by JoAnn Durgin
“Know what I like in what you said? You called him Daddy. My little sister does the same thing. Southern tradition or not, I think it’d be one of the most incredible things in the world to hear your child call you that. Not much could compare.” His smile was gentle. “I like how your voice goes soft when you talk about him. It’s incredibly sweet.”
She ducked her head and hid her smile. “Not many call me sweet.”
“Maybe not in business, but I’m looking beneath the surface. That’s where you find the truth.” Standing, he held out one hand, waiting. “Time to go. Robert’s coming.”
Shelby allowed Harrison to pull her to her feet. “It would seem you have many layers, Mr. Reed. I imagine you have any number of female admirers who find you sweet.” Great. What on earth possessed her to say that? Sounded like she was fishing. Which she most definitely was not.
Harrison shot her a grin. “Ah, don’t presume to know everything about my life, either, Shelby.”
Touché.
6
Harrison half-listened from the backseat as Pops regaled Shelby with the history of local tourist spots and a few lesser-known places. When she spoke, her voice was lower than he would have expected, her laugh generous, her smile well-earned and genuine once it finally surfaced. With her aristocratic profile and classic features, she’d be an artist’s dream. Her makeup was minimal, but it accentuated her features to their best advantage.
In some ways, Shelby Harmon was a delicate rose—much like the one Pops gave her in honor of her mother—vulnerable and fragile. But he’d glimpsed an indomitable inner strength beneath the fine bone structure. Beautiful without question, her complexion was smooth and healthy, if not a bit pale. She most likely spent more time in her office instead of in the outdoors having fun.
At first, Shelby had come across as being pretty formal, a privileged debutante turned professional businesswoman. Not rigid or unyielding, but just shy of being uptight. No nonsense. A professional who wore expensive tailored suits and pulled her hair back because she didn’t want to be bothered. No fuss. The type of woman to speak her mind, yet not be sensitive, clingy, or needy.
Without a doubt, Shelby came from old money, revealed by her proper diction, posture, and innate elegance—when she wasn’t on a slippery hillside. The thought brought a smile to Harrison’s lips. Although her clothes must come from a high-end retailer, she had a small rip in her pretty blue blouse in an inconspicuous but potentially embarrassing place. Far be it from him to point it out. A few strands of her long, silky blonde hair stuck out from her scalp at an odd angle, blown about by the breeze wafting through the open window in Robert’s car.
When Shelby had stumbled, slid, and then half-fallen on the castle grounds the day before, she’d brought out protective instincts he hadn’t tapped into for years. Not that she needed protecting. Her resultant awkward rambling had proven incredibly endearing. Her utter lack of pretension captivated him, so unusual in someone so accomplished. In spite of her sometimes aloof manner, she’d exhibited signs of an incredibly soft, tender heart.
Hearing Shelby describe her close relationship with her father in such open, sentimental terms drew him to her even more. After she’d pulled out the mysterious envelope at lunch and explained its origins, Harrison better understood her need to meet Pops. To think she’d traveled all the way to Edinburgh because of the promise to her father? That blew his mind. How many women, how many people, would do the same thing?
Twisting in her seat, Shelby graced him with a warm smile. Harrison figured infatuation must be branded across his forehead. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d been this taken with a woman so soon after their first meeting. An inner alarm sounded somewhere deep in the recesses of his mind, but he chose to ignore it.
Brought out of his musing, he listened as Shelby asked Pops questions and commented on landmarks and points of interest in the city’s Old and New Towns. Chuckling at some of her refreshing and funny observations, he took mental note of the places she said she’d like to tour, including the Edinburgh Zoo, Mary King’s Close, the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions as well as the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Shifting sideways, Harrison stretched out his legs. The cramped little cars in Britain and Europe drove him crazy. Made him miss his car garaged in Mobile eighty percent of the year. What he wouldn’t give to have it right now, all the windows down, and take it out on the open road with Shelby beside him. Being forced to stop for a sheep crossing was always a strong likelihood in Scotland, but he had the feeling she’d find the adventure in it all.
