Or had the air suddenly become strangely hazy?
She stopped to sniff, then spun toward the oven. Little blue-gray curls of smoke leaked out around the edges of the oven door. She gasped and lunged for a heavy-quilted oven mitt.
Tessa rushed in from the tearoom. “Something’s burning!”
“I know!”
“Hurry, we don’t want the smoke alarms to go off again.” Tessa flipped on the overhead fan and unlocked the back window.
Allison jerked open the oven door. Clouds of smoke puffed into the room. Coughing, she grabbed the cookie sheet of scorched scones and crossed to the open window. In one swift motion, she flipped the cookie sheet and dumped the smoking triangles onto the brick walk out back. They looked more like smoking volcanic rocks than anything edible. Even the poor birds wouldn’t be interested in that mess.
Allison moaned and tossed the cookie sheet into the deep stainless-steel sink. “I can’t believe I did that twice in one day!”
“Me neither.” Tessa flapped a blue-striped kitchen towel back and forth.
“I’m sorry. I should have set the timer.”
The air began to clear, and Tessa hung the towel on a hook by the sink. “You’ve been distracted all morning. Does this have anything to do with Tyler stopping in yesterday?”
Allison scowled. “No!”
Tessa crossed her arms. “Come on. Admit it. You were thinking about him instead of keeping your eyes on those scones.”
Allison pushed her hair back from her warm face. “Okay, I was. But you’d be distracted, too, if you’d heard what he said. I can’t believe he thinks he can just walk back in here and have a friendly conversation after six years with no communication.”
“You never heard from him that whole time?”
“No!” She faltered, remembering that wasn’t exactly true. “Well, I did see him on Christmas Eve, a year ago.” She fiddled with her watch clasp. Confusion swirled through her as she recalled his tender look and halting apology. She forced those thoughts away and focused on the painful end of their relationship six years ago. He’d made her believe he loved her. They’d even talked about getting married, but then he’d left without even saying good-bye. She still didn’t know why. She sighed and rubbed her stinging eyes.
“I’m sorry.” Tessa laid her hand on Allison’s arm. “I didn’t know it still bothered you.”
“Neither did I, until yesterday.” She steeled herself against those painful memories. “He has a lot of nerve, waltzing in here and offering to do promotional work for Sweet Something.”
“Wait a minute. He wants to do promotional work for us?”
“Yes. Can you believe it?” Allison tossed the oven mitt onto the counter. “He works for some ad agency and thought we might like some free advertising advice.”
Tessa gasped. “He wouldn’t charge us?” She grabbed Allison’s arm. “Please tell me you said yes.”
“Nooo!” Allison vigorously shook her head.
“And why not?”
“You remember what happened! Not only did he walk out on me, he dropped out of grad school, got arrested for DUI, and our friends said he was just a . . . player.”
“A player?” Tessa leaned back against the counter.
“You know—a guy who goes from girl to girl, playing with their emotions, just looking for . . .” She lifted her eyebrows and sent her sister a meaningful glance.
“Oh . . . well, that was a long time ago.”
Allison touched her heart. “It doesn’t feel like it to me.”
Tessa frowned, but only for a moment. Then her face brightened. “That was personal. This is business.” She crossed her arms. “I hope you weren’t rude to him. What did you say?”
“Well . . . I think I said I didn’t want his help.” She’d practically kicked him out of the shop, and his calm response totally stumped her. Where was the cocky, self-assured man who always had a quick comeback or persuasive excuse for everything?
Tessa groaned. “Allison, how could you? Call him right now, and tell him you’ve changed your mind.”
“I can’t do that!”
“Oh, yes you can. We need his help. And if you’re worried about things getting uncomfortable, just insist on keeping it strictly business.”
Conflicting thoughts tumbled through Allie’s mind. Spending time with Tyler would be awkward. But wasn’t keeping her business afloat worth dealing with a little emotional upheaval? Certainly she could set aside her personal feelings and deal with him on a professional level. After all, she was an experienced businesswoman now.
