Free A Man to Trust by Carrie Turansky Page B

slow deep breath to steady herself, but that just intensified the delicious scent.
    He reached for his coffee and took a drink, but he didn’t look her way. “Okay. I’ll add those to the order.”
    Frustration zinged through her nerves. Why was he so focused and businesslike today? Where was the lighthearted banter they usually enjoyed?
    She sat on the stool again, her spirit sinking lower. What did she expect? She was the one who told him that she didn’t want to get involved with Eric or anyone—namely him. Talk about squelching a guy’s hopes. But what else could she say? She needed to maintain her distance so neither of them got hurt. That was the right decision…wasn’t it?
    Her stomach twisted into a sour knot. She rubbed her forehead, trying to ease the pounding over her eyebrows. She needed to take a break before she said or did something she would regret. “I’m going to make some chai.” She stood and walked around the counter.
    The bell over the front door jingled. George Bradford stepped in and glanced around the store. Spotting Adrie and Ross, he lifted his hand and waved to them.
    A flash of concern shot through Adrie. She had hoped Nana’s old beau might only be in town for a short time, but it looked like this was either a long visit or a permanent move.
    A slight wave of guilt washed over her. She wanted her grandmother to be happy, truly she did. And reconnecting with George had certainly lifted her grandmother’s spirits.
    “Morning, Adrie. Ross.” George’s gaze traveled around the store. “Is Marian in?”
    Ross stood. “Sorry, George, she’s not here right now.” He glanced at Adrie, silently asking if they should tell him more.
    She nodded, thankful he picked up on her concern.
    “She’s getting a haircut,” Ross added.
    “When do you expect her back?”
    “Not until later this afternoon.”
    He nodded slowly. “Well, perhaps I could write her a note.”
    “Sure.” Ross took pad of paper and pen from the back counter. “Here you go.”
    George’s eyes lit up, and he pointed to Ross’s camera sitting on the counter by the computer. “That looks like a nice Canon.”
    “It is.” Ross picked it up and held it out to George. “Sounds like you know your cameras.”
    George chuckled. “That’s been my business for almost forty years.” He lifted the camera to his eye and adjusted the focus. “In fact, that’s why I came back to Fairhaven.”
    Ross cocked his head. “What do you mean?”
    George handed the camera back. “My sister, Claudia, and her husband, Ray, own Clarkson’s Photography over on Harris Street. Ray has some health issues that are slowing him down, and since I’m retired, they asked if I could come out and keep the studio running for a few months while Ray is on the mend.”
    So this wasn’t just a short visit, Adrie noted.
    “I’ve seen some of Ray’s photos,” Ross said. “He’s a very talented guy.”
    “You’re familiar with Ray’s work?”
    Ross nodded. “I had my own photo studio for a couple years. I still do some work on the side.”
    “Is that right? Well, no wonder you have such a nice camera.”
    Ross grinned and walked around the sales counter. “Would you like a cup of coffee, George?”
    “As a matter of fact, I would. Thanks.” He patted Ross on the shoulder, and they walked toward the café discussing the latest lens Ross has purchased for his camera.
    It looked like Ross had found a way to connect with George. No surprise there. But would all this talk about photography draw Ross away from his commitment to the bookstore? How long would George be in town? Would he and her grandmother remain friends, or was he hoping for something more?

Chapter Eight
    R oss grabbed a bale of hay out of the trunk of his car and turned to Adrie. “Where do you want this?” The twine cut into his hands as he waited for her answer, but he didn’t mind. This was a chance to help her with a project that seemed important to her.
    Yesterday