“What do you say we check out the farmer’s market at the base of the castle?” Robert said, turning a corner. “It’s always held on the third Saturday of every month. Last time I checked, that’s today. I’d like to grab a few things if you don’t mind.”
“Sure. Let’s go,” Shelby said, brightening with enthusiasm. “One of my favorite things growing up was going to the farmer’s market in Lexington on Saturday mornings with Mama. Nothing tastes better than fresh fruits and vegetables.”
How surprising such an accomplished woman would take delight in the small, simple pleasures of life. Did she cook much? Somehow, she seemed more the type to order Chinese takeout when she worked late. She was right about one thing: he shouldn’t presume to know about her life. Harrison couldn’t begin to know what she’d say or do next, but one thing he did know. He definitely looked forward to finding out.
****
One of the local vendors at the farmers’ market engaged Shelby in a lively conversation, and Harrison stood to one side, content to listen and observe.
Robert walked over to stand beside him, holding a brown bag brimming with fresh produce. “I’m surprised you’re not photographing her. You could get some good shots from this vantage point.”
“That’s a great idea, but I’d feel disingenuous if she’s unaware. Not sure she’d take kindly to it.”
“She’s worth the risk.”
Harrison kept his gaze fixed on Shelby. “Care to elaborate on what risk you’re talking about?”
“The risk you’ve been afraid to take.”
Harrison slanted a sharp glance Robert’s way. “It’s not fear. I took the risk once, and you know how that worked out. All the traveling I’ve done for the foundation in the past few years makes it difficult to form anything solid. Anything…lasting.”
“Still sounds like fear to me,” Robert said, returning Shelby’s wave. “You’re on the downhill slide into thirty, my friend. Maybe it’s time to think about settling down in one place and starting a family.”
Harrison chewed the inside of his cheek. “I’ll put down roots eventually.” He didn’t like this discussion when his dad brought it up, and he didn’t like it any better now.
Robert planted a hand on Harrison’s shoulder. “As long as ‘eventually’ doesn’t come when you’re old with only fading memories to show for your independent spirit and wanderlust. Consider it wisdom from one who’s walked in your shoes.” Robert started to walk away.
“Pops, why won’t you tell me?” Harrison said, causing Robert to stop. Harrison stared at Robert’s back and hesitated before he continued. “Look, I know whatever—or whomever—it is in your past that hurt you is deeply personal, but we’ve shared a lot. Let me help you if I can. To listen and be your friend, if nothing else.”
Robert turned around, facing him. Shifting the bag in his arms, his focus drifted back to Shelby. “She’s special, you know. Like her mama. Beautiful, intelligent, and strong. Trustworthy. You don’t have a woman like that walk into your life every day, Harrison. “
“Understood, but I’m talking about you, not me.”
“I know.” With his brows drawn together, Robert appeared deep in thought.
“Was your Shelby worth the risk, Pops?”
At first, Harrison thought he wasn’t going to answer.
Finally, Robert nodded. “Yes, she was. Very much so.”
This admissi
on was enough for now, small but significant. If he inched his way along, he might find the key to unlock Robert’s seemingly deep-seated loneliness. When Harrison gestured to the bag, Robert handed it over. “I’ll meet up with you two again in a bit. I’m going to check out the seafood.”
“Everything all right?” Shelby said from behind Harrison a few seconds later.
Startled, he turned, every sense attuned to her. “I think so.”
“Did Robert say anything about the envelope?” Her blue eyes, so trusting, touched him in the place only Tiffany ever had. But his ex-girlfriend had stomped on his heart and flattened him like a bug on the floor. Quite effectively, too, considering he hadn’t dated any other woman more than a handful of times.
Harrison cleared his throat, not that it helped to dismiss the thoughts from his past. “No, but I’m sure he’ll tell us when he’s ready.”