She looked up at Tessa. “You’re right. I can do this.” She reached into her apron pocket and pulled out his business card.
Tessa leaned closer. She read it and sucked in a quick breath. “He works for Kent & Sheldon?”
“Yes. What about it?”
“That’s one of the most prestigious ad agencies in Princeton. I heard the CEO is a Christian. He gives a lot to charity, and his agency only works with companies who are ethical.”
Allison studied the card. Why would Tyler choose to work for a company like Kent & Sheldon?
* * * *
Tyler raised the collar of his navy wool overcoat and tucked his small portfolio under his arm. He hopped a slushy puddle and crossed Nassau Street with the WALK signal. A bone-chilling breeze whistled around the edge of his collar and cuffs, but the sun had come out. The sidewalks were dry, making it a little less intimidating to walk around town.
The last forty-eight hours had been a mad dash of creativity as he’d followed up on Allie’s surprise phone call. With permission from Ronald Sheldon, he’d taken time off to research teashops and come up with several creative ideas for Sweet Something.
He smiled, remembering Allie’s comments. “I’m sorry I was so quick to dismiss your offer. I’ve talked it over with Tessa, and we’d appreciate any advertising advice you could give us.”
In a businesslike tone, she reminded him that their budget might not allow them to implement his ideas right away, but she’d like to see what he had in mind. He assured her he could come up with several options for free or low-cost advertising, and he’d do the graphic design at no charge.
“Let me work on this for a couple of days,” he told her. “I’ll get back to you. Shall I call you at home?”
“Call me at the shop,” she said quickly. “I appreciate your help, but this is strictly business. I’m not interested in anything else.”
That had deflated him a little, but his goals were to help Allie’s business become successful and try to make up for the past. Anything else between them was up to the Lord. He didn’t intend to push or manipulate the situation, no matter how strongly the old attraction pulled him. Pure motives. Pure actions. That had to be his focus now.
Tyler slowed as he passed Princeton Interiors, the shop next door to Sweet Something. Warm light glowed on a dazzling array of expensive antique furniture, chandeliers, and unique home decor. One glance at the busy shop, and he could tell the owner did a brisk business.
He continued on and pulled open the door of Sweet Something. As he stepped inside, he looked past the gift shop into the tearoom. Customers filled more than half the tables. Tyler smiled. That ought to raise Allie’s spirits and give her business a boost.
Allie hurried down the steps, her gaze fixed on the group of three middle-aged women who had come in before him. He stepped back and watched her welcome and seat the women at a round table in the center of the room.
Today Allie wore a royal blue blouse, the same color as her eyes, and a dark print skirt with swirls of sable brown, olive green, and deep blue. A white apron edged with lace topped her outfit.
He looked for other servers, but saw only one young woman weaving between the tables, carrying a tray of dirty dishes toward the back of the shop. Two other tables nearby still needed to be cleared.
He stepped into Allie’s line of vision. When their gazes connected, her smile faltered for a moment b
ut then returned. She nodded and walked toward him.
He smiled. “Looks like business is improving.”
“Yes, this is the best day we’ve had in quite a while.” Her cheeks flushed a pretty pink, and she sent him a cautious glance. “I know I asked you to come at three thirty, but I don’t think I can meet with you today. Tessa had to leave early to take her daughter to the orthodontist, and two of my servers called in sick.”
“Sounds like you’re in a bind.”
“Kayla and I will be tired by six, but we’ll make it.” She glanced at the clock and pulled in a sharp breath. “I have a group of ten from the Princeton Historical Society coming at four, and I haven’t rearranged the tables in the other room.” The bell jingled, and two young college-age girls in faded jeans, heavy jackets, and knit hats came in the door.
Allie hesitated, looking torn. “I’m sorry. I have to take care of them.” She excused herself and seated the girls. The other server hurried past with a tray of three small teapots, cups, and saucers.
