Embraceable You (Irish Hearts Series) by Mary Tate Engels Page B

Addie’s business. Don’t know exactly what he meant."
    "Interesting." George paused, then sounded like he was thinking out loud. "Wonder what influence the Fairchild's have in his decisions. For sure, he’ll be more than glad to work with you on this property. Rumor is. . . that he wants to buy it. Or wants the city to buy it."
    Siena straightened. That’s what she wanted in the first place, someone to buy the place and take it off her hands. "Will they really do that?"
    George shrugged. "They can do anything they want, especially if they claim to want it for public use, for the greater good." He grinned. "Besides, our mayor used to be in real estate, so he should know about land values. Apparently he made big bucks flipping properties before the crash hit. So he took a break from real estate to be mayor of our fine town. We’ll find out what he’s got planned for us in due time, I guess." George started for the door. "Already said too much today, but if you want to sell this place, Zach's got your get-outta-town ticket."
    "But they want to tear it down? Seems like a conflict of interest to me."
    "Depends on whose interest." George stopped at the door and turned back to her. "You can find me online under R.R. Rowan. Stands for Renegade Rogue."
    "Do I detect a book brewing here, George?"
    "Could be. Ya' never know."
    Siena folded her arms and chewed on what George had told her. She knew he wanted to size her up, compare her to Addie. Either he wanted to know what she would do with the shop and building, or he was planning to put her in one of his books. As long as she wasn't a zombie! Demon, okay. But not walking dead.
    It seemed that Zach was closely linked to the daughter of the wealthy town leaders and may well be influenced by them. The offer to buy might be just what she needed. And, better yet, her quick getaway ticket.
    Somehow, though, the idea of tearing the old place down hit her in the pit of her stomach. Why was she hesitant now when just yesterday she would have jumped at the opportunity to sell?
     
    Normally, Siena would lose herself in the kitchen while she worked off her stress and figured out her solutions. She’d bake chocolate chip cookies with fresh mint or banana bread with cranberries and walnuts.
    But this time, she needed to get outside, take a walk, and breathe in a little Haven's Point fresh air. Maybe it would give her a better perspective of the situation. She flipped the closed sign outward on the door and ran upstairs to get her boots and coat. She grabbed her cell phone and tried, unsuccessfully, to reach Dana. She left a terse, "Call me Dana" and stuffed the phone in her pocket.
    She strolled past the shops George had mentioned in the old, two-story building. One shop was tagged Waterfer with kayaks and canoes in the windows. It looked closed. The other shop, Firebird , was probably the art gallery. It definitely was closed. She wondered if they paid rent even when closed, or if Aunt Addie suspended it during the winter. Not very business-wise, but sounded like something she would do. Paul’s Plumbing shop had the lights on, although there was no one in sight. She assumed people still needed plenty of plumbing in the winter.
    Siena walked along the waterfront, picking her footing carefully past a few bobbing lobster boats. She went up a hill, over a wooden footbridge, past some Cape Cod houses with spectacular views of the bay. It was a blustery day and few people were out. Occasionally a vehicle would rumble past. In a little valley away from the bay sat city hall, a small brick building next to the white clapboard, steepled church. She was amazed at her heart-pounding reaction just thinking about Zach in his office in city hall. She thought she had moved beyond a visceral reaction to any guy, years ago. But, guess not.
    What was he really doing with her? Lying about the business and misrepresenting his status with the rich girl in town? Then, making love with such passion that they