“If ever.” Shelby strolled to a fruit stand a few feet away, and he walked beside her. “Robert is a fascinating but complicated man.” She picked up a pear and rolled it between her palms. “My favorite fruit.” She pulled a few coins from her purse and gave them to the vendor. “What’s your favorite?” After polishing the pear on her blouse, she bit into it.
“The always dependable apple,” he said. “I think I have an affinity for it because of its unfortunate and unfounded association with man’s fall from grace.”
She gave him a wry grin. “You know something, Harry? You’re right. The apple really did get a bad rap in the whole Garden of Eden scenario.”
“I’m surprised you’re still hungry.” He lowered the bag of fresh produce to the ground.
“Fruit’s not all that filling, but it’s healthy.” She shrugged. “Maybe it’s something about being on vacation. I even had the full traditional breakfast in the hotel, something they call a ‘fry up’—fried egg, a ‘rasher’ with three slices of ham, beans, a fried tomato, and blood pudding. Very interesting names and foods they have here in Scotland.”
Harrison quirked a brow, pleased she didn’t mind trying new things. “Did you try the kippers?”
“Yippers.” She giggled as she chomped on another bite.
Even with the small tear in her blouse and the slightly mussed hair, Shelby enchanted him. Never would he have expected an actual giggle. Against his better instincts, he was falling hard and fast for this natural, unaffected beauty. She’d seemed much more suspicious of his motives yesterday. Admittedly, his words might have been rather off-putting and had given her good reason to question him. Ditto what he’d said to her earlier, and she’d accused him of making presumptions about her life. Now, she appeared much more relaxed and seemed to be having fun.
Shelby took another generous bite of the pear, still smiling and making him dizzier than the last time he rode the roundy-roundy rides at Six Flags. Those made him nauseous. Shelby’s smile now made him feel like the boy he’d been in seventh grade trying to impress Sarah Larson, the prettiest girl in school. Multiplied by a hundred times.
With a tiny bead of pear juice in the corner of her mouth, the woman was irresistible. He was tempted to remove it with a gentle swipe of his thumb. Or kiss it away. Needing a distraction, Harrison picked up three apples and began to juggle. Perhaps subconsciously he wanted to impress Shelby, but juggling had always been his self-soothing habit. A dark-haired little boy standing nearby stared at him, rotating his head as he followed the flying apples.
“You want to try it?”
When the boy nodded, he grabbed two apples and handed them over. After a few instructions and another demonstration, the youngster imitated him. He managed fine, and Harrison gave him another apple. A few seconds later, all three of the apples plopped on the ground in rapid succession.
“Don’t worry,” Harrison said when he glimpsed the kid’s crestfallen expression. “Happens to everybody, and it’s the best way to learn. Trust me, I left plenty of mushed apples on the ground when I was learning to juggle. Let’s try it again. You’ll get it.”
Harrison reached for two more apples and handed them to the boy. Within a couple more minutes, he settled into a rhythm. Standing side by side, they juggled together. The sound of the child’s laughter was infectious and swelled his heart. This is why he loved working for the Miriam Foundation. Interacting with the kids made it all worthwhile. Why hire someone else to do the job of his heart?
Robert’s words about settling down came to mind, and Harrison’s gaze drifted back to Shelby. He couldn’t seem to stop looking at her even while he juggled. Standing nearby, she observed them with a bemused expression, still chomping on that juicy pear.
The boy’s mother called to him. Harrison handed over his apples and the child ran off, clutching them all against his chest.
On the receiving end of a chastising glance from the vendor, Harrison dug in his pocket and pulled out more than enough money, handing it over. “Thanks.” He gathered the other apples from the ground and glimpsed Shelby’s dubious expression as he tossed them into a trash can. “What? Hey, I paid the man for his apples, fair and square.”
“I know,” she said with an impish grin. “You can’t fool me. Fess up. You’re actually a member of a traveling circus, aren’t you?”
