The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks Page A

hadn't noticed, she realized she should have expected something like that. "Mike and I have known each other for years," she said. "He watches out for me. That's all."
    Richard seemed to evaluate that. Finally, a small smile flickered across his face. "Okay," he said. For a long moment, neither of them said anything else. Then Richard moved toward her.
    This time, though she expected the kiss and though she wanted him to do it-or at least thought she wanted him to do it-she couldn't deny the slight feeling of relief when he turned to leave a minute later.
    No need to rush into anything, she thought. If it's right, I'll know.

Chapter Seven.
    There he goes," Henry said, "right on time."It was Tuesday morning, a few days after their evening at the Clipper. Henry was drinking Dr Pepper and watching Richard as he made his way down the street toward the salon. Richard was carrying a gift-a small box-but that wasn't the reason Henry was curious.
    Because he'd told Richard where he worked when they met on Saturday, he'd expected Richard to at least glance toward the garage. The day before, Henry had even waved, but Richard either didn't see him or pretended not to. Instead, he'd kept his eyes forward and walked right on past. Just like today.
    Hearing his brother, Mike emerged from beneath the hood of a car. After removing a rag tucked into his belt, he started wiping his hands.
    "Must be nice being a consultant," Mike said. "Doesn't that guy ever have to work?"
    "Don't get upset now. You used up your yearly quota of pouting last week. Besides, you'd rather have him go see her when she's working than when she's at home, right?"
    One look told Henry that Mike hadn't thought of that. Then, almost immediately, Mike's face took on a startled expression.
    "Is he bringing her a gift?" he asked.
    "Yep."
    "What's the special occasion?"
    "Maybe he wants to impress her."
    Mike wiped his hands again. "Well, if that's the case, maybe I'll just swing by there a little later with a gift of my own."
    "Now you're talking," Henry said, slapping his brother on the back. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear you say. A little less whining, a little more action. We Harrises have always been men who rise to the occasion."
    "Thanks, Henry."
    "But before you head off with guns blazing, let me give you some advice."
    "Sure."
    "Scrap the gift."
    "But I thought you just said-"
    "That's his thing. It won't work for you."
    "But-"
    "Trust me on this. It'll make you look desperate."
    "I am desperate."
    "You may be," Henry agreed. "But you can't let her know that. She'll think you're pathetic."
    "Richard . . . ," Julie said, staring down at the open jewelry case in her hand. Inside was an ornate, heart-shaped locket supported by a gold chain. "It's beautiful."They were standing outside the door, unaware that Mike and Henry were watching from across the street and Mabel and Singer were peeking through the window behind them. "But . . . why? I mean, what's the occasion?"
    "No occasion. I just saw it and, well . . . I liked it. Or rather, I thought of you and knew you should have it."
    Julie's eyes flashed to the locket. It was obviously expensive and, consequently, carried added expectations.
    As if reading her mind, Richard held up his hands. "Please-I want you to have it. If you have to, think of it as a birthday present."
    "My birthday's not until August."
    "So I'm a little early." He paused. "Please."
    Still . . .
    "Richard . . . it's sweet, but I really shouldn't."
    "It's just a locket, not an engagement ring."
    Still a bit unsure, she finally gave in and kissed him. "Thank you," she murmured.
    Richard motioned toward the locket. "Try it on."
    Julie unhooked the clasp and slipped it around her neck. "How does it look?"
    He stared at the locket, an odd smile on his face, as if he were thinking of something else. He kept his eyes on it as he answered.
    "Perfect. It's exactly the way I remember it."
    "Remember?"
    "From the jewelry store," he said. "But it looks