Free A Christmas to Die For by Marta Perry Page B

spatterware."
    His eyebrows lifted. "And I would recognize spatterware how?"
    She glanced around, found a shelf filled with china, and lifted a plate down. "This is it. Fairly heavy, brightly painted tableware. Very typical of Pennsylvania Dutch ware."
    Tyler bent over the plate, his hand brushing hers as he touched it. "So I'm looking for gaudy plates with chickens on them."
    Laughter bubbled up. "I'll have you know that's not a chicken, it's a peafowl."
    "I doubt any real bird would agree with that."
    The amusement that filled his eyes sent another ripple of warmth through her. For a moment she didn't want to move. She just wanted to stand there with their hands touching and their gazes locked. His deep-blue eyes seemed to darken, and his fingers moved on hers.
    She took a step back, her breathing uneven. It was some consolation that the breath he took was a bit ragged, as well.
    "I…I should see where Phil has gotten to. Usually he comes right out when the bell rings." She walked quickly to the office door, gave a cursory knock and opened it. "Phil, are you in here?"
    A quick glance told her he wasn't, but the door that led to the alley stood open, letting in a stream of cold air. She crossed to the door, hearing Tyler's footsteps behind her.
    "Phil?"
    A panel truck sat at the shop door, and two men were loading a piece of furniture, carefully padded with quilted covers. Phil stood by, apparently to be sure they did it right. He looked toward her at the sound of her voice.
    "Rachel, hello. I didn't hear you. And Mr. Dunn."
    "Tyler, please." He was so close behind her that his breath stirred her hair when he spoke. And she shouldn't be so aware of that.
    "I wanted to let you know we're here. I can see you're busy, so we'll look around." She glanced at the man lifting the furniture into the van, but his head was turned away as he concentrated on his work. Youngish, long hair—not anyone she recognized.
    "Fine." Phil made shooing motions with his hands. "Go back in where it's warm. I'll be with you in a few minutes."
    "Okay." Shivering a little, she hurried back to the showroom, relieved when Tyler closed the office door on the draft. "It's good that he's occupied. We can look at a few more things without listening to a sales pitch." She took the inventory from Tyler's hand. "Let's see what we can find."
    By concentrating firmly on furniture, she filled the next few minutes with talk of dower chests, linen presses and pie cupboards, because if she didn't, she'd be too aware of the fact that Tyler stood next to her, looking at her as often as at the pieces of furniture she pointed out.
    Finally the office door opened and Phil came in, rubbing his hands together briskly. "There, all finished at last. That lot is headed to a dealer in Pittsburgh."
    "Do you have some new help?" she asked.
    Phil shook his head. "Just a couple of guys I use sometimes for deliveries. Now, what can I show you today?"
    "How about showing me the brochure for the Christmas House Tour?"
    "Now, Rachel, didn't I tell you I'd bring it over?"
    "You did. You also said I'd have it yesterday."
    She was vaguely aware of Tyler taking the inventory from her and sliding it into his pocket. Well, fair enough. She could understand his not wanting to share that information with anyone.
    Phil threw his hands up in an exaggerated gesture. "Mea culpa. You're right, you're right, it's not finished yet."
    "Phil, that's not fair." She didn't mind letting the exasperation show in her voice. This house tour had turned into a much bigger headache than she'd imagined. "You know that has to go to the printer, and the tour is coming up fast."
    He stepped closer, reaching out as if he'd put his hand on her shoulder and then seeming to think better of it. "Forgive me, please? I know I promised, but you wouldn't believe how busy the shop has been lately."
    "I'm happy for you. But the house tour is designed to help everyone's business, remember?"
    "I'll finish it tonight and bring