Eclipse Bay

the political arena. He’s a good man. I think he really has something to contribute. But he needed a wife who could handle the sort of social and personal demands that go with that kind of job.”
    “Hence the list.”
    “Yes. The more I realized that he was serious about a political career, the more we both came to the conclusion that I couldn’t handle being a politician’s wife.”
    Rafe reached for the coffeepot. “Welcome to the select club reserved for those who fail to make the Mr. and Mrs. Right lists.”
    “Gee, thanks. Is there a merit badge?”
    “No. So, tell me, what did you do with your own list?”
    She hesitated. “I amended it.”
    He glanced at her with a strange expression. “You mean you’ve still got one?”
    “Yes. But it’s a lot shorter now.”
    “Huh. What’s on it?”
    “I really don’t think—” She broke off at the sound of a car turning into the drive.
    Winston was at the door in a flash. He gave the appropriate warning woof . Alert but not yet alarmed. On the job.
    The low rumble shattered the fragile intimacy that had enveloped the kitchen. Rafe turned his head to check the drive. Hannah followed his gaze. The fog had burned off enough to allow her to see the vehicle that was approaching the house. A green Volvo.
    “Anyone you know?” Rafe asked.
    “I don’t recognize the car.”
    “Want me to hide in a closet?”
    “Don’t be ridiculous.” She pushed back her chair and got to her feet. “I’m sure it’s just a friend of my folks’ who found out that I’m in town and stopped to say hello.”
    He looked at her. “Whoever it is, he or she will have seen my car by now. Probably recognized it.”
    “The fact that you are having coffee with me is no one’s business.”
    “Wasn’t just coffee,” Rafe said as she went past him into the living room. “But who’s going to argue?”
    She was saved from having to respond because she was already halfway to the front door. She patted Winston, who looked like a ballet dancer, poised and ready on his paws.
    “It’s okay, pal. I don’t think a burglar would arrive in a Volvo.”
    She opened the door. A polished, good-looking man emerged from behind the wheel of the Volvo. He wore a navy blue polo shirt, a pair of gray trousers, and loafers. There was a designer logo stitched on the left side of the shirt. The pants appeared to have been hand-tailored, and the loafers had little tassels. She was almost certain that the hair had been styled in a salon located somewhere other than Eclipse Bay.
    When her visitor spotted her waiting in the doorway, he gave her a dazzling smile that lit up the foggy morning like a lighthouse beacon.
    “Looks like Perry has started bleaching his teeth,” she murmured to Winston.
    Winston rumbled deep in his throat and trotted after her as she went out onto the porch.
    “Hannah.” Perry Decatur jogged toward the steps.
    “Heard you were in town. Great to see you again. You look fabulous.”
    At the last minute she realized his intention and braced herself. He swept her into an embrace that would have been more appropriate for lovers who had been separated for years by war and star-crossed fates. She felt the breath go out of her lungs as his arms closed around her.
    A low growl reverberated across the porch. For one horrible moment, Hannah was not sure if the sound had come from Winston or Rafe.
    “Cute dog.”
    Perry released Hannah, bent down, and thumped Winston lightly on his broad, intelligent head without going through the civilized formality of allowing Winston to sniff his fingers first.
    Winston’s silvery brows bristled with indignation, but he was too well behaved to make a scene. He did, however, display a discreet glimpse of fang. Could have been an accident, Hannah thought.
    Perry straightened quickly. “Dogs love me.”
    “No kidding.” Hannah looked at Winston. “Thank you, Winston. I can handle this. You may go back inside and finish your breakfast.”
    With a last glare at Perry, Winston turned and stalked back into the house.
    “Fine-looking animal,” Perry said approvingly. “Do you show him?”
    “Show him what?”
    “I meant, is he a show dog?”
    She stared at him. “Put Winston in a ring and make him perform stunts for a bunch of judges? Are you mad? I wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing. He would be mortified.”
    Perry managed a forced chuckle. “I see. Well, how have you been, Hannah?”
    “Fine.”
    “Great. That’s just great.”