That Thing You Do (Whispering Bay Romance 1)

“What kind of work assignment?”

Allie shrugged. “Just following up on a lead.” For some reason, she didn’t want to get into the ghost thing with Lauren. She didn’t know what Lauren’s attitude might be toward the paranormal, and on the chance that she agreed with Tom’s opinion, Allie didn’t want the former Mrs. Donalan thinking she was a quack.

“I’d love to stay and talk but I really need to get back to the shop.” Lauren hesitated, then rushed out her next words. “Maybe you’d like to come next door to see it?”

“Sure,” Allie said. Lauren stared back at her expectantly. “You mean, as in right now?”

“There’s no time like the present. You can pick out anything you want. On me.”

“Oh, well, thanks, that’s really generous, but I have a lot of work to do on this article I’m writing…and Mimi should be back here any minute to pick me up.” Nothing against Lauren and her shop, but it all sounded a little too cozy for Allie. She wasn’t about to be BFFs with Tom’s ex.

Lauren nodded, like she had expected to be turned down, but she still had the good manners to look disappointed. “Promise me you’ll stop by before you leave town. There’s something I’d love to show you.”

Allie wasn’t into vintage clothing. Nor could she afford it. And she wasn’t about to take a freebie. But Lauren had been nice and she didn’t want to seem rude. “Thanks. Maybe I will,” she lied.

Lauren went to the counter to pick up her order and waved goodbye on her way out the door. “Don’t forget your umbrella. It’s going to rain tonight!”

Allie glanced out the window and frowned. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Where was Lauren getting her information from?

She’d just finished her lunch when her cell phone pinged. It was a text message from Tom. Wait. How had he gotten her number?

Then Allie remembered they’d exchanged phone numbers after he’d promised to let her spend the night at the senior center. For logistical purposes, he’d said.

I’ll pick you up at eight p.m. Read the text.

Pick me up? She texted back.

You’re not thinking of driving, are you? Did you fix your suspended license?

No, darn it. But she didn’t want to admit that to him.

It’s a beautiful night. I plan to walk.

It’s going to rain.

What are you, the weather channel? What she really wanted to ask was if he’d been talking to his kooky ex-wife. Nope. Not gonna go there.

Tom ignored the weather channel dig. Who do you think is going to let you into the senior center? Or have you managed to swipe a key?

Ha! Don’t give me any ideas.

She waited a few minutes to see his response, but none came. Allie was about to put her cell phone back in her purse when her phone pinged again.

What ideas would you like me to give you?

She stared at the tiny phone screen. Was Tom Donalan flirting with her? She really shouldn’t answer. But then, she couldn’t very well ignore him, could she? Before she had a chance to fashion a response, he texted her again.

Cold front coming in after the rain. Dress warm. I’ll bring extra blankets.

Okay, this she could certainly answer. Thanks, but I’ll bring my own blankets.

He texted back: Extra blankets are for ME.

Allie almost dropped her cell. For you?

You didn’t think I was going to let you stay the night alone?

Her fingers flew faster than she would have thought humanly possible. I’ll be perfectly fine.