by JoAnn Durgin
“That’s true.” Isabella forced a smile. “Just say a prayer for me, please. And pray for Sidney. Thanks for the chat and the lemonade.”
“Anytime. And don’t think I won’t take you up on the offer to watch the kids.”
Isabella turned and walked backwards across the expansive front yard. “Name it and claim it, my friend!” Lost in thought, she turned around as she reached the pavement.
Bam! Straight into a man jogging on the sidewalk.
Chapter 11
“I’m so sorry…” Isabella jumped back and gasped as the man put a gentle hand on her arm.
“Whoa. Steady there. Are you okay?”
Sidney. She should have known. That firm chest and those taut muscles couldn’t belong to a full-time resident. Were his ears burning? “You again? Are you stalking me?” Evergreen was small, but she’d never run into a tourist this many times in such a short span of time.
She could stand to be a little more polite to the man, but he flustered her. In ways she decidedly wished not to be flustered.
He really had the grizzled look happening this afternoon since he hadn’t shaved. She’d wondered if Sidney would come back into town to pick up the shaving cream he’d left on the front counter at Mahoney’s earlier in the day. Avoiding his gaze, Isabella glanced across the street and tried to ignore the stares from a few ladies.
Move on, ladies. She might as well give it up. As the oldest single female in town, she and the big city lawyer were the hottest topic in town. Might as well set up lawn chairs and have a parade.
“Hello to you, too. How’d you know it was me? You weren’t paying attention, and you didn’t even look up before you asked if I was”—he grunted—“stalking you.”
“Sorry for being rude, Sidney. I was just startled, that’s all.” Isabella nodded to his right hand. “That ring of yours is quite distinctive. I’m guessing it’s your Harvard Law ring?”
“Yes.” Twisting it around his finger, Sidney glanced at the ring with its large ruby stone in the center. “Too much?”
“Not if you like your brass knuckles Ivy League. You earned the right to wear that ring, after all. It looks heavy. I’m surprised you’re not walking around lopsided.”
He grinned. “Tell you what. How about I put the ring on a chain, and you can wear it around your neck for a few hours? That way, you can feel how heavy it is. Are you game?”
Isabella slid one hand to her hip. “Have you developed a fever? Are you bored? Why would you suggest such a thing?”
“I guess having an intriguing woman bump into me in broad daylight in the center of town makes me a little stupid. Let’s agree we’ve got a mutual stalking thing happening between us and call it a day.”
Sidney removed his sunglasses. She’d broken a sweat wrestling with a pickle jar and yet nary a drop dampened his running shirt. The man barely seemed winded. Impressive, but what was halfway fair about that? Isabella made a mental note to ramp up her exercise regimen. Make that start one. Genetics were on her side, but once she hit 30, all bets were off.
His appreciative gaze flickered over her, taking in her high ponytail, T-shirt, and lived-in jeans. All the way down to her tennis shoes. Sidney’s lips curved. “You look adorably fetching today, by the way.”
“I’ll agree that bumping into you has exposed your flirting gene.” Shaking her head, Isabella moved past him. “Stalking each other sounds a little…weird and inappropriate.”
“I call them as I see them.” Taking her by the arm, Sidney gave her a swift tug and pulled her to the edge of the sidewalk.
“Hey! Now wait just a red-hot min—”
Seconds later, a teenage boy zoomed past them on a bicycle.
Sidney raised his hand in the air. “Hey, Harley.” The kid waved and kept on going.
Isabella righted her cockeyed T-shirt after Sidney released her arm. “You’ve been in town a day, and you’ve already met Harley?”
“You’re welcome. Yes, we met this morning. Harley’s also a card-carrying member of the library. Interesting name.”
“Yes, isn’t it? His parents are Charlie and Marley. They thought naming him that might open doors for their son. What doors, I have no idea. In any case, thank you for ensuring I wasn’t splattered all over the sidewalk by a…well, by a Harley Davidson.”
Catching his amused chuckle, Isabella averted her gaze. She glanced at the front porch of Landon’s where Liesel raised her mug in a silent salute.
