The Bachelor Project

“Fine.” He seemed to be moving around. She heard footsteps, then the rustle of paper. “My aunt’s out of town.”

Should she admit she knew? Somehow, telling Ethan about Bess’s phone call and request seemed disloyal to the older lady. So Robin settled on the very neutral “Really?”

“Yes, she’s gone to San Antonio for a few days to visit friends.” Another pause, this one silent. “I was wondering how you were doing. Settling in okay?”

“I’m fine. No more scary critters,” she said with a chuckle. She settled on the arm of the taupe-and-cream damask sofa, wondering if he knew why he’d called…or if he planned to let her in on the secret.

“Good.” He was moving around again. She heard the pop of a cap, then the sound of him drinking. She didn’t know what beverage he was consuming, but she could almost see the strong column of his neck as he swallowed. The image made her own throat go dry.

“I’m not exactly a brilliant conversationalist, am I,” he said with humor in his voice.

“I’m not doing a great job, either, and I usually spend a lot of time on the phone.”

“In your job?”

“Yes. Talking to clients and suppliers. Setting up appointments and checking inventories. Sometimes I call all over Texas, trying to track down one particular piece I’ve seen at a show or at a vendor’s booth.”

“You’re not working now, are you?”

“No, not while I’m staying in Ranger Springs.” She missed her work, but she couldn’t establish a new clientele for only two months in a town the size of this one. Besides, thinking about her life back in Houston would only make her more vulnerable to a friendly voice and a fetching smile. She needed to keep a clear mind about Bess’s nephew, no matter how much she enjoyed his attention.

After all, he might be lonely, as Bess had mentioned. His call might not be personal. She frowned at the idea of being just another voice on the end of the phone line.

“I suppose you have a lot of free time,” he remarked.

His statement left a lot unsaid, but still caused her pulse to accelerate. “Yes, too much, actually. Since I’ve already toured the town and I can’t redecorate the house I’m staying in, I’m at a loss for things to do.”

Another swallow. Another pause. “Would you like to go to dinner?”

“Because you think I’m bored?” she asked cautiously. “Or do you ask all the newcomers in your town to dinner?”

He fell silent, as if she’d surprised him. Perhaps she had. She’d startled herself by abruptly asking for honesty—but she’d rather watch summer reruns than go on a pity date with a man as appealing as Ethan Parker.

“No, because I’d like to take you to one of my favorite places. And I thought you might like to see a little more of the Hill Country.”

“In that case, I’d love to go to dinner with you,” she said as her heart rate hiked a little higher. And as she told herself again that she shouldn’t think of it as going on an actual date with the police chief. “When?”

“Tomorrow night?”

“Great.” And to pay him back for this date, which was probably part reluctant attraction, part neighborly duty, she could ask him over for a meal. Then Bess would be happy, and Robin wouldn’t have to intrude in the other lady’s kitchen—or in Ethan’s house. After she’d fulfilled her responsibility to Ethan’s aunt, she could make it clear that she wasn’t going to get romantically involved with anyone right now—no matter how appealing and friendly he was.

She’d become so much more aware of responsibility lately, when she’d disappointed the wedding party and guests. But she had an obligation to the truth, too. Getting married for the wrong reasons was an even worse offense. Surely her family and friends would realize that soon. Perhaps many of them already did. Great-aunt Sylvia understood, or maybe she was simply relieved, since she hadn’t been overjoyed even with the engagement.

In two months or so, Robin hoped she could return to her life without seeing disappointment on the faces of those she loved. And if they couldn’t accept her decision to call off the wedding…well, perhaps they didn’t love her as much as she thought.

So she’d keep her word to Bess, and she’d be honest with Ethan. She wasn’t looking for a new life in a small town any more than he seemed to want a serious relationship.

ETHAN THOUGHT THE NIGHT had gone rather well. He’d successfully controlled his attraction to Robin all through the early evening drive on nearly deserted country highways. Robin had been delighted with the steep hills, winding roads, abundant trees and quaint stone houses; he’d been captivated by her enjoyment of the simple ride through the Hill Country. He’d resisted touching her hand, stroking her arm, or running his fingers through her silky blond hair whenever he glanced at her.

All through dinner, he’d been the perfect gentleman. He’d held out her chair, refusing to lean forward and nuzzle her neck when his libido urged him closer. He’d ignored the low light and candles on each table, and the glorious sunset they’d witnessed together through the multipaned windows. He’d laughed, listened and truly enjoyed the companionship during a delicious meal of German specialties at one of his favorite restaurants. They’d both been too full of the good, hearty food to stay for dessert, so there was nothing left to do but return, just after twilight, to Ranger Springs.

Robin was quiet during the thirty-minute drive, but whenever Ethan glanced at her, he noticed a slight smile on her face. Yes, the evening had gone well. He didn’t believe she suspected how nervous he’d been about asking her out to dinner, nor did she know of his heightened awareness of her during the meal.

All in all, his Aunt Bess would be proud of him.

As he pulled the Bronco into the driveway of the Franklin home, the night surrounded them like a black glove. The porch lights Robin had turned on earlier seemed far away from the gravel drive where he’d parked. As soon as he turned off the engine, the silence of the night added to the sense of isolation. Not since he’d been a hormone-laden young man could he remember feeling such charged anticipation.

“I had a good time tonight, Ethan.” Her voice sounded as soft as the velvet darkness outside.

He unbuckled his seat belt and turned toward her, thankful for the bucket seats that separated them. Otherwise, he’d be sorely tempted to pull her into his arms and claim that the night wasn’t yet over.

But it was. He had to accept the fact that Robin Cummings was not for him. He wasn’t about to let his physical attraction for her overrule his common sense. She was here only temporarily; he’d established a new life for himself in this small town. She belonged among the wealthy clients and excitement of the city; he never wanted to live among the crowds and crime of a metropolitan area again.

So he settled on a bland response. “I had a good time, too.”

She removed her seat belt, then turned in the seat until she faced him. “I liked the restaurant very much. I’d forgotten how strong the German influence is here in the Hill Country.”

“Most people do, despite the names of the towns that give away the heritage of their founders.”

Robin chuckled. “It’s been a long time since I took Texas history.”

“Not as long as it’s been for me.”

“You can’t be that old.”

“Thirty-two, not that I’m counting.”

“You’re from Texas originally?”

She sounded genuinely interested. Despite his intention to leave as quickly as possible to reduce any chance of acting on his attraction, he wanted to answer her question. “Yes, I grew up in a little town called West.”

“I know West. I’ve shopped for antiques there.”