Pendelton Manor by B. J. Wane Read Free Book Online Page B

a man who loved her as much as he seemed to have loved Nicole at one time, she certainly wouldn’t have jeopardized losing that love by having an affair. But since she didn’t plan on leaving herself vulnerable enough again to love someone, thus risking the heartache of losing that person, having a relationship such as theirs was a moot point.
    By the time Sophie was headed into town the next morning, she had firmly shoved aside all thoughts of Nicole’s death and simply kept her mind on getting her shopping done so she could enjoy her time off. She hadn’t seen much of Pendelton when she had stopped for gas and directions on her way in last Monday, and as she navigated the winding coastal road with much more ease than she had during the storm, she planned to enjoy part of the sunny spring day by driving around town enough to learn where all the shops were that she would need to frequent. Now, she could enjoy the scenery Maine was known for, its rolling mountains, forests filled with mixed oaks that were abundant along the Northeastern coast as well as the jagged, mostly rocky coastline and picturesque waterways. It seemed whatever your preference, Maine had it.
    Pendelton was a mid-size town located mid-coast and was named after the first Pendelton, Adrian’s great-grandfather and founder of Pendelton Mills. Not only the largest employer in Pendelton, the company had grown over the past several generations to include mills, wood working shops and stores that sold their products exclusively located throughout the northeast. Despite the prosperity the company and the Pendeltons brought to the town, the town itself managed to keep its historic charm. Cobblestone and brick-laid streets ran in front of well- preserved historic homes and buildings. Taking her time, Sophie drove around the business district, spotted the company’s main offices as well as the city buildings, before finding her way to the shopping area.
    Parking, she fed the meter enough to give her a few hours and started out on foot window shopping, noting stores she wouldn’t mind visiting and restaurants she’d like to go to to indulge in some of the seafood the coast was known for, especially lobster and clams, when she had more time. Stopping to look at a display of summer dresses in a shop window, she was surprised to see Nora inside behind the counter, waving at her to come in.
    “See something you like?” Nora asked when Sophie entered the small, quaint shop that held everything from clothes to jewelry to cosmetics.
    “I was just browsing, trying to learn my way around. I had no idea you worked here.”
    “She not only works here, but is co-owner with me,” Rachel said as she came out of the backroom. “Hi, I’m Rachel.”
    Sophie took her outstretched hand while trying not to remember her draped ass-naked over Ash’s lap. “Sophie. I work for…”
    “I know. I’ve heard all about you, especially about how Nora, Adam and James were tacky enough to give you an eye full your first day.”
    Rachel’s teasing smile lit up her pretty brown eyes and her relaxed, easy way of talking about their sex life made it easier for Sophie to accept the fact their indulgences turned her on. Trying hard not to look guilty about watching Rachel outside the other day, Sophie shook her hand. “It was my fault for arriving late and catching them unawares,” she said. “I love your shop. How long have you had it?”
    “About six years now. The Pendeltons loaned us the start-up money right after college and the three of us made our dream come true with this place.” Nora came around the counter and grabbed Sophie’s hand. “Come on, I’ll show you around.”
    Rachel waited on a customer while Nora showed her their new line of summer wear, a case of hand-made jewelry, an impressive assortment of necklaces, bracelets and earrings made by both Nora and Rachel from shells and stones found along the coast followed by giving her a sample bottle of body spray in