Finding Harmony Read Online Free PDF Page A

thing to be the recipient of his attention. She
thought for a moment, Hettie’s words coming back to her. There were other
things than plants to occupy her time, and where was the harm in one dinner? “Okay.”
    He smiled again. “You know this place. You pick the
restaurant and I’ll meet you in front of the Welcome Center. Seven o’clock
okay?”
    She nodded and watched as he turned and walked back toward
the golf club. So she’d agreed to have dinner with him. Because of Hettie’s
comment? No, that wasn’t the only reason. It was because he was the first guy
to pique her interest in years. When he’d pinned her with those
I-know-what-I-want eyes she couldn’t resist. He was all charm and magnetism and
determination.
    Oh, she was still weak where his type was concerned. All
she had to do was remember Adam to bring that point home. But this was only
dinner. She’d keep her guard up and do her best to see to the task at hand. Staying
informed of Chapman’s plans could only help her keep her promise to the
director.  
    She got on her scooter and thought for a moment. He wanted
her to pick the restaurant, huh? She knew just the place to show Mr. Rick
Chapman just what Cypress was about. The Boathouse.
    Hettie waved from her usual table as she rode past,
dropping a wink. That woman didn’t miss a trick.
    She smiled as she thought of The Boathouse. Mr. Charming
Chapman would learn more about Cypress Corners than he bargained for.
    ***
    That evening Rick drove his SUV to the Welcome Center. His golf game hadn’t yielded any help with the Institute, but he’d managed to
shave a couple of strokes off his game. At least he had learned something from
his meeting with the director. Through a special agreement, the Cypress developers couldn’t infringe on any lands deemed protected. That included the café
site right now, and the recreation center next year.
    He had to get
Harmony Brooks on his side. It was obvious the director held her in high
esteem, if the glowing words he’d used to describe her knowledge and persistence
was any indication. Rick could guess she had more power in those delicate hands
than even she realized.
    Keeping her close
would give him information he couldn’t get any other way, especially if the
tree-huggers dragged their feet on the matter. Any delays could put their stake
in the development in jeopardy. If it turned out that Chapman had to find another
spot before the deadline, he could sure use her help. His father’s words struck
him. Time was money, all right. That was the only “time” Bill ever had for his
kids.
    Dinner with her wouldn’t be a hardship. He bet she cleaned
up nice, not that she wasn’t fabulous flushed and rumpled from the heat, her
hair wild as it escaped that ponytail. Harmony. The name was a little flaky but
somehow it fit her. She seemed to blend right in with the nature around her out
at the building site—her clothes, her skin, her hair. All green, tan and gold.
    As he parked he saw her scooter sat out front and she stood
waiting beside it. She wore shorts again, he was happy to see, with those
little hiking boots, dressed up with a gauzy top. And her hair… It was loose
and flowed down her back in silky curls. He shut off the engine and got out.
    “Hello,” he said as he walked over to her.
    “Hello.”
    She lowered her eyes and he saw her lashes were thick and
long. Was she blushing? No, she was probably just sun-kissed on her nose and cheeks.
Man, her skin looked smooth.
    “So where are we headed?” he asked.
    She glanced up at him again. Now her eyes sparkled and she
looked like she was holding back a laugh. “There’s a great little restaurant on
the other side of the lake, Mr. Chapman.”
    “Rick,” he corrected.
    She blinked those long lashes for a moment. “Rick,” she
said with a nod. “You can sample some of the local cuisine.”
    He deliberately ran his eyes over her. Oh, he’d like to
sample something and soon. He tamped down his