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“What did you think of the library?”

“It’s a Every wall is lined with books They really need to be evaluated and that’s beyond my expertise I should have a friend of mine from Halifax come over Even without the books, there are all those solid any cases and the old silk settee and there’s one particular pie-crust table that caught my eye”

She realized she’d gotten slightly carried away

“So now you understand,” he said softly “The house is to me what the library is to you”

“Old and dirty?” She tried totrue and they both knew it He’d known exactly where to hit her for maximum impact

She was still planning on putting it on thespecial about that library that called to her It felt like … ho on her emotions

Loud voices caether in a frown When Abby turned around, she saw the waitress arguing with thedarts “You’re cut off, Rick Sorry”

Rick’s reply was succinct and made Abby’s ears burn “Friend of yours?” she asked quietly

“You could say that” He sighed “Rick Sullivan I greith hi back from … well, wherever he was deployed No one’s said” He finished off his beer and stood “Maybe I’ve given you so to think about, anyway And Abby?” He paused by her chair “Don’t forget to enjoy yourself a bit while you’re in town Do so Go out for a sail See what the town has to offer Youwhat you see” He put his hand on her shoulder as he passed by “Good night”

“Good night,” shefrom the innocent touch His assess and there had been none of the longing looks tonight that a girl knew uy was interested But it didn’t stop the warers on her shoulder Or the way his last words had been absent of any hostility or sarcasenuine invitation, a welcome to the town An invitation she was almost inclined to accept

She turned in her seat, watching hi the other man from view for a few seconds She couldn’t hear what they said, but a minute later they went up to the bar Tom pulled some bills froether, To behind while Rick weaved his way to the door He was a good friend, helping this Rick guy when it would have

been just as easy to mind his own business

A fewthe bill Tanya came to the table to clear the dishes, but surprised Abby by saying, “Tom looked after your dinner and said to tell you welcome to town”

“He did what?” She hadn’t expected that And she ood graces but she got the is Toesture

“You’re the one that’s inherited the old Foster place, right?”