Passion in the Heart by Diane Thorne Read Free Book Online Page B

customers. After she’d paid for her food, she waited for Travis by the drink station.
    “I’ll find a place outside,” she said.
    He gave a nod of understanding before she headed for the exit carrying her tray.
    Gwen pushed the door open with her hip. She spotted an empty table in the far corner and hurried to claim it before the guests behind her did.
    The sun was bright and warm, but the dark awning above kept the area shaded and a few degrees cooler. Gwen sat facing the customers so Travis could spot her easily. The iron railing sectioning off the tables from the sidewalk was behind her. While she waited for her lunch buddy, she leaned back and gazed at the sky. Her thoughts returned to Phillip and his blue eyes. The man was incredible. She admired his kindness, liveliness and his determination. He’d tried over and over again to get her to take time off from work. If she didn’t have obligations to pay for, she would have given in to his request in a heartbeat.
    “You find a good spot,” Travis said as he set his tray on the table.
    “I got lucky.”
    He settled into the seat next to her instead of across. “It’s a beautiful day. Isn’t it?”
    “Gorgeous.”
    “Good weather. Great company. What could be better?”
    “A life without bills and taxes,” she said as she unfolded a napkin and laid it over her lap.
    Travis chuckled. “Now that is better.”
    Gwen had ordered a wrap similar to the one Travis had. As they ate, they chitchatted about her favorite restaurants and other locations in the city such as wineries and museums. Travis admitted he hadn’t been out to many local establishments since he’d arrived in town. Gwen was more than happy to supply suggestions for places to visit. She confessed she hadn’t gone to many while her daughters had been young, and she’d never stopped at the wineries, but she at least provided him with word of mouth feedback she’d gained from her friends.
    “So you never went to the winery here, downtown?” he asked.
    “No. I know it sounds funny, but since my daughters couldn’t go I never bothered.”
    He placed his hand on her knee. “What are you doing Friday night?”
    Gwen stiffened. “I’m…not sure.”
    “Why don’t we meet for dinner at the winery?”
    Her pulse raced as he traveled his hand along her thigh. The stirring in her belly wasn’t a result of the food, but rather discomfort. She had a loving man waiting for her at her house and now Travis wanted to hit on her. Her co-worker’s touchy feely moves had to stop.
    “Travis…” She took his hand and gently removed it from her leg. “I appreciate the invitation, but I have to decline.”
    “I’m sorry. Am I moving too fast?”
    “Well, yes. But I’m also involved with someone right now.”
    “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you were single.”
    “Technically, I am. My friend dropped by to stay for a few days. Actually, I’m not sure how long, but we’re…involved.”
    Travis narrowed his gaze. “Involved? So, he’s not a boyfriend.”
    She looked away, searching for the right words to say. Phillip wasn’t a boyfriend, but she did have a fondness for him in her heart. And she thought he might like her a bit more than a lover too. He’d said he’d missed her and had been quite determined to see her. Then, he’d tempted her repeatedly to stay with him. Those things alone showed he longed for her and wanted to be with her. Did he care for her and have heartfelt feelings for her? She couldn’t be certain, but she figured she was either a great lover he wanted to visit more often or maybe a person to have a relationship with. Either way, she wasn’t going to screw up her chances with Phillip. The man made her happy.
    “Is he a friend with benefits who comes for a booty call?” Travis asked.
    Her jaw dropped. Phillip had come to visit for sex, but she thought him to be more than a friend with benefits.
    “He’s more than that.” And she meant the words. “He’s a great guy