Where Two Hearts Meet Read Online Free PDF Page A

of this.”
    “I suppose that’s up to her, isn’t it?” Tyler gathered up his artwork, slid them back into his portfolio, and closed the flap.
    “I appreciate your wanting to help Allison with her business, but I hope that’s all you have in mind.”
    Tyler gripped the handles of the portfolio, wishing he could knock the pompous expression off Peter’s face. A verse he had memorized flew to the front of his thoughts. A foolish man gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. He walked away from Peter and grabbed his jacket and coat from the closet.
    Peter followed as though he were the host and intended to show Tyler out the door. “Allison has been through a lot over the past year, helping her sister through everything that’s happened, and she’s had a rather difficult time getting her business up and running. I’ve been there for her every step of the way.” He narrowed his steel gray eyes, looking as though he wanted to make sure Tyler understood the message behind his words. “We’ve grown very close. I wouldn’t want anyone to hurt her.” Tyler squared his shoulders and locked gazes with Peter. “Neither would I.” He turned and walked out the door.
    * * * *
    “You invited him over to your house?” Tessa turned from brushing crumbs off one of the tearoom tables and stared at Allison.
    “Well, he wanted to show me his design ideas.” Allison straightened the stack of menus, trying to ignore the disapproval in her sister’s eyes.
    “Right, I’m sure he had all kinds of designs he wanted to show you.”
    “Tessa, nothing happened! We had coffee and looked at his promotional plans for about twenty minutes. Then Peter came to pick me up for dinner.” That thought left her feeling like a deflated balloon. After she’d changed and walked back into the living room, Peter was the only one waiting for her.
    “So how was your date with Peter?”
    “We went to Lambertville Station. The food was good. There was a jazz trio playing.”
    “So things are progressing?”
    “I suppose. Peter’s just so . . .” She squinted, trying to come up with the right word.
    “Mature, confident, wealthy?”
    Allison rolled her eyes. “Too bad you’re already married. You could date him!”
    “We’re not talking about me. Were talking about you and Peter.”
    “I know.” Confusion swirled through Allison. “I like him. He’s thoughtful and interesting, but there’s something missing. It’s like I have to try too hard with him. And I just don’t feel a connection with him like I do with Ty. . .” She swallowed the rest of her sentence and turned to push in the chairs at the nearest table.
    “You’re not thinking about dating Tyler again, are you?” Tessa tapped her nails on the oak desk they used as a hostess podium.
    “I didn’t say that.”
    “Good. Remember what happened last time. He left town and broke your heart.”
    She winced at her sister’s words. “I know. You don’t have to remind me.”
    “Sorry.” Tessa softened her tone. “I just don’t want you to get hurt again.”
    “Don’t worry. I won’t let Tyler talk me into anything more than a business relationship.” But as Allison turned and glanced across the quiet teashop, she remembered how Tyler had spent the previous afternoon greeting customers and clearing tables for her. He seemed different somehow—still charming and persuasive as ever, but there was a softening, a gentleness about him that was new . . . and very attractive.
    “Allison?” Tessa tapped her on the shoulder. “Did you hear what I said?”
    “No. Sorry, guess I was daydreaming.”
    “About Peter or Tyler?”
    “Tessa, stop! I am not interested in Tyler.” Allison huffed and strode toward the kitchen.
    * * * *
    Four days was long enough to wait. Allison slipped Tyler’s business card from her apron pocket and picked up the phone. She glanced at the clock by the front door, hoping she could make the call and connect with