Whisper's Edge Read Free Page B

round up a robe or something for you to wear,” she assured him. Her cheeks were flushed a pretty shade of pink.
    Miss Patty shook her head. “Don’t pay any attention to those two yahoos. Their minds are always in the gutter.”
    Savannah cleared her throat, drawing Tristan’s attention. He tried not to notice how her wet clothes were clinging to her curves and pretty much failed. Although his demanding career had left him with little time for romance, the women he’d dated had been reed thin. But suddenly he found himself wondering what had been the attraction of skin and bones.
    “Mr. McMillan, what I was trying to say is that I have a dryer.”
    Tristan blinked at her for a moment. Wow, she had amazing green eyes.
    “I’ll be happy to dry your clothing so you can be presentable for your meeting.”
    Tristan suddenly realized that everyone was looking at him expectantly. He reeled his wayward thoughts back in. “Oh, sure, thanks.”
    “It’s the very least I can do.” Savannah smiled and then turned to the group awaiting water aerobics. “Joy, would you lead the class while I dry Mr. McMillan’s clothes?”
    A woman stepped forward. “Certainly, Savannah.” Sheraised her chin and plunked her noodle down in front of her like a wizard’s staff. “I’ll give these girls a workout. Now, you two run along.”
    “Thanks, Joy.” Savannah waved at the ladies and then turned back to Tristan. “Follow me, please.”
    “Sure.” Right now, he would follow her anywhere, he thought as he hid a grin.
    Savannah darted over and retrieved his loafers and held on to them with her fingertips. “I don’t suggest putting them on until I dry your socks,” she explained with a wry smile. While he peeled off his socks she slipped her own feet into her flip-flops and then frowned at the one missing a daisy.
    Tristan glanced around and spotted the yellow flower at the edge of the grass. With a chuckle, he walked over and picked it up. “I think this is yours.”
    “Thanks.” Savannah accepted the flower with a soft smile. “We made these in craft class.” She raised her adorned flip-flop and wiggled her foot.
    “You’re the instructor?” Tristan asked as they fell into step together. “You must be artistic.”
    Savannah arched one eyebrow. “Well, I spent a lot of time in camp while growing up so I know tons of easy things to make. This particular project turned out to be a big hit.”
    “I could see that.” He followed her down the sidewalk past mobile homes of various shapes and sizes. Although none of them appeared expensive or flashy, Tristan could feel the residents’ sense of pride in their small but immaculate yards and patios. Flags depicting summer scenes, sports mascots, and the stars and stripes cheerfully waved in the gentle breeze. Gurgling fountains, bird feeders, colorful gnomes, praying angels, and dressed geese might be cheesy, but to Tristan’s surprise he found the homespun decor rather charming. Music, conversation, and laughter filtered their way, and every single person they encountered smiled and waved. To the left a group of men were pitching a lively game of horseshoes while several women looked on, chatting away.
    “This is nice.” Tristan nodded, and drew a curious look from Savannah.
    “I agree, but you seem surprised. Surely you knew what the grounds looked like?”
    “My mother was born in Cricket Creek but I was raised north of here. I haven’t actually been back to Whisper’s Edge in years.”
    “So a lot has changed?”
    “Well, when I was a kid this was more of a fishing and boating community. Not all of the permanent mobile homes were here. I didn’t realize how many people actually lived here year-round.” The realization bothered him. Uprooting people wasn’t part of his plan. He remembered Cricket Creek as being a sleepy little town. “I guess a lot of things changed after Noah Falcon built the baseball stadium.”
    Her eyes widened and she pulled up short.