Tempted in the Tropics Read Online Free PDF

to the back corner of the room and saw the real-life version of the woman in question in conversation with Mayor Warren, whom Lane had seen as a patient earlier in the day. They’d had a semi-awkward yet congenial appointment with only a brief mention of the drama at the barbershop yesterday and no mention of magic. He’d learned that Mayor Warren was his neighbor across the street and, having seen Carrie helping him move into the house, he’d likely been the source of the rumor that Lane was married. The mere thought of another romance had Lane shuddering, considering how bitterly his engagement to Stephanie had ended.
    “Madam,” Henry said, the one word echoing in the room above the classical music that played in the background.
    Mrs. Hawthorne tipped up her chin in acknowledgment, her sharp gaze appraising Lane. Instinctively he straightened his spine and buttoned his sports jacket. Mrs. Hawthorne was a large woman, tall and solid in the sort of way that gave her a commanding presence. She wore a caramel-colored skirt and jacket with an ivory blouse—all of which looked expensive and perfectly tailored. Most remarkable was her jewelry, noticeable even from this distance. The diamonds in her earrings and necklace were at least the size of nickels, and brilliant enough to blind someone if they caught the light just right. Even though she gave Lane a welcoming smile, he could see why she might intimidate people.
    “Dr. Lane Anderson,” Henry announced.
    With the mayor close behind her, Mrs. Hawthorne stepped toward him, her low-heeled shoes sensible yet stylish. Smart not to risk a fall at her age. Lane wished he could turn off his doctor’s mind sometimes, but he was trained to think that way. “It’s a pleasure,” she said. She held her drink in one hand— a mojito? —and shook his hand more firmly than he would’ve expected with the other. Her steady, blue-eyed gaze met his. “It’s lovely to finally meet the good young doctor I’ve heard so much about.”
    Lane’s stomach clenched. He wasn’t sure if he should read anything into her words, but he couldn’t help being paranoid. What had Mrs. Hawthorne heard about him and from whom? He’d been told she was a shrewd woman with countless connections that reached way beyond Maple Creek. All the way to Austin?
    Lane swallowed hard. “Yes, ma’am.” He flashed what he hoped was a disarming smile and she seemed charmed…for a second.
    “I lucked into a dinner invitation, too.” Mayor Warren shook Lane’s hand. “No finer dining anywhere in the state of Maryland.”
    “Your drink,” Henry said from behind Lane.
    Lane turned to see Henry holding a glass of whatever Mrs. Hawthorne and Mayor Warren were drinking. Considering that the Hawthorne family owned several exclusive Caribbean resorts that most people could only dream of affording, their staff probably knew how to mix a mean cocktail. Lane gladly took the glass. Henry nodded and toddled off.
    Mrs. Hawthorne gave Mayor Warren a sidelong glance and lifted her drink. “Welcome to Maple Creek, Dr. Anderson. Here’s to health, happiness, and happily ever afters.” They all toasted, Mayor Warren with a twinkle in his eyes, Mrs. Hawthorne with a sly grin, and Lane with the uneasy feeling that he might be on some hidden-camera reality TV show.
    He took a long, eager swallow of the cocktail, which turned out to be the best mojito he’d ever tasted. “Thank you,” he said to Mrs. Hawthorne. “And please call me Lane.”
    “Of course.”
    “I’m thankful for the opportunity,” Lane said. He wished he could’ve told them he was happy to be in Maple Creek, but he couldn’t say that with much sincerity. He had the idea that Mrs. Hawthorne didn’t miss much, and she’d easily sniff out a little white lie like that. “It’s nice to have some time to decide where I want to practice. That’s the next step for me after Uncle Pete gets back from Europe.”
    Mayor Warren nodded. “That’s a big