Strangers in the Night by Patricia H. Rushford

believe Pops is taking me fishing? He wants to show me the property from Bear Lake.” She chuckled. “I tend to be an early riser, but four-thirty? I can’t believe I agreed to go with him.”
    â€œI’m glad you did.” Jake smiled. “He asked me to go too, so I guess I’ll see you out there.” He paused. “Knowing you’re joining us will make the outing much more appealing.”
    Abbie felt the same way but didn’t say so.
    When she stood, Jake got to his feet too. He was about a foot taller than she was—of course she’d noticed that on the night they had danced. Being so close to him unnerved her. If he took her in his arms, her head would fit perfectly just under his chin. He’d have to bend slightly to kiss her. And he did.
    His kiss was as sweet and gentle as she had imagined. Abbie wanted more, but she couldn’t let it go on. She pressed her hands against his chest and it almost hurt when he stepped away.
    â€œAbbie, I’m sorry.” Jake seemed as surprised as she was.
    â€œDon’t be.” She pressed her lips together. “It’s as much my fault as yours. I like you, Jake, but we can’t afford to act on our feelings.”
    â€œWhy not?” He smiled and tried again. She turned her head, catching his kiss on her cheek.
    â€œJake, I can’t.”
    He sighed and nodded. “I understand. We have a professional relationship. I’m your Realtor and—”
    â€œThere is that. Besides, things are too unsettled.”
    â€œRight.”
    Abbie stepped around him. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
    He smiled, almost melting her reserve. “You’ll love it. The fishing is great in Bear Lake.”
    â€œI’m looking forward to holding a pole in my hands again.”
    â€œAnd the worms?”
    She wrinkled her nose. “I’ll leave that part to you and Pops.”
    â€œAnd here I thought you were a true fisherman.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets.
    â€œBye, Jake.” Abbie opened the door and stepped inside.
    He turned toward his car, whistling “Strangers in the Night.”
    Smiling, she closed the door and leaned against it, glad he was no longer a stranger.

C HAPTER 11
    â€œJake isn’t coming in?” Carlene came around the corner.
    â€œNo.” Abbie moved away from the door after locking it. “Apparently he’s coming fishing with Pops and me in the morning.”
    â€œOh.” It was a wistful sound. Maybe a tinge of jealousy. “Are you really going fishing? I’d hoped…never mind. I know how much your father wants to spend time with you.”
    â€œMaybe we girls can go shopping in a day or two.”
    â€œThat would be nice. I’d like that.” She continued on into the kitchen, filled a glass with water, and proceeded to take several pills. Refilling the glass, she skirted past Abbie.
    â€œI’ll be off to bed, sweetheart. Do you need anything before I go?”
    Abbie smiled. Ever the nurturer. “I’m good, Mom. Sleep well. I’ll see you in the morning.”
    Her mother raised an eyebrow in disdain. “No, you won’t. I put together snacks for you all. I plan to sleep until at least seven… unless Emma wakes up.”
    Abbie hugged her. “I have a hunch she’ll sleep late. But don’t be surprised if she crawls into bed with you.”
    â€œI’d love that.” She sighed, content as a hen whose chicks had come home to the nest.
    After turning off the lights, Abbie lingered for a while, roaming around the large living room, pausing to look out the large picture window toward the ocean. A moonbeam painted a large swath across the water. She imagined herself standing there on the shore with Jake.
    Abbie, Abbie, it’s much too soon. And you hardly know the man . Still she couldn’t help but wonder.
    Would he appreciate the earth’s beauty as she did? Would he