Heat pulled Shaun into a warm hug. “Great to see you, my friend.” He released him and turned to Kelsey, hugging her as well. “You must be Kelsey. So glad you two could make it.”“Nice to meet you too, Heat.”Shaun’s eyes crinkled with a smile. It was a relief to be with someone who was on his side.“Come on over to the kitchen, Kelsey,” Melisa called. Heat steered Kelsey in the right direction.When she entered the kitchen, Melisa hugged Kelsey like an old friend. The scent of vanilla surrounded her. “It’s so great to see you again.”“You too, Melisa. Can I help you with anything?” Kelsey asked, running her gaze around the large kitchen. Decorated in a combination of beige tones and stainless steel accents, Melisa’s kitchen was a chef’s dream.“Yes.” Melisa smiled. She was one of the most beautiful women Kelsey had ever seen. According to Shaun, Melisa had endured a lot of hardship in her life, including the death of her ex-husband. Kelsey registered the shadows the pain had left behind, but Melisa must have learned to live with it.
