A Man to Trust (6 page)

“Yes. You can go on back.” Adrie greeted Barb and Hannah while Irene went to fetch Nana.

Barb slipped behind the café counter and poured herself a cup of coffee. “How’s the job hunt going? Any news?”

Adrie shook her head. “I was looking online and saw an opening in Atlanta, but when I contacted them, they said their flutist changed her mind and decided to stay.” She pulled a box cutter from her pocket and carefully slit the packing tape on the box of decorations.

Hannah clicked her tongue. “Well, we’ll just have to double up our prayers.”

“That’s right. God knows what you need—just one opening. Then as soon as you audition, I know they’ll snap you up.” Barb took a sip and looked at Adrie over the rim of her coffee mug. “You are keeping up with your practice schedule, aren’t you? You want to be in top form when the call finally comes.”

“I’m trying. But I’ve got practice for the worship team, and I’ve been spending a lot of time training Ross, plus I’ve been helping Rachel get ready for her wedding.”

“Did I hear my name?” Ross walked past Adrie, then stopped at the community bulletin board to pin up a concert poster.

Hannah chuckled. “That’s right. We’re talking about you.”

“Good things, I hope.” He grinned, winking at Adrie, his dark eyes dancing with humor.

Her face flushed. She looked down and fumbled with the flaps on the box. Why was she so flustered by that little wink? He didn’t mean anything by it, did he?

“Here let me help you with that.” Ross held the flaps open while she reached in for a strand of silk fall leaves.

“Thanks.” Her hand brushed his, and a shiver raced along her arm. She stopped and looked up. Her gaze connected with Ross, her pulse pounding out a steady beat.

He searched her face, and his smile dissolved into a concerned look. “What’s wrong?”

She jerked her gaze away, her face flaming. “Nothing.”

He stepped around the box and into her line of vision. “You sure?” He kept his voice low, but she could feel Barb and Hannah watching them.

She didn’t dare look him in the eye, so she focused on untangling the strand of leaves. “Yes, I’m just…feeling a little stressed about the job hunt, I guess.”

“How come? Something going on that you haven’t told me about?” His tone was light, but she could hear the concern in his voice.

Before she could tell him more, her grandmother strolled into the café with Irene. “Sorry to keep you ladies waiting.” She grinned and waved some small tickets in the air. “Look what I have.”

Hannah squinted at Nana as she settled into a chair. “What’s that?”

“Two complimentary tickets to the Salmon Bake on Saturday. Who wants to go with me?”

Irene sent Nana a wistful look. “I love salmon, but I just started my new diet, and that would be way too tempting.”

“I can’t go. I’m allergic to all seafood,” Barb said.

“How about you, Hannah? Are you free on Saturday?”

“Sorry, I promised my sister, Val, I’d drive down to Everett to see her and her husband.”

Suddenly, a bright smile broke over Irene’s face. “I know, why don’t you give the tickets to Ross and Adrie? I bet they’d like to go.”

Nana spun around. “What a great idea! Why didn’t I think of that?”

Adrie’s stomach clenched, and she took a step back. “Wait, I thought you were looking for someone to go with you.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I go every year.”

“But I’m scheduled to work on Saturday, and so is Ross. We can’t leave you here all by yourself.”

“I’ll come in and help,” Barb said with a smug smile.

“Me, too,” Irene added with wide innocent eyes. “No need for you kids to miss out on all the fun.”

Adrie twisted the strand of silk fall leaves around her fingers.

“It’s a wonderful event. They cook the corn and the salmon right there on the Village Green. You can have a nice little picnic in the center of town.” Nana looked at her with a hopeful expression.

Ross cocked his head and smiled at Adrie. “I’m game, if you are.”

She bit her lip. The Salmon Bake did sound fun, but she wasn’t sure about spending that much one-on-one time with Ross. She was trying not to think of him as a threat, but now she was more concerned about the unsettling attraction she felt toward him.

His hopeful expression dimmed. “That’s okay. If you don’t want to go, I understand.”

“It’s not that, it’s just…” What? She couldn’t think of an excuse that made sense, not with everyone else standing around staring at them, holding their breath.

“It would be good PR for Ross to get out there and meet some of the other business owners. You could introduce him,” Nana added.

