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“Second,” he said, “you absolutely did not deserve—or encourage—what happened to you I saw you hurry inside to get away froer, you’ve never dressed provocatively, invitin’ that kind of attention”

He spoke the truth She wore a navy skirt with a respectable hem, just above the knees, and a short-sleeved, button-down satin blouse in ecru The heels on her comfortable shoes, which matched the color of her skirt, were low and sensible, since she stood most of the day

“Finally,” Ryan concluded, “who is erie you sell?”

She gaped Never in a million years would she have expected Ryan Bain to say such a thing

He chuckled at her startled expression and added, “I’ bad about her, mind you I just think, you know…to each his—or her—own Live and let live That sort of thing”

Ginger nearly melted into her sensible pumps “Wow,” she said, “that’s very open-minded of you”

“Don’t go luroup, darlin’ I’m no troublemaker, but I’ve committed my fair share of sins I’m not one to cast stones” He winked playfully at her and her nipples tightened behind her lacy bra at the intiesture

She’d been the one to e him

“So you don’t find my store offensive?” she ventured

“Not at all I don’t knohat half of this stuff is, but I think every woerie”

She laughed, the tightness in her chest loosening “Typical red-blooded male”

His eyes blazed as he asked, “Were you expecting so different?”

Ginger ad you lived with Jonathan and Lydia after your parents died, and the fact you went to a Christian college to study ministry…”

His jaw clenched briefly He said, “I chose a different path after I left Wilder” He didn’t elaborate further Rather, he changed the subject back to what had happened to her “I hear where you’re coer And I don’t want to cause problems for you I’ll see what I can do when I speak with the sheriff”

She breathed a sigh of relief “Thank you I’d appreciate that”