Passions in the North Country (Siren Publishing Classic) by Summer Newman Page B

ahead of capture in The Fugitive . Never did she envision herself running for her own life, however. But that was her world now, so she might as well make the best of it. A tweak here, rub there, and the business would again become successful. Then, like the fugitive, she would move on to a new location and new challenges. Or maybe, just maybe, she had found her home.
    “Could you be a dear and cover for me?” Miriam asked. “Someone has to be here just in case we have visitors, although I really don’t anticipate any. I’ll be right back.”
    “Sure, Miriam, take your time. I’ve got nowhere to go.”
    Jenny looked out the window and saw Miriam speaking briefly to Devon. He nodded, glanced briefly in Jenny’s direction, then went back to work. What unpleasant thoughts swirled in his mind? Was he cursing the female who had intruded on his life, or was he secretly hoping she might be able to help? Jenny was thinking about this when he glanced her way again and their eyes met. His expression was cold, unyielding. He disliked her. That was obvious. She could feel anger and resentment emanating from him. But why? What had she done?
    Jenny was reflecting on this when a car pulled into the parking lot. A senior couple got out and approached Devon. He glanced at them, then continued loading his wheelbarrow as if they didn’t exist.
    “Could you tell us where to find the manager?” the man politely asked.
    “Um, she’s not here,” Devon mumbled.
    The couple looked him up and down. It was obvious they wanted a room in a respectable hotel, but here they were being greeted by a dirty, sweaty workman with a wheelbarrow full of shingles and rotten boards. The couple was not impressed and Jenny could tell they were thinking of making a quick exit. She hurried out the door with a plate full of Miriam’s brownies.
    “Sorry to have kept you waiting!” she apologized to the couple, a brilliant smile lighting up her beautiful face. “We’re so glad you’ve come to visit us at the Riverview Hotel.”
    The couple smiled in a friendly, relaxed manner. It was obvious they were greatly impressed.
    “Excuse the state of disrepair,” Jenny apologized, “but Mr. North, our craftsman extraordinaire, is in the process of restoring this historic hotel to its original grandeur. I’d love to show you one of our rooms.”
    “We’d love to see it,” said the woman, greatly taken by the pretty young woman.
    “And would you like to sample the brownies Miriam made?” Jenny asked with a sparkle in her eyes. “They’re devilishly good.”
    The man looked at his wife, nodded, then each accepted one.
    “Oh, they are good,” the man said, nodding with enthusiasm.
    His wife slightly covered her mouth. “Delicious,” she said.
    Jenny looked as happy as a bird. “I am so, so glad you came to join us at the Riverview Hotel. It’s always nice to make new friends.”
    Devon rolled his eyes, staying out of the way as the woman worked her magic.
    “Come with me,” Jenny said, leading them toward the office. “I’m sure you’re looking to get settled in.” She talked to them as if they were lifelong friends. “The restaurant is open and please let me recommend the seafood.” She looked back at them and laughed warmly. Suddenly she noticed Devon looking at her. Their eyes locked for a few seconds and she saw something she wasn’t sure of, but something that interested her. As crazy as it seemed, Devon looked like he was afraid of her. Why and how, she had no idea, but she could see trepidation, even fear, in his eyes. Jenny turned back to the couple. “I’m going to give you the best room we have,” she said quietly, almost as if she was doing something extremely special for them.
    “Oh, that would be nice,” the woman said.
    After the couple was settled, they went off sightseeing and Miriam returned. Jenny told her about the guests and how pleased they were, so pleased in fact that they were planning on staying for two days,