He feigned offense, stifling a grin. “Now you think I’m a clown? My uncle taught me to juggle, thank you very much. My aunt, the bearded lady, insisted it was something every kid should learn.”
A bit of pear juice lingered on Shelby’s mouth.
“Allow me,” he said, moving in close, unable to resist the temptation.
Shelby’s eyes widened, but she stood her ground.
Tucking his fist under her chin, Harrison swiped his thumb over the corner of her mouth, absorbing the juice. Such soft skin. Incredible lips. If he’d singed his hand on a toaster oven, it couldn’t be any more powerful. The brush of his fingers on her chin ignited a slow burn in his gut. He slowly withdrew his hand, fighting the strong urge to draw Shelby close and taste those tempting lips.
Shelby appeared not in the least self-conscious. “Guess you can’t take me anywhere.”
“It’s not that,” he said. “I don’t want you to embarrass yourself, being with a clown and all.”
I’m in big trouble here, Lord. He’d be praying about Shelby tonight. Problem was, what exactly should he pray for? To keep his distance or praise God for finding this treasure of a woman?
Any attractive woman could trigger this response. Yeah, right. Denial was one thing but delusion another, and only a fine line separated the two.
7
Why did Harrison have to touch her face? Trouble was, not only did Shelby like it, she’d wanted more. She needed to resist this man. Easier in theory than practice. Those deep, blue-green eyes invited her to dive in with an undeniable lure.
Walking back to the car, Shelby enjoyed the teasing banter between the two men. The kind of easy, comfortable friendship they shared was rare. As Robert drove them back to the Radisson, he was quiet. His bags of food sat on the passenger seat, and he’d encouraged her to sit in the back with Harrison. Interesting arrangement, but why resist?
On the short drive, Harrison shared amusing stories of a few language blunders he’d made in Scotland. Most men she knew wouldn’t be so free to admit their shortcomings or mistakes. Then again, Harrison was nothing like most men she’d known—in all the best ways. She’d sensed it from the moment she’d first spied him in the Castlehill Gardens.
After Robert pulled the car to the front entrance of her hotel, he gave her a warm smile. “I’ll arrange for you to tour the castle, if you’d like, Shelby. Does Thursday morning work?”
“Sounds terrific. I’ll look forward to it.”
“I’ll call you, and we can make plans. If it fits in your schedule, I hope you’ll stay for lunch.”
“Lunch at the castle?” she said. “That’s an offer a girl can’t refuse.”
While she thanked Robert, Harrison slipped out of the car and walked around to open her door.
“Talk to you tomorrow,” he said to his friend before walking with her into the hotel lobby. “Thanks for not letting on to Pops that you know about his job at the castle.”
“Like you mentioned, Robert’s private. I respect that, and I don’t want to overstep my bounds. After all, I barely know him. Or you, for that matter.”
Shelby could tell her comment made him curious.
“How long do you think you have to know someone to care for them, Shelby?”
Stepping to the side of the lobby, Shelby faced him. “You’re very direct, aren’t you? Define ‘care.’”
When Harrison moved closer, she hardly dared to breathe. His blond hair was slightly mussed from the breeze, and she resisted the impulse to smooth it down.
“The kind of caring where you offer to show someone around the city,” he said. “The kind of caring where you want to spend as much time with her as you can while she’s here.” When she hesitated, he must have taken it as indecision. “I’m a decent tour guide and have a lot more free time than Pops since I set my own schedule.” His smile melted her, found its way into her subconscious. “I promise not to bore you.”
“I’d really like that, Harry.” Wonderful. She’d said the same exact thing several times during the course of their afternoon together. “I do have other words in my vocabulary.”
“I know. You’ve used quite a few of them today.” The familiar smile teased the corners of his mouth and reached his eyes. “Shall I meet you here at eleven tomorrow then? The weather’s supposed to be perfect, sunny and warm with a light breeze. We can walk The Royal Mile and grab some lunch. Take it from there and make a day of it.”