Tyler surveyed the scene a moment longer and made his decision. Slipping off his coat, he followed Allie across the room. “Where can I stash this?”
She turned to him, questions in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I really can’t meet with you today.”
“I know. That’s why I’m going to help you.”
“What?” Her blue eyes widened.
“I’ve never actually served tea before, but I can rearrange tables, seat people, or do whatever else you need.”
She stared at him as though she couldn’t quite believe he was serious.
“Allie, you’re shorthanded, and I have the rest of the afternoon off. This sounds like the perfect solution.”
“But you can’t do that,” she sputtered. “You’re a . . . professional, not a waiter.”
“True, but I’m also a friend who wants to see your business succeed.”
Her expression softened. “You’re serious?”
“Sure. Where do I get one of those aprons?” He gestured toward the lacey one she wore.
She laughed, and it was a beautiful sound, almost like the tinkling of delicate wind chimes. “All right. You’re hired. Come with me, and I’ll show you where you can hang your coat.” She led the way into the kitchen.
A few minutes later he had taken off his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and tied a more masculine version of Allie’s apron around his waist. She led the way to a side room and quickly mapped out the new table arrangement. Then she laid out one place setting on a side table as an example and showed him where the dishes were kept.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She smiled at him over her shoulder, then returned to the tearoom and left him to his work
Kayla, Allie’s only other server, swept in and dropped off a pile of fresh table linens. The young blond didn’t look more than eighteen. She hung around and asked him several questions. He gave brief answers as he moved tables and covered them with tablecloths. She finally turned to leave the room, sending him a seductive smile. He turned away from her obvious invitation, thankful those old temptations didn’t have as much pull as they used to. A few years ago it might have been more of a struggle, but he was committed to a new path now.
Setting the table took a little longer than he’d expected. He finally stood back and surveyed his work with a satisfied smile.
Allie walked in carrying two small teapots holding arrangements of fresh flowers. She stepped up beside him, her gaze searching the table. “This looks perfect.” She set the flowers on the table and beamed him a dazzling smile. “Thank you, Tyler.”
He pulled in a deep breath and felt like he could walk a mile in the cold with the memory of that smile to warm him. “What’s next?”
“Oh, you don’t have to do anything else. This was a huge help.”
“Hey, I’m not leaving now. I signed on for the whole afternoon.” He straightened a knife and spoon at one place setting. “When this group shows up, you’re going to have your hands full. I can greet and seat your other customers. And if that doesn’t keep me busy, I can clear tables.”
Allie protested, but he insisted. Soon he was doing double duty as host and busboy, while Allie and Kayla took orders and delivered food and drinks. The afternoon passed swiftly, and before he knew it, the clock by the front door struck six, and Allie flipped the OPEN sign to CLOSED.
With a relieved sigh, she smiled and gestured toward the closest table. “Why don’t we sit down and take a look at your designs?”
He reached to untie his apron. “I’m sorry. I’d love to show them to you, but I’m supposed to meet a client at the Nassau Inn for dinner.” He glanced at his watch. He needed to hurry or he’d be late.
She bit her lip a moment, then lifted her gaze to meet his. “Are you busy after that?”
He could hardly hold back his smile. “No. I don’t have anything else planned tonight.”
Allie took a business card from the basket and wrote something on the back. “I live just a few blocks from Nassau Inn. Here’s the address. Could you stop by after dinner?” Her hand trembled slightly as she passed him the card.
Suddenly, he realized how much it had cost her to give him the invitation. He smiled and nodded. “This dinner won’t take long.” He’d make sure it didn’t.
“All right. I’ll see you later then.” She sent him a tentative smile.
His hopes soared.
Chapter Three
Allison hurried up the steps and unlocked her front door. Her Persian cat, Miss Priss, jumped down from the back of the couch to greet her.
“Hello, sweetie.” She gave Miss Priss a quick pat on the head and kissed her cold nose; then she hurried into the bathroom to brush her hair upside down, wash her face, and dab on some makeup. She changed twice before she finally settled on dark brown slacks, a white turtleneck, and a dark brown sweater with a snowflake pattern across the front.
