Lakeside Sweetheart by Lenora Worth Page A

ignored the warning bell inside her head. “Come in and take a glance.”
    â€œAre you sure?”
    â€œYes.” She wasn’t sure at all, but she liked being around him. “I’ve managed to get through a couple of rooms.”
    â€œI can’t imagine having to do this. Each item must have a memory.”
    She nodded. “But they’re more her memories than mine. Every now and then I find something that makes me remember more and more, though.”
    He trailed his fingers over an old leather jacket hanging on a rack. “Do you want to remember?”
    â€œNot all of it, no. But it wasn’t all bad. I can see that now.”
    â€œI’ve said it before but I’m offering again. I can help,” he said, turning to her. “I want to help.”
    Vanessa wasn’t sure. She couldn’t let him in too close to her heart. “You mean, with my memories or this house?”
    His eyes went a soft, gentle blue. “With whatever you need.”
    â€œShouldn’t you be out nurturing souls or comforting sick people?”
    He actually snorted out a chuckle. “Yes, but wouldn’t I be doing that by helping you?”
    â€œDo you think I need nurturing or that I’m sick?”
    He stepped closer, his blue eyes locking on her. “I think you’re grieving and dealing with a lot. You don’t have to do it all alone.”
    â€œIt’s getting better,” she said, wishing that were true. But pushing him away shielded her from breaking down completely.
    He wasn’t buying it, however. “Let me help, Vanessa.”
    Doubt clouded over her need to give in. Anger filtered through the tug and pull of his words. “Why do you want to help?”
    â€œIt’s what I do. It’s how I’m made.” He shrugged. “And besides, I like being with you. Keeps Barbara from badgering me.”
    â€œOh, so you came over here with an excuse about a meeting, but you really want to hide out from your secretary?”
    â€œYes, something like that.”
    She knew if she said yes to his offer, this would be a turning point between them. If she said no, he’d go on about his business but he’d keep trying. He was made that way.
    â€œOkay,” she said, the decision already set. Keeping her tone light, she added, “I do need a big strong man to do some heavy lifting.”
    â€œI don’t see one of those,” he quipped.
    â€œI think you’ll do just fine, Preacher.”
    He winked at her and flexed his muscles.
    And Vanessa had to admit, he looked strong and healthy and...good. Too good. She willed herself to a calm she didn’t feel. “Let’s get started then.”
    â€œLead the way,” he said, right behind her.
    Too close. But having him close was a new kind of sensation. A pleasant one.
    * * *
    Rory groaned and collapsed on the grass near the open doors of the garage. “Remind me to never, ever ask you if you need help again.”
    â€œYou did keep after me.”
    He glanced up at the woman grinning down at him, her fawn-colored hair flowing like a mysterious waterfall around her face. “I did offer, yes.”
    And he would keep offering. This had gone from trying to get her back right with God to trying to find the courage to ask her out on a date. Could he witness to her over a candlelight dinner?
    â€œI brought iced tea,” she said, holding the big plastic cup out over him. Her moods were as swift and unpredictable as the waters out in the Gulf.
    A cold drop of condensation hit Rory square on the forehead. “Hey!”
    She laughed and backed away. “You might be more comfortable in a chair.”
    Rory got up and checked his watch. “Okay. A quick drink and then I have to report back, or Barbara will send out a posse.”
    Vanessa gave him his tea and then took a sip of her own. “I didn’t mean to keep you over here so