Page 67 of Tempted

“Lucy made peace with her foul-mouthed archenemy?”

“I think they made peace with each other. They have long chats and seem to be just what the other needs.” She covered the plate and set it on the shelf that held the polka-dotted plates. “Horace compliments Lucy’s shoes, and she teaches him new quips he can share with the customers.”

“An unlikely alliance if ever there was one.”

Elaine leaned against the counter. “My oldest daughter has a spine of steel and more gumption than most. She sees what she wants and goes for it. Does it always work out? Of course not. But thankfully, that doesn’t stop her, and she forges ahead toward the next thing that strikes her fancy.”

“Qualities that I admire the hell out of.”

“I know. You just have to make sure that she understands that. Take some time, Linc, and make sure you are ready, willing, and able to accept that she’s the captain of her own ship.”

“Intellectually, I am one hundred percent on board and want a partner that is my equal in every way.” He looked out the store window and noticed Lucy watering the geraniums in the window boxes. “I just have to make sure that my genetic need to protect my people doesn’t get in the way.”

“I have faith in you, Linc.”

He squeezed Elaine’s hand and let the positive vibes displace the ones that told him he had very little chance of having what he desired most. There was a way back. He just had to figure out what it was.

TWENTY-ONE

Lucy surveyed her small kitchen and decided she’d made enough delicious delicacies to impress even the most discerning dinner guest. Unfortunately, Linc wasn’t all that particular when it came to food, and she didn’t know if she’d picked the right vehicle to show that she wanted a reunion.

Unusual doubt filled her chest. Had he moved on? Was he besotted with one or more of the willing town beauties? Should she have acted quicker and not let her frustration fester for two weeks?

She thought briefly about calling Olivia and seeing if she knew anything about his activities. “No,” she told the empty room. “We will not dither. It’s time to act decisively and let the ball land where it may. Scooping up her phone, she took a long, cleansing breath and was startled when it rang. “Good Lord, who is interrupting my grand gesture?” She didn’t recognize the number but decided that she needed to answer it. “Hello.”

“Lucy, this is Desmond Finch.”

“How are you doing, Mr. Finch?”

“Very well, thank you.” He cleared his throat. “I was wondering if those books I ordered came in?”

“They did. I just received them this morning.”

“Great. Is there any chance that you can drop them off?”

“Today?”

“Yes. My son is picking me up in an hour, and I wanted to take them with me.”

“Well…” she didn’t want to since she was in the midst of fixing her love life.

“I understand that it’s an imposition.”

“It’s not a problem, Mr. Finch.” She checked the clock and decided she’d run them over and then give Linc a call. “I will be there in thirty minutes.”

“Great. Really appreciate it.”

She hit the button to end the call and slid into a pair of flat sandals. Usually, she would never leave the house in such a casual summer dress and no jewelry, but exceptions had to be made. If she could complete the errand in an hour, she would have plenty of time to call Linc and get herself glammed up. “All is well,” she muttered as she tromped down the stairs. “It will all work out.”

When she drove down the street, she realized how long it had been since she’d been in the neighborhood. The houses were set back from the road and featured impressive gardens. Perhaps she should call Tavis and have him keep an eye out for any that went on the market.

She parked in front of Mr. Finch’s house, grabbed the books, and slid out of her car. The spring humidity pushed against her skin, and she knew that her curls would be in full bloom by the time she made it to the front door. So much for maintaining one’s standards.

The moment she walked through the rose archway, her breath caught. How was he more handsome?

“Hello, sweetheart.”

“Linc, what are you doing here?” He slowly moved in her direction, and her heart beat faster with each step he took. “I wasn’t expecting to see you.”

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