In His Eyes by Gail Gaymer Martin Page B

back with her free hand. The sofa wasn’t the most comfortable place to sleep, but she felt good that she’d taken a turn.
    When she lowered her feet, they felt cold againstthe parquet floor. “I suggest you add carpet to this area when you do your renovations. I think it would help hold the heat better.”
    He grunted something, and she leaned back, covering her gown with the blanket and watched him. While he faced the counter, she decided to escape to change her clothes. She darted into the bathroom, hopped into the warm shower, then slipped into her clothing.
    When she came out, dressed again in her pink sweatshirt that said No Bone To Pick, the scent of coffee filled the great room. Finally feeling at home, she ambled across the room, pulled out a cup and poured.
    She leaned her back against the counter while Connor had his head stuck inside the refrigerator. “I’m sorry about last night,” she said.
    He jerked his head out so fast, it hit the edge of the freezer door. Rubbing the spot, he turned to stare at her. “That would have been nice to hear before I went to bed.”
    Ellene was almost sorry she’d apologized, but she tried to put herself in Connor’s shoes. He’d been candid and honest. She’d offered little to the discussion. “You’re right. I make bad choices.”
    He looked at her a moment, then stuck out his hand. “Truce?”
    She gazed at his strong fingers pointed toward her and clasped his hand. “Truce,” she agreed.
    They didn’t say much more, and she curled up on the sofa thinking about her job and her home while listening to Connor bang around in the kitchen. Though the cottage had begun to grow on her in the past days, she continued to wonder about living on the island full-time. What about employment?
    She glanced his way, and when he swung around, she voiced her concern. “Why not keep the cottage for summer? Caitlin will still enjoy its charm, but during a more seasonable time of year.”
    He wandered over and sat on the sofa arm. “I’d like to own a business, and I can’t do it owning two houses. This one doesn’t have as much value as my house in St. Clair Shores. I’m getting a good price for it—”
    “You mean it’s sold?”
    “It will be when the buyers’ mortgage is approved, and that should be any day. Then with my inheritance, I can take a chance on buying a business.”
    The news left her uneasy. If he’d sold his house, he couldn’t turn back now. “What kind of business?”
    “I’m a salesman. I’ve been looking around.”
    She sensed he was being evasive, and she decided not to push him, but that added to her concern. Why wouldn’t he tell her what business?
    “It’s not my pride, either, if that’s what you’re thinking. I want a job with regular hours. If I’m the owner I have control. I want a business that’s more child-friendly.
    “Child-friendly? Are you buying a toy store?”
    He looked irked. “No, I mean a shop where I have an office. Can you picture a kid hanging around a car showroom?”
    She couldn’t but that wasn’t the point. “It’s your money, Connor. I have no say-so, but you know new businesses take a few years to catch on and most fail. You need a lot of financial backing.”
    He rose and walked away. “Thanks for your vote of confidence.”
    “I didn’t mean it like that, Connor. I only meant—”
    “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
    Ellene spun around when she heard Aunt Phyllis’s voice project from the doorway near the stairs. “Sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing you argue.”
    “We’re not arguing,” Connor said.
    “You aren’t snuggling like two bugs in a rug, either.”
    Ellene chuckled, and so did Connor.
    Aunt Phyllis gave them both a look as she headed for the telephone. She picked up the receiver and hit the speed dial. “I’m checking on the ferry,” she said into the phone.
    Ellene listened, anxious for the response.
    “You don’t say,” Aunt Phyllis