Page 5 of Landen

That was worse whenhe announced the woman was coming with two children. But Kathryn hadmade her feel comfortable and told her from the beginning that shewas not about to take the place of Tessa’s mom.

“Your dad toldme you were very close to her, and I am not going to make thesituation worse by trying to be her.” And she had been faithfulto her word. Sliding off the stool, she took the tea upstairs toshower.

Chapter 2

“We have a newvisitor,” Genny whispered. “To your right, and he isgorgeous.”

“You keepforgetting that you are married.” Tessa pointed out.

“Married, notblind. He is coming this way. I will leave you two alone.”

“It’s nota date.”

“It can be.”Her friend said with a grin as she hurried away. Turning away fromthe painting she had been repositioning, Tessa felt her heart slowlydive before settling. Genny was right.

The man was gorgeousand no doubt had been told that often. His thick dark hair wasimmaculately styled, short on the sides, with a few waves in thefront, and he had the greenest eyes she had ever seen.

“I was told youwere in charge.” He was British! Just the damn icing on theproverbial cake.

“I am.”Smiling, she held out a hand. “Tessa Chambers. How may I helpyou?”

“LandenChapman, I am very pleased to meet you. I am from out of town.”

“I never wouldhave guessed.”

“You- oh!”He grinned, revealing very white teeth. “That was a joke. Ofcourse, you would know I am out of town because of my accent.”

“You arestill holding my hand.” She pointed out.

“Can I keep itjust a little longer?”

“You areflirting with me. How long have you been in the States?”

“I arrivedyesterday.” Turning her hand over, he stared at the palm. “Verybeautiful.”

“Can I getmy hand back now?”

“I will if youdecide to have dinner with me.”

Tessa’seyebrows lifted. “Why should I?”

“Because wewill both be hungry by then, and I am new to this country. You aresupposed to be nice to me and show me that good American courtesy.”

Dragging her handaway, she tilted her head to look at him. “We are characterizedas being loud and very rude.”

“And I amcertain you would want to change that.”

“Notparticularly.” She turned back to the painting. It waspositioned perfectly, but something about the man beside her botheredher.

“Lunch then?”

“I am busy. Isthere something you came here for? This happens to be a gallery.”

“I never wouldhave guessed.” He teased, using her words against her.

Turning around, shestared at him. “Mr. Chapman?”

“Please call meLanden. I have a feeling we will be the best of friends.”

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