“Is that Liesel?” Sidney waved and Liesel responded in kind before she headed inside. Who knew the man could be so neighborly?
“Yes. If you continue to stalk me, I’m sure you’ll meet her soon enough.”
“I’ll meet her on Saturday night if not before. Caroline invited them to the house for dinner.”
“Well, there you go.”
“Up until now, I’ve referred to Liesel as Refrigerator Lady.”
Isabella had started walking but she stopped. “And why is that?”
“Her photo’s on Caroline’s refrigerator. I assumed she was a missionary for the church.”
“Sidney, your thought process truly fascinates me, but if you’ll excuse me, I should get back to the store.”
“Then I might as well tag along since I left a few things on the counter this morning.”
“Yes, before you stalked out,” she teased. “I put them under the counter. I figured you’d be back at some point.” She waved him on ahead. “Don’t let me slow you down.”
He fell into step beside her. “I ran all the way into town, so I’m good.”
“Show off. You must run regularly. Do you run up and down Beacon Hill?”
“No, I go to a club near the office.”
“Of course, you do.”
“Isabella, you know what you need?”
She could think of a few things, but she wasn’t about to tell him. “A dill pickle?”
“That’s an idea. Might help your disposition.”
Isabella frowned as she stopped at the crosswalk. “You are such a sweet talker.”
“I’m teasing, but you could stand to be a little less defensive.”
“Add it to my list of faults. As long as we’re chatting, please don’t call me Izzy.”
“Deal. As long as you don’t call me Sid.”
“Deal.” She rolled her eyes when he jogged in place. Would the light never change? She’d consider jaywalking, but as soon as she did that, Hamilton Watters would choose that moment to turn onto Elm Street for his afternoon break.
“So, are you dating Lover Boy?”
“How long did you say you’re sticking around town?” Isabella said as she jogged across the street. Sidney raced past her, crossed his arms, and lounged against a trash can. Why was he asking about Joel? He still hadn’t told her about the challenge, wager, or whatever it was with Tommy.
Turning left, Isabella started toward Mahoney’s when she heard a commotion behind her. She stopped and brought a hand over her mouth not to burst out laughing. Seemed Sidney had almost toppled the trash can, and a few residents had come to assist him and make sure he’d survive.
Within seconds, he’d already caught up with her.
Isabella couldn’t help her grin. “You’re already causing trouble.”
“At least I’m not a bad actor.”
Her grin faded. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of a response. Was he talking about her or Gerry? Didn’t matter. They were both bad actors. Unlike Gerry, at least she knew better than to try and act on the stage. On the other hand, it showed remarkable courage to stand up in front of a live audience.
Jogging ahead of her, Sidney opened the front door of the store and motioned her inside.
“Chivalrous or not, you have a bad habit of dropping conversation bombs.” She stalked past him.
“Conversation bombs?” Sidney came inside the store so close on her heels that Isabella felt his warm breath on her neck. Shivers ran down her spine.
Turning, sh
e ran into his chest. Again. “Owww.” She rubbed her nose. “I’m having a déjà vu.” This was silly. And ridiculous. They were both acting Harley’s age.
Not wanting anyone to overhear their conversation, Isabella tugged on Sidney’s shirt, pulling him back outside. Okay, so he was a bit sweaty. Small comfort.
After nodding to a few passersby, she faced him. “You say things to get me curious or all riled-up, and then you don’t follow-up. Tell me, why do you do it, Sidney? Do you get some kind of weird thrill from teasing me?”
“I got the library books. Don’t know about you, but I’d call that follow-up.”
“That’s true. I even told Liesel about that act of kindness.” She chewed on her lower lip. “That was a very nice thing to do, actually.”
His brows lifted. “Talking about me with the locals already, are you? I’m flattered, Miss Caccavale.”
Isabella’s eyes widened. “How’d you know my last name? I mean, no one else in town ever gets it right.” She wasn’t sure what to think, but she couldn’t help but be flattered.
