers tracing the curve of his jaw, as she smiled up at him, her eyes shining with desire.

“I want to taste you,” she said, her voice husky, as she leaned in, her lips brushing against his cock, her tongue tracing the curve of his shaft.

Lonnie’s eyes closed, his body relaxing, as he let out a soft sigh, his heart pounding in his chest, as Claire’s tongue danced across his skin, her touch sending shivers down his spine.

“That feels amazing,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, as he let out a soft moan, his body arching beneath her touch.

Claire’s tongue never stopped, her fingers tracing the curve of his shaft, her touch sending shivers down his spine, as she worked her magic, her tongue dancing across his skin, her touch igniting a fire within him.

As she finished, Lonnie’s eyes locked onto hers, his heart pounding in his chest, as he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers, their kiss deepening, their passion igniting.

As they broke apart, Claire’s hand reached out, her fingers tracing the curve of his jaw, as she smiled up at him, her eyes shining with desire.

“I want you to come on my face,” he said, his voice husky, as he pulled her down, his hands brushing against her skin, as he began to suck on her clit, his tongue tracing the curve of her shaft.

Claire’s eyes closed, her body relaxing, as she let out a soft sigh, her heart pounding in her chest, as Lonnie’s tongue danced across her skin, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

“That feels amazing,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as she let out a soft moan, her body arching beneath his touch.

Lonnie’s tongue never stopped, his fingers tracing the curve of her shaft, his touch sending shivers down her spine, as he worked his magic, his tongue dancing across her skin, his touch igniting a fire within her.

As she came, Claire’s body shook beneath him, her juices pouring out, as Lonnie’s tongue continued to dance across her skin, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

As she finished, Lonnie’s eyes locked onto hers, his heart pounding in his chest, as he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers, their kiss deepening, their passion igniting.

As they broke apart, Lonnie’s hand reached out, his fingers tracing the curve of her jaw, as he smiled up at her, his eyes shining with desire.

“I want to make love to you,” he said, his voice husky, as he pulled her close, his body arching beneath her touch.

Claire’s eyes locked onto his, her heart pounding in her chest, as she leaned in, her lips brushing against his, their kiss deepening, their passion igniting.

As they broke apart, Lonnie’s hand reached out, his fingers tracing the curve of her waist, as he smiled up at her, his eyes shining with desire.

“Let’s do it,” he said, his voice husky, as he pulled her close, his body arching beneath her touch.

Claire’s eyes locked onto his, her heart pounding in her chest, as she leaned in, her lips brushing against his, their kiss deepening, their passion igniting.

As they made love, their bodies entwined, their hearts pounding in unison, Claire knew that she had found her true love, her soulmate, in Lonnie.

And as they lay there, wrapped in each other’s arms, their passion still igniting, Claire knew that she would never let him go, that she would always be hers, and he would always be hers, forever and always.

“I’m glad I told you my secret,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as she looked up at him, her eyes shining with adoration.

“Me too,” Lonnie replied, his voice low and soothing, as he pulled her close, his body arching beneath her touch.

As they lay there, wrapped in each other’s arms, their passion still igniting, Claire knew that she had found her true love, her soulmate, in Lonnie, and that their love would last forever.

Claire’s eyes scanned the horizon as Lonnie disappeared into the distance. She knew why he was running off, and she was grateful. She didn’t want to be seen with him, not with who he was and what he meant to her husband.

As she watched him fade into the horizon, a mix of emotions swirled inside her. She was ecstatic about the connection they had found, but sad because she knew it couldn’t last.

When Lonnie was about fifty yards away, he turned and waved, and Claire waved back. He turned back around and continued running, leaving her to her thoughts and the ache in her chest.

The following week, their secret trysts continued, each one more intense and passionate than the last. They pushed boundaries, explored new heights of pleasure, and Claire found herself falling deeper and deeper in love with Lonnie.

But as the weeks went by, Claire’s guilt began to eat away at her. She knew she couldn’t keep seeing Lonnie, not with her husband’s reputation and the weight of her secret.

One day, as Lonnie stopped by the store, he asked her a question that made her heart skip a beat: “You ever had sex up here?” He slipped his finger into her asshole, and Claire felt a rush of excitement and trepidation.

“Anal?” she replied, trying to sound nonchalant. “Yeah, I went to college.” She paused, her mind racing with the implications of what they were doing.

