Doreen offered her wannabe rival a smile. “Let’s talk in Megan’s office.”
She led the way across the store, past special-interest book displays and fluffy armchairs. The rows of dark wood bookcases were packed with new releases and best-selling classics.
Business was brisk in both the book and bakery sections due to the out-of-town visitors, who’d come for the sesquicentennial. Wesley and Michelle had recruited their high school friends to help with the increased customer traffic. In fact, all the town center businesses had additional seasonal help.
Doreen held the office door open for Yvette, then pulled the door shut behind her. She gestured the teacher to one of the two blue fabric guest chairs as she sank onto the other.
“What makes you think I’m after Leo?” They might as well get this over with. They both knew this wasn’t a social call.
Yvette’s posture was rigid on the padded seat. “He told me he’d stopped by your house. That’s why he was late getting to my condo.”
Leonard had come to see her last night, knowing Yvette was expecting him? The thought made Doreen’s skin crawl. “Did he tell you he came to my house uninvited?”
Yvette ignored her question. “I’m sure it’s hard, accepting that a man of quality like Leo would dump you and start dating another woman so quickly. But you have to get over that.”
Doreen was speechless. She stared at the other woman for a beat, wondering what she’d ever seen in Leonard. He’d broken up with her because she’d wanted to pursue a very realistic dream. He’d admitted to dating another woman to make her jealous. But then he’d told his new girlfriend that it was Doreen who was stalking him.
Had Leonard fooled me, or had I just been a fool?
“Yvette, I’m not trying to hurt your relationship with Leo.” Doreen used a very measured tone. “In fact, I wish both of you every happiness.”
Yvette looked confused. “Are you sure?”
“I’m positive.”
Yvette angled her head. “You sound sincere.”
“That’s because I am.”
“Well . . . all right.” The other woman stood.
“I’m glad we’ve cleared the air.” Doreen walked with her to the door.
“So am I, especially since I intend to vote for you in November. I’ve heard things about Simon Knight that frankly make him seem untrustworthy.”
“Men!” Doreen fought a smile. Leonard’s new girlfriend intended to vote for her. How poetic.
She escorted Yvette to the bookstore’s entrance, where they shook hands and parted with best wishes for the summer. The casual observer might even have mistaken them for friends.
Back at the café, Doreen sighted a familiar, leanly muscled figure seated at her counter. Her busy morning was aging into a hectic afternoon. Doreen gathered her courage in both hands, strode through her crowded dining area, and tapped Alonzo on the shoulder.
He turned from his mug of coffee in surprise, then rose from his bar stool. He was handsome in his sheriff’s uniform: short-sleeved tan shirt, black tie, and spruce green gabardine pants. He seemed almost as nervous as she felt.
Alonzo cleared his throat. “Doreen, I apologize for—”
She took his face in her hands and drew his mouth down to hers. She kissed him hard and quick, loving the taste of his lips on hers, then released him. “I’m the one who’s sorry.”
“For what?” Alonzo’s voice was husky. His coffee-colored eyes were dark and dreamy. He made her forget where she was.
Doreen looked around the café. Her customers—both regulars and those here just for the sesquicentennial—regarded her with surprise and amusement. But she didn’t regret her impulse. She’d do it again.
She took his left hand and smiled into his puzzled gaze. “Last night, I was blinded by pride. The truth is, I would fight for you, too.”
Alonzo regarded her with a warmth that woke the butterflies in her stomach. “Will you have dinner with me tonight?”
She gave him a flirtatious smile. “For starters. We have a lot of catching up to do.”