Loving Hearts Read Online Free Page A

tread where it had been, she sent it in a new direction. “So tell me about the research.” She leaned against the seat bench. “What type of information are you looking for?”
    “The mast, for one thing,” he said. “I need to replace the original one, and I’m weighing the choices. Solid wood—Sitka spruce or Douglas fir. Or possibly laminated. That’s less expensive, but then I need to worry about the glue. Maybe aluminum. I’m not sure what I want. Then I’m considering upgrading the furling system.”
    “Can’t help you there,” she said, “but I’m sure we can find some information at the library.”
    “I figured you’d know where to look.” He pushed his index finger against the center of his spectacles and looked at her as if he had something else to say…but he didn’t.
    “Thanks for the company. I’d better get back to work,” Esther said, opening her wallet and drawing out some bills.
    “Let me buy you lunch,” Ian said. “It’s the least I can do.”
    Though she shook her head, he insisted and nabbed the bill from the table before she did. He strode ahead of her to the cash register, and she decided not to embarrass him by arguing.
    Outside as they headed back to the library, Esther noticed the casual way he ambled beside her. A gentle breeze blew and ruffled strands of dark hair against his forehead. He lifted his fingers and drew them through his locks, adjusted his glasses by the earpiece and gave her a smile.
    Amazed, Esther felt a flutter in her chest. She drew her hand upward against the decorative patch on her denim dress to contain the alien feeling.
    “I’ll take my vacation time next week, spending it at the city marina,” Ian said, seemingly unaware of the tremor beneath her hand. “I’d like you to stop by and see the work I’m doing on the boat…and I’d like to hear what you think about it.”
    “Sailboats and I don’t mix,” she said, flinging out the comment to cover her discomfort. “I haven’t sailed in years…not since—”
    “I know,” he said, “but you ride in cars, and they’re much more dangerous.”
    He was right, but that didn’t make the memories any easier. The experience that horrible day had changed her life. Looking into his smiling eyes, she wanted to toss away her fears, but they involved more than sailing. Esther had set her mind on a single life. Unable to open her heart to hurt and rejection, Esther refused to get excited over a little masculine attention.
    Besides, from her experience, men were fickle. With the speed of light they seemed to lose interest in hobbies, possessions and even friendships. Her library patrons attested to that. Women remained faithful to their favorite authors and genres. Men’s interests seemed to wander.
    Esther shook her head. “I can’t make any promises.”
    “None required,” he said. “I’ll be there every day until dark. I could show you the boat and…we could have dinner.”
    “I have the research business,” she said. “That doesn’t leave much time.”
    She watched his smile fade, and her own joy dimmed. If only she could say yes, but she didn’t have any interest in romance…not even a platonic male friend. The whole idea lent itself to trouble.
    “If you change your mind, you’re welcome to drop by any time,” he said as they climbed the steps to the library.
    “Thanks,” she said, wanting to end the conversation. She followed him through the front door andheaded for the back to remove her jacket and stow her shoulder bag.
    When she returned, she saw he’d found his way to the computers where several patrons searched for information. Instead of offering help, Esther strode to the desk and tried to forget his invitation, which hung before her like a carrot.
    She’d become independent and solitary for too long. Against her better judgment she let her gaze drift toward Ian. He stared at the computer screen, shaking his head in seeming frustration.
    Nabbing her common sense,