A Man to Trust Read Online Free PDF Page B

leaves in the milky liquid. The steam from the tea rose, bringing with it a distinctive scent, but another fragrance teased his nose. He quietly sniffed and realized the light flowery fragrance must be coming from Adrie’s hair.
    “So what do you think?” She glanced over her shoulder at him, her eyes like shimmering pools of lavender light.
    He swallowed and broke his gaze. “It looks…interesting.”
    “That seems to be one of your favorite words.”
    “What?”
    “ Interesting. You use it all the time.”
    He felt his face heating up. “Okay. I’ll make a note of it.”
    She chuckled as she took two mugs from the shelf over the sink.
    “What’s so funny?”
    “You are.” She smiled at him, her eyes dancing with amusement.
    Now his face felt like it was on fire. This girl was maddening. Totally maddening! The only time she would smile or laugh was when he felt so embarrassed and frustrated he was ready to pop a cork.
    She strained the chai into two mugs and held one out to him. “Here you go.”
    He was a coffee man—a committed connoisseur of cappuccinos, lattes and espressos. But there was no way he could refuse when she offered him tea with that inviting smile. “Thanks.” He accepted the mug and took a sip. The warm, creamy drink flooded his mouth with a sweet tangy flavor.
    “So, what do you think? Do you like it?”
    He lifted his mug in a toast to her. “This is definitely the best chai I’ve ever had.”
    She sent him a delighted look. “Really?”
    “Yes…of course it’s the only chai I’ve ever had, but—”
    “Oh! You’re awful!” She gave him a playful shove.
    “No, I’m not.” He grinned. “Just a truthful guy who loves to tease a little. But I’m totally enjoying my first cup of chai.”
    Her smile returned, and a new light sparkled in her eyes.
    His spirits soared. He’d finally made a connection with her.
    “Time to open up,” Marian called, jingling her keys as she walked past, headed toward the front door. “Something tells me it’s going to be a great day.”
    Ross winked at Adrie over the rim of his mug and took another sip of chai. “I believe it is.”
    Ten minutes later Ross stood by Adrie as she pulled a box cutter from her skirt pocket and slit open a carton of books. He reached down and folded back the flaps for her, revealing the stacks of new books. “How do you know where to put them?”
    “Just check the info on the back.” She pulled out a book, flipped it over, and pointed to the lower right-hand corner. “It tells you what type of book it is right here.”
    Ross nodded, reaching into the box to lift out a few more copies. This didn’t look hard. She’d given him the tour, and there were signs on the shelves denoting the different sections.
    The phone rang, and Adrie looked up. “I need to get that. I’ll be right back. Do what you can.” She sent him a doubtful glance, then crossed the store and slipped behind the sales counter.
    He turned over the first book. Christian Living/Personal Growth/Women/Discipleship. Frowning, he scratched his chin. They had both a Christian living section and a women’s section. Where was he supposed to put this title?
    The bell over the door jingled. He looked around for Marian, but he didn’t see her. Adrie was still behind the counter, holding the phone between her shoulder and ear while she made notes on a pad. Guess it was up to him to greet their first customer of the day.
    A middle-aged woman with short gray hair stepped in and looked around with a nervous glance.
    He straightened and offered her a smile. “Good morning. Can I help you find something?”
    “I just want to look around.” Her clothes—worn jeans and faded red T-shirt with the words The Chuckanut Radio Hour printed on the front—suggested she was a local, though she didn’t seem to be familiar with the store.
    “Take your time. If you need any help, just let me know.” He picked up a book from the box and read the back cover