“I suppose that’s true.”

“It would be a shame to let the tickets go to waste.” Ross rubbed his chin. “I guess I could find someone else who’d like to go.”

Surprise shot through Adrie. He would ask someone else? Who? She straightened and met his gaze. “Well, I suppose it would be okay as long as Barb and Irene can cover for us.”

Ross’s face brightened. “So you’ll go?”

She pulled in a shaky breath. “Sure. It’s important for people to see that Bayside Books supports community events.”

The ladies all broke out in smiles. Irene clapped, and Hannah gave Nana’s arm a pat.

Adrie sighed and rolled her eyes.

“Here you go.” Marian passed them each a ticket.

“Are you sure? Saturday is usually our busiest day.”

“We’ll be fine. You two go, have some fun together. Take the whole afternoon off.”

“Okay. Thanks.” Adrie forced a small smile. Nana had good intentions, though it was clear she and her friends were still hoping to play matchmaker.

Nana joined the other ladies at the table, and they set up their Scrabble game. Adrie pulled a basket of artificial gourds and mini pumpkins out of the decoration box.

Ross stepped up next to her. “Don’t look so worried. I promise it’ll be a fun day.”

A shiver raced up her arm again. That was exactly what she was afraid of.

Chapter Seven

A
drie looped the soft lavender scarf around her neck and checked her appearance in her bedroom mirror. The color was great, but was it too much? Did it make her look like she was trying too hard? Closing her eyes, she tried to regain her focus.

This was not a date. She was just going to the Salmon Bake with Ross.

Then why were her emotions getting so tangled up? She would be leaving Fairhaven soon, so there was no sense in even thinking about getting involved with Ross or anyone else.

A thump sounded on the other side of the wall, and she stepped back. What was Ross doing over there? He was usually so quiet she didn’t even know when he was home. But since they’d come upstairs to get ready, he’d been bumping around in what she thought must be his bedroom closet. She had been in that apartment many times to help her grandma clean and paint between renters, and that seemed to be where the sound was coming from.

She took one more look in the mirror then turned away. There was no need to redo her makeup or change her outfit. She grabbed her purse off the bed, but then she turned around and she headed into the bathroom. Even though this wasn’t an official date, she shouldn’t go out the door looking like she didn’t care how she looked.

She ran a brush through her hair, then added blush, mascara and a touch of lip gloss. At least that gave her some color and made her look presentable.

The knock at her door set her heart pounding. “You are being ridiculous,” she whispered as she walked to the door. When she pulled it open, Ross greeted her with a smile. He now wore comfortable jeans and a forest-green V-neck sweater that looked great with his olive-toned skin. Over his shoulder he carried his black leather camera bag.

“Are you ready to go?” he asked, his expression warm and open.

She nodded and sent him a tight-lipped smile. “All set.”

“Okay.” He led the way down the steps. She followed.

They set off walking toward the center of town. She bit her lip, trying to think of a good topic for conversation. But it had been so long since she had gone out with anyone besides Adam, she felt stumped. Of course there had been that one disastrous blind date with Irene’s friend Noah. She shuddered.

But this wasn’t a date, so she didn’t need to worry. Right?

Ross glanced over at her. “Have you been to the Salmon Bake before?”

“No.”

“Salmon is one of my favorites. Do you like seafood?”

“Yes.” She looked away. Why did she suddenly feel so nervous and tongue-tied? She and Ross had worked together almost one month.

They walked another half block in silence.

“I brought my camera.” He tapped the bag he carried on his shoulder. “Thought I might take some photos.”

“Of what?”

“Anything and everything.” He grinned at her, and she couldn’t help returning a small smile. “You never know what we might see at an event like this. Maybe I’ll get lucky.”

“Lucky? What do you mean?”

“If I get a great shot, I might be able to sell it to
The Bellingham Herald
or
Entertainment Northwest
.”

“Have you sold photos to the paper before?”

“A few. They usually send out their own photographers. But if I capture something special, I can send it over and see if they want it. And there are a couple of websites looking for photos of local events.”

“What’s your favorite type of thing to photograph?”

