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u find what you like and can point you in the right direction of any shops you might want to visit. I have your number. I’ll check with you in a little while, see if you need a lift back.”
“That’s nice of you, but I don’t want to put you out. It’s not that far of a walk.” She couldn’t imagine any other motel manager going to such lengths for a guest.
“On a nice day, it’s doable, but not in the winter. I’m already in town. It’s no imposition.”
“Then thank you.”
Even though there were several books on her reader Lillian hadn’t gotten to yet, she liked the idea of killing time by searching for a title or two in paperback. The building even smelled old, she reflected as she stepped inside and spotted the eighty-something librarian behind the check-out counter. Always before, she had Liana to recommend books and compare their likes and dislikes with. It was her sister who turned Lillian into an avid reader, and as she walked toward the counter, her stomach cramped from another painful reminder of her loss.
“Good morning. Are you all right, dear?” The older woman shuffled toward her with a frown of concern.
“Yes, I’m fine,” Lillian rushed to assure her as a short brunette wearing wide, dark-framed glasses approached the desk carrying several books. She waved an airy hand around her face, remembering the now sickly shades of yellow and green her bruises had faded into. “This mishap occurred several days ago. I’m only in town a few more days while my car’s getting fixed. Would a temporary library card be possible?”
The brunette set her books down and swiveled to look at Lillian with a surprised expression that switched to curiosity. “You must be Doc’s stranded guest. Hi, I’m Avery Monroe, the sheriff’s wife.” She held out a hand and her coat fell open to reveal a small baby bump.
“That would be me, Lillian Gillespie.” She took her hand wishing she possessed a fraction of the other woman’s curves.
“You have to join me at the tea shop after you get your books and tell us about having our good doctor all to yourself for almost three days. We’re dying of curiosity.” Avery’s eyes sparkled and her teasing grin was contagious.
Small town living, don’t ya just love it? Lillian thought back to the intense heat of that hour by the fireplace, not all of it coming from the flames crackling in front of her naked body. “Word travels fast around here, doesn’t it? I hate to burst your bubble, but there’s not much to tell. Mitchell wasn’t too happy about having me there, but we both made the best of it.” It wasn’t as if she could tell a stranger something so private. It would likely shock Avery to hear how Lillian had obeyed his commands without much thought or hesitation. Heck, just thinking about her easy capitulation was a jolting reminder of how desperate she’d been for anything that would take her mind off facing the rest of her life without her twin and best friend at her side.
“Avery, why don’t you show Lillian where to find the genres she’s interested in. I’m Willa, dear, and yes, I’ll have a temporary card ready for you when you’ve made your selections,” the librarian said, handing her an information sheet to fill out.
“Sure, I’d love to. It’s always fun to browse with someone who still enjoys reading print books.” As soon as the two of them moved away from the counter, Avery whispered, “Please tell me there was more to your stay in the woods than that.”
Seeing no polite way to refuse, Lillian pasted on a smile. The other woman’s enthusiasm for gossip reminded her of Liana and how her sibling thrived on involving herself in her author’s lives. “Sorry. He was a congenial host, well, except for his penchant for bossiness. The man never asked, just demanded.”
Avery chuckled as she led Lillian toward the suspense section. “I know what you mean. My husband is the same way.”
“And you don’t mind?”
She shrugged. “Sometimes, but he has a way of making it worth not arguing too much.”
“Huh. Well, no offense, but great sex still isn’t worth putting up with overbearing bossiness.”
“No, but awesome sex is, and besides, Grayson only turns really demanding and firm when he’s concerned for me over something. That’s nice, to know he cares so much. I never had that before him. Have you read this?” Avery pulled out a mystery thriller. “It’s very good and has a surprise ending.”
“I love surprise endings.” Lillian took the book, envying the other woman’s happiness and speculating about whether the perks from a committed, close relationship were worth putting up with a domineering man on occasion.
“Stick around here long enough and you might get one of your own, like me. So, what do you say?” Avery asked as they strode back to the counter “Do you have time for a cup of tea with me?”
I have nothing else to do, nowhere to go and no one else. And wasn’t that the sad truth? “I’d love to. Thank you.”
Chapter 5
The tea shop reminded Lillian of the coffee bar she often visited back home with its small dining area and long glass-enclosed counter showcasing sweets to go with the list of teas and coffees. She followed Avery to one of the round tables with wrought iron legs and matching chairs as the woman behind the counter glanced up with a welcoming smile.
“Hey, girlfriend. You’re early, but that’s fine by me. It’s been slow this morning.” Coming around the counter, the rich hue of her mink brown hair grazed her shoulders as she eyed Lillian out of light brown eyes. When she reached the table, she didn’t shy away from eying her bruises with a wince. “Please don’t say you ran into a wall.”
Lillian chuckled. She liked her open candor. “Funny, that’s almost the same thing Mitchell said. The man who did this is history and no longer a threat.”
“Well, that’s good to know.” She thrust out a hand. “Mitchell, huh? You must be his rescued guest. I’m Nan.”
She shook Nan’s hand, wondering at all the interest in the local doctor’s personal life. He was hot, yes, but given both women wore sparkling wedding rings, she doubted they were pining for male companionship. “I’m Lillian, and I’m not Mitchell’s anything and prefer to keep it that way.”
“Do tell but let me get you something first. I recommend the cherry green tea or sweet blackberry black tea to go with a cinnamon scone.” Flicking Avery a look, she said, “Only green for you. The last time I caved and gave you the loaded coffee you wanted, Master Grayson reamed me good for abetting you in sneaking caffeine.”
“That’s not as bad as what he did to me.” Avery sent Lillian a quick look and blushed before rolling her eyes and nudging her glasses back up. “We were just discussing bossy men and I told Lillian I don’t mind it when my husband goes all caveman on me, but sheesh, his overprotectiveness has gone off the charts since I got pregnant.”