Sidney leaned almost nose-to-nose with her. “At least I got it right. Someone should. Not bad for a guy who hasn’t been in town but a day, don’t you think? I have no idea what you’re talking about with the conversation bombs. Here’s a novel idea. Why don’t you ask me a straightforward question? If you do, I might just give you an honest answer.”
“You’re not forgetful either,” she huffed. “I’m sure if you think about it hard enough, you’ll remember.”
Chapter 12
What was Isabella talking about now? The Lover Boy question? The bad acting comment? Maybe his brain was on a minibreak. For now, Sidney was content watching her. She was correct in that he loved to make her squirm. She was even more attractive when riled. He liked sparring with her. He followed her as she disappeared inside the store again.
“Clyde, I’m back! I appreciate your minding the store. Everything go okay?”
An older gentleman with graying hair and wire-rimmed glasses limped into view.
“No problems. How was your chat with Liesel? Little Paul still got the croup?”
“Colic, and yes, he does. Liesel’s fine except for a lack of decent sleep.”
“Is that city slicker I heard about staying over at Landon’s?”
Isabella’s cheeks colored a pretty shade of pink.
Stepping forward, Sidney offered his hand to the other man. “Hello, Clyde. I don’t want to presume anything, but I might be the aforementioned city slicker. Sidney Prescott.”
The older gentleman shook his hand and laughed heartily. “Yep, using a word like aforementioned, you must be the one. I heard you’re from Boston, young fella, and that you blew into town driving that fancy red Italian sports car everybody’s talking about. Prescott, you say?” Clyde scratched his chin. “Any relation to Caroline and Bryce?”
“Yes, sir. They’re my younger sister and brother. I’m more the black sheep of the family. They’re the ones who do the family proud. And the sports car is only a loaner.”
“Welcome to Evergreen all the same.”
“Thanks.” Sidney darted a glance at Isabella. “It’s been very interesting so far.”
Isabella had moved behind the counter and seemed to be searching for something. “Clyde, did you see a can of shaving cream and a couple of other things? Mr. Prescott left them here this morning, and I put them on the shelf below Cash. I don’t see them now.”
“Oh, sorry. I reshelved them since I didn’t see a note telling me to hold them.”
“No, that’s fine. We can just pull them again.”
“Don’t bother. I’ll get them.” Sidney darted around the aisles, gathering the items while Isabella continued to chat with Clyde.
“Could you prop open the door on your way out?” Isabella called to the older man as he prepared to leave.
“You got it,” Clyde said. “Nice to meet you, Sidney.”
Sidney walked to the end of the aisle. “Same to you, sir.”
“Hope we’ll be seeing you around town. You here long?”
“That’s the question of the hour. I’m thinking at least a couple of weeks.”
“Glad to hear it. I think you’ll find our little town hospitable.” With a polite nod, Clyde began whistling an unfamiliar tune and headed out the door. He forgot the door, so Sidney lodged a wooden wedge beneath it.
Meow.
A black cat lazed in the sunshine outside, at the base of the park bench by the front window. “Well, hello there.” Crouching, Sidney started to scoop the black cat in his arms before he thought better of it. Maybe that wasn’t the best idea. He stroked the cat’s head, and the feline leaned into it, closing his green eyes.
Isabella came to the doorway. “This is Humphrey. You can pet him. He’s friendly. He belongs to a family down the street, but this is his regular hangout.”
“How old is Humphrey?”
“From what Aunt Clara told me, I think he’s about seven. He started coming around when he was a kitten. He’s considered one of our regulars.”
The cat warmed right up to him. Tucking Humphrey under one arm, Sidney dropped onto the bench. He patted the space beside him and gave Isabella what he hoped was an inviting smile. “Sit with me?”
“Why, Top Dog, are you playing nice?”
“I think I am. Not sure how long it’ll last, so you’d better take advantage of my better side while you can. You don’t have a back entrance for customers, do you? You’ll be able to see if anyone comes in?”
“True, but I’m not used to sitting still,” she said. “Evergreen might be considered a sleepy town, but I don’t like being lazy.”
