A Man to Trust by Carrie Turansky Read Free Book Online Page A

moon.
    A flash of irritation shot through Ross. Who was this guy? How come he could get that kind of reaction from her? Ross cleared his throat and tossed the hose on the sidewalk.
    Adrie glanced at him, a question in her eyes.
    “So are you coming to the Salmon Bake?” the man asked, ignoring Ross. “We’re expecting a great turnout this year.”
    Adrie looked away with a shy smile. “I don’t know, Eric.”
    Ross glared at the man as he attached the hose to the faucet and twisted it on so tight he doubted anyone would get it off.
    “Come on, Adrie. It’ll be fun. I’m cooking some beautiful wild king salmon fillets. Joe’s Garden is donating corn on the cob. Skylark’s is providing coleslaw. Avenue Bakery is sending over rolls, and Katie will be there with her cupcakes.”
    “Wow, you’ve got a great team lined up. Maybe I—”
    “We’re both on the schedule to work Saturday,” Ross said as he handed Adrie the hose.
    Eric frowned and looked him over. “And you are…?”
    “Ross Peterson.” He didn’t offer his hand, just straightened and met Eric’s steady gaze. He didn’t intend to back down from the challenge in Eric’s tone and stance.
    Adrie sent Ross a puzzled look. “Ross, this is Eric Whittier. He’s a chef at Big Fat Fish Company over on Twelfth.” She turned to Eric. “Ross is our new store manager.”
    Eric tipped his head and shifted his gaze to Adrie, a trace of regret in his eyes. “So, you finally found a new manager. Does that mean you’re leaving town to pursue your music?”
    “Well, not yet.” Adrie fiddled with the spray nozzle, looking flustered by his question. “I have to find a position with an orchestra first.”
    “But you’re looking?”
    She nodded. “I put the word out through friends, and I’ve been searching online. But it takes a while. I’ve known some musicians who’ve looked for years.”
    “Well, you’ve got talent. You’ll find a spot.”
    “I hope so, but the competition can be pretty stiff.”
    “Don’t worry. Something will come through for you. And in the meantime, I’ll be looking for you at the Salmon Bake.” He winked then backed away, still watching her.
    “Thanks, Eric.” She lifted her hand and waved.
    Eric finally turned and sauntered off down the sidewalk.
    Ross scowled at the chef. Who did he think he was coming on to her like that?
    “What’s wrong with you?” Adrie adjusted the spray nozzle.
    “Nothing.”
    “Well, you’re acting like your nose is out of joint just because Eric stopped to chat.”
    “No, I’m not.” He grabbed the broom and started sweeping again even though the sidewalk looked clean.
    She rolled her eyes and turned on the hose. “Okay. Whatever you say.”
    As soon as she turned away, he silently scolded himself for acting like a fool. He had no right to be jealous. Adrie hadn’t given him any indication she was interested in him. Plus she wasn’t planning to stay in Fairhaven.
    And even if she was interested, what did he have to offer her? He clenched his jaw as his father’s critical words rolled back through his mind. How are you ever going to support a family? You need a more dependable career. Maybe his father was right. All he had was an empty bank account, a small apartment and an uncertain future. Why would Adrie be interested in him?
    But as he turned and watched her water the flower boxes with a trace of a smile on her full lips, everything in him wished things were different and she would give him a chance.

Chapter Six
    A drie took her flute apart, then wiped it with a soft cloth and placed it in the padded case. All around the large church sanctuary, people gathered in small groups to talk following the second worship service. Adrie quietly thought through the pastor’s message, especially his final words from 1 Peter, challenging everyone to live their life entrusting themselves to God, even when things did not seem to be going well. That was a timely point, considering she