“You could pass on a few of those lessons, you know.”
“Sorry. I’m not much of a teacher.”
“Like you’re not much of a writer?”
Over the rim of his coffee cup, he blinked at her. When he lowered it, a wrinkle tugged his brows together and the grim set of his lips returned.
“How did you fare during the night?”
Allison allowed the change in subject. She truly didn’t want to travel down this road because, first, he likely wasn’t going to admit his reasons for disliking her, and second, she didn’t want to be the one to put that frown on his face. She wanted to make him smile and laugh. She wanted to bring him joy.
You didn’t manage that before, a voice reminded her. Nothing has changed except for the fact he’s had more practice retreating into his protective shell.
“Not terrible. There were creaks and groans that prevented me from falling asleep right away. It will take some time to get used to being alone in a big house.”
“Your brother will be here before too long.”
Allison didn’t tell him about the idea she’d been pondering for months. While George and Clarissa were happy with the current arrangement, she’d been thinking more and more about setting up her own household, a smaller house with fewer staff in a good section of the city. Of course, that had been before she’d decided to give Trevor a fair shot at winning her heart, a decision goaded by Shane’s presence and the hurtful memories he revived.
He downed the last of his coffee and stood. “Are you interested in a trip to town?”
“Certainly. What did you have in mind?”
“I was thinking I’d introduce you to the woman I told you about... Caroline Turner. The two of you can discuss holiday stuff while I see to business.”
He was pawning her off on a stranger. Allison tried not to let her disappointment show. “What kind of business?”
Striding into the kitchen, he spoke over his shoulder. “Work-related.”
She swallowed the last bite and, gazing longingly at the dish of remaining biscuits, turned away and joined him by the dry sink. “Do you have to resolve another argument among neighbors?”
He took her plate and submerged it in a basin of soapy water. “No. Why?”
“My world is almost completely made up of ledgers and employee disputes and company policy. It’s predictable and mundane. I’d like to see what a typical day for a sheriff is like.”
“My job isn’t as exciting as you might imagine. Sure, there are days when I have to break up fights or investigate crimes. But there are long stretches of inactivity that anyone would consider boring.”
“At least show me the jail.”
“Since the cells are unoccupied at the moment, I can do that.”
“I’d like to see your home, as well.”
“It’s nothing special.”
“Please?”
“Why is it important to you?”
“After I return to Norfolk, and George tells me what you’ve written in your latest letter, I’ll be able to picture you in your jail or your home. Much more satisfying than a blank void.”
He got a funny look on his face...like an apology. Did he regret not contacting her? Was he about to promise to change his ways after this visit? He opened his mouth, apparently searching for the right words.
“I’ll take you after lunch.”
Breaking eye contact, she headed for the exit. “I’ll gather my things.”
Maybe seeing him in his environment wasn’t the best idea. Sure, she’d be able to picture him more easily. But she’d also be able to remember being in those spaces with him. She’d wish she could return and be with him, a future that was out of the realm of possibility.
Not only would he not welcome a second visit from her, but she was determined to give a relationship with Trevor an honest try. That meant cutting all ties to her girlhood dreams.
Caroline Turner was flawless.
She lived in a flawless house and wore flawless clothes that displayed her flawless figure.
Allison sat in the Turners’ sumptuous parlor, sipping golden floral tea from a china cup and listening as the young woman listed Gatlinburg’s holiday-themed events. She exuded quiet elegance. Her white-gold hair was scraped into a neat bun at the base of her neck. A double string of iridescent pearls complemented her off-white bodice, as did the pearl earrings at her ears. She had large, dark blue eyes, almost navy-colored, that weren’t as happy as someone with a flawless life should be. Her smile wasn’t happy, either. It was one a person pinned on for guests.
“We typically have a large turnout for our annual nativity unveiling.” Caroline’s gaze was assessing. “The sheriff doesn’t attend many of our holiday functions. I wonder if that will change this year.”
“He never has been one for social functions.”
“While our humble festivities can’t possibly measure up to what you’re accustomed to, I’m certain you’d enjoy yourself.”
“Norfolk has a great many events to experience, it’s true. However, I’m certain I will enjoy what Gatlinburg has to offer.” Allison placed her cup and saucer on the low coffee table between them. Caroline must’ve seen her eyeing the tray of jumble cookies, because she picked it up and extended it her direction.
“Please, have as many as you’d like.”
“I shouldn’t,” she said, even as the scents of juicy raisins and walnuts teased her nostrils. “I’ve had two already.”
Caroline offered her a sincere smile then, one that lit up her entire face and made her less perfect. “I find them hard to resist myself.” Taking one, she sunk her teeth into it and made a little sound of appreciation. “We only have them around the holidays.”
Allison returned the smile and chose a third cookie.
“I know it’s bad manners to pry, but Shane hasn’t spoken of you before. Or anyone else from his past, for that matter. May I ask how you know each other?”
Having already prepared a standard answer to this exact question, she said, “Shane’s a close friend of my family. He worked for my father.”
“I didn’t realize he’d lived in Virginia.” Brushing imaginary crumbs from her pleated skirts, she remarked, “I’d heard he moved here from Kansas and assumed that was his home state.”
“He’s always been a private person. In fact, he’d be annoyed if he knew you and I were discussing him.”
“I’m afraid he’s invited more scrutiny by keeping your existence a secret.”
“I told him as much myself,” Allison said. “He didn’t appreciate it.”
A husky laugh burst out of her. “I think I’m going to like you, Allison Ashworth. I’m going to relish watching you pull the rug from beneath the staid sheriff’s feet.”
Unsure how to respond, she was grateful when her hostess didn’t probe further. Caroline returned to the topic of Christmas, specifically their custom of assembling gift baskets for the poor. Allison was keen to assist. Charitable endeavors took up much of her free time back home, holidays or no.
A half hour past the time of Shane’s specified return, the teapot