Glancing in the mirror, Allison plastered on a smile and tried to think positive. But those last fifteen pounds she always intended to lose remained firmly attached in all the wrong places. She tugged at the bottom edge of her sweater, wishing it were a little longer. Why hadn’t she kept up her exercise routine this winter, or at least said no to all those desserts Tessa asked her to try?
Blowing out a resigned sigh, she turned and walked away from the mirror. It didn’t matter. This was not a date. They were simply going to look over his designs and discuss promotional ideas for Sweet Something.
R-i-i-ight. She rolled her eyes and knew she hadn’t even fooled herself. She hurried into the kitchen and fixed a pot of coffee.
The doorbell rang. Her heart jumped. She hurried across the living room but then slowed and pulled in a deep breath. Lord, help me calm down and not act like a complete idiot. They were going to discuss business and that’s all. Relaxing a little, she pulled open the front door and greeted Tyler.
He smiled, looking as handsome as ever, his face flushed from the cold and his brown eyes glowing. A few snowflakes melted in his light brown hair and dusted the shoulders of his navy blue coat. She invited him in. He took off his coat, suit jacket, and scarf, and she hung them in the closet.
“This is very nice.” He looked around her living room with an appreciative glance. Tyler had always noticed color, texture, and style. She guessed it was part of his artistic nature. Allison liked that about him. He understood her need to use her creativity and be surrounded by beauty.
“How about some coffee?” she offered. “I just made a pot. Or I have tea or cocoa.”
“Coffee sounds great. Thanks. It’s freezing outside.” He rubbed his hands together and followed her into the kitchen. He slowed and slipped his hands into his pockets as he studied the painting on the wall near her kitchen table.
The painting featured a cozy living room setting, with two red wingback chairs pulled up by a stone fireplace where a welcoming fire glowed. A round table set for dessert stood between the chairs. A sleepy gray cat sat curled u
p in one of the chairs, and an open Bible lay on the footstool by the other.
He leaned closer, looking as though he wanted to take in every detail of the painting. “This is an original, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.” She pulled two mugs from the cabinet.
“Who’s the artist?”
Allison looked up and met Tyler’s gaze. “I am.”
“I thought so.” He smiled at her for a brief moment then turned back to the painting. “Why no signature?”
“It’s there, but when I had it framed, the mat covered it.” She filled the mugs with steaming coffee and carried them over to the kitchen table.
He spun and looked at her with a glint of excitement in his eyes. “Do you have other paintings?”
She nodded, wondering why he was so interested. “I have two upstairs in my bedroom and probably a dozen or so stored in the hall closet.”
He sent her a baffled look. “In the closet?”
“Yes. It’s too expensive to have them all framed.”
“You know, there’s a huge market for paintings like this. I saw several artists advertising their limited-edition prints when I scanned some home-decorating magazines, looking for logo ideas for Sweet Something. None of those paintings were as good as yours. You should have prints made.”
A warm glow spread through her. Tyler was also an artist, making his compliment even more meaningful. They’d met in an art class in college. He had chosen to focus on graphic design and advertising, while she had decided on fine art and teaching, but their love of art had been a common thread woven through their two-year relationship.
She glanced at her painting, considering his idea. “That would probably take a big investment of time and money, and I need to focus on the shop right now.” She set the mugs on the table and offered him sugar and cream.
“Why don’t I look into it for you?” Tyler stirred a spoonful of sugar into his coffee. “It might not cost as much as you think.” She started to shake her head, but the hopeful look in his eyes stopped her. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt.”
“Great!” His smile spread wider. “I can see it now—original paintings and prints by Allison Bennett hanging in galleries all across the country. You’ll become famous, and before we know it, that’ll draw huge crowds to your teashop. That’s probably the best promotional idea we could ever come up with.”
Where Two Hearts Meet Page 2
