Window on Yesterday Read Free Page A

“Please don’t apologize. On consideration, I suppose I did drag you along.”
    “I’m glad you did.” Raising her eyes, Alycia stared directly into his. “It really is a pleasure to meet you, Mr.”—she hesitated when he frowned—”Sean,” she finished softly.
    “And it’s a delight to meet you”—he paused deliberately—”Alycia.” The corners of his lips tilted into a whimsical smile. “I love your name. It’s charmingly modern and old-fashioned at the same time.”
    Alycia had heard more elaborate compliments, yet never had she heard one that thrilled her more. “Thank you.” She felt the response inadequate, but couldn’t think of another thing to say, which in itself was surprising, as Alycia was by nature gregarious and a good conversationalist. But, confounding her even more, she was finding herself mute while seated less than two feet from the one person in the world she had dreamed about someday meeting and conversing with.
    But who would have dreamed that the lionized Sean Halloran was a thirty-six-year-old hunk? Alycia defended herself, covering her confusion by concentrating on her coffee. If she had ever envisioned the noted historian, it was as an older, reserved gentleman, of the ivory tower variety. Sipping her cooling coffee, Alycia decided that if Sean ever found himself in a tower of any type, he would very likely seduce some lovely lady into sharing it with him. Amused by the thought, Alycia hid a smile behind her cup—at least she thought she hid it.
    Sean’s blue gaze pierced hers and he arched one russet brow. “Why are you smiling?”
    The threat of torture wouldn’t have induced Alycia into confessing her thoughts. Fortunately, she was saved from raking her mind for an answer by the arrival of the waiter delivering their lunch. And what a lunch! Her eyes growing wide in anticipation, Alycia watched as the waiter placed cups of soup, bowls of salad, and plates of sandwiches on the table. She contained her outburst until the waiter departed.
    “What in the world!” she gasped the moment the waiter walked away. “Who’s going to eat all this food?”
    A grin twitching his sensuous mouth, Sean glanced casually around the table. “How many of us are there?”
    Exasperated, Alycia forgot he was the famous historian and remembered he was merely a man. “For heaven’s sake! I usually have a small slice of pizza and a diet soda for lunch. I’ll never be able to eat all of this!” With a flick of her hand, she indicated the assortment of dishes in front of her.
    “You can give it the old college try.” Sean laughed. “Pardon the pun.” Dipping his spoon into his soup, he proceeded to concentrate on the meal and ignore her.
    Alycia glared at his fantastic profile for a full thirty seconds before she picked up her spoon and shifted her attention to her soup. The steam rising from the white broth tickled her nose and her appetite. New England clam chowder! Alycia sighed and dug in; she had no choice. New England clam chowder was her favorite. The chowder was delicious. The spinach salad was equally as good. Eating the sandwich was beyond her capabilities. As she pushed the plate away and placed her napkin on the table, Sean angled a questioning look at her.
    “I absolutely cannot eat another bite,” she declared firmly, expecting an argument. There was none forthcoming.
    “If you’re not going to eat it, do you mind if I do?” Sean asked blandly.
    Startled, Alycia shook her head and slid the sandwich plate toward him. “I don’t mind at all but—where are you going to put it?”
    Sean’s soft laughter danced in her head with a lot more allure than any number of sugarplums. Then he bit into the sandwich and the sight of his strong white teeth sinking into the rare roast beef nestled between thick slices of whole wheat bread sent a tingle dancing along her spine and nerve endings. Suddenly breathless and unreasonably warm, Alycia shifted her gaze to the window