That kept Ross talking for several minutes as he told her how he enjoyed shooting sunsets on Bellingham Bay or the trails and bridge at Whatcom Falls. But his favorites were the majestic peaks of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan and Picture Lake.

Adrie slowly relaxed as she listened and before she knew it, they rounded the corner and arrived at the Village Green. She was thankful for the bustling crowd gathered there. With all the noise and activity, she wouldn’t have to be the sole focus of Ross’s attention.

Grills and serving tables had been set up beneath the pergola along one side of the square. A line of people waiting to pick up their meal stretched to the far end of the green. Up on the stage, a four-member band played a country-western song. People sat on the grass in groups, listening to the music and enjoying their plates piled high with salmon, corn on the cob, coleslaw and rolls. Some people were already enjoying cupcakes for dessert.

“Wow. It smells great,” Ross said. “Let’s get in line.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her through the crowd.

Adrie was initially surprised by his touch, but the warmth of his hand felt comforting and protective. They found a place at the end of the line. He dropped his hand, and she found herself missing his touch.
Honestly, Adrie, what is the matter with you? Are you so desperate you’d assign romantic intentions to that simple touch? He’s just being a gentleman.

“Adrie! Good to see you,” a male voice called.

She spotted Eric waving a long-handled spatula from behind the barbecue grill.

She lifted her hand halfway. “Hi, Eric. How’s it going?”

“Great! Good thing you came now. We’re going to sell out soon.” He set down his spatula and came around the end of the grill. “Come with me, and I’ll get you a plate.”

Adrie’s face flushed as she pointed over her shoulder at Ross. “Thanks, but we’ve got tickets.”

“Oh, okay.” Eric’s eager smile faded. “Well, enjoy your meal.” With a disappointed shrug, he returned to his spot behind the grill.

Adrie fiddled with the scarf at her neck, trying to let in some cool air. She hadn’t promised Eric she would meet him here. Still, she didn’t like to disappoint her friend.

“How long have you known Eric?”

“Oh…three or four years.”

Ross sent her a questioning glance, obviously wanting to know more.

“We went to college together. He dated my roommate, Celia, most of my senior year.”

Ross lifted one dark eyebrow. “Looks like he wishes he’d dated you.”

“That would never have worked. I was dating Adam at the time.” Her face flamed.

“Adam?”

She swallowed. “My ex-fiancé.”

He cocked his head. “You were engaged? What happened?” As soon as he asked, he lifted his hand. “Sorry. That’s none of my business.”

She hesitated. Did she want to tell him the details? It would mean admitting the humiliating truth—he’d never truly loved her. That painful reality seemed to echo through her whole life, underlying so many of her relationships.

Those disappointments and betrayals had chilled her heart and pushed her further away from the free-spirited, loving woman she wanted to be. Adam’s unfaithfulness was just one more painful wound that fortified the wall around her heart.

“You don’t have to tell me if you’d rather not,” Ross said, his voice gentle.

“No, it’s okay.” She lifted her gaze to meet his. “Adam and I met in college during our sophomore year when we played in the orchestra together. We dated for the next two years, and then, right after graduation, he proposed. We were supposed to get married last month, but in April, after most of our wedding plans were already made, I found out he was cheating on me with my former best friend.”

Ross grimaced. “Oh, that’s terrible.” A fierce glint lit his eyes. “I’m sorry he hurt you, but I’m glad you didn’t marry him. You deserve better than that.”

His sincere words warmed her heart. But then a chill swept them away. He assumed Adam and Marie were at fault. But that wasn’t the whole story. She had refused to be intimate with Adam while they were engaged. Had that pushed him into the arms of another woman? A new wave of sorrow flowed in.

“When was the wedding supposed to be?” Ross asked, bringing her back from those unhappy memories.

“September 6,” she whispered, barely able to say the date.

He cocked his head. “Isn’t that Marian’s birthday?”

She nodded, regretting that choice all over again. “I thought it would be a nice way to honor her.” Instead, it would always be a painful reminder of Adam’s betrayal.

Ross rubbed his chin, his gaze still resting on her. “So, the day you and I met, was the day you were supposed to marry Adam. Interesting.” A slow smile lifted one side of his mouth. “Maybe that was God’s way of showing you when He closes one door, He opens another.”

