For the Love of God by Janet Dailey Read Free Book Online

always been a little man-crazy.
    “What man?” As soon as Abbie asked she realized Fran was talking about Seth—Reverend Talbot.
    “What man she says.” Fran gave Roberta a knowing look.
    “I guess you’re referring to Reverend Talbot,” Abbie admitted. “He’s the new pastor of our church now that Reverend Augustus has retired.”
    “That
is the new pastor!” Fran’s stage whisper seemed alarmingly loud. “Oh, Roberta, I think I’ve just been saved,” she declared on a giggle.
    “I don’t blame you,” Roberta murmured, and cast a longing eye across the bank—no doubt at Seth, but Abbie refused to turn around and look. “He’s the sexiest-looking man to come to this town in a long time.”
    “I guess,” Fran agreed effusively. “I’m going to have to buy myself a new Sunday dress to wear to church.”
    “Do you belong to our church?” Abbie questioned with a blank look. She couldn’t recall ever seeing Fran and her husband attend Sunday services.
    “I haven’t been there in years—not since Butch and I got married,” Fran admitted indifferently, then grinned coyly. “But I think I’m going to be among the faithful from now on.”
    “Heck, I think I’m going to convert.” Roberta smiled impishly.
    “Oh, God,” Fran murmured excitedly. “He’s coming over here. Oh, Abbie, you’ve just got to introduce us.”
    She was disgusted at the way the two of them were carrying on about him. One glance at the other female employees behind the cages informed her that Roberta and Fran weren’t the only ones avidly eyeing the man walking up, and whispering among themselves. They were only echoing her own reaction to him, but that didn’t make it any less distasteful.
    Roberta passed Abbie the receipt for her deposit and spoke loudly, “Here you are, Abbie.”
    “Thank you.” She was holding her neck almost rigidly still to avoid turning her head to look at Seth Talbot when he stopped beside her. But she had to move to put the receipt in her purse.
    “Are you finished?” he asked.
    “Yes.” Her glance bounced away before itsquarely met his eyes. Too many sensations were clawing at her because of his presence.
    “Hi, I’m Fran Bigsby.” The blonde introduced herself when Abbie failed to do it immediately.
    “Abbie was just telling us that you’re the new pastor. Welcome to Eureka Springs.”
    “Seth Talbot’s the name and I’m glad to be here.” Again, that warm smiling look was on his visage.
    “I’m Roberta Flack, no relation to the singer.” Roberta beamed, looking very pretty, despite the unflattering pounds she carried.
    “I’m happy to meet you both,” he said. When Abbie started to move away from the teller’s window so Roberta could wait on the next customer, Seth started to leave with her. “Maybe I’ll see you in church some Sunday,” he added as a farewell remark.
    “You can be sure of it,” Fran called after them.
    Abbie couldn’t walk away from the window fast enough, embarrassed without being sure why. But Seth was undeterred by her haste, easily striding at her side.
    “Was there anyplace special you were going to have lunch?” he asked.
    His query startled a glance from her. “No. Why?” There were others leaving the bank, and Abbie was forced to slow her pace as she scanned his expression.
    “I was on my way to lunch. You’re on your way to lunch. So why don’t we have it together?” Seth reasoned smoothly. “There’s a restaurant just down the street. Shall we go there?”
    Her acceptance of his plan seemed to be taken for granted. Actually, Abbie couldn’t think of a single reason why she should refuse. “Sounds good,” she agreed.
    The combination of noon hour and the influx of summer visitors resulted in a crowded restaurant. Luckily, Abbie and Seth had to wait only a few minutes before they were seated at a small table, hardly big enough for two. Her knees kept bumping against his under the table no matter how she tried to angle them in