The Bachelor (Chandler Brothers 1)

“I was thinking we could put the bathing suits in the right-hand corner of the display,” Charlotte told Beth.

“Sounds like a good plan.”

Charlotte dragged the mannequin toward the window overlooking First Avenue, Yorkshire Falls’ main strip. She’d been fortunate in nabbing the perfect location, formerly Guy’s Clothing Store. Charlotte wasn’t worried about putting another retail store in the space because her merchandise kept up with the times. She’d had six months at the old rental before a rent increase kicked in, time enough to get her business off the ground, and her success told her she was on the right track.

“Listen, I’m starving. I’m going to grab some dinner next door. Want to join me?” Beth grabbed her jacket off the rack in the back and slipped it on.

“No, thanks. I think I’ll stick around and put some finishing touches on the window display.” Charlotte and Beth had accomplished an almost complete overhaul of inventory today. It was easier to get things done when the store was closed than during business hours. The customers didn’t just enjoy shopping, they enjoyed chitchat as well.

Beth sighed. “Suit yourself. But your social life is pathetic. Even I’m better company than those mannequins.”

Charlotte started to laugh, then glanced at Beth and saw something more in her friend’s eyes than a good joke. “You miss him, don’t you?”

Beth nodded. Her fiancé had come up almost every weekend, staying Friday through Sunday night before returning to the city for the work week. Since he’d missed this weekend, Charlotte figured Beth probably wasn’t looking forward to another lonely meal.

Neither was Charlotte. “You know what? Go get a table and I’ll meet you there in five …” Her voice trailed off as she caught sight of a man outside the window.

Jet-black hair gleamed in the sunlight and a pair of sexy sunglasses were perched on the bridge of his nose, obscuring his face from view. A worn denim jacket covered his broad shoulders, and jeans hugged his long legs. Charlotte’s stomach did a flip, bringing a warm sensation to her belly as recognition flickered with possibility.

She blinked, certain she’d been mistaken, but he’d backed far enough away that he was gone from view. She shook her head. Impossible, she thought. Everyone in town knew Roman Chandler was off traveling and reporting the news. Charlotte had always respected his ideals, the burning desire to expose unreported injustices, even if she didn’t understand the needs that kept him far from home.

His aspirations had always reminded her of her actor father’s. So had his good looks and charm. A wink, a smile, and women swooned at his feet. Heck, she’d swooned, and after a lot of flirting and lingering looks, they’d gone on their first date. One night—a night in which she’d connected with Roman on a meaningful level. She’d fallen hard and fast, as only a teenage girl could. And a night during which she’d discovered Roman’s intention to leave Yorkshire Falls as soon as the opportunity arose.

Charlotte’s father had abandoned his wife and child for Hollywood years before. With Roman’s declaration, she’d immediately recognized the devastation he could leave in his wake.

She had only to look to her mother’s lonely life to find the nerve to act on her conviction. She’d walked away from Roman that same night, lying that he didn’t “do it” for her. And she hadn’t let herself look back, no matter how badly she hurt—and she had hurt.

Look, don’t touch. Smart rules for a girl who wanted her heart and soul intact. She might not feel like dating now, but when the right man showed himself, she would. Until then, she’d abide by her rules. She had no intention of following the same path her mother had taken, waiting for the wanderer to sporadically return, so she wouldn’t involve herself with a restless soul like Roman Chandler. Not that she had to worry about such a thing. No way was he in town, and if he were, he’d steer clear of her.

Beth’s hand on her shoulder caught her by surprise and she jumped.

“Hey, you okay?”

“Fine. I just got distracted.”

Beth flicked her blond hair out from beneath her collar, then opened the door to the street. “Okay, then. I’ll grab a table and see you in a few minutes.” She let the door close behind her and Charlotte turned back to the mannequin, determined to finish the job—and calm down—before heading out to dinner.

There was no way Roman was back in town, she told herself. No way at all.

CHAPTER TWO

Dusk was setting on the horizon when Roman entered Norman’s Garden Restaurant, named in part for Norman Hanover senior, who’d first opened the place, and in part for the gardens across the street. Norman’s was now run by Norman, junior, owner and chef. The morning after the coin toss and his first full day back in Yorkshire Falls, Roman slept in, then kept himself busy playing cards with his mother and making sure she stayed off her feet. He’d also spent the time pondering an offer that had been relayed to him that morning from the Washington Post to take over an editorial job in D.C.