Page 54 of Devlin

"Yes. It caught my eye."

"Uh-oh, it says it's rustic. I know that's code for needs work."

"It is, but I'd kind of like to see it—for curiosity's sake," she added, not wanting him to get the wrong idea. "Not because I want to buy it. I'm curious as to how things have changed around here."

"Sure." There was a gleam in his eyes that told her he wasn't quite buying her explanation.

"It's true."

"Let's go in and find out more about it."

Before she could say no, he opened the front door and walked inside. She wondered what he'd do if she just left, but since she was interested in learning more, she reluctantly followed him into the office. He was already chatting it up with an older woman, who had platinum-blonde hair and was dressed in a crisp blue linen sheath dress.

Devlinbroke away from his conversation. "Hannah, this is Kathy Lawrence, one of the best agents in town, and a friend of my mom's."

Of course he would know the real estate agent. She smiled at the other woman. "Hello, I'm Hannah Reid."

"Devlin says you're interested in the cottage on Pelican Drive."

"It looks very charming," she said. "Will it be open this weekend?"

"Yes,it will be open tomorrow, but I'm actually heading up there in about twenty minutes; I have a client who wants to see it. If you're free, I can take you there now."

Was that another sign?

"I am free, but I should let you know I'm not a serious buyer. I grew up here and I always loved those houses on the hill. But I live in Austin now. I'm actually a real estate agent there."

"No problem, and your name is very familiar," Kathy said slowly. "Your mother is Marianne Reid?"

"She is."

"I remember her. We were in PTA together. I have a son—Rob—he was in Devlin's grade. Did you know him?"

"No, But I'm five years younger than Devlin."

"Of course. Anyway, I was sorry when your parents broke up. Your mom was always so good at running the Halloweenfair."

"I forgot about that. She loved doing the haunted house."

"It was never the same after she left." Kathy checked her watch. "If you want to see the house before my client arrives, we should go now."

She wanted to say yes, then remembered… "Actually, I don't have a car. I walked into town."

"You and your walking," Devlin said with a laugh. "It's at least a three-milewalk from your house to here."

"It's good exercise." She turned back to Kathy. "Perhaps I can ride with you and then get a rideshare back from the house."

"You could do that," Kathy said.

"Or I could take you," Devlin put in. "I'd actually like to see the house."

"That will work." Kathy took her purse out of a drawer in her desk. "Let's go."

She wanted to protest,but Kathy was headed out the door, and Devlin was waving her forward, mentioning his car was right outside. A moment later, she slid into the passenger seat of his Audi.

"I'm starting to wonder if you drive around town looking for me, just so you can give me a ride," she said dryly.

He grinned. "It's just a happy coincidence."

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