Read Online Designed by Love by Mary Manners - Free Book Online

this point.”
    “Even so, the thought makes me uneasy.”
    “Because I’m female?”
    “Because I care.” Dylan took her plate and crossed to the sink. “And caring about you makes me worry.”
    “That’s sweet, Dylan.”
    “Well…it goes with the territory.” He took up the pitcher of sweet Texas tea and refilled her glass. “I’ve seen bad things happen in an instant, the tides change without warning. Storms come up quickly around here, not to mention the roaming wildlife. Promise me you won’t run alone after dark anymore. I’ll go with you if you can’t fit it into your schedule to go any other time.”
    “I promise there’ll be no more moonlight runs…at least not alone.”
    “I’m glad for that.” He settled back into the chair beside her and reached for her hand. “I’m not trying to be difficult.”
    “Don’t apologize for caring. I’m glad you do, and I’m truly touched by your concern. It’s…nice.” She laced her fingers with his and the gesture sent a flash of heat straight to his gut. “And a walk—with you now—would be nice, too. I enjoyed when we walked together…and talked the other night.”
    “I can manage that.” He skimmed a knuckle along her jawline. “Do you listen to Vivaldi while you run?”
    “No. I listen to the wind, feel the sunshine. I get lost in my thoughts.”
    “That’s very—”
    “Scary?”
    “I was going to say interesting, but scary works, too. I can only imagine what flits through that brain of yours while you pay absolutely no attention whatsoever to your surroundings.”
    “Tonight it would be those incredible brownies. Remind me to thank your mom, if I ever have the pleasure of meeting her, for sharing her recipe with you.”
    “Oh, she grilled me over the reason I asked for it. CSI has nothing on her. So, I guarantee you’ll meet her…soon.”
    “I see.” Laughter tumbled from Traci. “I look forward to it. Let’s take that walk now. We can dive into straightening the kitchen and washing the dishes when we get back.”
    “That’s an offer I can’t refuse.”
     
    ****
     
    “I got a gift from Vivian, too…a few weeks ago while I was moving in.” Dylan shoved a hand into one pocket and brought out a tangle of keys as they paused at a bench along the Angelina Forest greenway that spanned the Heart’s Haven property. “It didn’t make much sense at the time, why she’d chosen the design. But now I’m wondering…” He handed the keys to Traci. “Well, take a look.”
    Traci settled into the bench and waited for Dylan to join her. His shoulder nestled against hers as moonlight spilled over them and the scent of pine whispered. He cared about her. The cautious look that had shadowed his eyes as he implored her to limit her solo runs to daylight hours brought home the point. She was touched beyond words by his concern. No man, besides her father, had ever cared enough to fret over her in such a way.
    The keys jangled in Traci’s fingers, drawing her back to the task at hand. They were attached to a ring about the size of a half-dollar. Embellished at the top of the circle sat a pair of hearts.
    “This looks like a carbon-copy of the necklace Miss Vivian gave me…two hearts intertwined.” Traci lifted one hand to her chest and fingered the delicate silver resting there. “Don’t you think that’s just a little odd?”
    “Maybe. But certainly not in a bad way, by any means.” Dylan scraped a palm over his jaw. “From all accounts, Mr. Hart kept a close eye on the folks who settled into the complex. Perhaps Vivian is just following in his footsteps…keeping the welcoming tradition alive.”
    “Could be.” Traci gazed across the expanse of property. In the distance, past cottages that dotted the horizon, sat the big house, with its twinkling lights and massive, welcoming wrap-around porch. In just a few weeks Ryne and Kaci would pledge their wedding vows beneath an arbor adorned with yellow tea roses and grape