Beneath Sidney’s fingers, a rumble of pleasure came from the cat’s belly. He’d never had a pet, so he was surprised Humphrey seemed to like him. “Somehow I don’t think anyone could ever accuse you of being lazy.”
“Call it downtime then. Like I was having with Gerry this morning, by the way. He’s a local actor and asked me to run lines with him.” Isabella lowered to the bench beside him.
“I figured as much,” he said with a quick grin. “Not without first feeling like an idiot for storming into your backroom like some misguided hero.” Sidney nudged her arm. “For what it’s worth, I’m thankful that scene wasn’t real.”
“I found your concern very sweet. And I’m not dating Joel. We’ve always been”—she raised her fingers in the air to indicate quote marks—“just friends.”
Isabella watched as he continued to stroke the cat. “Besides, I got ‘friend dumped’ last night. Joel’s found someone else he wants to date. So, it looks like it’s just me and Humphrey for a while.”
When she also stroked the cat, Sidney enjoyed the brief touch of her hand next to his. This was nice, sitting on the bench together, talking. When was the last time he’d enjoyed quiet conversation with a woman? No expectations, just conversation?
“Confession time,” he said. “I could have borrowed shaving cream and those other things from Seth.”
“I know, but I’m glad you came by. Do you have a cat in Boston?”
“No. Never had one. Never had a dog either. Animals, marble floors, and priceless works of art aren’t a good mix.”
“Well, then, you’ve missed out on one of the most satisfying things of life. Did you ever want a pet?”
Sidney considered the question. “I didn’t feel like I missed out if that’s what you’re asking.” He shrugged. “You can’t miss what you don’t have, right?”
“True.” Sitting back on the bench, Isabella made a clucking noise. “You poor rich boy. You’ve been so deprived.”
“Now who’s being smug?” In a playful move, Sidney pushed Isabella’s hand aside and then ran his fingers down the middle of Humphrey’s back. “I’m only home to sleep, so that wouldn’t be fair to a pet. It would be pointless to hire someone to walk my own dog.”
“So then you get a cat. They’re very self-sufficient. You don’t even have t
o walk them.”
“But you have to clean out a litter box,” he protested.
“Nothing like cleaning a litter box to keep a man humble.” Tilting her head, Isabella’s smile teased the corners of her lips.
He could get used to that smile, those lips. “Are you suggesting I find a companion?”
“A companion might bring out your softer side.” In a return move, Isabella pushed his hand away so she could pet Humphrey. Her cheeks flushed pink again. He liked making her blush. For the moment, he needed to change the subject.
“Tell me, what do you do in your spare time? Hone your painting skills?”
She laughed. “You and your honing talk. If it’s cold outside, I like to make tea or hot chocolate and curl up on the sofa with a good book.” Isabella clasped her hands on her lap and swung her legs back and forth, reminding him of a kid. In her jeans and T-shirt, her hair scooped back in a high ponytail, she could pass for a college student. Pretty. Spunky. Fresh-faced. Isabella didn’t wear much makeup compared to the other women he knew, except for Caroline.
When he realized she was waiting for him to say something, Sidney forced his thoughts back on-track. “And in the warm weather?”
“I hike, or swim, or take my easel outside and work on those honing skills.” She tossed him a grin. “I’m on the church beautification team, and we plant flowers, trim brushes and trees, paint, things like that. Whatever needs to be done.”
“I haven’t had many opportunities to work with my hands,” Sidney mused.
“You’ve never done community work in Boston? Stuff that’s good for the image?” She snapped her fingers. “Community service to pay off all those speeding tickets?”
“The short answer is no. You won’t see me in a neon orange vest picking up trash by the side of the highway.”
Isabella’s smile sobered. “I think volunteering our time and talents is like anything else. If we’re not exposed to it early on, it’s more of a learned behavior. Have you and Caroline been close through the years?”
Sidney considered the question. “Not really. I hope that doesn’t make me sound like a bad big brother. A bad…person.”
