Four Weeks Read Online Free PDF Page B

twitching. He strolled beside the small private docks where families tied up their sailboats and then neared the larger pier where the ferries dropped off and picked up the tourists. It was early in the season so the docks weren't crowded, but still he saw weary visitors heading home for the day.
    A man leaned on the railing, holding his son in his arms. The child laid his head contentedly on his father's shoulder while he pointed to some birds eating the last pieces of a bag of popcorn.
    Trent jerked away his gaze. He had no memories of his father holding him like that. Immediately, he cursed himself for having such a stupid thought. He was a grown man now and what his father had or hadn't done for him didn't matter. Rethinking his childhood was pathetic and he wouldn't waste any more time on it.
    There were no emotions for his father lodged in his heart. Trent had learned early on that sentiments were something Mr. Parker had no time or interest in.
    The old man was gone and Trent fervently wished his lingering thoughts would go away as well. With the swiftness that came from practice, Trent shoved the pain and confusion that had twisted his emotions for the past few weeks to the back of his mind where they belonged and switched his thoughts to something more promising.
    Dinner with Miss Hart was the most promising thing he'd had to look forward to in a long time. Even though the reprieve would be short, he planned to make the most of it. There was nothing wrong with enjoying the company of an attractive woman. As long as he still got what he needed.
    Trent made his way along Huron Street, glancing in shop windows, but not paying attention to any of the items for sale. Beaded belts, plastic place mats, and T-shirts blurred past his eyes. The tourist items couldn't compete with the image of Louise. Especially the cute way her face turned pink with frustration when he pressed her a little too hard. How would she look seated across from him in the elegant dining room of one of the world's most beautiful hotels?
    She was probably used to dining at restaurants that catered to the professional crowd. With its uncommon combination of huge chandeliers and Victorian details, The Majestic wasn't the kind of place to talk business. She'd be out of her element for sure, and that would definitely work to his advantage.
    Trent waved down one of the horse-drawn taxis coming up behind him and the driver easily halted the pair of grays. “Evenin’ Sir.” He nodded and glanced at Trent's suit. “Dressed to kill and headed to The Majestic?"
    "Yes, but I have to pick up someone first.” Trent climbed up and seated himself on one of the benches.
    The driver smiled, his tobacco-stained teeth making a brown line across his weathered face. “'Course. Where to?"
    "Sally's."
    The driver swung around and clucked to the horses. “Get up Nancy, Loretta."
    One swished her tail as if to tell him she knew her job and moved to plod alongside the other. Soon the driver pulled up to the curb outside the tidy rooming house.
    Trent spoke to the driver as he jumped down. “Wait for me, please."
    "Yes, Sir."
    The old man started whistling as Trent walked toward the porch. Skipping the quaint bell, he pushed open the screen door.
    * * * *
    THE SMALL MANTEL clock chimed six as Trent stepped into Sally's parlor. He was nothing if not prompt.
    "Hello, Trent.” Sally strolled into the room, carrying a fat tabby cat under her arm. The big animal twisted and stretched up her shoulder. “You lazy boy.” She stroked the animal's fur and turned to Trent with a wink. “I meant the cat."
    He laughed. “Of course."
    "I'm sure your young lady will be right down.” She watched him. “I checked on her a minute ago."
    He shrugged, wanting to let her know that he didn't care one way or the other. Something in her eyes told him she didn't believe him.
    "Have a nice evening, Trent.” She said over the top of the cat's wide head as she left the room.
    Although he'd