in two ticks.”
“Thank you.” Carrie looked around before heading for the booth farthest away from the counter. She took off her coat, tossed it over the seat and slid close to the window. Rain slid in continuous zigzags down the glass, blurring the view of the street. She pulled her cell phone from her bag and hovered her finger over her mother’s number. She longed to hear Belle’s voice but knew it would be pathetic to call again so soon. She’d only left her at her parents’ house the day before. If she was going to do what she came to do, she had to be strong.
Yet, as strong and succinct as she was in her working life, Carrie couldn’t remember a time she’d felt so alone since burying Gerard. Seeing Scott again had not only evoked dormant sexual yearning, it had brought on an explosion of further guilt and betrayal toward Gerard. How was she going to handle these conflicting emotions? Heat rose in her face. She was a horrible, horrible person.
The soft brush of approaching footsteps broke through her melancholy and Carrie looked up. The woman from behind the counter placed Carrie’s cappuccino on the table, followed by a brightly decorated Christmas plate donning her grinning Santa cookie.
The baker slid onto the opposite seat and set down her teacup before meeting Carrie’s gaze. “I’m Marian. Welcome to Templeton.” She offered her hand and glanced toward the window. “I promise the Cove isn’t always this gray and damp.”
Carrie shook Marian’s hand and smiled. “Carrie Jameson, and I know just how sunny Templeton can be. You have a beautiful town.”
“We do...and a lot of visitors.”
Carrie tensed and braced herself for whatever was coming next. Marian might appear friendly but her gaze was dark with curiosity. Small towns, more often than not, equaled little anonymity.
Marian lifted a brow. “So you know Templeton? I don’t remember seeing you around here before.”
Carrie took a sip of her coffee and its delicious rich and chocolaty taste slid warm and comforting down her throat. “That’s because the last time I was here, coffee was way down on the agenda.”
“Want to tell me what was on the agenda...and when?”
“You’re not very backward in coming forward, are you?” Carrie struggled to fight her smile.
Marian grinned. “Nope. If you’re here to stay for the holidays and like your coffee, you’ll soon get to know me and realize how keen I am to know who’s who in town. I love Templeton as much as I love my George. I like to know who everyone is.”
“Well, as delicious as your coffee is, I won’t be here for the holidays. I was here a while ago on a weekend trip with friends.” Carrie smiled wryly. “Although, that seems a lifetime ago now.”
Marian frowned. “But you had a good time?”
Far too good. Carrie forced a smile. “Yes. Templeton’s lovely.”
“So you like the Cove, but you’re not here for the holidays.” Marian frowned. “Are you here on some unfinished business?”
Despite Marian’s unabashed interrogation, Carrie warmed to this gray-haired baker with soft, motherly curves and keen inquisitiveness. She glanced toward the window. “I’m here to deliver a message. Then I’ll be heading straight home.”
“I see.” Marian raised her teacup to her lips, her gaze steady above the rim. “And I guess by the sudden hint of sadness in your eyes, the recipient of this message is a man.”
Carrie’s wavering defenses slotted back into place. “Maybe.”
Marian grinned. “There’s no maybe about it. What’s his name?”
“You don’t give up easily, do you?” Carrie raised an eyebrow.
“Nope.”
“I don’t like to be rude, but I’d rather not say.”
Marian’s smile dissolved, but she shrugged good-naturedly. “Fair enough.”
They lapsed into silence and Carrie watched Marian as she drank. For some reason, she could imagine her in a big, dusty bookshop, browsing the shelves and gossiping. Although, she suspected the baker’s laughter was a loud boom rather than a snigger and might not be too welcome in a bookshop. Yet, Carrie would bet money it was a laugh that people loved.
She shook off her burgeoning fondness for this woman and looked toward the window. She had to be on her guard and not get drawn into any semblance of friendship while she was there. One look into Scott’s eyes told Carrie the man was private. Guarded. She wasn’t entirely different. The last thing she wanted was to inadvertently add more fuel to an already burning fire by spreading their business all over town.
The bell over the door announced a new arrival and Carrie darted her gaze to the entrance. The man who came in was tall with blond hair and a fit, athletic physique. He ran his hand over his short-cropped hair and looked to Marian. His face broke into a wide smile. “There she is. One of the usual when you’re ready, my darling.”
“Can’t you see I’m having a sit-down? Come here and meet Carrie. She’s in town visiting awhile.”
Carrie inwardly grimaced. She didn’t want any more people knowing her name. She’d been in Templeton less than twenty-four hours and it seemed everyone was far too keen to introduce themselves to her...thus forcing her to be civil in return.
The man strode forward, his head bent as he shrugged out of his jacket. He looked up, and the moment he met Carrie’s eyes, he drew to a sharp stop. “Oh, no. You’re blonde.”
Carrie glanced from his wide-eyed stare to Marian and back again. “So are you.”
He glared. “Not funny. You’re new in town and you’re blonde.”
Marian shifted in her seat. “What’s the matter with you, Nick? That’s no way to say hello to a lady the first time you meet. Now show some manners. This is Carrie Jameson.” She smiled at Carrie. “Carrie, this is Nick Carson, Templeton’s resident superstar DJ.”
Carrie held out her hand despite her unease. “Nice to meet you.”
Nick stared at her with open dislike. He took her hand in his but instead of shaking and releasing, he held it firmly. “Are you in town to see Scott Walker, by any chance?”
Shock caught Carrie’s breath in her throat and she snatched her hand from his. She shot her gaze to Marian. “I’d better go. It was nice—”
“Have you seen him yet?”
Nick’s demand turned her head and Carrie narrowed her eyes, her spine rigid. “I don’t know who you’re talking about. I really need to go.” She shimmied along the seat and stood.
He crossed his arms. “Scott doesn’t need any trouble. Why don’t you go back to wherever it is you’ve come from and leave the man in peace? He’s got plans. Plans that don’t need altering.”
Irritation flared like a lit flint behind her ribcage and Carrie glared, grateful to vent some frustration on this arrogant idiot...all semblance of friendliness vanishing. “Is that so? Well, unfortunately
