Loving Hearts by Gail Gaymer Martin Page A

need. It’s been a great day.” He meant every word. Though he’d expected her to decline again, she’d finally agreed to sail, and he was grateful for that.
    “One day I hope to kick this panic, but I know it’ll take time. Thanks for giving me the little push and inviting me to join you.”
    “You’re welcome. Any time.” He took advantage of the flow of conversation to satisfy his curiosity. All day he’d wondered if she had decided to agree with his plan to discourage Rachel and Jeff’s matchmaking. “Then the day’s served two purposes. You’ve been out on the lake, and it will give Rachel and Jeff something else to talk about.”
    She smiled. “It will. I’m sure my phone will be ringing when I get home tonight.”
    Her comment pleased him. “Don’t think you have to give them details. Just tell the truth. We spent an afternoon sailing. That alone should work. They’ll get off your back, I’m sure.”
    “I hope so.” Her expression turned thoughtful as she swung her legs to the bench. “Nothing like the sun, wind and water.”
    “And friendship,” he added.
    She didn’t look his way, but he saw a smile curve her mouth. “And friendship.”
     
    “What do you think?” Jeff asked, filling a dish with ice cream from his freezer. “Are they spending time together only for the research…or could it be the real thing?”
    Rachel grinned and ran her palms up his back. “It may have started as research, but that sailboat outing didn’t involve any business I’ve heard about…except maybe monkey business.”
    Jeff turned to face her and grinned. “Well then, maybe we can stop our matchmaking and see what happens.” Returning to the ice cream, he pressed on the lid and slid the carton into the freezer. When he turned back, he handed a bowl to Rachel and took one for himself.
    She dipped in the spoon and let the cold dessert melt on her tongue. “It seems so strange to think of Esther with a man. She’s been so standoffish I can’t believe she did this on her own.”
    Rachel followed Jeff into the living room.
    “You don’t give your sister enough credit.”
    She plopped beside him on the sofa. “She’s attractive enough. Beautiful, really. I wish I had her looks.”
    Jeff tousled Rachel’s hair. “You? You’re gorgeous.”
    “To you, maybe, but look at Esther. She’s lovely. It’s just her…well…her personality. She’s all business and control. I’m surprised Ian got past all that to find the real woman underneath.”
    Licking his spoon, Jeff thought, then shifted to face her. “Ian hasn’t been much of a Romeo, either. He rarely brought anyone to company activities. Not that I can remember.” He started to chuckle.
    “What’s so funny?” She gave him an elbow poke.
    “I don’t suppose I ever told you. Ian’s the dude who dated Jemma…or tried to…before she married Philip Somerville. Can you believe it?”
    “Jemma? You’re kidding.” She poked him again, but harder this time. “That’s not funny, Jeff. Think of how embarrassing it must be for him to work for Philip and know he was rejected by his wife.”
    Jeff shrugged and spooned out another mouthful of ice cream. “We all have our problems. You think I’ve never been rejected?”
    “Don’t tell me she rejected you, too.”
    “No, but you did. Remember?” A smug look rose on his face, and he chuckled at her.
    “I did, didn’t I? Oh well, I changed my mind.”
    “You did,” he said, leaning forward and kissing her lips with his frosty mouth.
    Delving back into her chocolate swirl, Rachel remembered the first time they met. He’d been so cute, but so cocky. She’d longed to date him, but gave him a firm no before she finally submitted to his charm.
    “So let’s get back to Esther,” Jeff said. “I’m sure Jim Mason liked her. If you don’t think this is anything serious with Ian, I’ll suggest Jim give her a call.”
    “Why don’t we wait a while? She sounded so happy when I talked with