Where Two Hearts Meet by Carrie Turansky Page B

walked down the stairs at home, and he’d told her how great she looked. But she’d waved away his compliments as though she didn’t believe him. Regret hit his heart. He hadn’t complimented her often enough.
    He let his gaze drift over her again, and it made him wish that she didn’t hold herself so aloof every night. It had been too long since they had enjoyed each other as husband and wife.
    Maybe tonight would help melt the ice. That was all he hoped for, just a little hint that she might be willing to rebuild the closeness they’d once shared. Of course he wanted more than that, but he was a patient man. He could wait.
    Tessa glanced around as they stepped through the restaurant door and smiled. “I’ve always wondered what this place was like.”
    Matt held back a grin, thankful he had chosen the Lawrenceville Inn. A friend at work had recommended it, telling him the atmosphere was romantic and the food was excellent. He checked out the room and nodded. Tessa would like this. The owners had converted a historic home into a cozy restaurant complete with antique furniture, vintage lighting, glowing candles, and original paintings on the walls. The delicious smell of roasting meat and hot bread floated out from the kitchen, making his mouth water.
    A smiling hostess seated them at a linen-covered table in the renovated parlor and handed them each a menu.
    Tessa smiled as she glanced around the room. “This is very nice.” Suddenly her smile faded. She lifted her gaze to his. “Matt, can we afford this?”
    “Don’t worry.” He reached across the table and took her hand. Her cool fingers didn’t move, and he wished with everything in him that he could change the choices he had made—they had cost them much more than their savings and home. They had stolen away the trust that had characterized their relationship for almost twenty-five years.
    “It’s okay. Tonight’s special.” He forced a small smile. “Let’s relax and enjoy it.”
    Slight lines of worry still creased her forehead, and unspoken questions shadowed her large brown eyes. “All right,” she said softly, then focused on the menu.
    Tessa’s silence shook Matt. Thankfully the waitress came and took their order. Tessa seemed to relax a bit when he asked her about the plans for her sister’s upcoming art show at Sweet Something.
    Matt looked up and smiled as the young waitress returned with their meals. He led in a brief prayer, then dove into his meal. Focusing on the delicious seared rib eye, he ate with only a few brief comments directed toward his quiet wife. About halfway through his meal, an associate from Matt’s office walked up to their table.
    “Hey, Matt, enjoying your dinner?” Jerry Fisher’s eyes lingered too long on Tessa. “And who is this lovely lady?”
    Irritation flooded Matt. Who did Jerry think he would be having dinner with? “This is my wife, Tessa. Tessa, this is Jerry Fisher from work.”
    She smiled and nodded, then lowered her gaze.
    Jerry chuckled. “Well, aren’t you a lucky man to have such a lovely wife.”
    Matt glanced across the table and read the discomfort on Tessa’s face.
    “Say, I heard about that land you inherited out in Oregon. What an opportunity. When are you moving?”
    Matt clamped his mouth shut and glared at Jerry. This was the one subject he had promised himself they would not discuss tonight.
    Jerry leaned closer, grinning like some stupid Cheshire cat. “So when do you think I should apply for your position?”
    “I haven’t made a decision yet,” Matt said, barely hiding his irritation. Jerry had worked under Matt for only about six months. There was no way he had the skills necessary to step into Matt’s job.
    Tessa stared back at Matt with wide, pain-filled eyes, her face flushed.
    “Come on, let me in on your plans,” Jerry continued. “You are leaving, aren’t you? I mean, that’s what I heard from Ben Stackwell.”
    Tessa’s chair scraped on the hardwood floor