Free A Man to Trust by Carrie Turansky

over his dad’s eyes. The father played along, pretending he was blind, and staggered around to the delight of his giggling son.
    Adrie smiled as she watched them, then her gaze shifted to Ross.
    He crouched to get a different angle for his next photo. “Save my place. I’ve got to get their names.” He walked over and introduced himself. Then he pulled a small notepad from his back pocket and jotted down their information.
    The line inched ahead slowly. It looked like it would be a few minutes before they got their food, but Adrie didn’t mind. She tapped her foot in time to the song played by the band, while the tantalizing scent of the grilled salmon and roasting corn drifted toward her, making her mouth water. Warm sunshine on her shoulders eased the tightness in her neck and back.
    As she watched Ross, the truth settled in her heart. She was enjoying spending the afternoon with him. He’d surprised her again with his sense of humor and his caring words and actions. She would’ve missed it all if she’d followed her first impulse and said no to her grandmother’s pleas. And that would’ve been a foolish mistake.
    Ross glanced at his watch as he and Adrie walked back toward the bookstore. It was only three forty-five. He didn’t want to say goodbye to her yet, especially now that she finally seemed to be enjoying herself. He shot off a quick prayer, and within seconds, an idea formed in his mind. He sent his silent thanks heavenward.
    “Have you ever been up to Marys Peak?” He shifted the strap of the camera bag and glanced her way. “Les Hawkins was telling me about it the other day. He said there’s a great view from up there.”
    “Les Hawkins, our mailman?” She sent him a quizzical look, but a slight smile teased the corners of her mouth.
    He nodded. “He thought it might be a good place to take photos.”
    Adrie’s smile spread wider, and she broke out in soft laughter.
    “What’s so funny?”
    “You are.”
    “What did I do now?”
    “I can’t believe the way you make friends so easily. You just met Les. He comes in the store no more than five minutes a day, but you’ve already made a connection with him. And it’s not just Les, everywhere we go, people seem drawn to you.”
    He lifted his hands. “What can I say? I like people.”
    “And they seem to like you.”
    He chuckled. “You think so?”
    “Yes, I do.” Her sunny mood seemed to dim a little. “It’s probably because you have such an easygoing personality.” Her brows dipped as though that was a problem.
    “Thanks—I think.”
    “I meant it as a compliment.” She bit her lip and kicked a stray stone across the sidewalk. “Don’t get me wrong. That’s a good quality, but…”
    “But what?”
    “I guess I wish I was more like that.”
    He slowed his steps. “Why would you say that? People like you just the way you are.”
    She turned to him with a skeptical glance. “Really?”
    “Sure. Look at Eric. He likes you.” His tone was teasing, but he hoped she might explain if there was something going on between them.
    “Well, I am not interested in him.”
    “No? Why not?” he asked, keeping his tone light.
    “I’m just not, that’s all.” She picked up the pace again.
    He easily matched her steps, hoping he wasn’t making a mistake by pushing this subject a little further. “He seems like a decent guy.”
    Her cheeks flushed. “I don’t want to get involved with Eric…or anyone else. It wouldn’t make sense, not when I’m probably leaving town.” Her voice trembled slightly, and she shifted her gaze away.
    They walked on in silence for a few seconds and he pondered her words. She seemed to be giving him clear warning that she was not available. But that probably had more to do with her former fiancé’s betrayal and her wounded heart than the future demands of her music career.
    Should he heed that warning and save himself the possible heartache, or try to break through that wall around her heart?