Read Online Where Two Hearts Meet by Carrie Turansky - Free Book Online

showed her the limited- edition prints he’d had made from one of her paintings. He felt certain it would launch her artistic career, especially since he’d already contacted art dealers in Princeton and New York who were interested in carrying Allie’s prints.
    “Thank you, Tyler,” she said softly.
    He looked into her eyes and read the message of love reflected there. Gratefulness washed over him. “Why are you thanking me? You’re the one who brought me here.”
    She smiled at him sweetly. “Because sharing it with you is what makes it special.”
    He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek. “You’re the one who makes every day special.”

Chapter Eight
    Rain drummed on the front windows of Sweet Something.
    Allison glanced at her watch, concern tightening her stomach. Six forty-seven. Where could Tyler be? He’d said he would meet her at the shop after work, then take her home to change before they went out to dinner to celebrate her birthday. She straightened the little packages of specialty teas and adjusted the row of teapots on the next shelf. She shouldn’t worry. Tyler probably had a perfectly reasonable explanation for being late.
    Then why hadn’t he called?
    Tessa stepped down into the gift shop. “Hey, I didn’t know you were still here. I thought Tyler was picking you up at six.”
    “I’m sure he’ll be here any minute. You can go. I’ll lock up.”
    “Allie, it’s almost seven. Are you sure he’s coming? I don’t want to leave you here without a ride.”
    “We have dinner reservations at The Blue Point Grill. He’ll be here soon.” But little vines of doubt wrapped around her heart, squeezing out her confidence and replacing it with old fears she couldn’t quite shake. Memories of another rainy night six years earlier flew into her mind and sent a chill up her spine.
    Tessa frowned and crossed her arms. “Did you call him? Maybe he got held up at work.”
    “I tried. No one’s there.”
    “How about his cell phone or home?”
    “I called those, too. He didn’t answer.” She wrapped her arms around herself as she stared out the rain-spattered windows. The glow from streetlights glistened on the wet pavement. Cars splashed through the puddles, making their way down Nassau Street. “The weather’s awful. I hope nothing’s happened to him.”
    “Maybe his car broke down again.” Tessa glanced out the window and back at Allison. “Did you tell him how worried you were when that happened last time and he didn’t call?”
    She averted her eyes. “No, I didn’t want him to think I was one of those clingy women who can’t let her boyfriend out of her sight for more than ten minutes.”
    Tessa sighed. “You need to be honest with him. He should call if he’s going to be late, especially on your birthday! We wanted to have a family party tonight, but we had to change our plans because he said he was going to take you out.”
    “I know, I know.” Allison rubbed her forehead. “This is probably just a mix-up or something.”
    Tessa leveled her gaze at Allison. “I don’t know what’s going on. But remember this, people put their best foot forward when they’re dating. And if this is Tyler’s best, then . . .”
    “Tessa, please. That’s not helpful. I’m sure there’s an explanation.”
    “Okay. I hope you’re right.” Tessa joined Allison by the front window. “Just don’t give your heart away until you’re sure Tyler respects you and cherishes you.” She gently touched Allison’s arm. “Think about it, okay?”
    The clock by the door struck seven. Allison looked into her sister’s eyes. “Okay. I hear what you’re saying.”
    * * * *
    Tyler pushed open the heavy glass door of his office building and dashed into the rain.
    The limo driver of the Lincoln Town Car sprang into action and opened the rear passenger door for him.
    As Tyler bent to step in, his cell phone slipped from his hand and splashed into a puddle at his feet. Irritation