HER ALASKAN COMPANION by Heidi McCahan

Author:Heidi McCahan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises ULC
Published: 2023-05-10T19:52:11+00:00

Chapter Eight

“Don’t look now, but there’s a handsome dude headed this way.” Rylee gently nudged Lexi’s shoulder.

Lexi turned and surveyed the atrium of Hearts Bay Community Church. “Where?”

“No, don’t let him catch you staring.” Rylee tugged on Lexi’s sleeve. “You’re going to have to learn to be more discreet.”

Lexi chuckled. “The guy in the expensive shoes? Almost every woman in this room is watching him right now. I’m hardly going to stand out from the crowd.”

In his midthirties with sandy-blond hair, a fit athletic build and an easy smile, the man Rylee had pointed out worked his way among the people still mingling after church. She couldn’t hear what he was saying, but his confident demeanor indicated he’d been assigned a mission of some sort. His chambray shirt paired with green corduroy trousers and clog-style leather designer shoes had already drawn a few curious stares. That wasn’t exactly the standard outfit for most of the guys who lived in Hearts Bay and attended this church.

“He looks like he’s trying to get people to volunteer for something,” Lexi said.

“Hmm. Probably the youth group’s fall retreat.” Rylee tossed her dark hair over her shoulder. “It’s always a struggle finding enough adults to chaperone.”

Lexi turned to Annie, who was standing on the other side of Rylee. “Has he been by the coffee shop yet?”

Annie glanced up from her phone. A flush rose to her cheeks. Interesting.

“I haven’t met him. His sister is married to the pastor. Their dad is the new manager at the resort.” A muscle ticked under Annie’s eye. “I heard he moved here from Utah or Arizona.”

Lexi traded a glance with Rylee.

Rylee’s brows rose in a slow arch. “When he comes over here, you can clarify.”

“Nope.” Annie shook her head. “Not happening.”

“He’s talking to Mrs. Hale now,” Rylee added. “Looks like they’re coming our way. I’m sure she’ll introduce you.”

Annie tucked her phone into her pocket. Her eyes darted between the approaching man and the nearest exit. “I’m going to head out.”

“Oh, no, you don’t.” Rylee linked her arm through Annie’s and tugged her closer. “Stay here. Let’s see what he’s up to.”

Annie’s shoulders wilted. “Rylee, now is not a good time.”

“Hello, ladies.” A woman dressed head to toe in black, with short spiky hair and audacious animal-print earrings swiveling from her ears, stopped in front of Lexi. She extended her hand. “I’m Sharon Hale, Asher’s mother. I don’t believe we’ve met.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Hale.” She shook the friendly woman’s hand. “I’m Lexi Thomas.”

“Ladies, I’d like you to meet my new friend, Noah Kendrick. Noah, this is Lexi Thomas, Rylee Madden and Annie Woodland.”

“Ladies, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Noah shook each of their hands and offered a friendly smile.

Was it her imagination or did his grasp on Annie’s hand linger just a second longer?

The color on her friend’s cheeks deepened two shades. Rylee’s grip on Annie’s arm tightened. Oh, poor woman. She looked miserable.

Noah tucked his hands in his front pants pockets. “I’m helping my sister and brother-in-law find more volunteers for the youth lock-in on Saturday night.

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