“Why, do you want us to do that?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah, sure,” Lonnie replied, his eyes locked on hers. And with that, assfucking became a staple of their secret trysts.

As the summer wore on, Claire and Lonnie’s passion only grew stronger. They explored new positions, new angles, and new heights of pleasure. But Claire knew she couldn’t keep this up, not with her husband’s expectations and her own guilt.

On the last Monday of September, Lonnie took his usual run to their secret spot, but Claire wasn’t there. He waited for forty-five minutes, but she never showed up. Something was wrong, and Lonnie’s heart sank.

He went back to the store the next day and the following Tuesday, but Claire wasn’t there. The temp told him she was taking a few days off, and Lonnie knew something was amiss.

Finally, on the fourth of October, Lonnie’s birthday, he saw Claire at the store, but she was distant, distracted, and her eyes were red-rimmed. She broke the news to him: she was pregnant, and she didn’t know who the father was.

Lonnie was stunned, speechless, and his world came crashing down around him. He didn’t know what to say, what to do, or how to process the news. All he knew was that he loved Claire, and he wanted to be there for her, no matter what.

As they parted ways, Lonnie couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d lost Claire forever. He went back to his life, but his heart was no longer in it. He missed her, every day, every hour, every minute.

In November, Lonnie went back to the store, hoping to see Claire, but she was gone. The temp told him she’d taken a leave of absence, and Lonnie knew it was all over. He was left with a hollow feeling, a sense of loss, and a heart that ached with every beat.

Claire’s departure from the bookstore had left a void in Lonnie’s life. He’d avoided the store for months, unable to face the memories of their time together. The days ticked by, and he found himself wondering when baby Claire would arrive, but the uncertainty was maddening.

With a sense of curiosity, he returned to the store one day, hoping to catch a glimpse of the new owner. To his surprise, a different woman stood behind the counter, a woman named Wilma who seemed to know all the secrets.

“If you’re looking for that blonde girl who used to run this store,” she said with a sly grin, “you won’t find her here anymore. She’s gone, and she won’t be back. They’re selling their house, and everything. It seems she had a baby, and it didn’t belong to her husband. Can you imagine the scandal?”

Lonnie’s mind reeled as he listened to Wilma’s words. A baby that wasn’t her husband’s? It couldn’t be true. But as she continued to talk, he realized that he’d been blind to the signs. Claire had changed, but he hadn’t noticed.

He left the store in a daze, his mind racing with questions. How long had she been seeing the preacher? When did it start, and how long did it last? He couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d been oblivious to her infidelity, that he’d been too caught up in their own desires to notice the truth.

“I wish I was the father of her baby,” he thought to himself, a strange sense of longing washing over him. It was a feeling he couldn’t explain, but it lingered long after he’d left the store.

Days turned into weeks, and Lonnie found himself driving by Claire’s old house, wondering what had become of her. The for-sale sign stood like a beacon, a reminder that she was gone, but not forgotten.

He couldn’t concentrate on work, and his nights were filled with restless dreams. He jerked off, his mind consumed by thoughts of Claire, but it wasn’t enough to satisfy him.

Lonnie called Morris at the church, hoping to get some answers. “I need to talk to Claire,” he said, his voice laced with desperation.

“I’m not supposed to give you her address,” Morris replied, “but under the circumstances, I think it would be okay. I’ll email it to you.” And with that, Lonnie’s world began to spin out of control.

The email arrived, and Lonnie’s heart skipped a beat as he read the address. He felt a sense of excitement, mixed with a dash of fear. What would he find when he arrived at Claire’s parents’ house?

He drove to the upscale neighborhood, his mind racing with possibilities. What would he say to Claire? Would she be happy to see him, or would she be angry?

As he pulled up to the house, he felt a sense of trepidation. What lay ahead, and how would he navigate the complex web of emotions that threatened to consume him?

Lonnie took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, his heart pounding in his chest. He walked up to the front door, his hand reaching out to ring the bell. The door swung open, and he was greeted by a woman who looked like she’d been expecting him.

“Hi, my name is Lonnie,” he said, his voice shaking slightly. “I’m a friend of Claire’s.”

Claire stood up and walked over to the door, her white cotton shorts and yellow top swaying slightly with each step. “Let’s go inside,” she said with a gentle smile, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight. Lonnie followed her, his eyes drinking in the sight of her tanned skin and long, tied-back hair.

