Page 3 of The Luminosity of Loriana Harper

Huh. What a surprise for Marnie to volunteer, since the young woman was usually hesitant to be in close proximity to men. Especially men she didn’t know. On the other hand, Mitch’s gentleness and compassion were readily apparent. Loriana smiled. “That’s kind of you to offer. I’ll let you and Mitch get to work while I try to track down what’s going on.”

“Oh, no, don’t do that.”

The vehemence in Marnie’s voice shocked Loriana. She couldn’t remember the woman ever being so adamant.

Obviously Marnie was shocked as well as her cheeks turned crimson. “I just…maybe in this instance, you can accept someone’s generosity? Maybe they want to remain anonymous.”

Loriana hadn’t even considered this. That thought opened up a whole new realm of possibilities. The library had plenty of wealthy patrons, some of whom made significant contributions. She couldn’t be sure any of them would show such largesse, but she’d do well to be gracious.

“Fair enough.” She smiled at both Mitch and Marnie. “I’ll leave you to it. I have some ordering to do anyway. I think my inbox needs some serious attention. That being said, I’ll keep an eye on the front counter.”

Toddlers and Books had run this morning, and Thursday afternoons were slower than other times of the week.

“Great, then lead the way, Mr. Alexander.”

Marnie’s smile seemed genuine, but Loriana could never be sure. Sometimes the expressions seemed forced, and other times those smiles came more easily. Certainly, things had improved from when the woman first arrived three years ago. Ah, her associate put some decorous distance between herself and the tall man as they headed to the back of the library.

Maybe… No, not going to go there. At least for today. She hadn’t yet responded to the cuddle party invitation, and she intended to do so now. And must remember to call Marnie when she got home after the event.

Chapter two

MitchwaitedpatientlyforMarnie to enter the login information. He was giving her a wide berth—and not just because he didn’t want to see the password information for the internal library system. No, he had no trouble reading the body language asking for everyone to keep their distance. And as much as he was curious about the young woman with ebony-black hair and green eyes, he didn’t dare ask.

Many people were intimidated by his height. Often his skin color was the next thing they noticed. Mission City wasn’t as racist as some places he’d lived, but he still got sidelong stares. Nonetheless, a delightful mix of ethnicities abounded in the small town, so he wasn’t alone in beingthe other.

“I think it’s ready.”

Her quiet voice pulled him from his ruminations. And although the young librarian was striking, he was already thinking about her older colleague again. He hadn’t meant to say the rather cheesylovely ladies, but he hoped the compliment was received in the spirit with which it’d been given.

Marnie rose so he could sit at the computer. He’d preinstalled the software, so all he had to do was run it to be sure the licenses were working properly. Excellent, they did. “Do you mind trying out a few things to make sure everything’s okay? I’ll go out to the van and get the next machine.” He rose, hunching to minimize the foot difference in height between them.

Marnie gave him a small smile. “I really appreciate you helping us out.” A flush stole across her cheeks.

“You wouldn’t happen to know about this?” He pointed to the work order.

Her large green eyes blinked several times.

Good, I haven’t lost my touch.

At one time, he’d prided himself on being able to read people. After what happened at the firm, he no longer held the same confidence.

Still, she held his gaze. “You can’t say anything.” She yanked on her ponytail. “You promised anonymity.”

He didn’t actually recall making that promise, but this woman was spending a small fortune on the equipment, and had refused the discount he’d offered.

“And I appreciate the offer of the netbooks, but it’s unnecessary.”

Might as well be honest. “I bought them as part of a deal specifically for this purpose. To give as a thank you for the bulk purchases.”

She didn’t appear impressed with his reasoning. Yet, after an endless pause, she nodded. “Just so long as you don’t tell Loriana. Or anyone else.”

He had about a million questions, but curiosity led to serious consequences, and he didn’t want to risk this contract. Too much riding on it, and he needed the funds, especially this close to Christmas. “Your secret is safe with me, Marnie.”

Her smile grew. “I knew you were the right person to ask.”

Despite wanting to know how she’d found him, he again suppressed the desire to know. Didn’t matter. Her generous gift was the boost he needed. This job would give his fledgling business some credibility. Which reminded him… “Do you mind if I put this job on my website as a completed project once I’m done?”

She tilted her head. “Definitely. I’m sure I can get Loriana to write a reference.”

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