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“I decided not to leave,” she admitted, thinking the truth was always easier. “I was halfway to my truck when I realized there was nothing waiting for me in Seattle, and spending a few weeks here sounded like fun. I have a part-time job at Judy’s Hand Pies. I’ll be manning the food cart at lunchtime, and I’ve rented a room from a nice lady who lives in a beautiful Victorian house.”

“Kathy Vieira,” he said, his gaze never leaving hers. “She’s good people. I’m glad you stayed. I wish you’d called me.”

She grinned. “How would I have done that?”

“You’re right. We didn’t exchange numbers.” He moved closer and pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Let’s take care of that right now.” He started typing. “Shaye . . .”

“Harper.” She gave him her number, and he immediately texted back his contact info.

He tucked his phone away. “You’re really here. I’m glad.”

“It’s just for the month.”

“That’s a whole lot longer than I had yesterday. I’m happy you came to see me.”

She laughed. “Don’t take this wrong, but I’m actually here to buy a kit to rebuild a carburetor. You’re just the gift with purchase.”

He grinned. “I can live with that. Are you having trouble with your car?”

“No. My little pickup is doing fine. Kathy has a car in her garage. I might get in over my head, but I offered to rebuild the engine and put it all back together.”

His expression changed to that of a six-year-old boy on Christmas morning. “No way. She still has the Mustang? I would have thought she would have sold it after Douglas died.”

“It’s in her garage. The bodywork’s all done, and you should see the amazing job someone did on the upholstery. All that’s left is rebuilding the engine and putting her back together.”

“Can I help? Putting her back together would be a dream.”

“That would be great,” Shaye told him. “I’m comfortable with the engine, but the assembly seems a little daunting.”

They agreed they would be in touch to figure out when he would drop by to see how she was doing, then he helped her with the carburetor kit. All the while they talked, Shaye told herself she had to be careful. Liking Lawson was one thing, but being an idiot for a guy was another. She was only in town a few weeks. She could hang out with him, get to know him, but then she would be moving on. Expecting more than something casual would be foolish, and she’d sworn she was never going to be a fool for a guy ever again.

Chapter Four

Lawson spent the morning watching the clock. One of his service guys had a doctor’s appointment, so he filled in, doing a couple of quick oil changes, then sat in on an interview for the new bookkeeper. Lately Vince had wanted him to participate in all the interviews—part of his on-the-job training for when he bought the business.

Most days Lawson loved his job. He liked the work, the other employees and the customers and looked forward to taking responsibility for it all. Just not today. Today he couldn’t stop thinking about Shaye and the fact that she’d stayed.

Even as he told himself she was only in town for a few weeks, he couldn’t stop wondering what had changed her mind. While he wanted to think it was him, he knew there were other factors. Still, he’d been given a shot, and he planned to make the most of the opportunity.

She’d said she was taking out the food cart at lunchtime. During Christmas in July, many vendors offered food in The Wreath, taking advantage of the influx of tourists. Lawson knew she would be plenty busy and wouldn’t have much time to talk, so he decided to wait until near the end of her shift. That way he could walk her back to the store. As far as he was concerned, the more time he spent with her the better. He hadn’t been this interested in a woman in a long time. Yes, she’d said she was leaving, but so far that hadn’t happened.

About two fifteen, he walked over to The Wreath. There were several food carts set up around the perimeter of the big circle, but it only took him a second to spot her. She was talking to a woman with a couple of kids, pointing to the menu, as if explaining what was available.

He paused to enjoy the view. She’d pulled her long red hair back into a thick braid that fell to the middle of her back. She had a bright yellow Judy’s Hand Pies polo shirt tucked into faded jeans and a small apron tied around her waist. She was petite but gorgeous. He gave himself about thirty seconds to admire her butt before heading over to her cart.

He got in line behind an older couple, then waited for her to notice him. She glanced up, saw him, smiled, then blushed slightly.

She was so pretty, he thought, doing his best not to grin like a fool. Big green eyes, a few freckles, and an easy smile. She was the total package, and he was going to do his best not to screw this up.

“I’m out of everything,” she told him when it was his turn. “People love hand pies.”

“Don’t worry. I can grab something else. I just wanted to stop by and say hi.” He pointed to the store. “I’ll walk you back.”

“Thanks.”

“How was your first day?”

“Busy. I had no idea the cart would be so popular. I had a line the whole time. But it was fun.”