Page 39 of Eclipse Bay

“Hmm.” He had a point. “I fit most of the criteria, you understand. I came from a successful family. I was well educated. I had demonstrated initiative and determination by founding my own business. I was well connected in the community. I shared a lot of Doug’s interests.”

“But?”

She made a face. “But it turned out that Doug was making long-range plans to enter the political arena. He’s a good man. I think he really has something to contribute. But he needed a wife who could handle the sort of social and personal demands that go with that kind of job.”

“Hence the list.”

“Yes. The more I realized that he was serious about a political career, the more we both came to the conclusion that I couldn’t handle being a politician’s wife.”

Rafe reached for the coffeepot. “Welcome to the select club reserved for those who fail to make the Mr. and Mrs. Right lists.”

“Gee, thanks. Is there a merit badge?”

“No. So, tell me, what did you do with your own list?”

She hesitated. “I amended it.”

He glanced at her with a strange expression. “You mean you’ve still got one?”

“Yes. But it’s a lot shorter now.”

“Huh. What’s on it?”

“I really don’t think—” She broke off at the sound of a car turning into the drive.

Winston was at the door in a flash. He gave the appropriate warningwoof. Alert but not yet alarmed. On the job.

The low rumble shattered the fragile intimacy that had enveloped the kitchen. Rafe turned his head to check the drive. Hannah followed his gaze. The fog had burned off enough to allow her to see the vehicle that was approaching the house. A green Volvo.

“Anyone you know?” Rafe asked.

“I don’t recognize the car.”

“Want me to hide in a closet?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She pushed back her chair and got to her feet. “I’m sure it’s just a friend of my folks’ who found out that I’m in town and stopped to say hello.”

He looked at her. “Whoever it is, he or she will have seen my car by now. Probably recognized it.”

“The fact that you are having coffee with me is no one’s business.”

“Wasn’t just coffee,” Rafe said as she went past him into the living room. “But who’s going to argue?”

She was saved from having to respond because she was already halfway to the front door. She patted Winston, who looked like a ballet dancer, poised and ready on his paws.

“It’s okay, pal. I don’t think a burglar would arrive in a Volvo.”

She opened the door. A polished, good-looking man emerged from behind the wheel of the Volvo. He wore a navy blue polo shirt, a pair of gray trousers, and loafers. There was a designer logo stitched on the left side of the shirt. The pants appeared to have been hand-tailored, and the loafers had little tassels. She was almost certain that the hair had been styled in a salon located somewhere other than Eclipse Bay.

When her visitor spotted her waiting in the doorway, he gave her a dazzling smile that lit up the foggy morning like a lighthouse beacon.

“Looks like Perry has started bleaching his teeth,” she murmured to Winston.

Winston rumbled deep in his throat and trotted after her as she went out onto the porch.

“Hannah.” Perry Decatur jogged toward the steps.

“Heard you were in town. Great to see you again. You look fabulous.”

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