LITMIR.BIZ

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baby they were buying for, looking a little lost among the tiny outfits and fluffy toys. They would put themselves totally at her mercy and take just about anything she suggested.

      It was tempting, but she never took advantage of them.

      Sure that Charlie was finally asleep, Rachel lightly kissed his forehead, inhaling his sweet baby scent, then stepped out into the shop. She spotted her customer wandering around the toy section. He didn’t look the type who would whip out a gold Am Ex card and put her in the black for the month. But there hadn’t been much business today and she welcomed the sight of him. And what a sight indeed.

      He was tall, with thick dark hair and impossibly broad shoulders, outlined by a gray sweatshirt jacket he wore over a T-shirt and worn jeans. The floppy velour bunny in his hand—one of her handmade originals—seemed totally out of synch with his dark intensity. He looked over at her, his brown eyes curious, taking her in, his expression unreadable.

      Rachel felt self-conscious and pushed her curly hair back from her face with her hand. Between the store and Charlie, she didn’t have much time to bother about her appearance. The past few months, she’d gone from urban chic to basic hygiene. But what could you do? Out here in Blue Lake, she didn’t worry about things like that. Not the way she did while living in the city.

      Rachel quickly checked her T-shirt and denim long skirt, looking for apple sauce or spit up stains. All clear. That was some comfort. Summoning her best shopkeeper smile, she stepped forward. “Hi. Can I help you with something?”

      He didn’t answer right away. He looked at the stuffed rabbit in his hand and quickly put it down.

      “I’m just browsing. I was passing through town and thought I’d stop in and take a look around. The store is very…eye-catching.”

      “Thanks.” Rachel smiled, not sure he meant it as a compliment. “I thought the painted lady look might be too much. But it does attract attention.”

      He nodded. “Just about stops traffic. Is this your shop?”

      Rachel smiled proudly. “I opened about a month ago.”

      “Very nice. You make all this stuff yourself?”

      “I design most of the clothes and toys. I look for other items that are handmade or really unique. And I paint all the furniture. I do room murals, too,” she said, glancing over at the far wall that was painted with a scene of a nursery rhyme, “Hey Diddle, Diddle.” The opposite side of the store was painted with the tea party scene from Alice In Wonderland and behind the cash register, there was a magical, misty garden, filled with flowers and fairies.

      “You’re very talented.”

      Rachel smiled and shrugged. “I’m okay. Painting is the fun part. I haven’t gotten any calls yet for the wall murals, but business is picking up.”

      He didn’t say anything, just slowly smiled, deep dimples creasing his lean cheeks that were touched with five o’clock shadow. He had a dimple in his chin, too, she noticed. Just like Charlie. She wondered if her son would grow up to be half as handsome as this guy. She’d have to teach him not to be a heartbreaker.

      “Do you own the building, or just lease this space?”

      The question seemed a little odd, but maybe the guy was into real estate or thinking of opening a shop in town himself. “I own the building,” she said simply.

      Before she could say more, Charlie’s sharp cry cut through the air. The man turned to listen, his expression shocked, as if he’d never heard a baby before.

      “That’s my son. He’s taking a nap. Or was taking a nap. Can you excuse me, please? I’ll be right back.”

      “That’s okay… You’d better go check on him.” The man watched her dash off. Still looking stunned. Surprised she had her baby with her? Maybe…

      Rachel ran back to the nursery and scooped Charlie up in her arms, patting his back to comfort him. She checked his diaper and found it dry. His pacifier subdued the sobs, but there seemed no sense trying to settle him down again. The little stinker was wide awake. And she had a customer waiting. She grabbed his comfort toy, a white dog with a spot over one eye, and dashed out to the shop again.

      Her customer stood near the counter, right where she’d left him. He had his back to her, but quickly turned when he heard her steps.

      “This is Charlie. He likes to be where the action is,” Rachel said, introducing them.

      “Hello, Charlie. Hey, guy…I’m your…I’m Jack. ”

      He spoke quietly, staring at Charlie in the oddest way. Then looked up at her and blinked, his eyes suddenly glassy. The color drained from his lean cheeks and he suddenly looked pale as paper. Rachel feared he was about to faint.

      She reached out and touched his arm. “Are you all right? Do you want to sit down?”

      He forced a smile and shook his head. Then took a deep breath and straightened to his full height again.

      “I’m okay. Honest. I’ve been driving all day. Must have drunk too much coffee.”

      “Maybe,” Rachel agreed, still feeling concerned. “Would you like some water?”

      “No, thanks. I’m fine now. See?” He smiled at her again, looking embarrassed at his momentary lapse.

      Wow, he was handsome. It had been a boring day, but this guy sure made up for it.

      He was looked down at Charlie again, then met her gaze. He swallowed hard before he spoke. “Your little boy is beautiful. How old is he?”

      “Ten months. I made a nursery for him down here in the shop so he can hang out with me all day.”

      “That’s nice… So, you don’t believe in daycare?”

      Rachel shrugged. “I used to work in an office and Charlie was with a nanny. Nine to five, and even longer. I hardly saw him. After a few months, I knew I had to figure out something different. Something that was right for me. I’m all he’s got,” she added.

      She wasn’t sure why she’d told him that last part. What did it matter to him if she was single, or not? She usually preferred not to even go there. People had too many prying questions.

      He didn’t though, luckily.

      He didn’t say anything in reply, but was still staring at her, studying her with that odd, amazed look on his face. It made her feel self-conscious. Maybe she reminded him of somebody?

      “By the way, my name is Rachel Reilly.” Rachel set Charlie down in a seat on the counter top between them. Jack watched as she strapped the baby in.

      “Jack Sawyer,” he said. “I’m pleased to meet you, Rachel.”

      His expression seemed serious again. His dark gaze met hers and held it. Rachel felt something flash between them. Some flash of attraction that went deep, the kind she hadn’t felt in a long time.

      The phone rang, calling her back to reality. Rachel looked over at it, but didn’t pick it up. Jack Sawyer had been her only customer this afternoon, but so far, she’d spent little time trying to sell him anything.

      “You can pick it up if you like. I’m not in a rush.”

      Rachel hesitated a second, then reached for the phone. Jack turned his full attention to Charlie, who had grasped his stuffed dog in two hands and now kicked his feet so hard one of his blue and white striped socks was slipping off.

      Rachel picked up the phone, answering it with a smile. “Pretty Baby. May I help you?”

      “Miss Reilly? It’s George Nolan. Sorry it took so long to get back to you.”

      Rachel’s good mood instantly curdled. “Mr. Nolan, thanks for finally returning my calls,” My many, many calls. “So, what’s going on? Are you going to do the roof or not?”

      Rachel

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