Adrie looked up at him. What did he mean by that?

He grinned at her, his dark eyes glowing. But then something behind her captured his attention. “Hold on. Photo op.” He pulled out his camera. “Would you hang on to my camera bag for a minute?”

“Sure.” She slipped it over her shoulder. “What are you going to take a picture of?”

“See that man with his son?” He made a couple quick adjustments to his camera, then lifted it to his eye and clicked off a series of shots. “That’s the kind of photo my friend at the
Herald
would love.”

The dad lifted up his young son on his shoulders and gave him a wild ride that had them both laughing. The little boy placed his hands over his dad’s eyes. The father played along, pretending he was blind, and staggered around to the delight of his giggling son.

Adrie smiled as she watched them, then her gaze shifted to Ross.

He crouched to get a different angle for his next photo. “Save my place. I’ve got to get their names.” He walked over and introduced himself. Then he pulled a small notepad from his back pocket and jotted down their information.

The line inched ahead slowly. It looked like it would be a few minutes before they got their food, but Adrie didn’t mind. She tapped her foot in time to the song played by the band, while the tantalizing scent of the grilled salmon and roasting corn drifted toward her, making her mouth water. Warm sunshine on her shoulders eased the tightness in her neck and back.

As she watched Ross, the truth settled in her heart. She was enjoying spending the afternoon with him. He’d surprised her again with his sense of humor and his caring words and actions. She would’ve missed it all if she’d followed her first impulse and said no to her grandmother’s pleas. And that would’ve been a foolish mistake.

Ross glanced at his watch as he and Adrie walked back toward the bookstore. It was only three forty-five. He didn’t want to say goodbye to her yet, especially now that she finally seemed to be enjoying herself. He shot off a quick prayer, and within seconds, an idea formed in his mind. He sent his silent thanks heavenward.

“Have you ever been up to Marys Peak?” He shifted the strap of the camera bag and glanced her way. “Les Hawkins was telling me about it the other day. He said there’s a great view from up there.”

“Les Hawkins, our mailman?” She sent him a quizzical look, but a slight smile teased the corners of her mouth.

He nodded. “He thought it might be a good place to take photos.”

Adrie’s smile spread wider, and she broke out in soft laughter.

“What’s so funny?”

“You are.”

“What did I do now?”

“I can’t believe the way you make friends so easily. You just met Les. He comes in the store no more than five minutes a day, but you’ve already made a connection with him. And it’s not just Les, everywhere we go, people seem drawn to you.”

He lifted his hands. “What can I say? I like people.”

“And they seem to like you.”

He chuckled. “You think so?”

“Yes, I do.” Her sunny mood seemed to dim a little. “It’s probably because you have such an easygoing personality.” Her brows dipped as though that was a problem.

“Thanks—I think.”

“I meant it as a compliment.” She bit her lip and kicked a stray stone across the sidewalk. “Don’t get me wrong. That’s a good quality, but…”

“But what?”

“I guess I wish I was more like that.”

He slowed his steps. “Why would you say that? People like you just the way you are.”

She turned to him with a skeptical glance. “Really?”

“Sure. Look at Eric. He likes you.” His tone was teasing, but he hoped she might explain if there was something going on between them.

“Well, I am not interested in him.”

“No? Why not?” he asked, keeping his tone light.

“I’m just not, that’s all.” She picked up the pace again.

He easily matched her steps, hoping he wasn’t making a mistake by pushing this subject a little further. “He seems like a decent guy.”

Her cheeks flushed. “I don’t want to get involved with Eric…or anyone else. It wouldn’t make sense, not when I’m probably leaving town.” Her voice trembled slightly, and she shifted her gaze away.

They walked on in silence for a few seconds and he pondered her words. She seemed to be giving him clear warning that she was not available. But that probably had more to do with her former fiancé’s betrayal and her wounded heart than the future demands of her music career.

Should he heed that warning and save himself the possible heartache, or try to break through that wall around her heart? His glance shifted to Adrie. She stared straight ahead with a determined tilt to her chin. But there was a vulnerable look in her eyes, as though she was just waiting to see if he would take her words at face value and keep his distance. She might be cool and even a bit prickly on the outside, but underneath there was a warm and loving woman worth pursuing.