1022 Evergreen Place - Debbie Macomber [38]
“How about a nightcap?”
Shirley smiled and shook her head. “No, thanks.”
Will hadn’t thought she’d agree, but he’d felt he should ask.
She’d started to open her car door when Will gently placed his hand on her shoulder. After everything he’d invested in making this evening a success, he’d appreciate a kiss.
But Shirley turned her face and pressed her lips to his cheek. “Thank you again for a lovely, lovely evening.”
He stepped aside as she climbed into her car, backed out of the space and drove away.
Will felt an odd mixture of emotions as he walked toward the lot where he’d left his own car. For the past year he’d lived a restrained and modest life. Practically like a saint, if he said so himself. Or a monk. It hadn’t been easy, either. There’d been more than one opportunity to connect with a beautiful woman, to spend a night or a week with her, no questions asked.
But the whole point of moving to Cedar Cove was to make positive changes in his life, to break old patterns. He wanted a lasting relationship and he wanted it with Shirley Bliss. Not only was she talented, intelligent, classy, but he found her extremely attractive.
What he hadn’t considered was the fact that she might not find him attractive. That thought did more than sting; it was a hard blow to his ego. He recognized that Shirley was strongly attracted to Larry Knight, although he doubted a romance between them would go anywhere. Larry’s travel and engagement schedule would make maintaining a relationship next to impossible.
That left room for Will….
As he drove back to Cedar Cove, his mind was whirring with ideas on how to pursue the reluctant Shirley Bliss. So far, he’d failed; that was because he’d been too eager, he decided. A bit of circumspection would go a long way. Playing hard to get was a classic strategy, as every high school kid knew.
He’d wait at least a week before contacting Shirley again. If another one of her pieces happened to sell, great, but he’d mail her a check at the end of the month, like he did for everyone else. No more personal phone calls or special deliveries.
That would work. He should probably date someone else, too. He considered the options—and then in a flash it came to him. Grinning broadly he slapped his hand on the steering wheel. If anyone would get Shirley’s attention, it would be her best friend.
Oh, yeah, Will liked a challenge and this was a two-for-one. Miranda Sullivan and Shirley Bliss. Tomorrow he’d call Miranda and ask her out.
Ten
Waiting for Peggy Beldon the morning after Memorial Day weekend, Corrie McAfee glanced out her living room window. Peggy, who was picking her up for their shopping expedition, had taken a break from the renovations she and her husband, Bob, were doing at their Thyme and Tide Bed and Breakfast on Cranberry Point. The place was deservedly popular; Peggy possessed the gift of making guests feel welcome in their home. She was a multitalented cook, as well. Her breakfasts—all her meals—were feasts to behold. And to enjoy.
Corrie moved away from the window and grabbed her purse when Peggy pulled up.
“She’s here,” Corrie called out to her husband. Roy would be leaving for his office in half an hour or so, while Corrie, who worked as his assistant, had taken the day off. That was definitely one of the benefits of keeping employment in the family.
“Have fun,” Roy said without lowering the paper.
“Aren’t you going to warn me about spending too much money?” she teased.
Roy laid the newspaper on his knee. “Would it do any good?”
“Probably not,” she said.
“Just one small reminder,” Roy said. “You don’t save money by spending money.”
“Yes, dear.”
He scowled in her direction but his eyes shone with barely disguised amusement. “That’s what I thought you’d say.”
Hiding her own smile, she blew him a kiss and was out the door.
Peggy was on her cell phone when Corrie slid onto the passenger seat. Finishing the call, Peggy closed her cell and smiled over at her friend.
“I was talking to Bob. He’s painting the bedrooms this week and I wanted to confirm