As they walked, Claire explained, “She’s in the guesthouse.” Lonnie’s heart skipped a beat as he turned the corner behind the garage, his eyes locked onto Claire’s. She was even more beautiful than he remembered, her shy smile faltering for a moment as she took in his presence.

Claire’s smile returned, and she stepped forward, her arms opening in a tentative hug. Lonnie wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as they stood there for a long, frozen moment. He felt a rush of emotions as he inhaled the scent of her skin and hair.

“Let’s go inside,” Claire said, her voice barely above a whisper, as she led Lonnie into the guesthouse. The living room was cozy, with a large window facing the oaks. They sat down in chairs, and Claire poured Lonnie a glass of iced tea.

“How did you find me?” Claire asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Morris gave me your address,” Lonnie replied, smiling. “He said I could come visit you.”

Claire’s eyes widened in surprise. “You charmed him into it?”

“Guilty as charged,” Lonnie said, chuckling. “I guess I still have my charm.”

“Well, it’s working,” Claire said, her voice softening. “I have to admit, I’m a little surprised to see you.”

“I know I shouldn’t have stood you up on the beach that day,” Lonnie said, his voice sincere. “And then, when you told me you were pregnant, I was in shock. I didn’t know what to think.”

“You thought I was a whore,” Claire said, her voice flat.

“No, no, no, Claire, don’t say that. I never thought that about you,” Lonnie insisted, his eyes locked onto hers. “I was just confused and scared. And then, when I found out that you weren’t with your husband, I was relieved, but also a little sad. I wished your baby was mine.”

Claire’s eyes widened in surprise, and she looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” Lonnie said, his voice sincere. “I didn’t come here to lie to you or annoy your mom. I came because I wanted to see you, to talk to you, to see how you’re doing.”

Claire’s eyes met his, and she smiled, her voice softening. “I’ve missed you, Lonnie.”

“I’ve missed you too,” Lonnie said, his voice sincere. “How are you really doing?”

Claire’s expression faltered, and she looked away. “I don’t know. I’m taking it one day at a time. Learning to be a mother, a divorcee, forgiving myself for being stupid…”

“Claire, you have to give yourself a break,” Lonnie said, his voice gentle. “You were a victim of that pastor’s manipulation. He’s a predator, and you’re not alone. My friend did some research, and he found out that two other churches in two other states have been affected by him too.”

Claire’s eyes widened in shock. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” Lonnie said, his voice serious. “And the church is paying you a lot of money to keep you quiet. It’s not right, but you deserve it.”

Claire’s eyes met his, and she smiled, her voice softening. “Thank you, Lonnie. Just talking to you makes me feel better.”

“Anytime, Claire,” Lonnie said, his voice sincere. “Now, would you like to meet Oliver?”

Claire’s eyes lit up, and she smiled. “Yes, I’d love to.”

Lonnie followed Claire into the bedroom, where she picked up Oliver from the crib. She handed him to Lonnie, who held him awkwardly at first, but then began to relax.

“He likes you,” Claire said, smiling. “Do you want to feed him?”

Lonnie nodded, and Claire handed him a bottle. As he fed the baby, Claire answered the phone, her voice soft and soothing. When she hung up, she smiled at Lonnie.

“My mom is just being protective,” Claire said, smiling. “She wants to make sure I’m okay.”

“That’s what good moms do,” Lonnie said, smiling back at her.

As they talked, Lonnie glanced at his watch, surprised to see that they’d been talking for nearly two hours. “I should probably get going,” he said, standing up.

“Lonnie, you don’t have to,” Claire said, smiling. “Stay for a bit longer.”

“No, it’s okay,” Lonnie said, smiling back at her. “I came here unexpectedly, and I appreciate that your mom let me see you. And I appreciate this time we had together.”

“May I ask you one question before you go?” Lonnie asked, his voice hesitant.

“Of course,” Claire said, smiling.

“Would you like to have dinner with me sometime?” Lonnie asked, his voice sincere.

Claire’s eyes widened in surprise, and she smiled. “Yes, I’d love to. When?”

“How about Monday?” Lonnie asked, smiling back at her.

“That sounds perfect,” Claire said, smiling.

As they stood up to say goodbye, Lonnie leaned in and kissed Claire on her cheek, then kissed Oliver on the forehead. “Looking forward to it,” he said, smiling back at her.

As he walked out the door, Lonnie felt a sense of excitement and hope. He couldn’t wait to see Claire again, to take her out on their first date, to explore the possibilities of their relationship.