Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 62772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
After saying good night to my parents, I asked my mother about Landon Adams.
“You should come meet him. He will most likely pick up his clothing tomorrow. And your father has a board meeting, so your help would be appreciated. Do you think you remember how everything works?”
She winked, thinking she was funny. I’d helped her set up the current POS system, and I’d been able to run the machines since I was eight years old.
“I think I can probably figure it out. I’ll go for a run in the morning, before breakfast, and be ready to go when you are.”
Heading to bed, I wondered what Landon would be like face-to-face and how I could convince him to trust me. It would take some time, which, fortunately or not, I had plenty of. I picked up the book I’d been reading and settled into bed.
The shop was busy. I’d forgotten how many people relied on my parents for their many laundry issues. From dry cleaning to mending to actually washing and drying, they provided a full-service store. They also handled the linens for the community hospital. By the time noon rolled around, my feet were killing me from running back and forth. I would have to wear better shoes if I continued to help out.
“Hello there. It’s nice to see you again. I have your order hanging in back,” I heard my mother say.
She pushed through the swinging door, eyes wide. Her crush, the author himself, must be here. She motioned to me feverishly, wanting me to go back up front with her. I was fine with that since I couldn’t very well interview him if I’d never met him. Also, I needed to see what all the fuss was about. There were no recent pictures of him online so, it was hard to know what he looked like now.
When I followed her to the front, I was struck by his strong jawline and the salt and pepper in his hair. He’d aged well. I felt butterflies in my stomach, something that didn’t normally happen to me.
“Mr. Adams, this is my daughter, Tara.”
“Please, call me Landon. Tara, it’s nice to meet you.”
“How are you settling into Ashford? Is it much different than where you’re from?” My voice was strained, like I was trying too hard. If I noticed it, he might too. Get it together, Tara. You’re a professional.
“I like it. I was hoping for a small town.”
I noticed he didn’t answer the second half of my question. “My mother mentioned you were an author. Have you written anything I might know?”
His stormy blue eyes darkened briefly. I could tell I wasn’t going to get anywhere with this direct line of questioning.
“I’m not sure. What types of books do you read?”
I was surprised by the question, thinking he would brush past it. “I love mysteries, from cozy to thriller. I used to get in trouble in school because I wouldn’t put whatever book I was reading down long enough to listen to the teacher.”
He laughed, which sounded genuine and raw. Maybe a crack in his shell? As quickly as I thought it, he snapped shut again.
“Well, I’m sure I’ll see you around town. It’s nice to add another friendly face to my memory.”
Was that flirting? Maybe I wasn’t as far away as I thought. My mother came from the back just then, handing him his laundry and closing out the ticket. As he walked toward the door, he looked back, giving me a little wave. I couldn’t tell if I’d gotten anywhere with our first meeting or not. One minute, he seemed to enjoy my company. The next? Well, it was confusing.
Elusive was certainly one way to describe him. Fort Knox was another. I had no clue if I would be able to reach him, but I was more positive than ever that solving the Landon Adams mystery would be a major coup for me. It was going to take finesse, though, and a little bit of tact. I was known for my direct approach, which clearly wasn’t going to work on him. I’d always enjoyed puzzles, which was exactly what he was. All wrapped up in a sexy bundle. Shocked by my thought, I fanned myself with one of our flyers.
“See? He’s nice, right? And cute as a button.”
I shook my head. My mother was out of control. “Yes, Mom. He was cute. You do remember Dad, right? The love of your life?”
“Oh, don’t be silly. He agreed he was a handsome man.” She giggled like a schoolgirl.
“I’m not sure that makes me feel better. He seemed quiet. I read a little bit about what happened online. It sounded like he just walked away from his life.”
“It was quite the scandal when it happened. He was on top of the world one day and a memory the next. I’m sure it was overwhelming for him.”