The Backup Plan by Sherryl Woods Page A

her in sudden confusion. “What do you mean? He lives there, doesn’t he?”
    â€œUsually,” Maggie said.
    Dinah bit back a groan. “What does that mean? Please don’t tell me he’s living right here in town.”
    â€œActually you might have better luck finding him in Atlanta,” Maggie admitted with apparent reluctance.
    â€œAtlanta? What on earth is he doing in Atlanta?” She frowned at Maggie. “And don’t tell me you don’t know because I can tell that you do. It’s time to start spilling some information, Maggie, or I’m going to have to wonder if you’re not as anxious as Cord is to keep the two of us apart. He has a history of it. You don’t.”
    Maggie sighed. “You’re really not going to drop this whole ridiculous notion you have about getting together with Bobby, are you?”
    â€œNo. At least not till I’ve spoken to him and he tells me that he wants no part of what we used to have.”
    â€œThat’s what I was afraid of. Okay, he’s over in Atlanta working.”
    â€œPermanently?”
    â€œNo. He’s been handling a project over there for a while now, a few months at least.”
    â€œWhy the hell didn’t Cord just tell me that?” Dinah grumbled, the scowled at Maggie. “Why didn’t you?”
    â€œI just did.”
    â€œYou could have mentioned it the other day. I could have seen him in Atlanta by now.”
    â€œWhat would have been the fun in that?” Maggie asked. “I’ve already told you that I think you’re wasting your time on Bobby. Personally, I like the idea of you and Cord butting up against each other and setting off sparks for a while. I think it’s just what you need.”
    â€œI don’t,” Dinah replied emphatically. “So just tell me what you know. How can I reach Bobby in Atlanta? Do you suppose he’s renting someplace? Or is he staying in a hotel?”
    Maggie shrugged. “I have no idea. You could ask Cord.”
    Dinah frowned at the suggestion. “I am done asking Cordell anything at all.”
    Maggie’s lips twitched. “Is that because you don’t like the answers he’s giving you or because you’re starting to like the fireworks a little too much?”
    Dinah regarded her friend impatiently. “You really need to get a life.”
    â€œProbably so,” Maggie agreed readily. “But until I do, I’m happy to meddle in yours.”
    â€œStop it,” Dinah pleaded. “Especially if you have some insane notion that Cord and I are the perfect match.”
    â€œMaybe not perfect,” Maggie said thoughtfully. “But darn close, and definitely hot.”
    Dinah gave her a helpless look. “You’ve never even seen us together. What makes you think there is anything hot between us?”
    â€œOh, sweetie,” Maggie said, laughter in her eyes, “even if a woman would have to be dead not to react to Cord, it’s written all over your face every time you mention his name. The man ties you up in knots.”
    â€œDon’t be ridiculous,” Dinah scoffed, then hesitated. Much as she hated to admit it, Maggie did know her well. “What do you think you see when I mention Bobby?”
    â€œComfortable,” Maggie said at once.
    â€œPerfect,” Dinah said happily. “Comfortable is exactly what I’m after.”
    â€œMaybe so, but it’s not what’s best for you and it is definitely not what will make you happy, not for the long haul.”
    â€œAnd you know that because?”
    â€œBecause I’ve known you all your life and I know your deepest, darkest secrets. Cordell Beaufort was always the one who made your heart pound.”
    â€œOnly because he infuriated me,” Dinah snapped. “Which you are starting to do, as well.”
    Maggie merely laughed. “Because you know I’m right. Now that we’ve