Page 29 of Rainshadow Road

“Thank you,” she said, “but that wouldn’t lead to any place I want to go.”

“It doesn’t have to lead anywhere. It could just be dinner.” At her hesitation, Sam added, “If you say no, I’ll end up microwaving something out of a box at home. Can you really live with yourself, letting that happen to me?”

“Yes.”

“Yes, you’ll have dinner with me?”

“Yes, I can live with the idea of you eating out of a box.”

“Heartless,” he accused softly, but there was a glint of amusement in the vivid depths of his eyes.

They continued to the inn.

“How long are you going to stay at Artist’s Point?” Sam asked.

“Not much longer, I hope. I’ve been looking for an apartment.” Lucy gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Unfortunately the apartments I can afford aren’t nearly as appealing as the ones I can’t afford.”

“What’s on your wish list?”

“One bedroom is all I need. Something quiet but not too isolated. And I would love a water view if possible. In the meantime, I’m staying at Justine’s place.” She paused. “I guess you and I have a friend in common.”

“Did Justine say we’re friends?”

“Aren’t you?”

“That depends on what she said about me.”

“She said that you were a great guy and I should go out with you.”

“In that case, we’re friends.”

“She went on to say that you were the perfect transitional guy, because you’re fun and you like to avoid commitment.”

“And what did you tell her?”

“I said I wasn’t interested. I’m tired of making stupid mistakes.”

“Going out with me would be a very smart mistake,” Sam assured her, and she laughed.

“Why is that?”

“I never get jealous, and I don’t make promises that I would end up breaking. With me, you get what you see.”

“Not a bad sales pitch,” Lucy said. “But I’m still not interested.”

“The sales pitch comes with a free test-drive,” he said.

Lucy smiled and shook her head.

They approached Artist’s Point and stopped at the front steps.

Turning to face him, Lucy said, “Thanks for the new shirt. And for helping me out of the bar. You were… a nice ending to a rough day.”

“No problem.” Sam paused. “About that apartment you’re looking for—I may have an idea. My brother Mark has been renting out his place—a condo on the waterfront—ever since he and Holly moved in with me.”

“Who’s Holly?”

“My niece. She’s seven years old. My sister Victoria died last year, and Mark was named as Holly’s guardian. I’m helping him out for a little while.”

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